A look at Lt. Governor David Paterson
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By EVAN WHITE
Story Created:
Mar 12, 2008 at 4:35 PM EST
Story Updated:
Mar 12, 2008 at 8:29 PM EST
With Spitzer's resignation, the question now is, who is Lt. Governor David Paterson?
Paterson already made history when he became minority leader of the state senate in 2002 as the first non-white legislative leader. Two years later he was the first visually impaired person to address the democratic national convention.
Now, with Paterson taking over for Spitzer, this makes him the first African American Governor in New York State. For roughly 20 years Lt. Governor David Paterson served in the New York State Senate, and while there gained a favorite reputation that crossed party lines, which some feel will help his transition from Governor Eliot Spitzer-viewed by some as confrontational.
"He's been someone more consolatory...spent many years in the state legislature," said Steven Schneider of SUNYIT. "I think it's pretty clear that republicans saw Spitzer as a great threat. He targeted their senate districts and I don't think that's David Paterson's style."
According to one senate democrat, it isn't his style at all. Senator James Valesky had this to say regarding Paterson:
"People across the state who have not gotten a chance to know him will see he has tremendous leadership qualities that will serve the state very well," Valesky said.
"I think there will be a ....new aura and more civil discussions and bipartisan decision making," said Senator James Seward. "He will allow us to have the discussion, the debate and hopefully reach compromises in the best interests of the people in the state."
Local NAACP Board Member David Mathis says he doesn't think Paterson's disability or race may hinder his work as governor.
"There are always going to be people who look for factors like race, handicap, that he can't do the job," Mathis said. "I think over the years he has shown he can."
Paterson is expected to be sworn in Monday.
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