[nfbmi-talk] interesting slant new york times

[joe harcz Comcast]

David Paterson Isn't Looking Forward to Life on the Outside

 

Photo: Photo: Roger Kisby/Getty Images

 

Like many politicians seeing out the end of their time in office, David Patterson is a little worried about how things will turn out. He doesn't know what

he'll do yet or how people will see him. But unlike a lot of other politicians, the soon-to-be-former-governor has another thing on his mind, how his lack

of sight will affect his life in New York City. He's just starting to get used to the realization that he'll no longer have a state full of government

employees to help him out.

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"If I go into a grocery store, the state police come in with me," he said. "It's kind of like, hey, Governor, just tell us what you need and we'll get it

for you. And, I know I have to adjust."

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Although he'd had nearly a half century of finding ways around his blindness before becoming lieutenant governor in 2007, Paterson claims the position hampered

his independence. "I haven’t been on the subway," he said. "I haven’t crossed a street by myself. Haven’t gone into a restaurant by myself.”

 

In an attempt to make the transition easier Paterson says he'll start taking classes at the Helen Keller Services for the Blind and might consider hiring

a full-time aide. Then he'll start worrying about dealing with he loss of his title and stature and the other inconveniences of being a regular citizen.

One thing he is looking forward to though, earning more than a paltry $179,000 a year.

 

Paterson's Exit Presents Worry With Each Step

[NYT]

David Paterson Isn't Looking Forward to Life on the Outside -- Daily Intel

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2010/12/david_paterson_isnt_looking_fo.html