By Dan Murphy
There has been some confusion about what role State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins will play in the days ahead, after the announcement on August 10 that NY Governor Andrew Cuomo will resign.
We reached out to Senator Stewart-Cousins office and were told, “After Kathy Hochul becomes Governor, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins will remain the Majority Leader of the New York State Senate but will also take on the duties of Lieutenant Governor, until the time when the Governor appoints a new Lieutenant Governor.”
So anyone reporting ‘Fake News’ that Senator Stewart-Cousins wouuld have to give up her leadership role is wrong.
Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins commented on the Governor’s resignation, stating “Today is a somber day for the state of New York, but one that demonstrates our ability to build a more accountable system of government. Governor Cuomo’s resignation opens the door to a restorative future. We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the courageous women who came forward and helped pave the way for safer and more inclusive work spaces.”
“Working with Governor Kathy Hochul, the first woman Governor of New York State, we will continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuild our economy and face our challenges standing together. Governor Hochul is a dedicated leader, and united, we will get the people’s work done.”
Other prominent Westchester Democrats commented on Cuomo’s resignation.
State Senator Shelley Mayer, “Governor Cuomo made the right decision in the best interest of the people ofNew York today when he announced his resignation. New York State remains in a difficult and perilous moment given the ongoing challenges of COVID and economic recovery. I look forward to working closely with Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul as she takes leadership of our state and I have full confidence in her.”
Assembly member Amy Paulin, “Governor Cuomo’s decision to resign is for the good of New York. Over the past decade, the work done by Governor Cuomo has in many ways improved the lives of New Yorkers, but the evidence has made it clear that he cannot continue in office. The Governor’s resignation is a necessary step that will allow the State government to function effectively, and it sets the precedent that sexual harassment will not be tolerated at any level.
“This ends a sordid chapter in New York’s history, but I hope it opens a new one, in which people in positions of power finally understand that sexual harassment is not okay and has profound consequences. What Andrew Cuomo did to 11 women is still happening in our society. So if this resignation leads to more abusers thinking twice, and to more victims deciding to fight back, then New York will be the better for it. I would like to thank the women who came forward and shared their stories. Their bravery will not be forgotten. When she is sworn in, Kathy Hochul will be the first woman to hold the office of Governor of New York. She is capable and prepared to take the position, and I look forward to working with her office to help the people of this State,” said Paulin.
State Senator Allesandra Biaggi, “Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo has finally put New Yorkers first and announced his resignation. I am forever grateful for the eleven women who risked everything to speak out about their experience of sexual misconduct. New York will be a better and safer place because of them. While further accountability is necessary, this moment reflects the hard work of survivors who have been striving for an end to workplace harassment for decades. New York State can now move forward and address the needs of the people we were elected to serve. I look forward to working under Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership. Let this next chapter for New York be one of integrity, optimism, and progress.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer, “Westchester County, and my administration, stand ready to work with incoming Governor Kathy Hochul when she assumes the governorship later this month. For years, incoming Governor Hochul has been a welcomed presence in Westchester County. She is well qualified to lead New York State in this immediate crisis. Also, for all New Yorkers, let us recognize this historic moment – that New York will for the first time in our history have a female Governor. Times have changed – as they should. We welcome incoming Governor Hochul, and look forward to cooperation between Westchester County and New York State in moving together in the right direction.”
NY Attorney General Letitia James, “Today closes a sad chapter for all of New York, but it’s an important step towards justice.I thank Governor Cuomo for his contributions to our state. The ascension of our Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul, will help New York enter a new day. We must continue to build on the progress already made and improve the lives of New Yorkers in every corner of the state. I know our state is in good hands with Lieutenant Governor Hochul at the helm, and I look forward to continuing to work with her.”
