BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and Governor Andrew Cuomo have been political allies over the years, but the county executive did not exactly give Cuomo his resounding support during a Tuesday news conference.

Poloncarz did say the governor, facing allegations of sexual harassment, deserves due process and is entitled to defend himself. However, he said he was pretty mad when he saw a statement from the governor he believes corroborated that Cuomo said inappropriate things to a former staffer.

“They’re not just inappropriate; I mean I’d never think about saying that to one of my employees," Poloncarz said. "I don’t even think about saying that to some of my friends, nevertheless ask them about their sex life."

He said he was also disturbed by the latest accusations in a New York Times article that Cuomo asked a woman half his age if he could kiss her to be "creepy."

“It’s not illegal. As an attorney, I know that people can walk up to individuals that don’t work for them and ask them questions, especially about things like that. It was just creepy to know that the governor allegedly asked a woman who he had just met, ‘may I kiss you?’ and put his hands on the head of the individual," Poloncarz said. "I’ve seen the governor do that in settings with other individuals. Where he has grabbed them. He’s embraced them. He’s put his hands on like the side of their head. He can be a touchy-feely politician, and some people love it. I’ve seen people absolutely melt when the governor does that."

The county executive continued to say it is not his style as a politician to make a lot of physical contact with people even though he recognizes some people do that. He said it’s important a truly independent investigation from the attorney general's office move forward in which AG Tish James has "carte blanche" to investigate all allegations.

"It’s my understanding that the current law provides the governor is entitled to, as the appointing authority for the attorney general is entitled to, weekly updates on the investigation," he said. "I don’t think that’s appropriate. I don’t think the attorney general should have to turn over information on the investigation to against the individual who is technically being investigated. I think they should have a thorough investigation, an independent investigation."

Poloncarz said while it's strictly hypothetical at this point, he does believe Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul would be up to the job if Cuomo leaves office for any reason.

"We certainly don’t wish any ill will on any individual, but sometimes lieutenant governors have to step up to the plate," he said. "And in the situation here, I’ve known Kathy Hochul for a long time and I know she’s more than capable of handling any roll in New York State government, including governor."

He pointed out Hochul has served as an elected official at all levels of government.