By PRESS-REPUBLICAN STAFF
March 13, 2008 04:00 am
—
PLATTSBURGH -- North Country residents lamented the lost potential of Gov. Eliot Spitzer Wednesday but saw no alternative to his resignation.
Press-Republican staff interviewed dozens of people around the region about the governor's resignation amid a sex scandal.
Here's what they had to say:
Dr. Thomas Moran, director of Plattsburgh State's Institute for Ethics in Public Life: "I think that given the catastrophe he has created in state governance, his resignation seems appropriate. It provides a smooth transition, and it avoids a protracted period of ugly stalemate in state government.
"With respect to what he did, I am staggered by the colossal bad judgment of it and astonished by whatever troubled psychological needs led to behavior that is so at variance with his public positions.
"Finally, I have a sense of what a trauma this must be for that family -- three teenage daughters. Inevitably, I have a sense of sadness for the human anguish in this story."
Pastor Joe Selenski of the First Baptist Church in Malone: "I think this is a sad and disappointing situation for an elected politician, no matter what political party," adding that a fast transition to (Lt. Gov. David) Paterson's administration is best for New York.
He warns against "negative political rhetoric" that might develop following the announcement.
"I hope this doesn't churn up the political propaganda."
Selenski added that consideration should be given to Spitzer and his family for the pain they are going through at such a difficult time.
St. Regis Mohawk Chief Lorraine White: "We have enjoyed a productive working relationship with Gov. Spitzer's office and sincerely hope that such a relationship will continue under the guidance and leadership of David Paterson."
St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council had worked closely with the Governor's Office under Spitzer, earlier this year obtaining his support for a proposed $500 million casino complex in Sullivan County. The plan fizzled last month when a development partnership the Mohawks had in place collapsed.
"At a time like this," White said, "our thoughts and prayers go out to Gov. Spitzer's family."
Crystal Prew, Mountain Lake Services, Moriah: "I think once someone's busted like that, they can't be blackmailed. I think it was his personal life and his money. When you accept to be in public office, you give up your private life."
Linda Dolly, professional photographer, Elizabethtown: "I think there's a difference in your private and public life. But if you make one of your tenets to clear up prostitution, then it affects your credence. The only honorable thing for him to do at this time is to resign. For him not to have followed through with his intentions bothers me."
Adirondack Council Executive Director Brian Houseal: "Both his nominations of Pete Grannis as DEC commissioner and Curt Stiles as chairman of APA are excellent, and we certainly would like to see those people continue as we transition to a new governor.
"This is a personal tragedy for Eliot Spitzer and his family. His administration did start some good efforts in the (Adirondack) Park, including the Smart Growth Initiative, and the Adirondack Council will continue to work forward in a non-partisan fashion.
"We have good relationships with APA and DEC, and we'll look forward to the new governor, David Paterson, following through on a strong environmental agenda for the park."
Richard Jack, mental-health therapist in Elizabethtown: "I think he had to (resign). I don't think he had much support left. I think he may have been a sex addict. I'm kind of worried as I think (Senate Majority Leader Bob) Bruno is a hack, and no one knows David Patterson."
Susan Daul, director of the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts: "We were in Albany (Tuesday) for the North Country Chamber Day. The mood was hectic. They're very concerned about the budget, if it will pass on time. They don't know what will happen.
"It's very disappointing. I feel horrible. Silda was here last summer. We had some pictures she took with our Art Quest classes. She toured the Strand. I feel bad for her and her children."
The Rev. Al Johnson of the Mooers Methodist Church: He paraphrased a Jimi Hendrix quote and said, "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will be better off. Unfortunately, absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Johnson thinks society should put more focus on news with our youth and the war.
"This seems to be overshadowing (other news) "¦ More people are concerned about Gov. Spitzer."
Caroline Rubino, executive director of the Arts Council for the Northern Adirondacks: "Gov. Spitzer was a champion for the arts. As an arts administrator, I hope his successor will recognize the economic value the arts bring to New York state. The arts sector has not had a governor since Rockefeller that supported the arts in this manner, in the way that Gov. Spitzer had done. We were hopeful.
