Paterson takes office

Hope seemed to run eternal as Gov. David Paterson took office in Albany yesterday after one of the most turbulent and surreal weeks in the history of New York politics. The scandal and hypocrisy that brought down former Gov. Eliot Spitzer seemed light years away as Paterson assumed the helm of a state facing a $5 billion budget shortfall, growing woes on Wall Street and a citizenry that almost certainly needs reassurance of the state's political system.

Paterson was hopeful and optimistic in his brief speech, but he is, perhaps most importantly, a stark contrast to the combative style his predecessor during his all too brief 14-month tenure. New Yorkers across the state are almost certainly looking for a fresh start in Albany, and are looking to Paterson to deliver. Let's hope he can.