Governor David Paterson came to the Lower East Side last night, addressing 300 supporters of the Chinatown YMCA, at their 35th annual gala dinner. Paterson, along with YMCA executive Rena McGreevy and Tracey Chang, Miss New York 2009, were the night's honorees. The festivities, attended by many of New York's movers and shakers, including Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, were held at the Capitale event space on the Bowery.
Paterson, who spent the day in the city consulting with legislative leaders about New York's budget crisis, praised the Chinatown YMCA for its vital role in helping New Yorkers weather tough economic times.
Paterson also addressed the ballooning budget deficit directly, saying the sacrifices he's asking New Yorkers to make now, will help the state emerge from the recession.
