New York
 David
A. Paterson
Governor
David A. Paterson was sworn in as the 55th governor of New York State on
March 17, 2008, after having served as lieutenant governor since January
2007.
Governor Paterson was born in 1954 in Brooklyn, New York. A graduate of
Columbia University and Hofstra Law School, he served in the Queens district
attorney office and the Dinkins campaign for Manhattan borough president. He
has served in the New York senate since 1985, and was elected senate
minority leader in 2002.
Governor Paterson works for change – both by who he is and what he stands
for. He was the first non-white legislative leader in New York’s history and
the state’s first African-American lieutenant governor. Legally blind, he
has worked for the rights of the blind and visually impaired. Among his
priorities as lieutenant governor were reducing domestic violence,
increasing use of renewable energy, funding for stem cell research,
developing minority and women-owned businesses, and supporting the arts. He
has also worked on campaign finance reform. As he assumes the governorship,
he calls for New Yorkers and their leaders to come together to more forward
with a focus on public service.
Governor Paterson and his wife Michelle have a son and daughter.
|
