Topline
One day after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday promised “turnover” in the governor’s office to mend a work environment some former Cuomo staffers have described as toxic.
Key Facts
Hochul — who will take over as governor in 13 days — told reporters Wednesday she will not retain any governor’s office staffers whom Attorney General Letitia James’ report on sexual harassment accused of unethical behavior.
She said she wasn’t close with Cuomo and spent very little time with him or his staff in Albany, and added she was not aware of the harassment allegations lodged against him.
Tangent
Hochul also appeared to question Cuomo’s decision to resign in 14 days instead of vacating the governor’s office immediately. She said this transition period is “not what I asked for” and she’s prepared to take over immediately, but she expects a smooth transfer of power as a result.
Crucial Quote
“There’ll be turnover,” Hochul said Wednesday. “I’m going to stand right here: At the end of my term, whenever it ends, no one will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment.”
Key Background
James’ report — released last week — accused Cuomo of sexually harassing 11 women, setting the stage for Cuomo to resign Tuesday after more than 10 years in office. It also said Cuomo and some senior officials retaliated against accuser Lindsey Boylan last year by leaking her personnel files to reporters and trying to discredit her. Other Cuomo accusers feared retaliation if they went public with their complaints, a worry the report says was driven by a work culture some staffers described as toxic, secretive and loyalty-obsessed.
Contra
Cuomo has apologized for making women uncomfortable but denied accusations that he inappropriately touched staff or made unwanted sexual advances, insisting his behavior was misinterpreted. His attorneys referred to James’ report as “utterly biased.”
What To Watch For
An impeachment investigation into Cuomo is still open in the New York State Assembly, though its fate is not clear, and law enforcement officials have left the door open for criminal charges against the soon-to-be-former governor. Hochul declined to comment on the prospect of impeachment, and if Cuomo is charged with a crime, she said it’s “far too premature” to weigh in on whether she’ll pardon him.
Further Reading
Who Is Kathy Hochul, The Woman Replacing Cuomo As New York’s Governor? (Forbes)
