Metro

Cuomo challenger weighs in on pre-K debate

Newly announced Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino wasted no time before wading into the New York’s explosive pre-kindergarten debate.

“We are way ahead of ourselves here,” Astorino said at an appearance Thursday in the Bronx, a day after making his official entry into the race.

“We don’t have K. Kindergarten is not required in New York State. Let’s do that first, and make sure it’s right. Let’s make sure K-12 is done correctly. I’m all in a favor of universal pre-K. I think it’s a great idea, but neither one of those plans is affordable.”

Astorino was referring to dueling plans by Mayor de Blasio, who wants to tax the rich to pay for pre-K, and Gov. Cuomo, who thinks the state should fund it.

“Governor Cuomo would give $350 million,” said Astorino, Westchester’s county executive.

“That is way underfunded for what it would take, and it would set up a baby-sitting system and that’s not what pre-K should be. Mayor de Blasio’s plan to raise taxes would scare away more people. So let’s get back to the basics first.”

As he stood on the steps of the Bronx Surrogate Courthouse, Astorino, 46, invoked the image of Ronald Reagan visiting the South Bronx in 1980 during his campaign for president.

“Just like Ronald Reagan did in 1980, he came to the South Bronx and said, ‘I may not get a lot of votes here, but I will represent everybody when I’m in office,’” Astorino said.

“And it’s the same thing for me. I’m going to go where Republicans don’t typically go and I’m going to ask for their votes. We are one New York. We can’t be having winners and losers. I want everybody to have the same opportunity. I really do.”

Meanwhile, Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long endorsed Astorino for governor Thursday, and promised to line up local party officials on his behalf.