Legislative column by Assemblyman Kevin Byrne
It was one year ago yesterday I was demanding answers and accountability of Gov. Cuomo and his administration during our joint legislative hearing on the state’s handling of COVID-19 in our nursing homes.
Since then, the list of scandals, improprieties, cover-ups and corruption tied to the governor’s administration has only grown. As I have previously stated, I believe the governor’s dishonesty concerning the state’s handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes, his profiteering from a more than $5 million book deal, and his alleged sexual misconduct against women both inside and outside of the workplace, all passed the threshold for impeachment.
For months, despite these numerous transgressions, the governor remained defiant and refused to give an inch. Instead of showing any sign of genuine remorse, he and other high-ranking current and former members of his administration retaliated against and attacked those brave enough to speak out. This includes Assemblyman Ron Kim, Janice Dean, and Lindsey Boylan, who was the first woman to publicly accuse Gov. Cuomo of sexual harassment. Luckily all three of these people, along with many others, bravely stood their ground.
Finally, forced to face the reality that he cannot run out the clock or bully his way out of this, Gov. Cuomo knowing that impeachment was going to be inevitable, announced his intent to resign. This will allow our state to finally move forward, but it doesn’t mean our work is done. His resignation does not equal full accountability, but it is an important and necessary step needed for our state to heal and move on.
The Assembly Judiciary Committee’s impeachment investigation, which was announced five months ago, has already received significant time and resources from the state to investigate the myriad of corruption and sexual misconduct allegations against Gov. Cuomo. I will continue to fight for true accountability and for the full disclosure of the Assembly Judiciary Committee’s complete findings and recommendations. New Yorkers deserve nothing less.
In two weeks, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will become New York’s 57th governor and the first female governor in our state’s history. I remain willing and able to work with our soon to be governor in good faith, with the hope that together we can get New York back on track with better and brighter days ahead.
