Latest on Gov. Cuomo: What’s going on?
Gov. Cuomo is very much in the hot seat, and it is not looking good. In Dec. of 2020, the allegations began. The governor of New York was accused of sexual harassment by his former aide, Lindsey Boylan.
He denied the claims, but they just kept coming.
“If they are true, it could end Cuomo’s political career,” said Robert Welber, the Morning News Anchor and News Director at Townsquare Media. Welber sees the allegations as jarring and believes they could result in the Governor leaving the public eye for some time.
The new year kicked off, and once again, Cuomo found himself in the spotlight. On Jan. 28, New York Attorney General Letitia James released a report that suggested Cuomo could have aggravated an already sticky situation. The report found undercounting of COVID-related deaths in a nursing home in the thousands.
He admitted to what he considered a “mistake,” but did not apologize.
Cuomo’s approval ratings began to slip. The Marist Poll conducted a survey finding that New Yorkers rated Cuomo’s handling of the Coronavirus pandemic 18% lower than they did in July. Overall, he had an almost majority disapproval rating of his overall performance (44%).
It did not stop there. On Feb. 24, Lindsey Boylan posted her story. Titled, “My story of working with Governor Cuomo,” Boylan gave her own account of the alleged harassment from Gov. Cuomo. She even claimed that Cuomo has created a “culture” of sexual harassment and bullying to the point where it is expected when working with the governor.
He denied the claims. Just three days later, a second aide came forward.
Charlotte Bennett accused Cuomo of sexual harassment. And then came more accusers. It just kept coming. “We all have to remember until they are proven, they are allegations,” said Welber.
Others are not so modest in their opinions of the governor. Dean Michael, chair of the Town of Clinton Republican Committee has publicly declared his opinion that Cuomo should resign from office following the nursing home allegations. But, in terms of the sexual harassment claims, Michael believes Cuomo has the right to have his own trial. “People tend to quickly condemn people without having all the facts,” said Michael.
This is a common theme in terms of individuals’ reactions to the allegations surrounding the governor. Sarah Salem, the Council-member At-Large for Poughkeepsie, NY also believes the governor should have the allegations processed within the law. “These allegations are very serious and I feel relieved that they will be properly investigated,” said Salem.
Cuomo apologized. He said he did not realize he was making women uncomfortable. He rejected resignation. “Frankly, I am embarrassed by it,” said Cuomo.
