Gov. David A. Paterson

David A. Paterson broke new ground the moment he assumed office.

He is New York State’s first African-American governor and only the fourth African-American governor of any state. And he is the first legally blind person ever to serve as governor of any state.

Of course, some say it is the governor’s ability to rise above politics and partisanship – and his talent for bringing together people of opposing viewpoints and party affiliations – that is his truly groundbreaking achievement in Albany. Under his leadership, the state government has moved with atypical speed to address critical issues including the budget, property taxes and health care.

Gov. Paterson made this clear in his inaugural speech that civility would be a watchword of his administration, exhorting leaders from both political parties to “put personal politics, party advantage and power struggles aside, in favor of service, in the interests of the people.”

Extensive Government Experience

After a distinguished career in the state legislature, Gov. Paterson entered office well prepared to lead. Prior to being elected lieutenant governor 2006, he had spent more than twenty years in the New York State Senate representing Harlem. In 2002 he became the Senate’s Democratic leader – another historic first for an African-American legislator.

Determined to “Level with the Public”

Shortly after taking the oath of office, Gov. Paterson discovered that the state’s projected budget deficit would be significantly higher than previously thought – a result of nationwide economic difficulties and the downturn on Wall Street.

Rather than “pretend there isn’t a problem” or risk adding to the debt, Gov. Paterson has led the charge in achieving $2 billion in difficult but necessary spending cuts – without raising taxes – earning praise from both Democrats and Republicans.

The governor has vowed to continue “leveling with the public,” explaining that while the cuts are painful, “A good ethical decision is a good political decision. You may be bringing people bad news, but they respect you because you’re trying to do something about it.”