3rd Update: President Calls for Cuomo to Resign

President Biden called for Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to resign Tuesday following the release of a damning report by the attorney general that found he had sexually harassed women, including several employees.

The report said he had created a hostile workplace environment and had retaliated against a whistleblower.

Earlier in the day, multiple elected officials including U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, said, “The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.”

State Sen. Jim Gaughran, D-Northport said, “The Attorney General’s findings of sexual harassment and violations of New York State’s sexual harassment policy are credible and deeply troubling. I thank the women who bravely spoke out about the Governor’s reprehensible conduct. In the best interest of the state, the Governor should resign.”

Updated: State Assemb. Keith Brown, R-Northport, said, “The findings of the attorney general’s investigation into sexual harassment claims against Gov. Andrew Cuomo are truly horrifying and disturbing and his responses alarming. As a member of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, I expect these revelations to be discussed thoroughly at the next scheduled committee meeting on Aug. 9. The evidence of Gov. Cuomo’s cruel, abusive behavior is overwhelming and disgusting and his inability to enforce state policies and safeguards that he helped create is astounding. This information clearly shows that the governor is unfit for office. If he doesn’t resign immediately, we must move forward with his impeachment immediately. No one is above the law!”

The report from the office of Attorney General Letitia James found that Cuomo had broken several federal and state laws with his conduct.”

..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. Our investigation revealed that the Governor’s sexually harassing
behavior was not limited to members of his own staff, but extended to other State employees, including a State Trooper on his protective detail and members of the public. We also conclude that the Executive Chamber’s culture—one filled with fear and intimidation, while at the same time normalizing the Governor’s frequent flirtations and gender-based comments—contributed
to the conditions that allowed the sexual harassment to occur and persist. That culture also influenced the improper and inadequate ways in which the Executive Chamber has responded to allegations of harassment.”

Cuomo, shortly after James’ report was released, denied he had done anything inappropriate, and defended his behavior as innocent.

On Wednesday, Council members Mark Cuthbertson and Joan Cergol issue joint statement calling for Cuomo to resign.

“Sexual harassment, and the various shades of it, have no place in any level of government or workplace. Those who choose to go down this path forfeit the privilege of working alongside those who understand the law and human decency.  Governor Cuomo must step down.”

Assemblyman Steve Stern, D-Dix Hills, said, “After reviewing the full report, it is abundantly clear that the governor engaged in a corroborated pattern of sexual harassment in the workplace. In light of these deeply disturbing findings, and for the good of our state, I believe the governor must step down from office.”

State AG report on Cuomo

 

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