Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Paterson Probe: A Conflict of Interest for Cuomo?
By
Sabrina Jaszi
Published Mar 7, 2010
Modified Mar 7, 2010
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
Sabrina Jaszi
Published Mar 7, 2010
Modified Mar 7, 2010
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
Lawmakers, especially Brooklyn councilman Charles Barron, are upset about a private meeting yesterday between Attorney General Cuomo and Lt. Gov. Ravitch. Allegedly, the two top officials were discussing the possibility of a resignation by Gov. Paterson, as well as the state budget which Ravitch is helping to write. According to NY1, “Barron said such a meeting comes too close to crossing the line in terms of conflicts of interest, as Cuomo is likely to run for governor, and that the attorney general should remove himself from the investigation of Paterson.” He and other community leaders will hold a press conference today, calling for Cuomo to disinvolve himself from the probe into Paterson’s accused wrongdoing.
Speaking of disinvolved, the Daily News brought us more insights into the recent resignation of upstanding Paterson spokesman Peter Kauffman. When he was hired on early last year, he thought that he and chief of staff Larry Schwartz could be the “grownups” in Paterson’s administration which was full of “games and nonsense,” reports a friend. But in the end, the friend says, Kauffman became fed up with the governor’s lying. "He was becoming very disillusioned ... and was really trying to weigh his obligations to public service versus his increasing concern," said the source.
Considering Paterson's missing staff members, crisis management experts think he should get out of office quickly. "Even the bridge of the Titanic needed a skeleton staff," said Bill McGowan, founder of the Clarity Media Group. If he waits, his chance at redemption will be totally shot, and the state will suffer. "If he says he's doing it for the good of the state of New York, it's a win/win situation for him," said Sanford Teller, head of his own public relations and marketing business. "From a public relations standpoint, it would almost be a heroic act. But if he waits too long, it's too late."
Tagged
andrew cuomo
Attorney General Andrew CUomo
Charles Barron
conflict of interests
crisi management
Cuomo
governor
governor paterson
larry schwartz
Lt. gov. Richard Ravitch
paterson
paterson probe
peter kauffman
quit
ravitch
resignation
step down
Sabrina Jaszi
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
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 .