Rochester community reacts to Cuomo’s resignation

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — All afternoon, news apps’ push notifications, social media and friends have been alerting New York residents that Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the 56th governor of New York, is officially resigning.

News10NBC’s reporter Jenny Ly spoke with some New Yorkers who believe Cuomo did the right thing and some who are hopeful for the new, incoming administration.

“I think it’s admirable that he’s taking accountability for his actions and it’s obvious because of the sheer quantity of the actions that are reported by the Attorney General," said Chris Scalia, a resident of Rochester.

“I like Governor Cuomo. I think he was a really good governor, and I think he did right by New York State by keeping us in as far as COVID goes, and I think he kept those numbers down. It’s unfortunate that he possibly had misconduct, but if he did do it, he shouldn’t be governor,” said Travon Cleveland, another New Yorker.

“It’s just amazing that a man who is so intelligent and so politically astute could blow it all on something so stupid, but, we’re humans. We’re fragile,” said Scott Evans, another Rochester area resident.

Gov. Cuomo’s resignation now paves the way for Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul to be the first female governor in New York State’s history.

“I think it’s fantastic news that New York is going to have its first female governor,” Evans said.

“I don’t know anything about [Hochul], I’m just hoping that she is not corrupt – that’s all I care about,” Cleveland said.

Some residents, like Scalia, hope that today’s bombshell announcement serves as an example for other politicians in the future.

“I think that if this were to have any kind of positive consequence or ripple effect in the body politick as we know it, that would be great, and it would be great if it wasn’t just left and also the right that stood up,” Scalia said.

Gov. Cuomo’s resignation is effective in 14 days. Lt. Gov. Hochul is from Western New York.