Welcome Governor David A. Paterson

I'm told the Governor is finishing up a (4.00 / 2)

phone call and will be with us in a minute or two.

everyone got questions ready?

TODAY is day one. It always is.

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by: phillip anderson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:02:45 PM UTC

Thanks, Phillip. (4.00 / 2)

I hope it was a good time for your readers.

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 21:07:12 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thank you, Governor (4.00 / 1)

Don't be a stranger now, OK? You are always welcome here.

TODAY is day one. It always is.

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by: phillip anderson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 21:09:57 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Bottle Bill (4.00 / 5)

Welcome, Governor.

In the past, you've been a vocal supporter of the "Bigger, Better Bottle Bill," which closes a loophole in the original law that allows beverage companies to keep hundreds of millions of dollars worth of unclaimed deposits.  In these tough economic times, closing this loophole could go a long way towards keeping New York's recycling programs operational and keeping our state parks open.  Have you thought about renewing your focus on this issue in the coming budget?

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by: bbill @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:04:14 PM UTC

Welcome Governor Paterson (4.00 / 2)

Governor Paterson,

It's an honor to have you here today. Thank you for coming to humble abode.

My question for you is about the economy and the future of the economy here in New York. We are looking at hard times ahead in New York. The state is losing revenues due to the problems on Wall Street, people are suffering with high tax bills and high costs to heat their homes and jobs have been leaving the state, especially here in upstate and Western New York.

How do we find balance in these times? How do we create jobs and invest in business here in New York when the state is hurting? Can we do it?

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by: robert.harding @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:05:48 PM UTC

We're honored to have you here, Governor, thank you so much for coming (4.00 / 2)

I have 3 initial questions for you:

1) The comission on local government and competitiveness seems to have fallen off the radar.  What is your commitment to bring about the much-needed consolidation of municipal entities in NY?

2) You recently suggested that you might pull NY out of the regional greenhouse gas initiative- since then reports have come to light that because of increased energy costs to consumers, NY will likely have significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than the cap of the RGGI.  In that light are you still considering pulling out, or would you be willing to consider reducing the cap further to reflect the this recent trend?

3) On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most likely), how confident are you of the Democratic takeover of the State Senate this year?

Thanks again for your time, Governor.

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by: Roatti @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:06:41 PM UTC

Senate Majority (4.00 / 4)

I will take question 3 first.  I would give the Democrats an 8. The races are all close but the democratic incumbents for the most part seem safe, while several opportunities to pick up seats in GOP districts do exist. I would suggest that the GOP's suggestion that they will pick up seats and there assertion that all of their members are safe are copies of their own press releases from "04 and '06 when as minority leader I suggested we would win seats.  Therefore, I ask you, who do you believe?  

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:31:38 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I take your word over theirs any day, Governor (4.00 / 1)

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by: Roatti @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:36:27 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thanks, Roatti. (4.00 / 2)

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 21:07:56 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Education Cutbacks (4.00 / 3)

I am a senior in high school getting ready to apply to colleges. I have read about the cutbacks happening at the CUNY and SUNY schools and I am hesitant to apply to SUNY schools. How will these massive cutbacks affect the quality of education in the SUNY system. What are your feelings about this situation?

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by: robowarren @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:07:27 PM UTC

SUNY (4.00 / 3)

Thank you for your question.  People may be surprised to know that NYS imports more students who attend our colleges and universities than any other state in the country.  Unlike CA and MASS, NY does not fully realize the economic potential of the learning that takes place within our borders.  I am very hesitant to make cuts to SUNY, which has already sustained a 10% cut with all state agencies in this years budget.  However, I cannot commmit to no further reductions.  With the need for a $2 billion cut to the current budget on top of what we've already cut and an enacted budget that was leaner than the proposed budget I received when I took office. The Comptroller estimated Monday that our '09-'10 budget deficit may exceed $8billion.  I am afraid that it may be even greater than that when we get the final figures from Wall Street's losses in th 4th quarter of this year.  I fully sympathize with your concern based on my career of supporting State Colleges and Universities, we are required by law to close these budget gaps.  I am working to determine the areas where we can reduce budget growth and cut spending without cutting education of any kind. However, and not to restate the issue -- these are deficits that are over twice anything anyone has ever witnessed in the past.  All this said -- SUNY will continue to offer a top-quality education to New Yorkers and others and we will aim to keep that standard and even improve it.    

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:24:09 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thank you Governor! (4.00 / 1)

I really appreciate you taking the time to do this town hall-esque forum!

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by: robowarren @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:28:19 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Question (4.00 / 4)

Welcome, Governor Paterson.

As the financial crisis continues, it is becoming more and more apparent that the State of NY is over-concentrated in the financial services sector.  The growth of the blogosphere can be viewed as an innovation in a new technology/communicative medium.  Are you willing to consider supporting or sponsoring a blogosphere-based effort at business creation and industrial revitalization?  If not, what approach will Empire State Development be using to spur development of  new jobs to replace those that are being lost?

