New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who will assume the role of governor in less than two weeks after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his intent to resign, promised to rid her administration of “unethical” staff, in a break from the “toxic” practices of her predecessor.
Hochul, a Democrat, vowed on Wednesday to nix any aides who are said to have been involved in a culture of “retaliatory” behavior, a practice outlined by Attorney General Letitia James in her explosive report earlier this month, which said those in Cuomo’s cohort would “discredit and disparage” female staffers who sought to report alleged sexual harassment by the embattled governor. Hochul also said she would move away from the “toxic workplace environment” of Cuomo, as she indicated she was not “close” with him.
“Nobody named in that report doing anything unethical will remain in my administration,” the incoming Empire State leader told reporters.
SHERIFF SAYS CUOMO RESIGNATION DOESN’T END GROPING CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION IN ALBANY
“And when my term ends, nobody will ever describe my term as a toxic workplace environment,” she added.
James’s report, which states that Cuomo engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior with at least 11 women, has spurred a number of district attorneys, including top prosecutors in Albany and Westchester counties, to open criminal investigations into the governor’s conduct. One accuser, Brittany Commisso, filed a criminal complaint of her own accord in Albany moments before revealing her identity to the public.
When asked whether she would consider a pardon for Cuomo if the opportunity arose, Hochul refused to answer.
“It is far too premature to even have those conversations,” she said.
Cuomo announced his resignation on Tuesday after a chorus of top Democrats, including President Joe Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and New York Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, demanded that he step down amid fallout from the report. Cuomo has repeatedly denied the allegations against him, and he remained defiant during his announcement that he would resign in 14 days. He likened impending impeachment proceedings and litigation to “distractions” for the people of New York, who he said should be focusing on COVID-19.
However, Cuomo’s departure as governor does not end the criminal investigation in Albany County, Sheriff Craig Apple said Tuesday.
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“It was never about his office, although I appreciate him putting the people of New York first and stepping aside,” he remarked, according to the Times Union.
Apple was referencing the complaint filed by Commisso, which accuses Cuomo of reaching under her blouse and grabbing her breast while at the Executive Mansion. The law enforcement boss said he met with District Attorney David Soares earlier in the day and expects to convene with the top prosecutor almost daily until the investigation comes to a close.
