Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Return of O'Byrne? Paterson Consider Rehiring "Non-Filer"
By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 20, 2009
Modified Feb 20, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 20, 2009
Modified Feb 20, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
When your staff is reportedly in disarray, it's time to rehire the former chief of staff who owed over $300,000 in taxes, right? Governor Paterson told reporters that he'd consider it!
Last fall it was revealed that Charles O'Byrne hadn't paid a number of years of taxes, claiming he was depressed. After that baffling excuse, O'Byrne eventually resigned. When asked by reporters about O'Byrne yesterday, the governor said, "Charles O'Byrne made a mistake. ... He paid for it and underwent some pretty severe public criticism."
As it happens, the NY Postsuggested O'Byrne's return yesterday in an editorial and PAterson admitted the Post's piece made him think about it. However, he emphasized that he hadn't spoke to his former right hand man, but "It's certainly a conversation that I would have. People make mistakes, you know, but they deserve a second chance after they've paid for what they've done." The NY Times got a snarky comment from Senate minority leader Dean Skelos: "It speaks to a troubling pattern among Democrats in Washington, as well as New York. I guess the real message here is that Democrats have no problem raising taxes, just paying them.”
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 17, 2026 at 11:36 a.m. ET
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans. We could get used to this.
Seeing high hopes dashed had become so routine, it was part of our identity. This year feels different.
By
Catalina Gonella
News
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans. We could get used to this.
Seeing high hopes dashed had become so routine, it was part of our identity. This year feels different.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Deer are all over New Jersey roads looking for sex, state officials warn
By
Rosemary Misdary
Man messaged 'I got straight poison' before giving NYC college students fentanyl, feds say
By
Samantha Max
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .