As rumored, New York Governor David Paterson named former MTA Chairman Richard Ravitch to the vacant position of Lieutenant Governor. The move signals Paterson's intention to guarantee that New York state politics will be embroiled in stasis and legal maneuvering until the end of time. The appointment was hailed by Albany correspondents throughout the state as "a bold step that will protect our journalism careers for at least another few months."
Thursday, July 9, 2009
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Setting aside the politics, Ravitch is a really amazing person. It is well known that he "saved the subways" from the Moses legacy - but it is little known that he organized MTA employees to create a pension fund for Moses's widow Mary Grady after Moses's death - she was left with virtually nothing. Surprisingly kind for an outwardly scary guy, is Richard Ravitch.
Agreed that the constitutional/statutory authority for this appointment is muddled, but I feel sympathy for Paterson. Given that the Senate has completely refused to respond to his calling them into daily session, suspending pay, etc., what other options does he have? I figure it's either this, or sue for an injunction to force them to pick a leader (or commit to a power-sharing agreement)--which hardly seems like a better alternative.