BREAKING: Cuomo Resigns
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Embattled New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is resigning.
Cuomo's announcement Tuesday comes after New York Attorney General Letitia James announced last week, following a four-month investigation, that Cuomo created a toxic workplace environment and retaliated against at least one woman for making her complaints public.
He said the most egregious allegations had no credibility -- but that it was in the best interest of New Yorkers to step aside.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTCuomo will officially step down in fourteen days.
Cuomo on Resignation
On Tuesday, Cuomo made the following comments:
I take total responsibility for my actions — I do hug and kiss people casually, women and men. I’ve done it all my life. In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone. I didn’t realize the extent to which the line as been redrawn.
I’ve got more women in senior positions than any Governor before me. The lack of women on Governor’s detail…I was continuously trying to recruit more to diversify.
[The female Stater Trooper] was offended and she was right. I don’t recall — if she said I did it, I believe her. When I walk past [Troopers], I’ll give them a grip of the arm…a pat on the back…it’s my way of saying I see you, I thank you, I appreciate you. Usually they are male troopers. In this case I don’t remember doing this at all. I just wasn’t thinking. It was totally thoughtless…it was also insensitive. It was a mistake plain and simple.
I want to thank the women that came forward with sincere complaints — you did an important service. You taught me and others an important service. I accept personal responsibility. New York smart — it’s not about the facts, the truths, thoughtful analysis — it’s about politics.
My instinct is to fight through this controversy — I believe this demonizes behavior that is unsustainable to society. When I took my oath...I became a fighter and fighter for you. This situation by its current trajectory will generate months of political and legal controversy. It will consume government and cause taxpayers millions of dollars. Time and money the state could spend managing COVID.
Wasting money on distractions is the last thing that state government should be doing. I cannot be the cause of that. NY tough means NY loving. I love NY and I love you — the best way I can help now is if I step aside. I work for you.
Doing the right thing is doing the right thing for you. My resignation is effective in 14 days.
Government is still the best vehicle for making positive social change.
