David Paterson will soon be sworn in as Governor of New York, replacing Eliot Spitzer, who resigned today, citing "personal failings." Paterson will become the first blind Governor in United States history, and the first black Governor of New York. Lieutenant Governor David Paterson has been prepared to take the post at New York's 55th Governor since the scandal linking Spitzer to a high-dollar prostitution ring broke this week. 
Paterson is a New York native, born in Brooklyn. He was the first legally disabled person to attend Long Island public schools. He has used his position as Lieutenant Governor, an office he agreed to run for despite a decrease in pay and benefits versus his former seat as New York State Senate Minority Leader, to advance an agenda that includes stem cell research and increasing opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses.
David Paterson also has a long history as a disability activist. He is involved with the Achilles Track Club, the Jewish Guild for the Blind, and the American Foundation for the Blind, among other organizations. Even in youth, he was unwilling to conform to the expectations of others. He refused to learn Braille as a child, and to this day memorizes his speeches with the assistance of aides who leave him lengthy voicemail messages, then speaks from memory. In 2004, he became the first blind person to address the Democratic National Convention.
David Paterson can be reached via email here, or by snail mail at the following address:
Lieutenant Governor David Paterson
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224 -0341
Filed under: lieutenant governor, governor, Eliot Spitzer, New York, legally blind, David Paterson, blind, news, black, african american, first