"I really do feel for him and his family. Such potential. Such potential."
Laura Tyler, Westport hairstylist/business owner: "I think it's (resigning) the best thing he could do. He definitely betrayed the public trust. Like a lot of people, you feel bad for his family and friends."
Tom Remillard of the Remillard Farm in Peru: "The agriculture industry is one of the biggest in the state, as far as the economy goes. It's very important for the government to realize that. (Spitzer) did pick a good agriculture commissioner, who was familiar with farming concerns and challenges in the state. His name is Patrick Hooker."
James McKenna, president and CEO of the Lake Placid/Essex County Visitors Bureau: "I've seen some good programs initiated -- increased funding to the I Love NY program based on research, Empire State Development programs and the planning efforts tuned to the Adirondacks through DEC in the Smart Growth program. I hope the momentum created in all three will continue with the same players. Is this really a change of administration or not? I guess that's yet to be determined. I'm very hopeful our new governor, David Paterson, has some familiarity with the Adirondack situation and will continue to support these efforts."
CVPH Director of Marketing and Public Relations Michael Hildebran: "It's always sad anytime a person seems to have so much going for them and they ruin it all for little apparent reason."
Artist Donna Foley of the Adirondack Artists Guild: "Eliot Spitzer really came in (strong); people were really enthused that Albany was going to have a change. People believed in that.
"He has now blown the public trust; it just goes to show how it doesn't actually matter what party, Democrat or Republican, they all have problems.
"He (Spitzer) wound up being fairly abrasive, and I don't know what would have gotten done. I'm actually ready to pin some high hopes on our new governor (Paterson). I just think, well, maybe it will work out. Here's someone who didn't actually seek the office. Perhaps something will get done."
Department of Environmental Conservation Region 5 Director Betsy Lowe: "It was so sad to hear about this, and it's worrisome to me; there's so much we're trying to accomplish."
Lowe was appointed by Spitzer last year, a move largely applauded by the public.
"We're going to put all our energies into working with Gov. (David) Paterson."
Paterson's strong ties to advocates for the visually impaired and to urban resources in New York would bring new strengths to the office, she said.
"We do want to make the Adirondacks more accessible to diverse populations. (Spitzer) had appointed him to a Renewable Energy Task Force, with initiatives that are very important to our mission. We're going to make most of the transition."
Steve Feinbloom, mental-health therapist, Westport: "I'm shocked and disappointed. I feel badly for the family and the state. His resignation will allow the Democrats to continue. His credibility has been laid to waste."
Dr. Kay Branagan, a lecturer in women's studies at Plattsburgh State: "As far as making any moral judgment, I am not a member of the vice squad. As a voter, my concern is with federal law. You can't have someone in a position with any degree of power who is going to break federal law. I don't think we have to go any farther than that."
Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas: "In terms of economic development, I don't expect this shift will make much of a difference to us. I believe Gov. Paterson will stand by our regional strategies."
Douglas was in Albany Tuesday with a contingent of North Country leaders to advocate for North Country priorities. They had breakfast with Empire State Development Upstate Chairman Daniel Gunderson, who issued assurances that work will continue.
Douglas spent a half day in Paterson's office last month, where they talked about several key initiatives, such as the Quebec-New York Corridor, Plattsburgh International Airport and regional health care.
Douglas said chamber officials will miss their relationships with First Lady Silda Wall Spitzer, the driving force behind the "Brain Drain" initiative aimed at preventing college graduates and young people from leaving the state.
"She had a real personal interest in the things she was working on."
He said that while Spitzer's dilemma was the topic of all the casual discussions Tuesday in Albany, business carried on as usual.
"Everyone we planned to talk with was still there."
Amy Quesnel of Ticonderoga. "I think it's unfortunate. I feel bad for his family. His wife is in a bad situation. He has three teenage daughters who have to live through this."
She said Spitzer's administration began with missteps and got worse.
Janet Denney of Moriah: "Spitzer and his sorry wife need to leave the state and take the Clintons with them. Hillary, for standing by her embarrassing husband, too."
Denney said Spitzer should go to prison for what he did.
"He should go directly to jail -- don't pass go and don't collect $200."
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