Who remembers the team building spirit of Eliot Spitzer’s inaugural address in January of 2007 when he said:”Like Rip Van Winkle, the legendary character created by New York author Washington Irving, New York has slept through much of the past decade while the rest of the world has passed us by,” while outgoing Governor George Pataki sat nearby. Nice touch of class by Mr. Spitzer. Thankfully, it appears Mr. Paterson has shown some restraint in his inaugural remarks.

– Former Gov. George Pataki: “Whenever New York has faced a challenge or a difficult time we come together. And David Paterson is the type of person who will work well to bring people together. We have to put aside politics and partisanship and work in the public’s interest.”

– Attorney General Andrew Cuomo: “Gov. David Paterson … has the experience, skills and personality needed to lead this state. The recent negative developments on Wall Street serve to illustrate that significant challenges lie ahead. The governor is exactly right: We must all work together to move this state forward.”

– Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady: “His leadership skills are needed – and will be tested – more than ever, as New York struggles with a nearly $5 billion budget deficit, some of the nation’s highest property taxes, an economy – especially upstate – that is hurting and a state fiscal deadline of April 1 that is upon us.”

Read the Rest…