[JumpCrisscross]

> were deadlocked by his office

Yes. But ask yourself why? In each case, powerful constituents sat in opposition. For legalized weed, it was the restaurant and liquor lobbies. Those lobbies focussed on him because they knew he'd listen. If Cuomo took a "they can shove it" attitude from the start, they'd have dispersed and likely been more effective. (There is also an Albany tradition of legislators voting for bills on the Governor's assurance of a veto.)

With respect to dysfunctionality, the on-time budgets and--to the degree one can in a one-party state--fiscal restraint hints at deeper mechanics. In that respect, Cuomo's governship is almost Caesarian. Where Cuomo is, things happen. Where his attention isn't, useless deputies are screwing things up.