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by: robinia @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:07:53 PM UTC

good (4.00 / 1)

question.

TODAY is day one. It always is.

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by: phillip anderson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:11:26 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Too good, apparently. (0.00 / 0)

Or, maybe that volunteer head of ESD is too concerned about the status of his bank to answer phone calls on the ESD line, even from the Governor's office.  If any aides or anything are left around, I would appreciate knowing what, if any, strategy the ESD is currently using.  

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by: robinia @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 21:13:20 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Your work on marriage equality (4.00 / 1)

Govenor!  We're excited that you're here.  Thanks so much for taking the time to get involved with TAP.

You stepped up before the federal government on the AIG crisis.  Now that we have a bailout package at the federal level, I'm wondering what your reaction is to the steps that were taken?

Do you think that congress took the right steps?  What would you do differently?  What still needs to be done?

Thanks

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by: dunnzo @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:09:45 PM UTC

Bailout? (4.00 / 1)

While I support the bailout for the simple reason that you have to put the fire out in the barn, I was amazed that my colleagues in Washington have so much faith in the Dept of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve.  In fact, the Federal grant to Goldman Sachs of Morgan Stanley, the only 2 surviving investment banks to similarly become commercial deposit banks reverses the theory of the Glass-Steigel legislation of 1933 that there must be proper regulation and distance between proprietary and public banking. When the Federal Reserve was founded, President Woodrow Wilson did not want to have private banking maintaining overwhelming control over our national monetary system. This is a struggle that has continued since the founding of this country and each time we have bequeathed more power and less regulation we have faced economic unrest and uncertainty.  I would hope that the Presidential candidates who keep promoting transparency and risk-management will recognize that the bailout legislation gave unfettered control, not even subject to DOJ review to the Treasury who is likely to just pass it directly along to the Fed.    

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:58:11 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Assembly and Senate Staff Payrolls (4.00 / 1)

Governor,

Thanks for taking the time to speak with us.

Given the serious state of New York State's financial condition, are you going to push for starting to help at home by mandating that NYS Assembly and Senate reduce their payrolls?

We're all cutting back. Can our government set an example for us?

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by: BTGould @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:10:20 PM UTC

Payrolls (4.00 / 1)

My first day in office I cut the state agencies by 3.35% -- saving $500 million plus.  After hearing that our budget was in a $630 million deficit, I absorbed all of that through cutting state agencies an additional 7% -- totaling over 10% reductions. I have not specifically requested that the legislature take any specific action but I was surprised to hear when some of them were evaluating my actions without volunteering any of their own. Would you mind if I passed on your suggestion to the legislative leaders?  

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:51:10 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Would I mind? (4.00 / 1)

Be my guest! And don't take "no" for an answer!

Thanks for listening Governor.  

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by: BTGould @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 21:12:29 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

The CIO/NYS Office for Technology (4.00 / 1)

The leadership for this agency lacks competent strategic goals. They know very little about the inner workings of the agency. Does the governor have any specific plans to improve the performance of CIO/OFT?  

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by: The Falcon @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:11:52 PM UTC

2 more questions (4.00 / 1)

1) Do you have any future plans for Spitzer's initiative on making SUNY into a world-class system?

2) Under what circumstances would you support a millionaries' tax to help balance the budget?

Thanks again!

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by: Roatti @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:12:48 PM UTC

Taxes (0.00 / 0)

All of the legislative leaders have ruled out an increase in taxes of any sort to close the current deficit.  I join them in being hopeful that with an impending $8billion in deficit next year that we will avoid debating this more.  The problem with taxation in this state, regardless of who is asked to pay is that the resources haven't been applied to reducing deficits but merely to sustain new spending.  This is what we did in 2003 when we were forced to tax the wealthiest New Yorkers based on the effects of the Sept 11th attacks yet we dedicated the proceeds to other programs.  If we can close next year's budget gaps without any new tax policies, then at least if they raise the issue, we will be assured that increased taxes would be used to further deficit reduction and to lessen our $6 billion annual payment to our debt.  That is a smart use of tax dollars.    

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 21:05:10 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Governor Paterson, (4.00 / 4)

I, as both a young person and a resident of the Mohawk valley, witness how year after year High School and College graduates are forced to move away from the Mohawk valley and their family to find jobs.  MY question is, what can we do to bring more jobs and keep people in the Mohawk Valley?

thanks
Jeff

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by: herkimerprogressive @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:13:22 PM UTC

that one's (4.00 / 2)

A classic across NYS West of the Hudson Valley.  Thanks for asking it.

