No 'Sorry' From Cuomo In Farewell Speech

LONG ISLAND, NY — During his farewell address Monday, a disgraced Gov. Andrew Cuomo offered no apology for the string sexual harassment accusations that led to his resignation two weeks ago.

"There will be another time to talk about the truth and ethics of the situation involving me," a defiant Cuomo said. "When government politicizes allegations and the headlines condemn without facts, you undermine the justice system.

"Of course, everyone has the right to come forward, and we applaud their bravery and courage in doing so, but allegations must still be scrutinized and verified, whether made by a woman or a man — that is our basic justice system."

Describing a report by Attorney General Letitia James that said he sexually harassed several women, Cuomo said it was "designed to be a political firecracker on an explosive topic — and it worked. There was a political and media stampede, but the truth will out in time. Of that, I am confident."

He added: "You know me. I am a fighter, and my instinct is to stay and fight this because it is unfair and unjust."

But when he took his oath of office, Cuomo said, he vowed to serve the people and he believes "the right thing is that my service come first.

"Prolonging this situation can only cause government paralysis" at a time when government needs to function at its highest level, he said.

Cuomo said New York must focus on the immediate threat — COVID-19 and the delta variant.

"Please don't forget what we learned together and accomplished last year. We did what no one thought could be done," he said, with New York's infection rate going from the highest to the lowest in the nation.

After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination Monday, Cuomo discussed the need for a state law mandating teachers be vaccinated and private businesses to require proof of vaccination before admittance to large gatherings.

The FDA's approval for the vaccine, which has been administered previously under an emergency use authorization only, opens the door for the state to mandate vaccinations in schools and businesses.

With the opening of school approaching, Cuomo said his advice was that "teachers must be vaccinated — for their protection and our children's protections." Masks must be required in high-risk areas and private businesses must mandate proof of vaccination for large gatherings, he said.

"This simply will not happen without state law mandating that it happen," Cuomo said. "Local politics are too intense. Private businesses cannot and will not enforce the law. Local police must be mandated to do so."

The actions, in his opinion, must be taken, Cuomo said.

"Let us remember: Political procrastination is COVID collaboration. We know the choice is between the politically contentious or the medically infectious. You decide which is worse."

Cuomo said the most important lesson he learned in 15 years, the one that give him most hope, is the basic intelligence and goodness of the people of New York.

He also discussed that state's advances in green energy, infrastructure, marriage equality, raising the minimum wage and attacking "racism and anti-Semitism."

He lauded the people of New York for wearing masks, staying home and battling the coronavirus successfully.

"Without fail, every time, the people of New York chose inclusion over exclusion, hope over fear, love over hate," he said. "You are the 'u' in unity."

He said the federal government must repeal the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. Cuomo also said he disagrees with those in his own party that believe the police must be defunded at a time when gun violence is "savaging inner cities." Police reform must continue, he said, with an end to unnecessary force and discrimination by law enforcement. The goal must be to build back trust and respect between the police and the communities they serve, he said. "That’s the real answer. And that is easier said than done, but it's also the truth and will light the way forward."

Also, Cuomo said there must be a focus on keeping business in New York. "Taking action that causes businesses to flee the state, taking jobs with them, only weakens our tax base," he said.

Cuomo thanked his staff and his family, as well as his constituents.

He added: "We didn't get everything done we wanted to or should have. And we didn't always get it quite right. But I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, every day, I worked my hardest. I gave it my all and tried my best to deliver for you. And that is the God's honest truth."

As he ended his address, Cuomo said: "Thank you for the honor of serving you. Always stay New York tough. Smart, united, disciplined and loving. That's the essence of what makes New Yorkers so special. God bless you."