by Cedric Mcclester

Created on: March 06, 2010   Last Updated: March 08, 2010

MUST GOVERNOR DAVID PATERSON BE A PERP WALKED OUT OF THE EXECUTIVE MANSION?

Increasingly it’s beginning to look like New York’s Governor David A. Paterson will have to be perp-walked out of the executive mansion. In the face of overwhelming allegations of personal malfeasance, bad judgment and missteps, he has apparently chosen to dig in his heels.

The Governor is accused of witness tampering in a domestic violence case, involving his former top aide David Johnson.  Additionally, he is accused of using his office and influence to obtain free World Series tickets from the Yankees.

He refuses to step down, even though it is obvious that he cannot govern.  Seemingly, everyday there’s a new negative revelation. It should be clear to all, as long as Mister Paterson remains in the governor’s mansion, the business of state will be neglected.

The Rev. Al Sharpton convened the second black leadership meeting in a week to discuss the governor’s uncertain future. The consensus was that Paterson should remain in office, until such time that he is proven guilty of a crime, though there were those whom disagreed, Rev. Sharpton, allegedly among them. There is something sadistic about this kind of unwarranted cheerleading. 

Paterson has now hired the same lawyer that cut a deal with federal prosecutors to keep his disgraced predecessor, Eliot Spitzer out of jail. Three top aides have quit in one week, with no doubt more to come. In this environment, how can he be expected to lead or govern? His singular preoccupation now is how to avoid jail. 

He has almost become the sole forcus of the 24 hour news cycle. He doesn’t disappoint either. Now there are allegations of more contacts with Sherr-una Booker, the woman who is at the center of the domestic violence case, than was originally believed. 

Mr. Paterson’s motivation to remain in office at this point is purely selfish. He is taking his family and supporters through this unnecessary hell. One can’t help but wonder if he has a Jesus complex. Like Jesus he has volunteered to be crucified. 

Unlike Jesus, it is not to absolve humankind of sin, but rather to continue collecting a check. For people like former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, to encourage Paterson to stay in place is to do a disservice to the people of New York.

The beleaguered governor should leave office quick, fast and in a hurry, before one more negative revelation comes out. In his defense, Mr. Paterson is a hail-thee-fair well kind of guy who is very likable. He has a sharp wit and can be counted on to be the life of the party. He has never been up to the job of governor, and why should anyone expect him to be now?

The people of Harlem, where the Governor lives appear to be squarely behind him. Their support while admirable is totally undeserved. State Senator Bill Perkins, who occupies the seat once held by Mr. Paterson has urged him to step down. 

He has pointed out that only Mr. Paterson and the prosecutors know how this will ultimately turn out. If it is inevitable that he will have to leave office, as every indication seems to suggest, then it is best that he leaves now. As of this writing, Paterson has resisted calls for him to step down. 

Like any other citizen, Mr. Paterson is entitled to due process and is innocent until proven guilty. Whether he will be found guilty of the offenses he has been charged with, only he and his lawyer know. Personally, I would hate to see him brought out in cuffs.

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