Cuomo is Resigning, Lt Gov Hochul to be First Woman To Serve as New York’s Governor

Governor Cuomo at a press conference on reducing incidents of gun violence in New York City in Brooklyn on July 14, 2021. (Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)
ITHACA, NY -- Governor Cuomo is resigning from office in 14 days after an investigation found he sexually harassed 11 women. On August 24th, Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul will become the first woman to serve as Governor of New York.
The announcement came during a press briefing earlier today where Cuomo and his attorney, Rita Glavin, spoke. They pushed back against a report commissioned by Attorney General Letitia James’ which stated that Cuomo had sexually harassed multiple women. Cuomo called the report politically motivated, and said the most serious allegations have no credible evidence.
Cuomo said that his resignation comes from a desire to avoid the cost an impeachment investigation would have on New York State government operations and taxpayers.
“Wasting energy on distractions is the last thing that the state government should be doing. And I cannot be the cause of that,” said Cuomo.
Cuomo has denied that he touched anyone inappropriately. But, during the press briefing, he apologized to the 11 women whose testimony was included in the Attorney General’s report for having, quote, “offended them.”
Local News for June 2, 2023
– Tompkins County Considering A 2 Percent Tax Levy Increase – Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes is proposing a 2 percent tax levy increase in the 2024 budget. She says it’s necessary to cover rising energy costs and emergency services. It would cost the average homeowner about $50 more. To pay for it the county…
Local News for June 1, 2023
– State Regulators Vote To Settle Lawsuit Preventing Marijuana Retail Licenses In Finger Lakes – Retail marijuana licenses can now be issued in the Finger Lakes Region. The state’s Cannabis Control Board agreed to settle a lawsuit during their meeting on Tuesday. The Albany Times Union reports a Michigan resident sued New York because he…
Local News for May 31, 2023
– Former Tompkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Will Serve Jail Time for Perjury – A former Tompkins County Sheriff’s deputy was sentenced to jail on Friday. Zachary Starner will serve 60 days in county jail and three years on probation. The Ithaca Times says Starner was convicted of perjury in March because he deliberately provided false…
Local News for May 30, 2023
– Ithaca Common Council Members Introduce Gun Storage Legislation – The Ithaca Common Council is considering a gun storage law. It would require gun owners to lock up or disable their firearms in their homes. The issue was discussed at last week’s City Administration Committee meeting. The Ithaca Voice reports the legislation would carry fines…
Voices: Ithaca CarShare Members on Life with Car Access
It’s been over a week since Ithaca CarShare temporarily closed. The nonprofit stopped operating on May 19 because of an insurance problem that can only be solved with new state legislation. I called Ithaca CarShare members – Ellie Santoro, Jayne Soulman, and Marybeth Michelson-Theiry to find out how not having access to the car share…
Local News for May 26, 2023
State Health Department Ending COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate For Healthcare Workers New York State is ending its COVID-19 vaccination mandate for healthcare workers. The state health department made the announcement on Wednesday. Officials say the mandate is no longer necessary because of the drop in cases of the virus and rise in vaccinations. The mandate faced…
Local News for May 25, 2023
– Former IPD Acting Chief Sues City For Racial Discrimination – Ithaca’s former acting police chief John Joly is suing the City for racial discrimination. The Ithaca Voice reports Joly says city officials didn’t appoint police chief because he’s white. The suit names Mayor Laura Lewis, five Common Council members and Human Resources Director Schelley…
Local News for May 23, 2023
Republican State Senators Sponsor Bill Preventing SUNY From Housing Migrants Yesterday we told you that Governor Kathy Hochul is asking SUNY schools to consider housing asylum seekers and migrants from New York City. WRVO Public Radio is reporting Republican state senators are sponsoring a new bill to prevent SUNY campuses from housing migrants. It’s one…
Local News for May 23, 2023
– Governor Asks SUNY To Evaluate Dorms For Housing Asylum Seekers – Governor Kathy Hochul is asking SUNY to consider housing asylum seekers on it’s campuses this summer. The Albany Times Union reports all 64 SUNY schools are being asked to evaluate their dorms to help accommodate migrants coming from New York City. Hochul says…
WRFI-Meeting Minutes-April 2023
WRFI Board of Directors Meeting Tuesday APRIL 11TH, 2023 In Attendance: -Peter Bakija -Amie Herman -Fred Balfour -Joseph Haefeli -Carlos Gutierrez -Chantal Thomas -John Young -Theresa Lyons -Joe Romano -Megan Merriam -Corinne Shanahan -Robin Elliot -Felix Teitelbaum Not in attendance: -Talaya Centeno -Bryan Roberts Agenda Items: -Call to Order at 6:05 pm. -Consent Agenda: Move…