Money, Power and Ethics

Gov. David Paterson of NY used his State of the State address to come out swinging and in his words, “draw a blueprint for turning New York into a national model of economic strength and trust in government both of which have been worn down by fiscal and ethical crises.”

In a speech many see as critical to his campaign for election, the Governor called for curbing the state's flagrant overspending and creating jobs, partly by renewing New York's once mighty manufacturing sector.

He made a strong call for more limits on the influence of special interests that, “have won more spending than New Yorkers can afford”.

The Governor said he wants to make upstate, "the back office for corporate America, particularly for the franchises that are located down state. " Paterson talked out the positives of upstate New York, including available housing stock and nearby schools and colleges. He specifically mentioned the States second largest city, Buffalo in talking about unused housing stock, saying the state will develop Buffalo's 23,000 vacant housing units.

Paterson said he wants to enforce ethics laws, set term limits for elected officials, and reduce the allowed level of campaign contributions.