WXXI Local Stories
(2008-10-07)
Paterson at Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Paterson, spoke on that and other topics, including his plans for the 2010 governor's race, in a day of
events at the State's Capitol.
The microchip manufacturer AMD announced early on Tuesday that, with an infusion of cash from the government of Abu Dhabi, it can follow through on plans for a manufacturing plant in upstate New York, in Saratoga County. Governor Paterson was joined by Senators Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton, as well as former State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, who pressed for the deal, to say that the state would follow through on it's promise to give AMD over a billion dollars in aid. The governor, who's been warning of budget deficits as high as $8 billion dollars, says the investment is worth it.
"This could be the most spirited development- technology project that any of us will have seen in our life time," Paterson said.
Paterson says he was against the plan when it was first announced, back in 2006, because he thought the initial price tag of around $1 million dollars per job was too high, but he says the project now promises to create many more positions, and could lead to a concentration of tech jobs in upstate New York.
Senator Hillary Clinton, who also appeared with the governor at a memorial service for the state's fallen firefighters, agreed that the AMD plant could be the start of a trend, and revitalize the Albany to Buffalo upstate corridor.
"We've got to start bringing manufacturing back to America," Clinton said. "High value manufacturing."
Senator Chuck Schumer said the project could become as significant as the Erie Canal was in its time.
The project still needs approval from Paterson's economic development agency, as well as the federal government.
Meanwhile, Governor Paterson says he's continuing to address the state's growing financial crisis. He's already called a special session for November 18th, and is asking the legislature to cut $2 billion dollars from the budget. The governor says he will also meet this week with union leaders to discuss New York's finances. Paterson has not ruled out lay offs or benefit cuts, but says he prefers to talk to the unions first.
"We're going to talk about the deep fiscal crisis and how we can work together to solve it," Paterson said.
The governor has ruled out for now, new broad based taxes to help close the $8 billion dollar deficit, and has been saying more cuts are coming.
Paterson also took some more steps toward seeking election in 2010, when the term he began on March 17th of this year is up. The governor has launched a slick new website, called PatersonforNY.com, and has announced a series of on-line interviews and virtual town meetings to get his message across. Paterson, who is legally blind, says the site will be accessible to the visual and hearing impaired. While it is not labeled specifically as a campaign website, there is a button soliciting monetary contributions. The governor has already raised more than $3 million dollars for election efforts.
When questioned about the web site by a reporter, Paterson jokingly made a reference to New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg's quest to overturn term limit laws and seek another term in office.
"What I can announce today is that I'm going to run for a third term," said the Governor, to laughter.
Paterson says he's leaving it up to Mayor Bloomberg and the New York City Council to decide what to do about lengthening term limits, and will have "no problem" with their decision.
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