Paterson sworn in as governor amid praise for his character; focus now turns to budget.

By JAMES M. ODATO, Capitol Bureau

ALBANY — Announcing his ascension to the state’s highest office, Gov. David Paterson on Monday declared himself ready to serve out the unexpired term of scandal-scarred Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

Without mentioning his disgraced former boss, Paterson gave a rousing, humorous and historic swearing-in speech that raised hopes among the 2,000 politicians and visitors in attendance.
Paterson, greeted by applause that lasted more than a minute and a half, took the oath of office at a joint session of the Legislature. The blind, 20-year veteran of the state Senate showed his gift for oratory and talent for memory, delivering a 25-minute address that listeners praised as inspirational and serious when it came to the shaky economy.

He called for “adjustments” to the budget plan Spitzer unveiled in January. Some lawmakers began talking about the possibility of a baseline budget, which would mean bare-bones spending, with a supplemental appropriations bill later in the year.

As he ascended from the lieutenant governor’s post he’s held since January 2007 to become New York’s 55th governor, Paterson, 53, displayed a humble smile and began his speech with some playful pokes at legislative leaders.

He closed it by summing up his life as an African American born in Brooklyn, educated on Long Island, and raised in Harlem, encountering racial prejudice and dealing with blindness. In a rising voice he said: “Let me reintroduce myself. I am David Paterson. And I am the governor of New York state!”

A crowd of Senate and Assembly members, lobbyists and dignitaries packed the largest chamber in the Capitol, which was filled with uncertainty early last week as Spitzer agonized over whether to quit.

“I never expected to have the honor of serving as governor,” Paterson said. “But our constitution demands it. This transition today is an historic message to the world that we live among the same values that we profess, and that we are a government of laws and not individuals. Today we can be proud of our democracy.”

Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers, said the address was “transforming” and at once repositioned Paterson from “the David we all knew, to — the governor. It sent chills.”

Considered more accepting of the legislative process than Spitzer, whose resignation took effect an hour before Paterson took the podium, the new governor said his top issues are fixing the upstate economy, making health care affordable, lowering property taxes and creating housing.

Spitzer left office after being caught in a federal investigation of a prostitution ring. The former attorney general, who had come to be disliked by many members of the Legislature, was alleged by law enforcement officials to be a repeat client of the high-priced call girls employed by Emperor’s Club VIP.

Spitzer has not publicly admitted hiring prostitutes. But in two somber press conferences last week he first apologized and later said he had failed his family and the public and would step down.

Paterson said he will focus on the future and hopes to work with the Legislature, from which he was plucked by Spitzer to be his running mate in 2006.

Republicans and Democrats alike praised his speech. Former Gov. George Pataki, recovering from recent surgery, said Paterson “set the right tone.” Governors Jon Corzine of New Jersey, Deval Patrick of Massachusetts and Jodi Rell of Connecticut also attended.
“Yesterday was yesterday. Last week has come and gone,” added Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno. He said he was cheered by Paterson and indicated he will not miss his predecessor.

“Let’s face it, there’s been tension around here for months,” Bruno said. “It’s like a new day … We are coming out of the gloom.”

“I thought he was remarkable,” said Sen. William Larkin, R-New Windsor. “You saw a new vision.”

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said Paterson faces “daunting” challenges but is starting off on the right foot. “You could feel and see in that chamber the good will.”

Some lawmakers said Paterson showed a willingness to put his ego aside. “This man is from the Legislature,” said Assemblyman James Tedisco, R-Schenectady.

“He’s not going to be dictatorial,” said Sen. Elizabeth Little, R-Queensbury. “He has a respect for the Legislature.”

Paterson’s wife, Michelle Paige Paterson, told reporters that although becoming governor was a surprise to him, her husband will prove his abilities.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton took a break from her presidential campaign to join Paterson. He has supported her candidacy and was expected to run for her seat should she gain the White House.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” she said. “I’ve got a lot of confidence in him.”

Many lawmakers chanted Paterson’s name after he took the oath of office before Judith Kaye, chief judge of the Court of Appeals.

Paterson drew laughs by poking mild jokes at all the legislative leaders.

He imitated Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s deep monotone, offered to teach Tedisco, a Union College hoops star, how to play basketball, and said he would dine with Bruno as long as his taster could accompany him.

Silver said Paterson gave a “message of hope.” But he emphasized that negotiations on the next state budget, a roughly $124 billion package, will be tricky, particularly because the Senate’s budget resolution, he said, is only a political “press release” without a financial plan.

Paterson is expected to meet with legislative leaders today to discuss the budget.

Tedisco said Paterson spoke with him on Friday about the idea of developing a “bare-bones” budget for the fiscal year beginning April 1. A supplemental budget, he said, could follow later.

Bruno said that’s an option but said he believes a full budget can be done on time.