On Tuesday, the governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, who has been in Albany ever since a report of the allegations of sexual harassment were released by the attorney general last Tuesday, has submitted his resignation. In this term, the governor, who ruled with an iron fist from decades, has faced various allegations and had been called to step down. Finally, he submitted his resignation today.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said that his resignation would be effective in 14 days. He will be replaced by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. She is also a Democrat and will be sworn in as the first female governor of the State.

Governor Cuomo has been facing several allegations this term. After the report of allegations of sexual harassment were released, he lost quite a few of his friends and supporters including President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. His enemies and rivals include NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio who might make a bid for the gubernatorial elections.

Some of the issues that have been plaguing Andrew Cuomo include:

• Sexual harassment by aides and others. Eleven women have come forward to say that the governor had touched them inappropriately and had passed comments which made them feel uncomfortable.
• During the pandemic there were a slew of deaths in nursing homes but the data on the number of deaths was improperly reported as the administration did not want to damage its image as it had been successfully limiting the damages caused by the pandemic.
• Governor Cuomo reportedly used state resources when he wrote a book about the pandemic.
• There is an investigation about a potential coverup on structural problems that were present while constructing the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge across the Hudson River.

Governor Andrew Cuomo leaves behind a mixed legacy. He was responsible for bring in the $15 minimum wage. He strengthened the infrastructure in the state of New York. He also handled the coronavirus pandemic much better than many other states in the nation.

Governor Cuomo has also mishandled a few issues which have already been mentioned above. One statement of his could ring true for many women. As Bob Dylan said, “The Times They Are A Changin.” He implied that he never realized how the benchmarks of harassment had changed. Many women will applaud the 11 women for standing up to verbal harassment as well as inappropriate touch which can make many women feel uncomfortable.

It’s not only a Weinstein or an Epstein or a Cosby who deserved to be punished. It is also a Cuomo or a Franco or a Batali who has to face consequences for harassment. As public and powerful figures face consequences, women can definitely hope that it might scare some if not all potential harassers to limit or stop such behavior in future.

Image -Zack Seward