Local member of Assembly Judiciary Committee on impeachment investigation

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R, C-Caledonia), a member of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, said she’s "disappointed" with the timeline of the investigation but she believes a lot was accomplished Monday during its first meeting on his impeachment.

Byrnes said there are extensive documents for the committee to go through, and it could be till the end of September before the committee makes any type of decision.

"I was disappointed because I know how much people want and deserve answers but also understand the importance of being thorough that someone, the governor has due process on everything we do,” Byrnes said.

The Attorney General’s sexual harassment report was done in such a timely fashion, and a lot of people are questioning why the Assembly’s process is taking so long.

Byrnes explained that the committee’s investigation may run parallel to the report, but it won’t mirror it.

"COVID deaths in the nursing homes, it looks at the governor’s book deal, and whether or not state employees were used on government time to write the book, it looks at the bridge and the construction of it.”

Meanwhile, Cuomo’s attorney, Rita Glavin, defended him Monday during an interview, saying AG’s report isn’t factual.

"What’s shocking to me is that the attorney general’s report which everyone is relying on and is saying is the bible of truth here, got it wrong there are omissions that didn’t include critical evidence,” Glavin said.

Byrnes said multiple times in our interview that she may be dissatisfied with the time the investigation is and will take. The last time New York State had to question impeachment was more than 100 years ago.

"This is a thorough and fair investigation that the time being spent is worthy of the magnitude of the decision that we’re going to make.”

Byrnes said she expects there will be a public hearing at the end of August. They’ll be back at the capitol next week. If the Assembly decides to impeach Gov. Cuomo, it will move to the State Senate.