Lawmakers back probe of Cuomo
Area Democrats and Republicans in the state Legislature support an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against the governor
KINGSTON, N.Y. » Mid-Hudson Valley lawmakers from both major parties say they support an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Democrats and Republicans weighed in on whether harassment allegations made by Lindsey Boylan, a former Cuomo aide, deserved a full investigation.
The former aide has said that Cuomo subjected her to an unwanted kiss during years of sexual harassment. Those allegations have spurred calls for an investigation — and questions about who might meaningfully conduct one.
Area lawmakers made their comments before The New York Times reported Saturday that a second for
mer Cuomo aide, Charlotte Bennett, also accused him of sexual harassment. In a statement, the governor denied Bennett’s allegations and requested an outside review.
A statement by Beth Garvey, a special counsel and senior advisor to Cuomo, said the review will be led by Barbara Jones, a former federal judge.
State Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-Saugerties, is one of those who said they believe an investigation needs to be done. Hinchey represents the 46th Senate District.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work,” Hinchey said in a statement. “The allegations of sexual harassment we’ve heard this week are disturbing. We have an obligation to make sure that anyone who alleges mistreatment in the workplace is taken seriously and that proper inquiries be conducted.”
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston, also said he thought an investigation warranted.
“We are finally at the point of society where charges of sexual harassment do not automatically result in aspersions against the person making the charge,” Cahill said in an email. “In other words, just as the Governor himself has declared when others stood accused of similar actions, of course the charges of inappropriate behavior leveled against Governor Andrew Cuomo should be taken seriously and fully investigated.”
Cahill, who represents the 103rd Assembly District, said the investigating person or agency will determine how to conduct such a probe.
“I will leave it to the investigative body to determine whether, for example, the governor should submit to a polygraph or other source of independent verification of his veracity, as he has called for in like circumstances, but without question, the investigation should be prompt, thorough and, most of all, completely independent of the Governor’s office and influence.”
In a brief statement, the office of Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, D-City of Newburgh, said he supported an inquiry.
“Jonathan wants to see an independent investigation,” an email said.
Jacobson represents the 104th Assembly District.
Mid-Hudson Valley Republicans have also weighed in on the matter.
“We have a duty to take allegations of sexual harassment seriously, and we must take steps immediately to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into these claims,” state Sen. Sue Serino, R-Hyde Park said in a statement.
“We also have a duty to ensure that victims have access to a process they can trust to report misconduct and hold perpetrators accountable,” she added. “That has been missing in Albany for far too long, which is why I have sponsored legislation for years to create a truly independent commission to evaluate such claims, and it is needed now more than ever.”
Serino represents the 41st Senate District.
Assemblyman Chris Tague, who represents the 102nd Assembly District, which includes Saugerties, said he felt similarly.
Alluding to criticism of Cuomo over the withholding of data on deaths due to COVID-19 in nursing homes, Tague said in a statement,” We have learned in recent weeks the extent of the governor’s dishonesty, and in light of these credible allegations I believe a thorough and independent investigation into this matter is entirely necessary. This governor needs to be held accountable for each and every abuse of his power, especially when he uses that power in a way as despicable as Ms. Boylan described in her allegations.”