Pitter Paterson

Gov. David Paterson officially opens his first fair in front of the new Pride of New York Marketplace just inside Gate 1.

But that is no discredit to Paterson. Many people attending the Illinois State Fair four years ago probably would have been oblivious to a scheduled Barack Obama visit when he was just starting out in the Senate. Appearances of this nature are imperative for politicians so that they can come across as more than just a product of the system to people who are more inclined to passively observe politics—which is how the swing vote sways.

On Aug. 19, Paterson called an emergency legislative session to let everyone know that this state is in a whole lot of trouble financially—to the tune of a more than a $6 billion deficit. The next day, Republicans and Democrats alike in the state Senate and Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of his package to institute $1 billion-plus in budget cuts—ranging from slashes in Medicaid, education and pork-barrel spending—to take place over the next fiscal year.

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Later in his visit, Paterson chats with fair-goers, among them dairy princesses and Syracuse Common Councilor-at-Large Van Robinson (below). Michael Davis photos

“It’s very important that I point out to you that we have made a number of reductions in Albany in the past few days,” said Paterson. “But after 40 years of success, we just could not cut the budget for the butter sculpture and it will stay the way it’s been.” His “hypothetical” wit roused applause and laughter from the many gathered, as he displayed a lead-by-example approach by rationalizing and making necessary changes while at the same time keeping in touch with the people these changes will directly affect.

“We took his cue,” said Patrick Hooker, New York State Agriculture and Markets commissioner, about policy and fiscal changes he and second-year Fair director Dan O’Hara have recently touted, before introducing the governor to the crowd. “We’re bringing in {to the New York State Fair} the industries and exhibitors that represent the very best of the upstate economy. It’s a very exciting time we’re living in.” There was no mention in either speech regarding the Fair brass’ recent controversial decision to pay the Beverly Hills, Calif., promotional giant Live Nation more than $700,000 to book concerts at the Grandstand, when it had previously been done in-house for a tad more than $100,000.

After his speech, Paterson cut the customary red, white and blue ribbon to officially mark “the opening of the fair,” before he took the governor’s stroll. Following him were his security guards, as well as about 50 Jane and Joe Publics that had just watched his speech. And finally, the usual gaggle of local media hacks that strut behind the flock with the grace of penguins being chased by flying turds while flapping microphones, pens and notebooks in the air. New Times reporters are, of course, never involved in this scene.

To casual fairgoers unaware of the reason behind the commotion, it can be quite a sight. As Paterson visited with local exhibitors—such as the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and WCNY—people could be heard exclaiming variations of “what the hell is going on?” in every direction. Many recognized Paterson, but seemed surprised that he was there.  

Others knew he was going to be there, just not where. “He was standing behind me in line and I didn’t even know it,” said Leonard Trachsel of Verona, after he and his wife had just purchased a cup of chocolate milk in the Dairy Products Building. “We knew he was going to be here, but we didn’t know what time he was coming in.” They were also in disbelief at how short the governor is—standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall, they both agreed that Paterson looks a lot loftier on TV. 

But at least they recognized him. Not soon after the Trachsels had finished their milk, a gentleman who The New Times chooses to leave nameless for the sake of not giving our state another bad name, went bonkers at the sight of Paterson. “It’s him! It’s him!” he shouted. “He’s the guy that’s always on TV; he’s going to be our next president!” This land was made for you and me.

—Tom Kahley