David Paterson Makes History as New York's First African American Governor
New York is a survivor state, and now history will be made in the state that is home to the world's largest city. David Paterson is the face of what New York stands for, diversity and over coming physical impairments.
Along the lines of presidential candidate Barack Obama's message of change, David Paterson as governor will be the face of change in New York politics. Legally blind, he breaks all previous stereotypes regarding individuals with a handicap. Along with his strong academic and public service back ground, he also completed the New York City Marathon in 1999. He is a life long resident of Harlem, his father Basil Paterson was the first black deputy mayor of New York City.
David Paterson was the first African American elected minority leader of the New York State Senate in 2002. In 2004, he became the first visually impaired person to address a Democratic National Convention in Boston. Mr. Paterson made history again by being elected New York's first African-American lieutenant governor in 2006.
As New York State Senate minority leader some of his accomplishments are: proposing legislation for a $1 billion voter-approved stem cell research initiative, he demanded statewide alternative energy solutions, also insisted on strong action to fight against domestic violence, and served as the primary supporter for minority- and women-owned businesses in New York.
Governor Spitzer, the man who relentlessly went after white collar criminals during his stint as attorney general ironically has been linked to a high-priced prostitution ring. Gov. Spitzer had been caught on a wiretap by federal law officials arranging to meet with an 'employee" of the Emperors Club VIP escort service. Identified as Client 9 on the tape, Gov. Spitzer was confirming plans to have an escort travel from New York to Washington D.C. As of this morning buzz is that Spitzer frequently sought after the services of high priced prostitutes for at least eight years.
David Paterson is a smart man who is able to bring people together. We here in New York will stand behind Paterson. The Spitzer scandal is simply a small bleep on the New York radar. We have overcome tribulations in the past and Paterson will move us forward towards a new and brighter future.
RESCOURCES:
NY TIMES: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/12/nyregion/12cnd-resign.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Published by Lorraine Hayden
I'm a freelance writer, wife and mother. View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentIn my latest issue of JET magazine (with Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon) on the cover 3/31/2008, there's an interesting article about Governor Paterson. I'm curious why he won't learn braille (it's in the article). Anyway, figured I'd let you know in case you don't know. You might want to check it out.
yeah very inspiring story
Thanks, Lorraine. Maybe they will let him give a speech at the Democratic Convention this summer. Now as for NYC being this advanced multiculture mecca, opportunity for all, I don't know, NYC seems as prejudiced as anywhere else to me. -- Mike
What an amazing and inspiring story! I wish Paterson much success.
Hi Shamontiel, there have been some 'racist buzz" about Paterson on some NY news websites BUT its all just a bunch of crazy talk- Paterson will do a GREAT job as gov. :)
America has rapists and slaveowners on all of our money. Him hanging out with a prostitute doesn't even remotely resemble the crimes they've committed. I'll support Paterson too!