Local lawmakers weigh in on Cuomo’s resignation

Patrick Moussignac

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The news of Gov. Andrew Cuomo announcing his resignation Tuesday did come as a bit of a surprise for some New York State lawmakers, but not totally unexpected.

News10NBC caught up with State Assemblyman Harry Bronson, (D-Rochester) just minutes after the governor’s announcement.

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"For us it allows us to really start focusing back on the important issues that we’re in office to focus on," Bronson said.

Cuomo said he plans to stay in office for the next two weeks before Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is officially sworn in as the next governor.

Both Bronson and fellow Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes, (R-Caledonia) say they would prefer that he leave immediately.

News10NBC reporter Patrick Moussignac (left) with Assemblyman Harry Bronson, (D-Rochester) (right).[News10NBC]

"I do understand the argument, and the position that this will give an opportunity for him to help in the transition to the Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, and so I’m satisfied with that," Bronson said.

"I don’t know that there’s any point to any transitionary period, because quite frankly the last few months the State has ground to a standstill because of the controversies surrounding him," Byrnes said.

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New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney, (D-Rochester) for months has also been calling for Cuomo to resign.

"I think today’s resignation is not a reflection of party politics, or popularity, or polling. It was a reflection of a change of culture. A change of expectation in New York State. That this type of behavior will not be tolerated in New York," Cooney said.

Lawmakers are also looking forward to Hochul’s leadership in Albany, as she serves out the rest of Cuomo’s term in office, which ends in 2023.

"In the meantime, I certainly believe she has the capabilities to lead the state. I may not agree with all her politics, and hope in 2022 we have a Republican Governor, but the reality is that I believe she is prepared, and in the position to assume the reigns, and be a leader right now," Byrnes said.

"To have the first female as Governor I think is spectacular, and so even though the Governor’s resignation is historic I think the real historic moment we should be focusing on is that we’re going to have a female Governor," Bronson said.