Outgoing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) predecessor is raising questions over the length of his transition period.
During an interview on WNYC’s “The Brian Lehrer Show” Thursday, former New York Gov. David Paterson (D) addressed Cuomo’s decision to give himself 14 days from his announcement until the resignation is effective.
“It was just a little puzzling that they wanted to have that amount of time,” Paterson said, adding, “And what they’re going to do with that time, it’s suspicious — I’ll put it that way.”
Paterson noted that when former Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) resigned, he asked for a five-day transition period to prepare for his inauguration.
However, he argued that Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) does not need that transition period because, “She has been aware that this situation could occur since March — since the investigation began. So, I think as she was sort of hinting yesterday, she’s ready to take over right now.”
“I just think the governor has just not resolved in his mind what’s actually going on yet, and his self-awareness just does not seem to be particularly helpful to him at this particular time,” he added.
Listen to the interview below:
Still, Paterson did not offer any speculation on what Cuomo might be doing during his last 14 days in office.
On Tuesday, Cuomo announced that he would resign in 14 days after the state’s attorney general released a report that concluded he sexually harassed several women, as IJR reported.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D), who has had a contentious relationship with Cuomo, also raised questions about the time frame for his resignation.
On Thursday, the mayor said he felt a “sense of relief for all of us” after the governor announced his decision to step down.
Still, he said, “I think people should keep a very close eye on him after everything he’s done. And I don’t know why it needs to be 12 days. Honestly, I think we’re all ready to move on, and I think the quicker we can move on, the better at this point.”