Unless you were living on the Moon or Mars you probably know that New York Governor Elliot Spitzer, has been forced to resign over a prostitution scandal.
David Paterson, the current lieutenant governor will succeed Spitzer effective today.
Mr. Paterson was born in Brooklyn. His father, Basil Paterson, was a New York state senator who also ran for lieutenant governor – and lost when Nelson Rockefeller won the governorship.
Legally blind, due to an infection during early childhood, Paterson’s parents moved to Long Island so that he could be educated without being placed in special education class.
He received a B.A. from Columbia in 1977 and attended law school at Hofstra.
In 1985, Paterson follows in his father’s footsteps by being elected to the same seat in the New York state senate.
1n 1999 Paterson runs in the New York City marathon while representing the Achilles Track Club - a running organization for the disabled.
In 2002 Paterson manages to oust Senator Martin Connor in a senate coup becoming the minority leader. During his period as minority leader Paterson won high points for reaching across the party lines to republicans. In 2006 he gives up the seat to run with Eliot Spitzer as lieutenant governor.
His manner is said to be far less abrasive and far more conciliatory than that of the contentious Spitzer and that may bode well for getting things done in Albany. Only time will tell, but one thing is certain. His governorship creates a series of firsts for New York and the nation. He is the first African-American governor of New York State and he is the first disabled governor in New York state as well as the nation.
New York has many festering problems – and a looming budget crisis. Let us all wish Governor Paterson well in handling these contentious issues. He will need all the good will he has been able to muster in the past to get anything done in Albany and the fine sense of humor that he is famous for may also serve him well in the difficult years ahead.
For the full biographical time line of David Paterson click HERE.
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