New York state searching for new health commissioner
New York state is now searching for the new health commissioner. Dr. Howard Zucker is stepping down.
Gov. Hochul says Zucker will stay on until a replacement is made to help in the transition amid the pandemic.
[anvplayer video=”5058712″ station=”998132″]
Zucker led the defense of former Gov. Cuomo’s pandemic response.
Now the question is, did the new administration put pressure on him to resign?
Dr. Howard Zucker, left, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, listens to Gov. Andrew Cuomo discuss the state's preparedness for the spread of coronavirus during a news conference, Monday, March 2, 2020 in New York.[AP Photo/Mark Lennihan]
It’s not clear yet if Zucker was pressured to resign. However, Gov. Hochul said she wanted to build a new team going forward.
People on both sides of the aisle tell NewsChannel 13 they agree with Zucker’s decision.
[anvplayer video=”5058741″ station=”998132″]
"The longer this issue goes on, whether it’s a disconnect or a disagreement of what the actual nursing home deaths are, is not gaining public trust, it’s hurting it," said Democratic Assembly member John McDonald of Cohoes.
"I’m happy that he is moving on. It’s time to get somebody else in there. Let’s get things straight. Let’s move New York forward," said Republican Assembly member Chris Tague of Schoharie.
[anvplayer video=”5058746″ station=”998132″]
NewsChannel 13 also reached out to family members who lost loved ones to COVID in nursing homes. One family was too exhausted to speak on camera, but believes Zucker should be in prison.