CHENANGO COUNTY - Local, state, and federal representatives of Chenango County are weighing in on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s decision to step down, leaving Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul at the helm of the New York State legislature for the final year of his term.

The governor announced his resignation Tuesday, one week after NYS Attorney General Leitia James unveiled findings of an independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against the governor. The investigation concluded that Cuomo harassed 11 women and, in one instance, used his authority to retaliate and intimidate at least one of his accusers.

“The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing,” Cuomo said in his address Tuesday.

James’ said last week that the governor’s actions “violated multiple state and federal laws, as well as the Executive Chamber’s own written policies.”

Figures on both sides of the political aisle had called for the legislature to take action if the governor refused to step down. On Tuesday, they lauded the governor’s resignation.

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino (R,C,I-122nd Assembly District):

“An investigation must continue into several serious scandals, however, for New Yorkers, Andrew Cuomo stepping down as governor is the right thing to do. I am ready to help Kathy Hochul in her new role as governor; we have much work to do on behalf of the people of our state, but together we can persevere.”

Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C,I-126th Assembly District):

“After we heard the details of the governor’s lawbreaking and harassment scandals, today he has finally stepped down. This is a step in the right direction for New York, but it cannot be the end for Cuomo or his administration. They are all responsible for breaking federal and state laws, and they are equally responsible for the role they played in enabling the governor to prey on young women in New York.”

Senator Fred Akshar (R-52nd Senate District):

“The Governor’s resignation was the right decision for the good of the people of New York State, but we must now move forward, begin again and put the focus back on the people we were elected to serve.”

“New Yorkers have been struggling through a challenging economic climate long before the recent pandemic, and I will continue making every effort to help put our state back on track and make life easier for our hardworking taxpayers, small businesses and their employees.”

“I’m fortunate to have enjoyed a good working relationship with Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul during my time as State Senator, and I look forward to continuing that work on behalf of the needs of our shared constituency as she becomes New York's 57th Governor and first female Governor.”

Senator Peter Oberacker (R,C-51st Senate District):

“Andrew Cuomo’s long-awaited departure opens the door for a new beginning in New York State.”

“While we can now turn to rebuilding our state, it does not mean the end of multiple investigations into the departing governor and his retaliatory enablers. The brave women who stepped forward to tell their stories deserve justice, along with those who lost their lives needlessly due to the governor’s irresponsible COVID nursing home directive.”

“It is also important to remember that Albany’s one-party leadership - that propped up the governor, ushered in a devastating surge in crime, and hiked taxes to an all-time high – remains in place.”

“The door is open for a new beginning, and it is time to refocus our efforts on boosting our small businesses, improving the lives of individuals and families, and answering to those who elected us – that’s what New Yorkers deserve.”

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-22nd Congressional District):

“The corrupt reign of King Cuomo is over at last, but the fight for justice and accountability is just beginning. Investigations into Cuomo’s abuse of power, corruption, and criminal misconduct must continue. Cuomo should be immediately prosecuted, not just for sexual harassment and assault, but also for his deadly nursing home policies and subsequent cover up. Every principled District Attorney in the state with a conscience must now prove to New Yorkers that there is not a two-tiered justice system in this state. Albany’s political ruling class must finally be held to the same standards as the rest of us.”

​​“Those who aided and abetted Cuomo over these many years must also answer for their crimes and corruption. Cuomo’s criminal operation was not a one-man show. His actions were made possible by the support of his corrupt cronies and the acquiescence of elected and appointed leaders around him. They should all be held accountable.”

U.S. senators Charles Schumer (D-NY)

“First, I want to commend the brave women who stepped forward and courageously told their stories. There is no place for sexual harassment, and today’s announcement by Governor Cuomo to resign was the right decision for the good of the people of New York. I have full confidence that Lt Governor Hochul will establish a professional and capable administration. I have spoken with Lt Governor Hochul and look forward to working together to help the people of New York.”