The Empire Page

Read in the paper recently that Governor Paterson expressed his admiration for New Jersey Governor Christie for getting his agenda through the legislature. One reason for the admiration is that Paterson is trying to do much of Christie is doing in New Jersey (property tax cap, cutting jobs, no increase in taxes on the wealthy). Yes, in many ways, the Paterson agenda is a Republican agenda. However Christie is a Republican and the people of New Jersey knew what to expect when they elected him and to his credit, Christie has stuck to his ideals.  He also promised a blunt style that would butt heads with many legislators and he has delivered, even many New Jerseyites who don’t like his agenda see him as breath of fresh air.

The problem Paterson is having is that how he is acting as Governor is the opposite of how he has acted in public career. He has always been a progressive with strong ideals for social justice and a belief in having government work to help those in need. He also is someone that everyone liked and would pragmatically with others to get things done. His troubles stem from the 180 degree shift both in his substance and in his style. While there is no doubt that drastic action needs to be done to solve New York’s economic problems to do so in a way that at least seems to favor the wealthy over the less fortunate contradicts Governor Paterson’s past record. The legislature definitely needs to be whipped into shape but for the Governor to be making personal, sniping comments about his former colleagues is against his character.  This goes back to one of my political maxims, be true to yourself and you will be successful. If David Paterson had remained true to his ideals and his personality he might be running for re-election today. Some of Governor Christie’s early success has been due to his consistency.

Outside of the limelight we can see some of the potential that David Paterson has as Governor. He has been quietly going about the business of governing the State and doing many of  the things that improve the lives of New Yorkers. It is too bad that his own frailties denied him the chance to reach his full potential.  He should admire Christie and learn some lessons from him.