By Christopher Alessi
The black political establishment of Harlem is weighing whether to continue supporting embattled Governor David Paterson, a Brooklyn district leader told the Ink earlier today.
At a meeting tonight at Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem, the state’s most important black leaders, including Al Sharpton and Carl McCall, will likely urge the governor to submit a letter of resignation, said the Democratic leader, who in insisted on anonymity. (The AP confirmed this evening’s meeting earlier this afternoon) The urgent gathering comes in the wake of the latest accusation against Patterson. The State Commission on Public Integrity has claimed that Paterson lied under oath when questioned about free World Series tickets he accepted last fall, The New York Times reported today.
Harlem Democrats were dealt another blow yesterday when its congressional representative, Charles B. Rangel, stepped down from the powerful position of chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee because of an ongoing ethics investigation. “The African-American power structure is changing rapidly,” the Brooklyn district leader noted.
UPDATE: Paterson’s spokesman, Peter Kauffman has resigned.
“As recent developments have come to light, I cannot in good conscience continue in my current position,” Mr. Kaufman said in a statement.
This follows the resignation of Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Denise O’Donnell and the retirement of police superintendent Harry Corbitt.
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