New York Adult Entertainment: Ravitch Can Keep Post as Lt. Gov: Court
Another hearing is set for Aug. 18. That’s when the court with take up the issue of whether or not Gov. David Paterson, who appointed Ravitch, had the authority to select a deputy.
Earlier this month, Paterson, a Democratc, tapped Ravitch, a former head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, as a way of breaking a monthlong leadership deadlock in the state Senate.
Shortly after Paterson named Ravitch, Sen. Pedro Espada, who sided with Republicans to stage the monthlong coup, rejoined the Democratic conference, restoring a 32-30 Democratic majority.
Republicans cried foul over the Ravitch appointment and today’s court decision vacates a July 22nd stay which had placed Ravitch’s appointment in limbo.
Paterson’s lawyers have said the state Public Officers Law allows him to fill some vacant posts until the next election – including the post lieutenant.
Paterson was elected lieutenant governor in 2006, but ascended to the governor’s office in March 2008 after Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned in a prostitution scandal.
See the full article from “NBC New York”