4 May 2021: Student Op-Ed - Gov. Cuomo no longer deserves to stay in power

Gov. Cuomo no longer deserves to stay in power

This opinion piece by sophmore political science major Nathan Fenningdorf appeared in Syracuse Univerity's student newspaper The Daily Orange. Here is its concluding argument:

Enough is enough.

While Cuomo has faced an understandably large amount of backlash, he still has support within New York state. A poll that Siena College published April 19 found that his favorability rating has dropped to the lowest of his tenure, but 51% of New York residents do not think that he should resign. This contrast is extremely intriguing, showing the complex relationship Cuomo has with New Yorkers and speaking to the debate over whether the governor should resign.

If Cuomo continues resisting resignation, the New York State Assembly’s impeachment inquiry must end by voting to impeach the governor. No excuses can be made for his alleged actions, and he must face consequences – just like everyone else.

To maintain the important notion that even people in power must be held accountable for their actions, Cuomo must be impeached and removed from office immediately. If he continues serving as governor without facing any consequences, a dangerous precedent will be set that allows people in power to get away with any type of wrongdoing.

This can’t be allowed.

Cuomo, who has an alleged history of troublesome behavior, still holds his position of power.

It’s time for him to be held accountable. The governor’s time leading New York must come to an end.

Those who hold power in New York have a different view on whether they should ever be held accountable for any of their misdeeds that occur while they hold office. They see their place as privileged above all others and deserving of being exempt from ever facing consequences. How else to explain the apparent impotence of so many investigative bodies in the state to probe the conduct of the powerful?