Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - During a NFTA press conference on Main Street in Buffalo, New York State Senator Tim Kennedy made comments about the recent arrest of Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin, charged for his alleged participation in campaign donation scheme.
"It's very troubling," said Senator Tim Kennedy. "It's all going to come down to the details that come out, everything we are hearing right now is very preliminary and as of this week the Lieutenant Governor was presiding over the Senate and so it was business as usual and today that is not the case. We will wait to see what details come out from the investigation and decisions will be made as it pertains to transit."
When asked how this would effect Governor Kathy Hochul politically, Senator Kennedy was quick to praise her previous work, "I think Governor Hochul has done an incredible job as Mayor in the short amount of time she has been the Governor and I think the details of the budget we just passed were historic in nature and shine a very bright light on her, her leadership and her future. I'm looking forward to making sure Governor Hochul remains as a Governor because I think it's important for people in New York State... I hope her record stands on her own."
New York State Assembly Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes was also in attendance at the conference and also made brief comments in regards to Governor Hochul and her fault in hand-selecting the Lt. Governor, "This is probably one of the best Governors (Hochul) we've seen operated in the state of New York in my lifetime and we should not hold it against her because she's done nothing wrong."
Both Senator Kennedy and Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes declined to comment on whether the Lt. Governor should resign based on the lack of details given to them.
To listen to questions posed after the conference, you can listen in the player below: