Gov. Cuomo delivered a simple message today that sounded like an keynote address for the Democratic Party: Make government work!

“The Democratic Party believes in government. Government is a vehicle for community,” Cuomo said at a policy conference co-sponsored by the New York State Democratic Committee.

Cuomo said government can improve people’s lives. But the “burden” is on Democrats to prove that it is a force for good — not a hindrance — by managing well and implementing policies that fit the times.

“Government can make your life better. That’s what the last 18 months is all about. I think we’ve made progress over the past 18 months,” said Cuomo, referring to his tenure in office.

Cuomo, unlike his father, former Gov. Mario Cuomo, is taking a low key approach and not speaking at the 2012 Democratic Party convention in Charlotte next month.

But his opening remarks to policy makers at the Sheraton midtown sounded like a clarion call for Dems.

Cuomo said “individual success” is not enough. “The sweetest success is shared success. It is possible,” he said.