Several sources have told YWN that in a surprise move Governor-Elect Andrew Cuomo has selected Mark Kronenberg, the current Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Dov Hikind, as his Jewish liaison in the Governor’s office. This move is surprising, according to political observers, because Hikind is not viewed warmly in the Cuomo camp since he abandoned then-Governor Mario Cuomo in favor of George Pataki in 1994. What’s more, in this year’s Governor’s race, Andrew Cuomo lost Hikind’s district despite Hikind’s endorsement of Cuomo and very public lambasting of Carl Paldino as an anti-Semite. In fact, Hikind’s district was one of the few districts in all of New York City that Cuomo, who beat Paladino by a landslide, actually lost.

One political consultant insists that Kronenberg’s selection has nothing to do with Hikind. “This is a favor to Abe Eisner who is very close to Joe Percoco,” the consultant explained. “Hikind played no role in Kronenberg’s selection. In fact, Dov is rather upset because he is losing his long-time capable Chief of Staff.” Eisner is a major Cuomo fundraiser who arranged for the Williamsburg meetings between Andrew Cuomo and Chasidic leaders that made headlines in October.

Our sources tell us that Kronenberg is still negotiating his exact salary. However, he will be getting paid “well over $100,000,” a significant raise from the two previous occupants of that job, Ross Wallenstein and Karen Paikin, who according to public records made between $50,000 and $60,000 per year. 

UPDATE: A spokesperson for Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo, Lee Park, sent YWN the following statement: “This story is 100% inaccurate.” However, Mr. Park did not respond to our specific questions as to whether Mr. Kronenberg is being considered for the position. YWN stands by its sources on this story.

(Dov Gordon – YWN)