Spitzer takes office as NY Governor

(Albany) - Governor-Elect Eliot Spitzer and Lieutenant Governor-Elect David Paterson went to work Monday following the inauguration. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor had expressed their desire to make their inauguration a “peoples’ inauguration” and as such, nearly every event was open to as many members of the public as various venues could reasonably accommodate. In an effort to ensure that the inauguration reflects their personal desire, they named Silda Wall Spitzer and Michelle Paige Paterson inaugural Co-Chairs. Ms. Wall Spitzer and Mrs. Paterson directed the inaugural planning process in conjunction with inaugural staff. The January 1 inauguration took place outside the Capitol Building in West Capitol Park, the first outdoor inauguration in New York’s history.

Inaugural festivities included a number of public events. Following the inauguration, the Governor and Silda Wall Spitzer received members of the public at the Executive Mansion. The Lieutenant Governor and Michelle Paige Paterson also received members of the public.

A reception celebrating New York was hosted in the underground concourse of the Empire State Plaza in the afternoon. The concourse accommodates 10,000 people and featured displays of New York’s vast cultural highlights. There were also art shows, dance exhibits and children’s performers. Members of the cast of the Broadway show Wicked and the Garth Fagan Dance Company of Rochester performed. Some of New York’s favorite restaurants offered tastes of various regional specialties.

There was a big concert at the Albany Times Union Arena featuring James Taylor, Jamestown native Natalie Merchant and renowned children’s performer Dan Zanes of Brooklyn. This event was open to 12,000 people who RSVP’d for invitations through the inaugural website.

Pictured Above: Governor Eliot Spitzer gave an inaugural speech on the East side of the Capital building.