MEYER'S MUSINGS: ‘The truth detector’ helps analyze feedback from Paterson’s decision
By: DANIEL MEYER
SUN EDITOR
New York State Governor David Paterson’s announcement last week that he will not seek a full term as governor resulted in statements being released from various power brokers across the state.
While they did the politically correct thing in thanking Paterson for his efforts, we all know there is more to what they are REALLY thinking.
So what thoughts are actually dancing through the minds of these fine folks?
Thanks to the magical powers of a special device known as “the truth detector,” I was able to detect what was true and what was political rhetoric as we analyze the remarks delivered about Paterson’s decision to not run this fall thanks to a machine that always tells the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth:
• What State Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs said — “By announcing his decision to not seek a full term as governor, David Paterson has clearly shown his commitment to the people of the State of New York, the Democratic Party and his colleagues in government. His personal sacrifices underscore his character and courage in a most difficult time for him personally. The governor’s action today reminds us of what it means to be a true public servant by putting the people first.”
Truth Detector Analysis — Jacobs sat the governor down last week and told him they were not leaving the room until Paterson guaranteed Jacobs that he was pulling out of the race.
Of course there’s still that question of what to do with the 5,000 newly ordered “Paterson For The People” lawn signs. Perhaps a mysterious overnight warehouse fire that is covered for tax purposes will take care of that.
• What Republican Assemblyman and Minority Leader Brian Kolb said — “Governor Paterson’s expected announcement that he will not stand for election was the right thing to do. We are fast approaching our state’s April 1 fiscal deadline when the budget is due. We need to get back to business and work toward passing an on-time, fiscally responsible budget. New York State cannot afford any more of these distractions.”
Truth Detector Analysis — No mention of Rick Lazio, the Republican’s choice for governor. Hmmm....
• What State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said — “The governor has made a wise choice to end his election campaign. Now he needs to make another wise choice and designate Lieutenant Governor Ravitch to negotiate the budget with the Legislature. The circumstances are difficult and the budget clock is ticking. New Yorkers can’t afford a government distracted during these rough economic times. Ravitch has the integrity and experience to negotiate what will be a very difficult budget. I’ve already had a number of discussions with the lieutenant governor about the budget. Now my office is prepared to take the next step. As the budget process continues, my staff is available to provide an independent analysis of revenue and spending proposals to ensure they are reasonable before the budget is passed.”
Truth Detector Analysis — This is spot on. Spoken like a man in the know who actually understands the monumental financial crisis that New York is facing.
If Ravitch wants to pull apart Paterson’s proposed spending plan line-by-line and hammer out something that actually reduces spending, let him have at it.
• What Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said — “I am sure this is a difficult choice and a sad day for the governor and his family. It is in the best interests of all New Yorkers that the state government function through this difficult time and address the pressing budgetary problems we face. This is an election year and I will announce my plans at the appropriate time. I will continue to focus on my job as attorney general and the many important issues we are pursuing.”
Truth Detector Analysis — Mission accomplished.
(Daniel Meyer is a columnist for the Weekly Independent Newspapers of Western New York, a consortium of community-based weekly newspapers in Erie and Niagara counties with a combined circulation of over 75,000 homes. E-mail comments to: meyersmusings@gmail.com. Opinions expressed here are those of the author.)
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