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Governor Paterson: "We're Going to Work Together"

Jen Chung

Published Mar 17, 2008

Modified Mar 17, 2008

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Jen Chung

Published Mar 17, 2008

Modified Mar 17, 2008

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Photograph of Paterson being sworn in by Chief Judge Judith Kaye by Mary Altaffer/AP

David Paterson was sworn in at NY State's 55th governor today, in the standing-room State Assembly chambers and those gathered gave him a two-minute standing ovation, "David! David! David!"

In his speech, Paterson said, "In so many ways we woke this morning to a not so ordinary day. Today like we always do, in spite of the obstacles or circumstances... We move forward... This transition today is an historic message to the world: That we live by the same values that we profess, and we are a government of laws, not individuals."

He referred to the "work to be done" and mentioned issues like the looming budget, affordable housing, health care, and property taxes. "I can believe we can weather the storm, I've worked for New Yorkers my whole life. I don't know the path yet because we haven't blazed the trail, and I think you all know I know a little something about finding my way in the dark." And at the end, he said, "Let me reintroduce myself. I am David Paterson. And I am the governor of New York state!"

Paterson also made jokes, including one about only going to dinner with State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno if he could bring a food taster, and recalled when his then-new stepdaughter Ashley told him to get over himself.

Three governors - Jon Corzine of NJ, Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, and Jodi Rell of Connecticut - attended as did Senators Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton, Representative Charles Rangel former Governor Pataki, former Mayor David Dinkins, former Mayor Ed Koch, and Mayor Bloomberg. Clinton said, "I'm honored to be here; I wouldn't be anywhere else. There's a lot of business for the state to do; I've got a lot of confidence in him."

You can listen to Paterson's speech here. Flash from the past: Chief Judge Judith Kaye, who swore in Paterson, became the highest judge in NY State after Sol Wachtler stepped down because of a sex scandal.

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governor paterson

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Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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