On Saturday, I went to hear Gov. David Paterson speak at the Irene A. Bisgrove Theater at Cayuga Community College. I was very impressed with how well he conducted himself against a tough crowd, some ready to rake him over the coals.

“I didn't exactly sign up for this.” Paterson joked.

In fact, the governor kidded easily with the crowd. He even took a few shots at himself, saying that a rather scathing impersonation on “Saturday Night Live” was actually pretty accurate.

A woman in my row even commented that the town meeting was more like a comedy hour.

But despite the light-hearted tone, there were some serious issues raised and the responses were pretty grim. Paterson struggled to find a clear answer when asked about the status of New York State Tax Law 471-e, involving the distribution of tax exempt coupons to members of the Indian Nations of New York state. The law would forbid the sale of tax-free cigarette and gasoline to non-Indian customers. The law was signed in 2006 by Gov. George Pataki, but was never enforced. Paterson signed a new version of the law late last year.

He agreed that it isn't fair to New York state business owners to allow the sale of tax-free gas and cigarettes outside of reservation lands, but he also acknowledged that the issue is currently hung up in the courts and that an immediate resolution is unlikely.

When confronted about cuts to education, the governor seemed up against a wall. He is in favor of combining school districts in rural areas, which is something that I staunchly oppose. More students and fewer teachers is not a concession I can promote, especially considering that United States teens continue to trail their international peers. How is America supposed to keep pace with an increasingly global economy when future generations continue to be pushed to the back-burner?

But although I disagree with Paterson on many of his cuts, I respect and appreciate his honesty. So many politicians have disappointed me with scandals and lies. It is really nice to see a politician come out and shoot straight ... unapologetically. And why not? It's not Paterson's fault that the economy has tanked.

This is something that economists have been predicting for a long time. Why should Paterson get stuck holding the bag?

Bottom line: If Paterson continues to be candid and open with the state, his political career will not be defined by these shaky economic times. And if he can survive this recession, he can write his own ticket.

Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com