Although we disagree with Gov. David Paterson's decision to get rid of the new model for state economic development that established twin leaders - one for upstate and one for downstate - we're pleased with the governor's choice for the person who will be the new statewide chairman.
Paterson last week nominated Robert Wilmers to be chairman of Empire State Development Corp., the state's economic development agency. Wilmers is chairman and CEO of Buffalo-based M&T Bank Corp., and his plan is to run the operation out of Buffalo.
At this point Paterson has made up his mind - he wants one person in charge, despite the vast differences in creating jobs and supporting the economies of upstate and downstate.
But at least in going forward, he's demonstrating that he understands the unique challenges upstate faces.
More importantly at this point, his nominee, Wilmers, understands those challenges. In fact, he's been an outspoken critic of Albany's role in fostering the upstate economic troubles.
Wilmers helped establish an advocacy group called Unshackle Upstate, and he's been a board member of the Business Council of New York State.
In other words, this is not a person who's been happy with the way ESD has operated for so many years.
Until a year ago, when former Gov. Eliot Spitzer changed the agency's structure, ESD had been largely a New York City club.
It was based out of Manhattan and was run by downstate executives.
It would throw a few bones at upstate causes every year, but it did little to accomplish comprehensive improvement in the upstate economy.
There's no doubt that Wilmers will feel the pull from powerful downstate business interests to focus his energies there, but he appears to be strong enough and intelligent enough to keep his eyes on the entire state.
At this point Paterson has made up his mind - he wants one person in charge, despite the vast differences in creating jobs and supporting the economies of upstate and downstate.
But at least in going forward, he's demonstrating that he understands the unique challenges upstate faces.
More importantly at this point, his nominee, Wilmers, understands those challenges. In fact, he's been an outspoken critic of Albany's role in fostering the upstate economic troubles.
Wilmers helped establish an advocacy group called Unshackle Upstate, and he's been a board member of the Business Council of New York State.
In other words, this is not a person who's been happy with the way ESD has operated for so many years.
Until a year ago, when former Gov. Eliot Spitzer changed the agency's structure, ESD had been largely a New York City club.
It was based out of Manhattan and was run by downstate executives.
It would throw a few bones at upstate causes every year, but it did little to accomplish comprehensive improvement in the upstate economy.
There's no doubt that Wilmers will feel the pull from powerful downstate business interests to focus his energies there, but he appears to be strong enough and intelligent enough to keep his eyes on the entire state.
