With the announcement of the Governor’s resignation, the spotlight now shines on Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, who will become governor in two weeks. She will do an exceptional job as governor. She knows every level of government and every community in the state.

I have known Kathy for many years having first met her when she visited Mamaroneck after she was elected to Congress. Kathy served for many years at the local level on her town board and as county clerk. I've had the pleasure of seeing the Lt. Governor meet with constituents across the Empire State: in Buffalo (also my wife's hometown), in the Adirondacks, in Manhattan, and across all of Westchester.

As Lt. Governor she has traveled to every corner of the state, more vigorously than any of her predecessors, visiting local officials, business owners, leaders of not-for-profits and educators. A typical day crisscrossing the state could start with a morning meeting in New York City, an upstate event in the middle of the day and an evening stop in a downstate suburb.

Kathy chairs New York’s Regional Economic Development Councils that guide our state’s economic development strategies through the participation of business, labor and community involvement. She also chairs the Heroin and Opioid Task Force and has been an advocate for human rights, women’s and labor issues throughout her life.

I know firsthand that Kathy Hochul brings the energy, commitment and experience to lead New York State and successfully address the challenges before us.