Leading by Example.

I've been following the developing Governor Paterson stories with great interest, as he is displaying some of the most shameless and un-leader-like qualities. In fact, he is one (out of many recent ones) example of the exact wrong way to lead, skipping out on meetings, hanging out in the Hamptons with friends (er, "campaigning"), spending outrageous amounts of campaign funds on expensive dinners for himself and friends (er, "strategy meetings") and trips to various places, like Florida (for some reason), and hiring former girlfriends who are unqualified for top positions. When asked about his behavior, Paterson stated that he never asked to be governor and that he is "standing up for the people of New York." Unfortunately, Paterson's definition of "the people of New York" seems to only apply to wealthy people in the Hamptons and upstate New York, who he has been courting since appointing Kristen Gillibrand to Hilary Clinton's seat.

Of course, Paterson is only one example of many local government officials (governors, specifically), who are not leaders and are distracted by the amount of power they have instead of trying to do something for the people. Paterson has the distinct dishonor of belonging to the ranks of Mark Sanford, Eliot Spitzer, Rod Blagojevich, and other politicians who used their rank to get the things that they want, not the things that the people need.

On that note, the most grievous offense to the city (another way to appeal to upstate voters) is cutting funding to the MTA, which would have continued to provide free MetroCards to New York City schoolchildren, who need to travel far to get to their schools. Meanwhile, in rural areas, they wouldn't dream of cutting a bus program, which is the only way they can get to school. Well, in the city, this is how kids get to school and without the program, it costs $2.25 a ride and some kids have to pay twice each way, adding up to $9 a day. Access to public school is supposed to be free.

Way to lead, Paterson.