The Buffalo News reports that the administration of Gov. Andrew Cuomo is mailing out postcards praising Cuomo's work on saltwater reefs, and also sending out property tax refunds much earlier than usual. Both come just before Cuomo faces a primary election against actor Cynthia Nixon. The state Department of Environmental Conservation mailer praises Cuomo for taking “unprecedented action” to expand artificial reefs off Long Island. “I think it’s an abuse and it’s highly questionable," said E.J. McMahon, research director at the Empire Center for Public Policy. “It takes a lot to make the Legislature look good, but I think he’s exceeded it by doing this so close to an election. It’s so boldly self-promotional." While the property tax refunds are supposed to be sent out by October, so far 350,000 checks have already been mailed to New Yorkers. Tax department spokesman Cary Ziter said the checks are early not because of an electon, but because the agency has “improved computer systems and business processes." The Buffalo News has both stories on its website.