Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a statement Tuesday, condemning the latest reports of sexual harassment in the State Assembly. Cuomo is asking Cheektowaga Democrat Dennis Gabryszak to come forward and immediately deny the allegations against him, or resign.
The governor is also calling on assembly member Micah Kellner, a Manhattan Democrat, to do the same due to similar allegations. Kellner's conduct has been confirmed by the Assembly Ethics and Guidance Committee.
If they do not resign, Cuomo is asking the Assembly to expel them if the allegations are true and they do not resign. Speaker Sheldon Silver has already ordered that the two cannot participate in the assembly's intern program.
Cuomo's entire statement is as follows:
The latest reports of sexual harassment in the Assembly should be the last straw.
This pattern of behavior is repugnant by every standard and directly contradicts the policies the Assembly has advanced for the last 20 years.
Assemblymember Micah Kellner's conduct, confirmed by the Assembly Ethics and Guidance Committee's investigation, has no place in New York State government. It is time for him to immediately deny these allegations or resign. Likewise, Assemblymember Dennis Gabryszak must immediately deny the allegations against him or resign. If they do not resign, the Assembly must send a clear message that they do not tolerate this abuse of women and should seriously consider moving to expel them if they seek to return this coming session.
Enough is enough. It’s a new year; let’s start with a clean slate.
