Spitzer scandal leaves support for UB 2020 in question

On March 12, New York State Gov. Eliot Spitzer shocked the country as he stepped down from his position after facing allegations linking him to an international prostitution ring. Lt. Governor David Paterson replaced Spitzer on March 17, after citizens and lawmakers alike pushed for Spitzer's resignation.

Locally, many are worried about the timing of Spitzer's resignation since the new state budget is due on April 1. Changes made to the budget are likely to impact the UB 2020 plan to turn UB into a model public research institution. On Jan. 9, Spitzer endorsed UB 2020, promising "a bold investment for the State of New York that will help the University at Buffalo achieve the goals we have set forth for ourselves with UB 2020."

According to Jeffrey Gordon, a spokesperson for the State Budget Division, the budget process is on the right track, regardless of the situation in Albany.

"At this point, the budget process is moving forward," Gordon said. "The legislature has introduced their budget bills and we will be working with them over the next few weeks on a consensus of a fiscally responsible budget for the year."

President Simpson, while watching events unfold in the state's capital, stands true to his vision for UB's future. He feels that while the scandal will hurt New York, the strengthening of higher education in the state needs to continue.

"UB 2020 continues to receive tremendous support from the community, from the entire Western New York legislative delegation and from legislative leaders in Albany," Simpson said in a statement. "Achieving it will position the university to play an even greater role as a catalyst for the economic revitalization of Western New York and indeed the entire state."

Simpson also backs Gov. Paterson as he begins his tenure as New York State Governor. He believes that UB and SUNY will be in good hands with Paterson based on the Governor's ongoing interest in UB.

"In his visits to UB, and throughout his career in the New York State Senate, Gov. Paterson has shown a great interest in our university, in SUNY, and in issues of public higher education," Simpson said. "I look forward to working with him to promote UB 2020 and our collective aspirations for the Buffalo Niagara region."

New York State was seemingly knocked to the ground with Spitzer's resignation, yet politicians like US Sen. Chuck Schumer believe that New York will rise up and face the untimely challenges the legislature and citizens of the state will face in the months to come.

"Public officials, like everyone else, are human," Schumer said. "But we have real needs. We have real needs in New York State, and we have real needs in America. What we have to do is try to move forward. Ernest Hemmingway said 'The world breaks us in places, but we grow back stronger over the breaks.' Hopefully, that is will what happen here, and we will unite behind Governor Paterson in New York."

Gov. Paterson, New York State's 55th governor, is the state's first black governor, as well as the first legally blind governor. His political career began in 1985 when he was elected to the New York State Senate, representing Harlem. In 2003, Paterson became the Minority Leader of the New York State Senate. At this time, he was the first non-white legislative leader in New York's history.

While he was thrown into the position of governor rather suddenly, Gov. Paterson is focusing on "getting the train back on track," and helping New York gain respect again. He feels that Buffalo is a vital piece of the puzzle.

"The former governor probably lived about 30 blocks away from me, meaning that we both lived a long way from Buffalo," Paterson said in a press conference. "I think that the billion dollar infusion, is actually holding a second message to the residents of New York. The State of the State was actually given in Buffalo on January 16. I think he made it real clear - and I made a point to be standing right there when he made it, because I feel exactly the same way."

Gov. Paterson believes that the most important thing to do at this point is to return to normal operations in Albany and get back to work. So far, he has not wasted much time - five bills have already been signed.

"It is now time for Albany to get back to work as the people of this state expect from us," Paterson said.