David Paterson and the Union Endorsement

I read this article on the New York Times Internet site this morning:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/nyregion/22unions.html?_r=2

In brief, the article states Governor Paterson appears weak enough that the unions are considering withdrawing their support of him, in favor of Democratic candidate. Andrew Cuomo comes to mind.

One possibility is that the unions are incredibly concerned that a Republican Governor will be elected in 2010, and they will take extreme steps to prevent that, even turning their back on an incumbent Democrat with deep labor ties.

Another possibility, however, is that this is some kind of revenge for David Paterson threatening State employee layoffs, pushing for a "Tier 5" public sector retirement package, and trying to reduce the size of the State workforce.

If that is an element here? I would urge the unions to think carefully.

Speaking in support of public sector layoffs, a public official in New York State once said:

''If you did it [reduce the size of the State workforce] purely by attrition, you couldn't manage the system because you couldn't control it. You might have a psychiatric facility that you couldn't run anymore. So if you want to control it and do it intelligently, you have to go to layoffs.''

This official? Former Governor Mario Cuomo.
Source: Michael Oreskes, "Cuomo's Personal Touch." New York Times Magazine (Sunday). January 29, 1984. I downloaded it (I don't keep hard copies of the Times Magazine from 25 years ago) so I don't have a page number for you.

One of Governor Cuomo's chief aides at the time was Andrew Cuomo, then a 26 year old young man.

Now, granted, as HUD Secretary, Andrew Cuomo sought to reduce the workforce without layoffs. However, according to this article:

http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0698/061598t1.htm

it didn't go all that well.

(Keep in mind that this seems to be from the National Journal, a publication not known for its objectivity especially when it comes to Democratic officials.)

My point here is that, if the unions are looking to find a new friend by opposing David Paterson, they should tread carefully. You can't always tell who your friends are.

Not to mention the fact that if Andrew Cuomo doesn't run, then the unions will be stuck dealing with David Paterson (a man whose back they were poised to stab) until at least the end of 2010.