Local leaders react to NY State Attorney General report

On Tuesday, August 3, the office of New York State Attorney General Letitia James released a report of its investigation into sexual harassment allegations against New York State governor Andrew Cuomo. The report stated that Cuomo had sexually harassed 11 or more women during the years 2013 to 2020.

A.G. James’s report read, in part:

“Starting in December 2020, multiple women came forward with allegations that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed them. Over the course of the investigation, the investigators interviewed 179 individuals. Those interviewed included complainants, current and former members of the Executive Chamber, State Troopers, additional state employees, and others who interacted regularly with the governor. … After nearly five months, the investigators concluded that Governor Cuomo did sexually harass multiple women — including former and current state employees — by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, and making inappropriate comments.”

The question before state lawmakers is whether the findings constitute grounds for an impeachment trial. Both U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and President Joe Biden have called for Cuomo to resign.

Leaders at the state, county, and village levels reacted to the A.G. report.

Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy said that the report was “very concerning. However, I believe all individuals suspected of an offense have the right to a fair trial, prior to passing judgment or demanding a resignation.”

Deputy Mayor Ron Ellerbe said, “I would concur with Mayor Kennedy’s statement.”

Trustee Jorge Martinez said that impeachment proceedings would have to move forward.

“I think the Attorney General has put together enough information where the process [of impeachment] needs to begin,” Martinez said. “It hurts us, because it’s our state, our government. Now other things that should be going on are not going to go on, because now the Assembly has to focus on this process.”

Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé attended a press conference given by Attorney General James’ office. Mulé’s understanding was that the women who had brought the complaints would have to press charges in the localities where the harassment occurred.

“Now that the report has come out,” said Mulé, “it’s very disturbing, and I think it’s time for Cuomo to resign.”

County Executive Laura Curran released a brief statement that said, “The Attorney General’s findings are clear. The Governor must resign immediately.”

Assemblywoman Taylor Darling (A.D. 18) was distressed about disruption of current legislative needs.

“I’m very concerned about our taxpayer dollars,” Darling said. “I want to make sure that we do all the due diligence needed to handle the [governor’s] situation appropriately, but also to make sure that we can get back to the work that we need to, because when situations like this happen, they take a lot of time away from our already heavy-need district.”

A statement from the office of Assemblywoman Judy Griffin (A.D. 21) said, “Today, I urged my colleagues to move quickly to conclude their investigation so we can vote on Articles of Impeachment. I am grateful for the multiple women who came forward with their allegations and I commend them on their courage to do so. Sadly, at this time Governor Cuomo has shown he is unfit to serve New York State and I am asking him to step down.”