De Blasio Greeted Warmly in Chilly Albany

In his first official visit to Albany as mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio moved slowly from event to event throughout the morning, and perhaps for good reason.

The new mayor paused often to shake hands and have conversations that went beyond simply exchanging pleasantries with legislators and well-wishers who stopped him in the halls of the Capitol. He also walked slowly as he spoke with some he picked up along the way to join his entourage of aides and reporters, throwing his arm around those he struck up mobile conversations with.

In a press conference after Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State address, de Blasio said he was “gratified” by the “friendly and positive reception” members of the Senate and the Assembly. “It’s been a very positive day, as I prepare to build a very constructive working relationship with all the leaders in Albany,” he said.