Not Spitzer After All: Paterson Apologizes for 'Vacation' Remark About Legislators
In a press conference at his midtown office about the fiscal crisis this morning, David Paterson apologized for suggesting that Albany legislators were on “vacation.”
“I meant, the period after July that we’re not in session,” he said just now. He went on to say that “the legislators point out, correctly, they’re in their district offices” when not in Albany. The vacation line stood out yesterday because it was much more reminiscent of the way Eliot Spitzer related to state lawmakers than of Paterson's less assertive style.
Trying to put that imagery behind him, Paterson said today, “I am not going to have an acrimonious relationship with the legislature.”
Actually, most New York State Legislators are on vacation when they are in Albany. At home they are campaigning, but when they are in session what do they do? They go to dinner, they go to receptions, and they show up to vote for the things that their leadership tell them to. The myth that these guys work is like the myth that the legislature is only a part-time job. Sure, a lot of the legislators have other jobs, but mostly they are jobs that exist for them to funnel graft.
Bill, no offense, but you sound like someone who believes what he reads in newspapers. Maybe even works at one. If not, you should consider a career in journalism.
White Cat, no offense, but you sound like someone who believes that he isn't an ass jack, when in reality he is.