Where to turn when someone leaves you for a Beatle?
David Paterson, if you’re the MTA board.
The former governor’s newest job — albeit unpaid — is as a member of the transit agency’s board.
Paterson’s successor, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, announced today that he nominated Paterson for the board.
“Gov. Paterson’s energy, expertise, and experience will benefit the millions of New Yorkers who rely on the MTA every day,” Cuomo said in a statement. “I look forward to working together as we continue to reform the MTA and improve service for New Yorkers.”
Paterson fills the void left by Nancy Shevell, who resigned from the board in January after marrying Paul McCartney.
She was appointed in 2001 and called it “the highlight” of her professional career.
Paterson sounded similarly excited by the task.
“I can’t say I really ever imagined this would happen, but this governor has asked, and I’m honored,” Paterson told the Daily News. “It will be quite exciting.”
Paterson was governor from 2008 to 2010, in a memorable span of events.
He took over after former Gov. Eliot Spitzer was caught in a prostitution ring and resigned.
Soon after he was appointed governor, Paterson himself told the press, alongside his wife, about an affair he had.
Then, The New York Times reported that one of his aides was accused of domestic violence, and the newspaper investigated his response and intervention in the incident. The aide later pleaded guilty.
He was also fined $62,000 for taking tickets to a Yankees World Series game in 2009.
Lately, he has been teaching a college class and hosting a radio show.
