By h. nazan ışık—
26 August 2021—
3 August 2021: New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced: “The independent investigators have concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and, in doing so, violated federal and state law.”
Governor Cuomo answered in a broadcast response not long after AG Letitia James’ announcement: “The facts are much different than what has been portrayed (…) I want you to know directly from me that I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advance.” And on kissing, hugging, touching he said;” “I learned it from my mother, and I learned it from my father. It is meant to convey warmth, and nothing more,” and gave no indications he planned to resign.sitia James’ announcement, and gave no indications he planned to resign.
President Joe Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and New York Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, called on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign after state Attorney General James’s announcement
10 August 2021: Gov. Cuomo announced he would resign amid pressure over sexual harassment allegations “I would never want to be unhelpful in any way. Given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing. My resignation will be effective in 14 days.”
24 August 2021: Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul became New York State Governor.
26 August 2021: Governor Hochul announced selection of Senator Brian Benjamin for Lieutenant Governor.
Governor Kathy Hochul: “Now two days ago I took office as your governor – a very high honor for me, and it’s still humbling to this very moment. And I spoke to you about some of my priorities, he urgent need to defeat COVID and right now the Delta variant and how we need to get more people vaccinated […] also to make sure that we get our kids back to school […] So we’re going to have a mask mandate. Get used to it, my friends, I’m going to make sure that that environment for school is safe for our children, teachers, and administrators,”
“I am so delighted to be here in Harlem to announce my partner Brian Benjamin.
“And the word partner means something to me. Someone who works side by side in the trenches. Someone who will be out there championing our policies and our administration’s agenda in every corner of the state with a real focus on New York City.
“We’re going to work with our city partners, and get used to that word “partners”, my friends. We’re going to get more done working together and I’ve already initiated those conversations.”
Senator Brian Benjamin: “Let me say a couple of quick points. We have so many fights that we have to wage: gun violence in our community. We’ve got to make sure that we keep our kids safe. The homeless problem. Affordable housing. The Delta variant, COVID. […] New York State government has to work, and Governor Kathy Hochul, I will do everything I can to help you and make sure that we deliver for the State of New York,” he said.
He continued: “Look, I’ve got very big shoes to fill because there has been no lieutenant governor who has traveled this state, all 62 counties, working hard. There is no one more ready to be governor right now, than Governor Kathy Hochul. But I’m up for the task.”
Remains to be seen!!!
Photos: © h. nazan ışık / NKENdiKEN
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