New York Governor David Paterson

I usually don't blog about politics here, but every now and then I guess I will when I have something I really need to say, and today I do.

While being shocked by the incredible circumstances surrounding the departure of New York Governor Elliot Spitzer, I am elated that the new Governor will be David Paterson.

While I do not know David, we both grew up in the same Harlem community, and our parents were both part of the same Harlem political machine. My dad was a lawyer and later a judge, and while practicing law, his most important client and closest friend was Congressman and Civil Rights leader Adam Clayton Powell.

As a result, growing up, and throughout my life, all of the Harlem political figures I either came to know personally or at least know of them. While I never actually knew David's father, Basil Paterson, as one of the Deans of the Harlem political community he was a well known figure to me. As a result, when his son became involved in politics I became immediately aware of him as well. While I do not know David personally, the one thing I can say from the many people I know that do know him is how wonderful a person he is and how good he is at what he does.

Of course, only time will tell whether he will be a good Governor, but as a Black man I am always happy to see one of our own break through another barrier, perceived or otherwise. But the most amazing thing is that David is legally blind. As far as I know there has *never* been a blind statewide elected official in this country. Being black, being blind and becoming New York's Governor. That is an incredibly unique and compelling story, if nothing else. I wish him luck.