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FIRSTS FOR N.Y.

Disability Community Welcomes New Governor

By Beth Guarino

Former Lt. Gov. David Paterson has become the 55th governor of New York state. He is the first visually impaired person to hold the office of governor in the U.S. and the first African-American governor for the state of New York.

“David Paterson has been making history since the beginning of his career and challenging public perceptions about what it means to have a disability,” according to the American Foundation for the Blind CEO and president, Carl Augusto. “Paterson has shown the world that people with vision loss can lead full and independent lives – running marathons, being a great father and husband, and becoming a major political leader.”

Paterson rose to fill the position when former Gov. Eliot Spitzer fell from grace and resigned his office. Paterson and Spitzer were elected in November, 2006; he will finish the remainder of Spitzer’s term which ends in 2010.

Reaction to Paterson’s new position has generated much comment from the disability community, which has been swift in coming and overwhelmingly positive. “He is well respected and even beloved by many in our community and we are thrilled to see one of our own ascend to so prominent a position,” said Marvin Wasserman, executive director of the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled. “David is smart, funny, deeply principled and a coalition builder. He is someone who is extremely capable restoring confidence in state government at this troubled time,” he added.

The Harlem Independent Living Center was opened as a direct result of the efforts of then Sen. Paterson and others, according to Christina Curry, executive director of HILC. “During his tenure as senator, his office was always open to HILC and his staff was invaluable to our advocacy efforts.” Gov. Paterson has been and continues to be a strong supporter of the various community groups including those for the disabled.”

Wait and See

But, with some, there is a wait and see attitude mixed in with the pleasure and praise. In a joint statement from E. M. Prentiss, vice president of legislative affairs, Disabled in Action of Metropolitan N.Y. and T.K. Small, chair of the Housing Committee for the Disabilities Network of New York City and a disability rights attorney said, “we only hope that…his personal experiences will provide an element of understanding of the importance of implementing policies and legislation vitally important to New Yorkers with disabilities including EPIC expansion, DRIE parity and visitability. His interest and concern for the community are known.

As lieutenant governor he was very involved with stem cell research, an issue important to many in the disability community.”

When he was state senator, Paterson proposed a $1 billion stem cell initiative for New York state. His preference for transparency in government dealings was made clear when he said, “There will be no back-door borrowing. This project will have the voters’ seal of approval.” He also announced oversight controls so “that the institute will not only operate for public benefit, but in open view of the public.”

Many Firsts

Paterson was first elected in 1985, where he represented Harlem in the New York state Senate. Subsequent to that, Paterson authored a list of firsts. In 2002, he was elected minority leader in the New York state Senate, the first non-white person to hold the position; in that capacity he was an ex officio member of all senate standing committees.

He guided policy and budget initiatives for the Senate Democratic Conference. He was also the ranking minority member of the Rules Committee. As the state’s first non-white legislative leader, he represented Harlem and the Upper West Side. He was the first visually impaired person to speak at the Democratic National Convention.

Two years later, he became the first African-American lieutenant governor to be elected in the state of New York. The national Democratic Party has him as its first African-American vice-chair.

Paterson was New York educated at Columbia University and Hofstra Law School. He retains a faculty position at Columbia University’s School for International and Public Affairs as an adjunct professor. As a member of Achilles Track Club, he has competed in New York City Marathons. The son of politician Basil Paterson, the younger Paterson and his wife Michelle have two children, Ashley and Alex.

Following FDR

Paterson is not the first person with a disability to occupy the governor’s chair in New York state. The most recent to Paterson is Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was the state’s 44th governor, holding the position after the onset of paralyzing polio, from 1928 to 1932 when he was elected president of the U.S.

Matthew Sapolin, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities echoed in part former Borough President C. Virginia Fields 2004 appraisal of Paterson when he said, “Gov. Paterson is an excellent leader who has a demonstrated ability to bring people together and I am confident he will effectively serve the people of New York state. The Governor can be sure that the disabled community, the network of providers, and all those connected to the disability movement are looking forward to continued progress under his leadership.”