Assemblyman William Colton (D – Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) strongly supports an independent review by the Attorney General and believes that the serious allegations against the Governor must be thoroughly investigated. The allegations, if true, reflect at best an insensitive view on interpersonal relations toward women or in the worst case constitutes sexual harassment.

While such independent investigation is proceeding, our legislature needs to proceed with its duties to pass a budget and pass bills, and to deliver resources to our constituents in these difficult times. There's a lot that needs to be done and we must pass a budget dealing with such critical concerns as school funding, healthcare, jobs, and rent, small homeowner mortgage assistance as small business assistance, and government services such as how the vaccines are made available efficiently to all who want them.

The New York State Attorney General is proceeding with an investigation on the sexual harassment allegations against the Governor so we must let the Attorney General do that job and as the legislators, we should do ours. Our duty is to make sure that a budget that is meeting the needs of NY’s families is voted on and is passed.