Governor Paterson draws a line in the sand

David Paterson is understandably fraught with worry over the state's impending deepening financial crisis - so much so, he has suggested furloughs for some 100,000 state employees. Either that, or the state will be forced to shut down, causing we New Yorkers to lose some valuable municipal and state services that we have come to take for granted.

I have lived in New York for just over 2 years and frankly have been unimpressed and inspired by many leaders and politicians. There just does not appear to be the political will to get done what needs to get done in Albany to keep the people of New York moving.

I shall be watching this closely, reporting on developments as they occur and watching along with other New Yorkers to see where this will lead us.

Albany shenanigans part 2

It is unfortunate that the Governor of New York does not have executive powers that would affectively address the coup that recently took place in the Senate of New York.

That said, he is fully cognizant of the fact that there are some 42 bills left unattended during this debacle. He has grown weary, as have many of us. Today, he is compelling the Senate into an emergency session and will do so every day, including holidays and weekends until they address these bills.

As a former political appointee, confessed political junkie and now a political consultant, I have watched these events unfold and have been inwardly hoping that the Governor would find a way to compell these slothful servants - well, he has now found the way and woe betide anyone who crosses him now.

Thanks Governor Paterson.

GLBT town hall meeting in Westchester

I attended this event last evening for the first time since relocating to Westchester a year and a half ago.

I was happy to see that I recognized a few familiar faces, particularly those whom I had met at Equality and Fairness Day in Albany - a day set aside for GLBT and Allies to lobby.

The evening was amazing - Andrew Spano, the County Executive was there - he spoke of the work of creating the office of GLBT affairs and indicated that he had received no calls or static for doing so. He seems to be a decent man, his large budget notwithstanding.

There were tears and frustration at the open mike as people discussed being able to have domestic partner benefits - what would happen now that the Democrats no longer have a majority in the Senate - would gay marriage ultimately prevail in NY?

I think that the time is coming for NY to recognize this is a civil rights issue, as Governor Paterson so eloquently stated on that day in Albany a few weeks ago - it was at one time appropriate to discriminate against blacks and women and now it is gays - time to stop already!

Albany shenanigans - Republicans regain control of New York State Senate

I could barely believe my ears as I heard the story that broke in the wee hours.

Two rengegade Democrats had apparently been meeting with Republicans in recent weeks. The result of those meetings was a dramatic showdown in Albany in the wee hours of the morning (at least, that is when I heard of the story breaking).

Governor Paterson has expressed utter disgust at his fellow Democrats, both of whom have allegedly been in difficulty with law enforcement of late.

I was in Albany for lobbying purposes recently on Equality and Justice Day, and had occasion to hear Governor Paterson speak for the first time in person - he was speaking on marriage equality and equal rights. I was most impressed with his kind manner, wisdom and intellect.

Now, due to the selfishness of these two individuals, the Democrats have lost their majority standing in Albany and we will be fighting even harder for gay marriage, school issues and gun control issues.

At least, these men should be censured, and at worst, they should be ejected from the Democratic party - shame on them!

We all know exactly how Eliot Spitzer would have handled this issue.

Will Governor Paterson follow suit?

Kennedy withdraws her name

It is with a sad heart that I read this story this morning.

Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn her name from contention to replace Madame Secretary Clinton. She cited personal reasons in her explanation: "I informed Governor Paterson today that for personal reasons I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the United States Senate," she said in the one-sentence statement according to a story on AOL today.

I had truly hoped that Ms. Kennedy would have been the Governor's pick for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which is her name recognition - she would have had the star power required to lobby and get things moving in Albany and Washington as others might not. Her ability to raise enormous amounts of monies for children and the education causes close to her heart have not gone unnoticed.

I hope that she does not retreat into the background again - her vision and clarity are needed.

God bless her uncle, Ted - may he have a speedy recovery.

What if Governor Patterson appointed an interim person to fill Hillary Clinton's seat?

This question was posed at a New Year's Day gathering earlier this week.

I was intrigued: As a former political appointee, I have had many opinions on the appointment of Caroline Kennedy. New York politics are a different animal, certainly versus the Utah politics on which I cut my political teeth, indeed, they are quite hard-nosed and definitely not for the faint-hearted.

It appears that Mrs. Kennedy is finding this out as she tentatively makes her way around the state to test the sometimes hostile waters.

There are a number of candidates vying for that seat. The person who is appointed will hold the seat for two years and an election will take place.

What if Governor Patterson didn't appoint anyone from that group, rather appointed an interim gatekeeper of sorts?

It bears thinking about.