by Tony Gray
posted 10 August 2021

New York's embattled Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation from office today, saying it would become effective in 14 days.

State Senator Dan Stec (R-45th Senate District) hopes Cuomo's departure will help the state concentrate less on the governor's legal problem and more on pressing issues facing the state.

"The governor could only drag New York State down," Stec said. "Perhaps today our state motto, Excelsior, meaning ever upward, has a renewed meaning. We need to recover from the social and economic impact of COVID. Managing his own problems meant 'our' problems would be an afterthought. Cuomo should be held accountable to the fullest extent possible, but our state can finally move forward."

Cuomo, in a televised statement, denied intentionally mistreating women. The governor called the pressure for his impeachment politically motivated. Cuomo concluded that fighting back in a torrid political climate would subject the state to months of turmoil.

"The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing," Cuomo said.

Governor Cuomo's legal issues have nothing to do with politics, as the governor claims, according to Stec.

The North Country Senator said the governor and his team covered up nursing home deaths, used government staff to help write a book that earned Cuomo a reported $5 million in royalties, and created a toxic work environment.

State Attorney General Letitia James recently released the findings of an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment lodged against Cuomo.

"Specifically, we find that the Governor sexually harassed a number of current and former New York State employees by, among other things, engaging in unwelcome and nonconsensual touching, as well as making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature that created a hostile work environment for women," the report said.

Governing through fear, intimidation and threats isn't leadership, said Stec. "If he could get away with it he would and I am gratified he won't."

"The governor's decision to step down doesn't forgive his transgression nor absolve him from responsibility, but it enables the State of New York to move on."