Exclusive | Nursing home families urge NYC voters to reject Andrew Cuomo as mayor over COVID deaths

Leaders of an advocacy group for nursing home residents who blame ex-Gov.Andrew Cuomo for the COVID-related deaths of thousands of relatives, urged New York City voters to reject his expected comeback bid for mayor.“New York deserves better than Andrew Cuomo, and we’ll be there every step of the way as a reminder,” an open letter to the three-term Democrat drafted by the group Voices for Seniors said.“We will not forget,” the letter, obtained by The Post, said.

“Silence is not an option.”Chief among the group’s grievances is the Cuomo administration’s controversial March 25, 2020 edict that directed nursing homes to admit recovering COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals.They also slammed Cuomo for undercounting reported deaths of nursing homes — while drafting a $5 million profit-making memoir on his and his administration’s handling of the pandemic.“As you prepare to announce your comeback and run for Mayor of New York City, it is paramount that we remember what your former failed leadership left behind,” the 5,000-member group told Cuomo.“Over 15,000 seniors dead in nursing homes—livelihoods shattered—families shattered—businesses shattered—communities shattered—dreams shattered—all because of your reckless, selfish, and heartless decisions that put your own agenda and ambitions above the lives of those you were supposed to protect,” the searing letter said.The missive was prepared by Vivian Zayas and her sister, Alexa Rivera, Tracy Alvino and Grace Colucci — all of whom had loved ones who died from the coronavirus after being discharged to nursing homes or while being treated there.“It’s up to us grieving families to make sure the voters of New York never forget how your gross negligence cost over 15,000 lives,” the group’s leaders wrote.“It was our loved ones this time, but we are all at risk if you should ever climb your way back into office.”The letter cautioned New Yorkers not to fall for Cuomo’...