Governor David A. Paterson has finally listened to the people he governs – and decided not to run for the office he currently holds. A wise decision and one with which we agree.
The man or woman who heads the State of New York must have three main abilities.
The first is to be able to govern responsibly and with political authority. The next is to be able to dictate to or control other people, making decisions with absolute authority. Most important is the ability to lead, command others, control, direct and guide.
Paterson’s time as governor has lacked all three. He has demonstrated repeatedly that he is not a governor, a dictator or a leader. He has failed miserably in his attempts to lead the Legislature, let alone the state.
His lawmakers have openly defied him, to the point of embarrassment. Sensing a weak leader – like sharks with blood in the water – they have closed in for the kill.
The State Senate stopped functioning all together earlier this year and was the scene of a power coup that no other governor in history would have tolerated or permitted.
When called into session they ignored him. They liked the vacuum of leadership – wallowing in it and playing like children. Who suffered because of their egocentric games of one-upmanship? The taxpayers, transit riders, the elderly, infirm and schoolchildren of the city all suffered.
The time has come to end the pain. The time has come for David Paterson to step down as governor. Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch can certainly lead the state until Election Day this November – he could not possibly do worse than several more months of Paterson.
Fuggedabout the outcry in the media about AEG’s having won the bid for the Aqueduct Racino contract. Forget the “mud” being slung by his media adversaries – who all have political agendas of their own – and allegations of marital infidelity. Disregard the allegations he mishandled an aide’s domestic violence case against his girlfriend.
The bottom line is – Paterson is not a leader. He is a detriment to the survival of our state and its cities. He is hurting the voters – to whom he was sworn to represent.
Step aside Mr. Governor – Step down and end the misery for all of us.
