In two weeks, New York will have a new leader

Monroe County, New York – After the resignation, Tuesday Gov. Cuomo called Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul smart and competent and says the transition must be seamless.

Some in our community are calling it a fresh chapter in New York’s history.

“I do look forward to seeing what Kathy Hochul can do,” said Brenda Blackwell from Geneseo.

Hochul will also be the first governor from Western New York in more than 130 years.

Brenda Blackwell and Chuck Barone hope her background as an upstate New Yorkers means more communities will be heard.

“A lot of people feel like there’s New York and kind of the rest of us and that’s kind of the way it’s been governed the years that I’ve been here,” Barone said. “So looking for more of that unity where we are all apart of the problem and find a solution.”

According to Kimberly Thompson longtime Cuomo supporter, when it comes to policies and the state’s handling of the coronavirus, she is hoping Hochul will follow in Cuomo’s footsteps.

“I’m talking about our children’s welfare, our jobs, this new variant that’s out,” she said. “She’s got to handle all of that, just like he handled it.”

While others say they are hoping for more of a middle ground.

“Just to go forward with what it was previously. Not going back to lockdowns,” said Donna Clookey from Greece.

“I’m hoping Kathy Hochul will get the politics out of the picture and do what’s best for New York,” said Barone.

The lieutenant governor is expected to address New Yorkers Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Albany.