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by: robinia @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:16:22 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Jobs (4.00 / 3)

Yesterday Advanced Micro Devices and Advanced Technology Investment Co combined to provide $2.1 billion to build a nanotech research facility in Malta, in Saratoga county.  Over the next 5 years they have pledged to raise 3.6 to $6 bllion more dollars to a facility that will employ nearly 1,500 workers and another 1,600 jobs for construction that will begin in 2009.  This research operation has a chance to become a hub for technical business development all around this state, including where you live in the Mohawk Valley.  There is no geographic location in this country that yields this opportunity.  In addition we are still benefiting from $600 million we have procured for stem cell and other research endeavors, and there are still opportunities for projects in other sectors.  We have noticed that the Southeast Asian and Chinese facilities that have become the epicenter of out-sourced employment has become nearly saturated with companies now starting to move back to the US.  We are talking to companies about relocating to New York where their transportation and energy costs will be far lower.  Oddly enough, the regional model of production is more favored in an economic downturn -- and we plan to take full advantage of this.  

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:38:36 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

So where is he? (0.00 / 0)

I have questions ready :-)

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by: Michael Bouldin @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:15:27 PM UTC

I am right here Bouldin! (4.00 / 3)

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:45:21 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thank you, Phillip (4.00 / 6)

It's a pleasure to be here this afternoon. Yes, the Mets bullpen needs some serious work.

To answer a logistical question, I have Brian Keeler sitting here with me asking me your questions and he will do his best to keep up with my answers. (Typist's note, yes I will, but let's keep expectations low).

To address your first question...

Nov.11 is the first date I've asked the leaders to submit their proposal to cut 2 billion dollars from the budget.

Since we have closed the deficit already, my reservation is that while NY's over all revenues are derived by a 20% remittance from wall Street, the % for the first quarter of 09 should comprise 30% of the budget, therefore the continuing downgrade of wall st. bonuses and capital gains taxes, suggest that we will be lucky that an 800 million dollar cut will sustain us until APril 1.

On Nov. 18 both houses will meet at which time we will reopen the budget process and radify the agreements toward that end.

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:15:33 PM UTC

Hey, governor (4.00 / 4)

Thanks for joining us. So here's my question: we here in blogdom have been working hard to get the Brodsky Telecom Bill passed. The bill builds out broadband access to 85% of the state, and will be a huge boon to underserved rural areas.

Would you be willing to advance such a bill?

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by: Michael Bouldin @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:25:26 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Aqueduct VLT'S (4.00 / 2)

Hello Governor Patterson,

I am a horse racing fan, thoroughbred horse owner and breeder, awaiting the long time coming benefits of the VLT's at Aqueduct Racetrack.  Will this decision be made before or after the upcoming elections, and how soon thereafter will the VLT's be up and producing revenue?

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by: luke @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:15:58 PM UTC

VLT's (4.00 / 1)

The decision to select a VLT operator at Aqueduct would already have been made but we thought it more prudent to conduct a 10-day inquiry regarding the financial stability of the 3 competitors.  This research seems to indicate that the finances of all the parties is sound.  When it is completed this week, an announcement will be forthcoming.  

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:40:53 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

VLT's (0.00 / 0)

Thank you Governor Patterson for your reply.  Is "forthcoming" defined as next week, or sometime in the distant future, as the horse world and NY taxpayers have been waiting, somewhat patiently, since 2001?

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by: luke @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:47:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thank you Governor... (4.00 / 1)

Governor Paterson, how do you think that you can use your position to help cities and 'urban' areas like Batavia (my hometown), as in small towns or cities surrounded by farm areas?

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by: daniel.jones @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:17:32 PM UTC

Greening SUNY and the Bills moving (4.00 / 1)

Welcome to Governor Paterson, and hello from the Buffalo suburbs, where the only team truly based in NYS is 4-1!

Both of my parents work at Buffalo State College, a SUNY school, and it's vastly underutilized in terms of green initiatives... cogeneration, new sustainable housing, lack of a program for biking through campus and the Elmwood strip, all of which is nearby. I've noticed that with the exception of UB and it's 2020 plan, there's a stunning lack of initiatives being taken at SUNY schools, where I think there's a big opportunity. What's your opinion on what can be done?

Also, I'm sure you know that Ralph Wilson, the owner of the Bills, has no will, which leaves the team up to auction when he passes away. I know the Bills have started playing a game a year in Toronto, which is helpful to entice a Buffalo-area buyer to step in, but that doesn't matter if a higher bidder wants to move the team to Los Angeles anyway. What can state government do to help the team stay?

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by: Adam Bink @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:19:13 PM UTC

Questions for McCain when he comes to NY (4.00 / 1)

Governor,

The last debate will be here in our state.  What questions would you ask the canidates that haven't been asked yet?  

