Calls For Cuomo's Resignation Increase

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Officials throughout the region continued to issue statements in response to the bombshell report from the New York State Attorney General's Office alleging a pattern of sexual harassment by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

They also reacted strongly to the governor's pre-recorded defense, which he released Tuesday as well.

"The Governor pleaded for us all to ‘wait for the facts’ and allow for due process. He pleaded with New Yorkers to allow for the Attorney General’s work to conclude before forming an opinion. To respect the facts. Well, many New Yorkers waited. Due process is now over. This report is damning," said state Senator James Skoufis. "And the governor’s gobsmacking attempt to deflect, explain away, and position himself as the victim of misinformation is beyond unacceptable."

The AG's report claims Cuomo violated federal and state laws. James said Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women and retaliated against a former staffer. Independent investigators hired by Attorney General Letitia James reviewed more than 74,000 documents, texts, photos, and pieces of evidence, and interviewed 179 people. The 165-page report paints a picture of a "toxic workplace," she said. SEE: Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Women: AG's Report

The report made clear that the governor "has broken the very law he signed by sexually harassing several women," said Assemblymember Amy Paulin. If he does not resign, the Assembly must begin impeachment proceedings, she said.

The Westchester Board of Legislators issued a statement:

The conclusion of independent investigators, as described in the report released Tuesday by Attorney General Letitia James, that "the Governor engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment under federal and New York State law," makes it untenable for him to remain in the position of the highest authority in New York.

We cannot tolerate sexual harassment, intimidation and retaliation in any workplace, let alone in the State's Executive Chamber. We call on Governor Cuomo to resign immediately, and if necessary, for the State Legislature to take appropriate action; and we commend the women who came forward to speak with investigators for their courage.

Rockland County Legislators Alden Wolfe, Aney Paul, Jay Hood Jr., Phil Soskin, Lon Hofstein, Vince Tyer, Doug Jobson, Michael Grant, Itamar Yeger, Toney Earl, Cris Carey, Harriet Cornell, Laurie Santulli, Charles Falciglia, Aron Wieder, John McGowan, and James Foley also issued a statement:

The conclusions of the Attorney General’s independent investigation are clear.

The women who stepped forward are to be recognized and honored for their courage and for their determination to fight for what is right and to put a stop to what is wrong.

The Assembly will now determine the next steps, including impeachment proceedings. The Governor should not wait for that process. He should immediately resign out of respect for and in the best interests of the millions of people who call New York State home.

T. Andrew Brown, president of the New York State Bar Association, said women have labored for too long in toxic work environments that tolerated sexual harassment and bullying. "When this shameful behavior occurs in the public sector, it is even more reprehensible ... The Attorney General’s report reminds us once again of how pervasive sexual harassment is in our society, and we vow to redouble our efforts to ensure that all women in the public and private sectors are protected from this scourge."

New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta summed up the opinions of many in his statement:

The attorney general has detailed conduct that is repugnant and indefensible in any workplace and especially in the state’s highest elected office. Equally troubling was the governor’s response to the report. Sadly, both show he is unfit to serve in office.

Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois and Undersheriff Kenneth T. Jones have also called on Cuomo to resign and save the state Assembly and Senate the costly process of impeachment.

"It is clear, following the release of the Attorney General’s investigative report, that no state, county or local government employee who engaged in such conduct as Governor Andrew Cuomo did would retain their employment," they said in a prepared statement. "The Governor in his response to the report offered an explanation that is contrary to public policy for all public employees that has existed for than 20 years.

"The Governor was, or should have been aware, that his conduct was contrary to training on sexual harassment that he and every other public employee has been subject to," DuBois and Jones said.

SEE ALSO:

• Westchester DA To Investigate Cuomo Sexual Harassment
• Cuomo Remains Defiant After AG's Sexual Harassment Report [POLL]
• HV Officials Call For Cuomo To Resign After AG Releases Report