Outgoing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomoâs (D) predecessor is raising questions over the length of his transition period.
During an interview on WNYCâs âThe Brian Lehrer Showâ Thursday, former New York Gov. David Paterson (D) addressed Cuomoâs decision to give himself 14 days from his announcement until the resignation is effective.
âIt was just a little puzzling that they wanted to have that amount of time,â Paterson said, adding, âAnd what theyâre going to do with that time, itâs suspicious â Iâll put it that way.â
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, âShe has been aware that this situation could occur since March â since the investigation began. So, I think as she was sort of hinting yesterday, sheâs ready to take over right now.â
âI just think the governor has just not resolved in his mind whatâs actually going on yet, and his self-awareness just does not seem to be particularly helpful to him at this particular time,â he added.
Listen to the interview below:
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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 stateâs 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 âsense of relief for all of usâ after the governor announced his decision to step down.
Still, he said, âI think people should keep a very close eye on him after everything heâs done. And I donât know why it needs to be 12 days. Honestly, I think weâre all ready to move on, and I think the quicker we can move on, the better at this point.â