New York Governor

David Paterson, 53, has accomplished new strides in New York. Not only is he the first African American governor of New York, he is also the first blind governor in the nation.
Paterson has been legally blind since he was 3 months old, when an untreated ear infection spread to his optic nerve rendering him completely blind in his left eye and with 20/400 vision in his right eye.
As governor, he has reduced a record-breaking $33 billion in deficits and saved the state from insolvency. He has also laid the foundation for New York’s fiscal and economic recovery by investing in innovative high-tech and biotech industries and has leveled the playing field for minority and women owned businesses.
Although Paterson has a laundry list of accomplishments, his recent appearances in the news have been more contentious. He (or his office) has been accused of having improper contact with the ex-girlfriend of a close gubernatorial aide to pressure her to drop a domestic violence case against the aide. Paterson faces a second allegation that he lied about whether he sought free World Series tickets from the New York Yankees in violation of state ethics laws.
Because of the accusations, there has been speculation about whether or not Paterson was going to step down. Three members of his staff have quit, including Paul Kauffman, his lead spokesman, who stated that “as recent developments have come to light, I cannot in good conscience continue in my current position.”
Despite the consequences, many Black leaders, including Al Sharpton as well as and many in the Black community do not want Paterson to resign.
Last week speculations ceased as Paterson announced, “I don’t have any plans to resign. I am working on the business of the people of New York state, (and) at a certain point, I will cooperate with the investigations and will be clearing my name.”