In reference to Guy Cosentino's recent article in which he criticized New York Gov. Paterson's absence from the Founders Day festivities, I would like to address information that he failed to point out.

Gov. Paterson never received an invitation to attend Auburn Founders Day until late April. At that time, Gov. Palin had not committed to attend and did not commit until two weeks before Founders Day. Due to this lack of commitment by Gov. Palin to attend, Gov. Paterson then made plans to attend the Belmont Stakes. Gov. Paterson was unable to make a morning appearance as Mr. Cosentino felt he should, because he was preparing for a major speech he was to deliver the following Monday, laying out his vision for the New Economy. I watched the governor's “New Economy” speech on Monday and was very impressed with his blueprint for leveraging the science and technology assets we have in New York, particularly in upstate New York, in order to invigorate our struggling economy.

There are many challenges facing our state and region and I would urge the leaders of our community to consider how negativity does nothing to bring us together as a community to face those challenges. It is this negativity that lends itself to the lack of respect shown to our governor at city hall on Founders Day. Gov. Paterson's level of sincere policy engagement is in keeping with the same ideals that were put forth so many years ago by our 12th governor, William H. Seward.

Michael D. Quill

Auburn

Quill is mayor of the City of Auburn