Skip to content

Albany Chaos Open Thread

With Governor Paterson's political career flaming out in spectacular fashion, speculation is rampant that he might step down any day, thrusting Richard Ravitch into New York state's executive office.

With Governor Paterson’s political career flaming out in spectacular fashion, speculation is rampant that he might step down any day, thrusting Richard Ravitch into New York state’s executive office.

Ravitch would inherit a budget crisis of epic proportions and a state capital that was already in utter disarray. The potential succession would also elevate a former MTA chair with no future political ambitions, at a time when transit funding is in dire straits and no one in Albany seems inclined to face up to the problem.

Consider this an open thread for predictions on how the next few weeks and months will play out in Albany. I’m dying to see who’s going to be Ravitch’s lieutenant governor.

Photo of Ben Fried
Ben Fried started as a Streetsblog reporter in 2008 and led the site as editor-in-chief from 2010 to 2018. He lives in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, with his wife.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Brooklyn Crash Victim’s EMT Twin Sister Calls Out City, DSNY for Reckless Driving

October 30, 2026

Dangerous Drivers At ‘Trunk-Or-Treat’ Show How Cars Are A Horror For Kids All Year Long

October 30, 2026

An Interview with the Biggest Cycling Club in New York City

October 30, 2026

Our Central Park Wishlist: Perimeter and Transverse Bike Lanes, Fewer Cars and — Yes — Some Speed Limits

Friday’s Headlines: Streetsfilms Meets the War on Cars Edition

October 30, 2026
See all posts