HV Officials Welcome Hochul, Who Promises New Style, Staff

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul promised a break from the heavy-handed approach favored by soon-to-resign Gov. Andrew Cuomo that often rankled local and regional officials.

Hochul made her first public appearance Wednesday following Cuomo's announcement he'd step down in two weeks amid a swirling sexual harassment scandal.

"While it was not expected, it is a day for which I am prepared," Hochul said.

Hochul is a Buffalo native and graduate of Syracuse University, with political roots in Western New York. But she hinted her lieutenant governor, to be named in the next few weeks, could be more connected to "downstate."

"I love upstate, I love downstate, I love the whole state," she said. "There are so many qualified individuals, but I'm cognizant of the need for diversity and an inclusive ticket. And I'm going to name someone I believe the state will be familiar with, and be very proud of. But this is still in its early stages."

Hochul, while at times pointing out Cuomo will remain governor for the next 13 days, also promised to make several clean breaks from her outgoing predecessor.

The report released by Attorney General Letitia James described not only sexual harassment allegations but also detailed an environment among Cuomo's Executive Chamber staff that focused on retaliation against perceived political enemies and which many labeled "toxic."

"I'm going to stand right here: at the end of my term, whenever it ends, no one will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment," she said.

In two weeks, she said, she will address New York residents and lay out her vision for the remainder of the term.

"This year and a half has been so challenging," she said. "Sometimes it doesn’t feel that it’s getting any easier ... but I know New Yorkers. They are hardwired to persevere and to prevail."

For the next 13 days, she said, her plans are to build out her senior staff and do what she has always done: "travel the state, meet with New Yorkers, and assure them I’ve got their backs."

Many local politicians expressed confidence in Hochul.

"Over the years, I have gotten to know her through her frequent visits to the City of Poughkeepsie and surrounding areas and through her work on so many important endeavors, including serving as chair of 10 Regional Economic Development Councils," Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison said. "Kathy Hochul has a thorough knowledge of this state and has been on the forefront of its effort to battle the opioid crisis and many other health-related issues. A former town council member, county clerk and congressional representative, she understands all levels of government and has demonstrated to me (and to so many others) that she believes in listening to people’s concerns before taking decisive action."

County Executive George Latimer agreed. "For years, incoming Governor Hochul has been a welcomed presence in Westchester. She is well qualified to lead New York State in this immediate crisis."

The Business Council of Westchester released a statement:

The Business Council of Westchester has enjoyed a long and successful collaborative working relationship with Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. We have full confidence in her abilities to lead the state and look forward to working with her and her administration. New York State still faces many economic challenges as we continue to rebound from the COVID-19 Pandemic. We stand ready to work closely with her as she continues to promote economic development, job creation and diversity initiatives in Westchester and across the State.

"I am hopeful that this change in leadership will serve us well over the next year and a half and allow for real change in Albany so that employees across our state are treated with the respect that each and every one of us deserves," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

Patch staffer Matt Troutman contributed to this report.