David Paterson nominated for MTA board

Former Gov. David A. Paterson has been nominated by his successor to join the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, state and transit officials announced Monday.

Paterson was nominated by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and must be confirmed by the state Senate.

The ex-governor would replace East Hampton transportation executive Nancy Shevell on the MTA board. Shevell, 52, resigned in January after marrying former Beatle Paul McCartney last October.

"Gov. Paterson has dedicated his life to working for the people of this state and I am excited that he will continue his public service at the MTA," Cuomo said in a statement released by his office. "Gov. Paterson's energy, expertise, and experience will benefit the millions of New Yorkers who rely on the MTA every day. I look forward to working together as we continue to reform the MTA and improve service for New Yorkers."

Paterson, a former Senate Minority Leader and the state's first African-American chief executive, moved into the governor's mansion in March 2008 when Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned amid a sex scandal. Paterson briefly explored running for a full term in 2010, but abandoned his campaign.

His three-year term as governor was marked by controversies over a domestic abuse case involving a staffer and allegations that Paterson had lied under oath when he was accused of improperly soliciting World Series tickets.

Paterson hosts a daily radio show on WOR/710 AM.

In a statement, MTA chairman and chief executive Joseph J. Lhota said he welcomed Paterson's nomination.

"I have known the former governor for 35 years and look forward to the opportunity to work with him again," Lhota said. "He has long shared the governor's commitment to our mission of providing safe, efficient and effective transportation to more than 8.5 million riders every day. Once confirmed by the Senate, former Gov. Paterson will bring a unique and practical perspective, particularly with respect to issues affecting minority communities and disabled New Yorkers. I look forward to former Gov. Paterson bringing to our board deliberations the charm, wit and compassion he has shown throughout his public life."

With Alfonso A. Castillo