Paterson criticized over his vacation in Hamptons
Other Columnists
Gov. David A. Paterson spent much of last week vacationing in the Hamptons. He rented a friend's home, an aide confirmed.
Some criticized the holiday because it coincided with the State Senate reconvening to extend Mayor Michael Bloomberg's control over the city's schools. Governors usually work in Albany when the legislature meets.
Paterson also has set himself a Labor Day deadline for offering a plan to close the $2.1-billion deficit.
Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) was surprised when told of Paterson's vacation. "I hope he's engaged" with the deficit, Skelos quipped.
Paterson aide Marissa Shorenstein said he was "in regular contact with the office." She noted Skelos led the leadership coup that halted Senate action for 4 1/2 weeks. "If it were up to Senator Skelos, the Senate would still be in gridlock."
- James T. Madore in Albany
