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Paterson prepares for unexpected role as Governor

BY JAMES T. MADORE | james.madore@newsday.com

12:22 AM EDT, March 17, 2008

ALBANY - David A. Paterson, after being sworn in as the 55th governor this afternoon, will call for ending partisan wars to achieve a "good budget," and more opportunities for all residents to succeed through hard work -- a reference to his own striving to overcome blindness.

In his speech -- expected to be about 20 minutes -- Paterson will attempt to bolster residents' faith in state government after Gov. Eliot Spitzer's sudden resignation last Wednesday amid a sex scandal, an aide said yesterday. The ceremony occurs just a week after news broke of Spitzer's alleged use of a high-priced prostitution ring.

While acknowledging this extraordinary string of events, Paterson will strike a tone of "optimism," emphasizing the need for state leaders "to get back to work," his aide said, adding the occasion wouldn't be used to outline new policy initiatives.

Paterson, 53, spent yesterday memorizing his remarks at his house in an Albany suburb. He also discussed pressing issues with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan), according to Silver's spokesman.

Paterson will be the state's first black governor and the nation's second legally blind governor. He's expected to recount his refusal to learn Braille and insistence on being mainstreamed in public schools in Hempstead to "rally the troops" and speak of "the importance of creating a state where you can achieve great things if you work hard," his aide said.

At the Capitol yesterday, broadcast technicians tested cameras in preparation for the 1 p.m. ceremony in the majestic Assembly chamber. Dignitaries expected to attend include Sens. Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who came to office after her predecessor was engulfed by a corruption scandal.

Paterson is only the third person in modern times to reach New York's Executive Mansion after its previous occupant resigned. In 1973, Lt. Gov. Malcolm Wilson succeeded Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, who stepped down to head a federal commission. And in 1913, acting Gov. Martin H. Glynn took over after the impeachment of Gov. William Sulzer on charges of campaign-finance irregularities.

Paterson, however, is the first to be sworn in before a joint session of the Legislature followed by a formal address.

Political experts advised him against dwelling on Spitzer's fall from grace.

"It was so odd, so weird. ... I don't think there's any great healing or anything like that has to occur," said political scientist Jeffrey Stonecash of Syracuse University. " needs to get on with the business of government."

Richard M. Bivone of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, invited to the ceremony, agreed. "I'm expecting to hear unity, working together ... because when people elect officials to represent them, they want to see things get done."