On Thursday, New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie stated that he has authorized its Judiciary Committee to start an impeachment investigation into sexual misconduct allegations, which six women have made against Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Heastie said that the panel’s investigation that would run parallel to the one being led by state Attorney General Letitia James would be reportedly authorized to interview the witnesses, subpoena documents, and evaluate the evidence. And, further in a statement that the reports of accusations concerning the governor are serious.
Cuomo, who is 63, has however denied all allegations by the women, most of whom are former aides. The latest one is an unnamed aide who has told The Times-Union newspaper on Tuesday that Cuomo had groped her after calling her to the executive mansion last under the pretext of business.
The Times-Union however reported on Wednesday that Cuomo has denied the groping accusation stating that he has never done anything like that and called the details gut-wrenching. The representatives for Cuomo did not immediately respond to Reuter’s request for comments.
Reuters, could neither independently verify the identity of the woman nor her account. The governor has issued a broad apology at a news conference last week for any such behavior but maintained that he has never touched anyone inappropriately.
Last weekend, Heastie stated that he has decided to launch the probe after having met his fellow Democrats who control the Assembly, that Cuomo should seriously consider whether or not he can effectively meet the needs of the people of New York.
The list of New York politicians, including Cuomo’s fellow Democrats calling on the governor to step down has been reportedly growing, and it was on Thursday when the New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that Cuomo just can’t serve as the Governor anymore.
Cuomo confirmed that he won’t resign and has asked the public to await the results of that probe before making any judgment. De Blasio, who is a longtime political rival of Cuomo said on Thursday that the latest accusation is quite disturbing. Blasio told the reporters that the specific allegation surrounding the governor had called an employee of his, someone who he had power over, called her to a private place, and then sexually assaulted her, it’s unacceptable. The news seemed disgusting that he can no longer serve as the governor.
It was last weekend when State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins called on the governor to resign and stated that his governing style has created a toxic environment and the sexual misconduct allegations have undermined his ability to lead.
On Thursday, over 55 Democratic New York legislators followed suit in a letter calling for Cuomo’s resignation.
Democratic Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo of the South Bronx said that as legislators and also as the New Yorkers they all must decide what is best for the future of the New York state, read the letter which was thereby posted on Twitter by one of its signatories.
