David Paterson, who becomes New York’s 55th governor today, has in his career chosen aides and advisers who alternately proved unusual, familiar and controversial, say several insiders.
Unusual as in Charles O’Byrne, a seasoned aide who’s expected to take over as secretary to the governor, or top staffer. From all accounts O’Byrne is a well-read former Jesuit priest with a direct, authoritative style, who presided at John F. Kennedy Jr.’s 1996 wedding, and later said Mass at a private memorial for him. He’s spoken out openly about sexual activity in the priesthood.
Familiar, as in the advisory role now played by H. Carl McCall, the former state comptroller and 2002 Democratic candidate for governor, on issues involving the budget and the State University of New York. McCall hails from a Harlem political base that included such figures as Bill Lynch, the lobbyist and former deputy to Mayor David Dinkins. Lynch staffer Luther Smith, a Paterson campaign manager and adviser, is said to be a player too.
Controversial, as in his past appointment to a key Senate Democratic policy post of Indira Noel. She remained on the Senate staff after Paterson was succeeded as minority leader by Malcolm Smith of Queens. She was reportedly suspended for two weeks last year after a fired subordinate, Jean Pierre, accused her of forging his signature, misusing his Social Security number, and improperly seeking out his college transcripts.
Dan Janison