Paterson to visit NNY Sunday

ALBANY — The governor is coming to Watertown.

On Sunday, Gov. David A. Paterson will hold a town hall meeting with area residents from 5 to 6 p.m. at the North Side Improvement League, 633 Mill St.

This will be the governor's first upstate appearance following his State-of-the-State address Wednesday.

"The governor thinks it's important to talk to people in person," said spokesman Morgan Hook, adding this is the fourth such town hall event Gov. Paterson has conducted since taking office last March.

The meeting is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Attendees are asked to RSVP online, beginning on Tuesday at

www.ny.gov/governor/townhalls.

This does not constitute a reservation but rather gives organizers an idea of how many people plan to attend. Attendees may submit questions for the governor online, or by filling out a card at the door before the meeting begins.

Brian Ashley of WWNY-TV will moderate the informal event, at which attendees may ask questions of the governor or offer their comments on state-related issues.

The town hall meeting will not be televised.