In the comment section of my last diary, Let me Re-Introduce Myself. I am David Paterson and I am the Governor of New York State, commenter tung sol made the following observation about visiting Daily Kos:
governor paterson...
just remember that you'll be getting an earful here, both good and bad. we're not shy and hopefully you won't be either... as a fellow new yorker i'm rooting for you and the great state of new york.
tung sol was right...and I should add that after reading all 539 comments, this community isn't short of ideas and opinions.
First, let me say, it is heartening to see such passion for and knowledge of policy and politics. I also want to thank everyone for their welcomes and best wishes. It is good to be here.
I want to respond to each comment, but that would, in short, not be possible. However, I do want to address the easiest and most obvious observation made in that thread by PSUDevon:
Lets go METS
Being from New York, I'm ashamed to say I don't know more about your policies. But from seeing you on SNY last year, I know I can trust you. If I can trust a Mets fan, who can I trust! Good luck, and Lets go Mets!
Devon, the Mets were in need of some serious bullpen help and they seem to have gotten some.
There were many other thoughtful questions and concerns brought up in response to the diary.
From OrangeClouds115's point about the economics of food (point noted), to Bag OHammers' willingness to sacrifice in tough times, to GoldnI's observation that the virtual Town Hall on The Albany Project was done on a Mac; I am convinced this community has more on its mind than just elective politics.
But now for the hard stuff. Most of the comments had some integral relationship with the state budget; taxes, cuts and savings. They addressed a wide range of important topics; the MTA, High Speed Transit, property taxes, green cities, the upstate economy and the state university system. All pressing issues that we are dealing with.
But let me address the larger budgetary issue and by doing so, hopefully it will put your questions in the fiscal context I deal with every day.
New York is at the epicenter of the national financial crisis, and I have repeatedly called on both our state legislature and Congress to do what is necessary to help local government help balance the budget. But, as HylasBrook pointed out in the comments:
During the campaign, many politicians talked about thinking about Main Street instead of just Wall Street. Unfortunately, in New York state Wall Street IS Main Street. So, because Wall Street is imploding, there are fewer - much fewer - tax dollars for Main Streets all across the state.
However, this problem goes beyond a one time spending cut. As I wrote in a New York Post editorial:
New York state is like an ocean liner that has collided with a massive iceberg. The collapse on Wall Street has opened a $1.5 billion gash in our budget for the current fiscal year, a $12.5 billion gaping hole for next year and an unbelievable $47 billion gap over the next four years. How significant are these numbers? Consider that the $12.5 billion gap for next year represents one-fifth of our state's entire General Fund. In other words, we are taking on water, and we must do massive repairs before our state sinks.
Many of you commented about avoiding education and health care budget cuts, and I agree that any reduction in these areas are painful and certainly not on anyone's wish list. However, taken together, education and health care represent over half of our budget. The simple reality is that we cannot begin to close our budget gaps without addressing them. As as State Senator from Harlem, I know from experience the effect that cuts can have, which is why we need to cut smartly.
Some of you suggested ways to increase tax revenues as a way out. tbetz proposed a return of the Securities Transfer Tax and neroden pushed for progressive income tax increases. I appreciate suggestions to increase the revenue side of the ledger, but tax increases during a crisis such as this is something I'm going to work hard to avoid.
To help the revenue end of the budget, I've traveled to Washington to ask Congress to pass a stimulus package that includes direct help to the states and money for infrastructure renewal. That is a double positive in that it helps us with long overdue repairs while creating jobs. In New York, an economic stimulus would be put into action within a month, with 40 "shove-ready" transportation and 58 wastewater projects ready to go.
But we can't wait for Congress to act. We have to take care of our fiscal house and get it in order, and there isn't a single area of our government that is not going to feel the pain.
We will do our best to make our state government work better for less, but we also have to take the steps necessary to keep our state solvent.
I know no one likes to hear news like that, but when I took office I decided to speak as directly as I knew how about challenges we have ahead and to work as hard as I can to address them and make our state whole again.
I'm planning on coming back to this community frequently over the coming months, but, in the meantime, I would like you to take a moment and please visit my website, PatersonForNY.com and sign up for my email list. The form is on the upper right corner of every page. I want to keep the members of this community up to date, and, as you know, when it comes to politics 2.0, a strong email list is the foundation of a strong campaign. I'm hoping I can count on your support.
Governor David A. Paterson
PS. Considering the recent news, I know there will be many comments and suggestions regarding my selection to replace Senator Clinton.
First of all, let me say that we are proud that Senator Clinton has been selected to be our new Secretary of State, and I will announce my selection for Senator Clinton's replacement once she is confirmed.
My responsibility as Governor is to appoint an individual who shows integrity, who has bold ideas to put our state back on track, and who will work with President Obama and Congress to move our country forward. Let me assure you that I take this responsibility seriously, and I will appoint our next Senator based on what's in the best interest of the State of New York.