Focus on task
New York Gov. David A. Paterson is being investigated on two matters that will not be resolved immediately.
The state attorney general's office is inquiring whether Mr. Paterson acted improperly or possibly illegally in his contact with a woman who had accused a gubernatorial aide of domestic abuse. The governor also faces an ethical question concerning his receipt of free World Series tickets last fall.
State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo is handling these investigations and is expected to do a fair and thorough job. Gov. Paterson himself defended the choice of Mr. Cuomo for this task, even though the attorney general is considered likely to run for governor this year.
A recent Siena College poll found that two-thirds of voters would prefer a special prosecutor take over the case. But as Mr. Paterson pointed out the other day at a town hall meeting in Brooklyn, special prosecutors take their time and money is no object in their often lengthy processes.
New York state does not have unlimited time to resolve its leadership crisis because it faces a budget crisis as well. The 2010-11 budget is due April 1, and the decisions that must be made by Albany leaders would stump Solomon.
New York revenues are down, Albany is spending beyond its means and the state faces a budget deficit estimated at $9 billion next year. Tough decisions and prudent management are required.
This means that no one in Albany has the luxury of waiting until the attorney general's office has tied up all the loose ends of the Paterson investigation. Everyone, especially the governor, must try to put aside distractions and do their jobs.
It cannot be easy to govern in the environment that now exists — uncertainty, scandal, an election year.
But Gov. Paterson, who has dropped his bid to run for election, must be allowed to lead in the time that he has in office. New York needs from its leaders a competent, careful, thoughtful, cooperative effort this budget season.
We cannot afford to miss a beat. Too much is at stake.
