Cuomo’s former Lt. Gov., Bob Duffy: ‘Governor Hochul and the Legislature: Get the state back on track’

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s former lieutenant governor, and current Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President Bob Duffy said he and Gov. Cuomo had a good relationship, and while he did not come forward requesting he resign, he still thinks it was the right choice.

Multiple times during an interview Tuesday afternoon, Duffy said that Gov. Cuomo resigning is a personal decision and he respects it. He said he believes that it will halt any further trauma for all the victims involved in the sexual harassment allegations.

During his remarks, Duffy didn’t give further thoughts on any other topics that were involved in the impeachment process like nursing homes and the book deal, he did however comment on how he’s looking forward to Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul taking over.

"She will not lack for energy, hard work, tenacity, she will do all that, and the rest is up to the people of New York,” Duffy said. “It is my hope, which happens too often in politics, that her work and efforts are not undermined. Governor Hochul and the Legislature: Get the state back on track."

Duffy added that he feels Cuomo’s resignation is an opportunity and that he doesn’t feel what’s happening higher up will disrupt anything.

Duffy also said over the last year the state has really taken a hit with everything going on in Albany as well as the pandemic. He said for the people of New York State, hitting the "restart button" will be refreshing.

"I think people want normalcy, they want to get back to their lives and free of the pandemic and free of all the crisis and scandals that have been going on and just get back to our lives, and if anything, have their reputation of the city and state go back to the promise it deserves," Duffy said.

He also said he hopes it gets easier for Cuomo’s accusers moving forward.

"I do think resignation will hopefully prevent any further trauma to the women who came forward. I think they’ve had enough up to this point and I hope that will prevent that from happening."

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