dpa
New York
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is "fully prepared” to lead New York as the first woman to serve as governor and vowed Wednesday to rid Albany of any Cuomo administration staffers involved in "unethical” conduct.
In her first public remarks since Governor Cuomo announced his resignation amid sexual harassment allegations, Hochul distanced herself from the disgraced governor and promised to help the state turn the page when she takes power on August 24.
"Nobody will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment,” Hochul told reporters at the State Capitol, adding that she’s "fully prepared to assume the responsibilities as the 57th governor of the State of New York.”
Hochul, a Democrat, emphasized that she has never been a member of Cuomo’s inner circle and said she was unaware of the governor’s transgressions.
"I think it’s very clear that the governor and I have not been close, physically or otherwise,” she said. "I’ve been traveling the state and do not spend much time in his presence or in the presence of many in the state Capitol.”
Cuomo chose to step down after investigators working under Attorney General Letitia James concluded that a close-knit circle of senior Cuomo aides fostered a "toxic” workplace that enabled the governor to sexually harass 11 women, most of them much younger aides.
Hochul, serving her second term in the largely ceremonial role of lieutenant governor, said the 14-day transition following Cuomo’s announcement is not what she would have preferred, but said the window will give her time to meet with cabinet officials and assemble senior staff.
"However, I will take advantage of that time and continue to engage with the people of the state of New York,” she said.
"The promise I make to all New Yorkers, right here and right now: I will fight like hell for you every single day.”
The 62-year-old Buffalo native said she will announce a new lieutenant governor within the next two weeks, noting that she is prioritizing diversity and inclusivity as she builds a team.
She also outlined a host of issues she plans to prioritise when she assumes office later this month, including the rise of the Covid-19 delta variant and hospitalisations and the economic anxieties facing small businesses and families across the state.
New York
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is "fully prepared” to lead New York as the first woman to serve as governor and vowed Wednesday to rid Albany of any Cuomo administration staffers involved in "unethical” conduct.
In her first public remarks since Governor Cuomo announced his resignation amid sexual harassment allegations, Hochul distanced herself from the disgraced governor and promised to help the state turn the page when she takes power on August 24.
"Nobody will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment,” Hochul told reporters at the State Capitol, adding that she’s "fully prepared to assume the responsibilities as the 57th governor of the State of New York.”
Hochul, a Democrat, emphasized that she has never been a member of Cuomo’s inner circle and said she was unaware of the governor’s transgressions.
"I think it’s very clear that the governor and I have not been close, physically or otherwise,” she said. "I’ve been traveling the state and do not spend much time in his presence or in the presence of many in the state Capitol.”
Cuomo chose to step down after investigators working under Attorney General Letitia James concluded that a close-knit circle of senior Cuomo aides fostered a "toxic” workplace that enabled the governor to sexually harass 11 women, most of them much younger aides.
Hochul, serving her second term in the largely ceremonial role of lieutenant governor, said the 14-day transition following Cuomo’s announcement is not what she would have preferred, but said the window will give her time to meet with cabinet officials and assemble senior staff.
"However, I will take advantage of that time and continue to engage with the people of the state of New York,” she said.
"The promise I make to all New Yorkers, right here and right now: I will fight like hell for you every single day.”
The 62-year-old Buffalo native said she will announce a new lieutenant governor within the next two weeks, noting that she is prioritizing diversity and inclusivity as she builds a team.
She also outlined a host of issues she plans to prioritise when she assumes office later this month, including the rise of the Covid-19 delta variant and hospitalisations and the economic anxieties facing small businesses and families across the state.