Photo Courtesy of Speaker Heastie
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie
By Michael V. Cusenza
Assembly leaders have decided not to impeach Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie noted in a lengthy statement issued on Monday.
Cuomo resigned last Tuesday following the release of a searing Attorney General report that concluded that he did sexually harass multiple women—including former and current State employees—by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, and making inappropriate comments.
His last day in office is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 25.
“There are two reasons for this decision,” Heastie said.“First, the purpose of the Assembly Judiciary Committee’s impeachment investigation was to determine whether Governor Cuomo should remain in office. The governor’s resignation answers that directive. Second, we have been advised by Chairman [Charles] Lavine—with the assistance of counsel—of the belief that the constitution does not authorize the legislature to impeach and remove an elected official who is no longer in office.
File Photo
Gov. Andrew Cuomo
“Let me be clear: the committee’s work over the last several months, although not complete, did uncover credible evidence in relation to allegations that have been made in reference to the governor. Underscoring the depth of this investigation, this evidence concerned not only sexual harassment and misconduct but also the misuse of state resources in relation to the publication of the governor’s memoir as well as improper and misleading disclosure of nursing home data during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This evidence—we believe—could likely have resulted in articles of impeachment had he not resigned.
I have asked Chair Lavine to turn over to the relevant investigatory authorities all the evidence the committee has gathered. We are well aware that the attorney general is investigating issues concerning the governor’s memoir; the Eastern District of the United States attorney has been investigating the administration’s actions concerning nursing home data; and there are active investigations by local law enforcement authorities in five jurisdictions – Manhattan, Albany, Westchester, Nassau and Oswego – concerning incidents of sexual misconduct.
“As I have said, this has been a tragic chapter in our state’s history. The people of this great state expect and deserve a government they can count on to always have their best interests in mind. Our government should always operate in a transparent, safe and honest manner. These principles have and always will be the Assembly Majority’s commitment to all New Yorkers.”
Lavine added, “The Assembly Judiciary Committee will continue to review evidence and issue a final report on its investigation of Governor Cuomo. In doing so, the committee will take all appropriate steps to ensure that this effort does not interfere with various ongoing investigations by the United States Attorney concerning nursing home data; the attorney general concerning the governor’s memoir; and local law enforcement authorities in five jurisdictions – Manhattan, Albany, Westchester, Nassau and Oswego – regarding possible criminal incidents of sexual misconduct.”
