Locals react to Paterson’s withdrawal

Embattled New York Gov. David Paterson announced last week that he was ending his bid for re-election, just days after kicking off his campaign. While many of his colleagues in government are urging him to step down, Paterson said he has no plans to leave office.

Locally, legislative leaders weighed in on Paterson’s decision not to vie for the governorship in 2010, with several saying he should step down altogether.

State Senator Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) couldn’t resist taking a shot at his Democratic colleagues in the legislature, while praising Paterson for what he said was “the right decision.”

“Governor Paterson called me and informed me that he would end his campaign for governor,” Skelos said. “I told him that Senate Republicans were prepared to move forward on a bipartisan basis to address the budget and other pressing matters, and that hopefully the Senate and Assembly Democrats, unlike last year, would do so as well.”

Larry Elovich, the former Democratic leader in Long Beach who calls Paterson a friend, and as chairman of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce made him the organization’s Person of the Year in 2009, said that he thought Paterson made the right decision to not seek reelection. “He could not get the support of the Democratic Party or the people of the state. And he has to focus on the problems that he finds himself entangled in with regarding David Johnson.”

“David Paterson worked hard for the people of New York, and he was really thrust into a very difficult position, but now it’s time to move forward,” said Long Beach Democratic leader Michael Zapson.

State Sen. Kemp Hannon said he also believed Paterson made the right choice.

“His ability to govern is totally impeded,” Hannon said. “New York State is in the most difficult financial situation in its history; solid leadership is needed immediately to control spending.”

On the other side of the aisle, Elmont State Sen. Craig Johnson (D-Garden City) said he believed Paterson’s ability to govern is compromised, and not only should he not run, but he should think about stepping down.