2008 Woodie Awards
Paterson remains popular despite controversy
Everton Bailey, Staff Writer
Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: News
It has been an eventful first three weeks in office for New York State's new governor David Paterson.
On March 18, one day after being sworn-in as the 55th governor, Patterson announced that he and his wife had both engaged in separate extramarital affairs in the past.
Six days later, the state's first African-American and legally blind governor made an appearance on a NY-1 political talk show, where he publicly admitted to using cocaine and marijuana in his 20's.
According to a March 26 Newsday article, Paterson, who rose to power after Eliot Spitzer resigned amid allegations of involvement with a prostitution ring, vowed to focus more on his duties as governor of New York.
However, despite a renewed emphasis on his governmental priorities, is Paterson's public reputation damaged beyond repair?
St. John's students say no.
"I think it's a shocker in light of the whole Spitzer scandal, but in politics, I think it's better to have everything out in the open so they won't come back to haunt you later," said fourth-year student Nermin Sarabamoun.
Sophomore Sarah Lee shared similar feelings.
"I think [revealing his past] must have been a hard decision, but I respect it because it is better than coming out with these things later," she said.
Other students also admired the former lieutenant governor's openness.
"I think honesty is the best policy," said freshman Nick Castorina. "Spitzer tried to hide what he was doing and look what happened to him."
Freshman Ali Imran said he feels the new governor's recent admissions indicated that he was "an honest citizen" and that he should be commended for it.
Sophomore Sunny Cho added, "I think it was an honorable move.
Tom Carnevale felt that Paterson's revelations show that not everyone is perfect.
"I think situations like this just goes to show that everyone has skeletons in their closet," said the freshman.
Sophomore Jason Buda said that he believes Paterson's actions were a form of damage control.
On March 18, one day after being sworn-in as the 55th governor, Patterson announced that he and his wife had both engaged in separate extramarital affairs in the past.
Six days later, the state's first African-American and legally blind governor made an appearance on a NY-1 political talk show, where he publicly admitted to using cocaine and marijuana in his 20's.
According to a March 26 Newsday article, Paterson, who rose to power after Eliot Spitzer resigned amid allegations of involvement with a prostitution ring, vowed to focus more on his duties as governor of New York.
However, despite a renewed emphasis on his governmental priorities, is Paterson's public reputation damaged beyond repair?
St. John's students say no.
"I think it's a shocker in light of the whole Spitzer scandal, but in politics, I think it's better to have everything out in the open so they won't come back to haunt you later," said fourth-year student Nermin Sarabamoun.
Sophomore Sarah Lee shared similar feelings.
"I think [revealing his past] must have been a hard decision, but I respect it because it is better than coming out with these things later," she said.
Other students also admired the former lieutenant governor's openness.
"I think honesty is the best policy," said freshman Nick Castorina. "Spitzer tried to hide what he was doing and look what happened to him."
Freshman Ali Imran said he feels the new governor's recent admissions indicated that he was "an honest citizen" and that he should be commended for it.
Sophomore Sunny Cho added, "I think it was an honorable move.
Tom Carnevale felt that Paterson's revelations show that not everyone is perfect.
"I think situations like this just goes to show that everyone has skeletons in their closet," said the freshman.
Sophomore Jason Buda said that he believes Paterson's actions were a form of damage control.
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