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by: dunnzo @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:20:13 PM UTC

Debate Questions... (4.00 / 2)

This is an easy one.  Last night i would've liked to hear more questions about education, a woman's right to choose and I didn't hear any responses from the candidates to the state's of CA and MA request for federal intervention to keep their budget's going.  One point that surprised me was Senator McCain seemed so enamored of nuclear energy and its perceived safety, yet he seemed to still be arguing for solar, wind and geothermal energy. Fact is, we need to use nuclear as a bridge to those upgraded sources -- we don't need to use Senator McCain's approach.  

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:28:09 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Green Jobs (4.00 / 2)

Upstate NY is already starting to lead the way in wind energy production.  Can you see turning our economy towards green industry as a way of revitalizing upstate and turning around our state's economy as a whole?

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by: Jrathman @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:21:09 PM UTC

And on that note (4.00 / 2)

How do you see the development of offshore wind farms as a way to spur economic growth and reduce energy costs downstate?

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by: Roatti @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:22:52 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Science & Math Education (4.00 / 1)

Governor Paterson:

I teach science to high school students here in NY.

Attracting companies like AMD to move here and open plants is great, since it will lessen our reliance on financial services and their wicked cycles. However, how can our state ever hope to be a power in Technology-based businesses unless we improve the quality of the science education we are giving our students?

My school system spends more on language ed, special ed, health ed, civics and lunch than it does on science. I haven't had new lab supplies in 4 years, and I've got 28 kids sharing 12 bench spaces in the lab.

Where are our priorities? We have great kids, great university science programs and great tech companies, but we aren't training our kids to take part.

I hope you can help.  

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by: HSTeachIam @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:27:43 PM UTC

Campaign finance reform (4.00 / 4)

In the Senate, you were a champion of "Clean Money, Clean Elections" (CMCE) campaign finance reform -- you even sponsored the bill that your successor, Malcolm Smith, has now sponsored.

Given the amount of money that is spent, or revenues lost, due to lobbying by special interest groups, and the examples of other changes resulting from CMCE elsewhere (Maine's prescription drug program and Arizona's land sales revenues are examples), do you believe that we should push through a CMCE bill as part of the economic difficulties we currently face?

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by: Dan Jacoby @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:29:28 PM UTC

Yeah-- (4.00 / 2)

Citizen Action's recent report on the connection between contributions to the Republican Senate and high health insurance rates in NY (AND high profits, too) makes you wonder if we can continue to afford to NOT have Clean Money Clean Elections...

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by: robinia @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:32:55 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

CMCE (4.00 / 2)

I think we should support CMCE at any time and have a bill which proposes changes that would limit the influence of money in politics and put the focus back on merit. It is unfortunate that so much time is spent growing one's coffers to run for reelection.  It must have a psychological effect when you are devoting so much time to this and the resources used to run campaigns.  

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:44:06 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

We will quote this response, thanks Governor (0.00 / 0)

But please note that the effect of campaigns dependent on moneyed interests is more than psychological.

Considering the FINANCIAL cost of energy policies greased by big oil, and of financial deregulation by pols subsidized by Wall Street, we can't afford NOT to enact CMCE,
expecially in a budget crisis.

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by: Albanius @ Thu Oct 09, 2008 at 06:22:05 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Moving I-81 underground (0.00 / 0)

Another quick one-

My boyfriend is now teaching at Syracuse University, and we both agree I-81 cutting through the heart of the city is not only an eyesore, but it hinders development. Do you agree, and what are the chances of a Big Dig project or diverting the expressway out of the way so condos and other development can happen?

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by: Adam Bink @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:41:05 PM UTC

Putting the Gowanus expy underground and rail over the Tappan Zee (0.00 / 0)

How high priorities are these of yours, and what are your thoughts on their financing?

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by: Roatti @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:45:43 PM UTC

Budget cuts (0.00 / 0)

Thanks for coming on, Governor. I work in the EOP program at Buffalo State College. With state budget cuts looming in the future, will financial support for opportunity programs (EOP and HEOP) be affected in any way?

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by: Lily Bink @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 20:50:32 PM UTC

Term limits (4.00 / 1)

Ron Lauder released a statement this afternoon regarding the term limits deal he made with Mayor Bloomberg.  It proves that the deal would give Bloomberg (and current 2nd-term City Council members and Borough Presidents) a third term, but deny it to anyone else in the future.

It's available on Azi's and Liz's blogs.

Care to comment?

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by: Dan Jacoby @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 21:04:35 PM UTC

Great Questions.... (4.00 / 3)

Thank you, Phillip and to everyone at The Albany Project. Let's do this again.

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 21:06:34 PM UTC

I think I speak for all of us when I say (4.00 / 3)

thanks again. Let's definitely do this again. We'd be more than happy to have you anytime.

Thanks, Governor.

TODAY is day one. It always is.

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by: phillip anderson @ Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 21:11:13 PM UTC

[ Parent ]