New York government faces scandals in trio this week

By: Rachel Morgan & Sophia Soloway
Additional reporting by Lauren Gerber

MANHATTAN - New York’s capital was rocked with a trio of scandals in recent weeks.

Constituents, elected officials and The New York Times are openly calling for the resignation of New York Gov. David Paterson (D-NY) in wake of accusations that he used state police to cover for his top aide, David Johnson, in a domestic abuse case in February.

On March 6, New York Representative Eric Massa (D-NY) resigned as a result of sexual harassment charges filed by a staff member. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) was accused of tax fraud and other financial instances of misconduct spanning over his entire term, also exposed in the past two weeks.

But most New Yorkers aren’t surprised that these scandals involving leaders in Albany have been exposed.

“It seems that everyone has skeletons in their closet that eventually make their way to the front door” said Jaminna Thomas, 33, a homemaker from the Bronx. “I think because these people are politicians, it tends to come out.”

As the media coverage exploded with allegations of Paterson’s misdeeds, he ended his campaign for re-election on Feb. 26.

For some New Yorkers, corruption of elected officials has become the norm. They cite the power that comes with being a politician as a major factor in unethical behavior.

“Basically, it doesn’t surprise me that there would be so much government infringement of the rules and a sense [that] politicians are powerful and cannot be caught and they can do anything they want,” said Miguel Yanez, 29, a Ph.D. student of the Upper East Side. “I think it’s a lesson in democracy.”

Paterson has yet to admit any wrongdoing and hasn’t discussed the allegations with the attorney general’s office as of yet. The New York Times reported that the governor was actually more involved in the scandal than he’s admitted publically.

And New Yorkers are angry.

“It’s really fucked up because then everyone else has to suffer for [their] mistakes,” said Melinda Griffith, 18, from Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.

Paterson struggled to address the budget at a town hall meeting Monday, after days of fielding questions regarding the allegations and his bid for re-election. The deadline for the budget is April 1.

But the African-American community has stood behind Paterson - New York’s first black governor - in the wake of the accusations.

Some say Paterson is being unfairly targeted.

“I think they’re picking on Paterson,” said Kevin O’Neill, 54, a consultant for an audio-visual company from Union Square. “It’s like blood in the water and all the sharks coming after him. He’s a weak candidate. They want to kill him.”

And when it comes to Congress’ everyday operations, some citizens are disenchanted about their overall performance and ability to fulfill their governmental duties.

“No, they’re not doing any job,” O’Neill said. “They’re doing well for themselves. It’s become a group of individuals each looking out for their own self-interest. Each one is like their own corporation trying to make a profit.”

Others believe that the leadership in Albany should simply do the job they were elected to do.

“I think everybody needs to put the b.s. aside and start doing real government work,” Thomas said.