Bishops hope to work with new governor for 'common good' of New York

Published: 2008-03-13

ALBANY, N.Y. (CNS) -- The head of the New York State Catholic Conference in Albany, on behalf of the conference and the state's Catholic bishops, assured New York's new governor of prayers as he "assumes his awesome responsibilities under extraordinarily difficult circumstances." "I look forward to working closely with Gov. (David) Paterson and the Legislature on behalf of the common good" of the state, said Richard E. Barnes, the conference's executive director, in a March 12 statement. Paterson, the state's lieutenant governor, was to be sworn in as governor March 17 to succeed Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who announced his resignation March 12 in the wake of a prostitution-ring scandal. Barnes described Paterson as "highly intelligent, well versed on the issues and extremely affable." He noted that they have not always agreed, but said that Paterson has been respectful of the state's Catholic conference "in our role as advocates for the most vulnerable members of society." The Catholic conference represents New York state's bishops in matters of public policy.

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