ALBANY – The resignation of Andrew M. Cuomo as New York’s 56th governor – paving the way for Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul to be governor in 14 days – raises many questions about process, continuity of key government duties and filling of key positions in Albany.
A defiant Cuomo denied groping any women, but apologized for his actions in a 30-minute resignation speech broadcast exactly a week after Attorney General Letitia James released the scathing results of an investigation into accusations Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women.
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Cuomo's stepped down after a swift and dramatic descent like so many Albany politicians in recent decades: under the weight of personal and governmental scandal.
People who have worked with Hochul over the years tend to say the same things about her – that she's hard-working, competent and unusually kind for someone in a profession never really known for kindness.
Here are just a few matters that will take up her time and define her abilities to govern under fire in a geographically and politically diverse state that will still be reeling from the scandals that led to the resignation of Andrew M. Cuomo.
"Kathy is perceptive, but does not suffer fools," Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo, said. "She knows when she's being bamboozled and will not tolerate it. It's the same toughness, but compassionate toughness."
