Hudson Valley Politicians React To Cuomo's Resignation

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The announcement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo Tuesday that he would step down as New York's leader brought comments from both sides of the aisle.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Yonkers, said it was a somber day for the state of New York, but one that demonstrates the ability of New Yorkers to build a more accountable system of government.

"Governor Cuomo's resignation opens the door to a restorative future," she said in a prepared statement. "We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the courageous women who came forward and helped pave the way for safer and more inclusive work spaces."

SEE ALSO: Cuomo Resigns After Sexual Harassment Accusations

Rockland County Executive Ed Day, a Republican, called Cuomo's resignation "extremely welcome and long overdue news."

"It has been clear for some time that the Governor's abusive and inappropriate behavior is unacceptable and his continued presence in Governor's Mansion was an insult to the women he harassed and the people of New York," he said.

Republican Rob Astornio, who ran unsuccessfully against Cuomo for governor in 2014 and has mounted another campaign for the job, said Cuomo's legacy was "11 years of corruption and decline."

He said Albany's corruption preceded Cuomo and will survive him unless the state changes course.

"Good riddance," Astorino said.

State Sen. Shelley Mayer, D-37th District, said Cuomo made the right decision "in the best interest of the people of New York today" when he announced he would resign.

State Sen. Mike Martucci, R-42nd District, said Cuomo’s resignation was long overdue.

"But I’m glad he finally came to the obvious realization that all of us came to long ago," he said. "The culture of abuse, intimidation, lies and bullying that he brought to state government were among our state’s darkest chapters."

Martucci said he was among the first legislators to call for Cuomo's resignation and later impeachment.

"I did not do so lightly," he said, "instead, I simply followed the facts and applied my own moral compass."

Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, D-88th District, said Cuomo improved the lives of New Yorkers in many ways, but the evidence made it clear he could not continue in office.

"This ends a sordid chapter in New York's history, but I hope it opens a new one, in which people in positions of power finally understand that sexual harassment is not okay and has profound consequences," she said.

"So if this resignation leads to more abusers thinking twice and to more victims deciding to fight back," Paulin said, "then New York will be the better for it."