Politics & Government

Lopez Resigns, Will Run for Council

After narrowly avoiding criminal charges for sexual harassment, the Assemblyman couldn't keep fellow electeds from expressing their derision.

This article includes reporting by Matt Hampton.

Brooklyn Assemblyman Vito Lopez announced he would resign Friday—to run for City Council—according to the New York Times.

Lopez has earned scorn from almost every corner of government, including a strongly-worded don't let the door hit you on the way out statement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo Friday.

"Vito Lopez should not spend another day in office, let alone a whole month," Cuomo said. He should resign effective immediately and if he does not, he must be expelled.”

His possible expulsion, hinted at already by Assembly Speaker Shelly Silver, could be voted on soon. 

Lopez narrowly avoided criminal sexual harassment charges earlier this week, after the special prosecutor handling his case determined he had not committed a crime.

Still, fellow politicians were not as forgiving.

“I was shocked and saddened to read the findings in the JCOPE report on Assemblyman Lopez," said Councilman Stephen Levin in a statement. "The findings detail behavior that is disturbing, indefensible, and constitutes a breach of the public trust.

Levin had previously worked alongside the Assembyman in his office. But if Lopez' bid for the Council proves true, he will likely not get his former staffer's vote.

"During my time in his office there were never any incidents or allegations of sexual harassment," Levin continued. "If there had been I would have contacted the authorities immediately. Sexual harassment is unacceptable under all circumstances and I do not tolerate it.”



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