Support for Paterson

to the editor: while it may help to compare new york to some other state governments (new jersey, california) that are arguably even more dysfunctional than our own empire state, it's a poor consolation ("the right reforms," editorial, jan. 14). this is not even a partisan battle. entrenched thinking, special interests and sweetheart deals have long polluted that particular pool, and the recipients of those "perks" like things as they are: dirty. if gov. david paterson is serious, determined and willing to pay the political price (he might feel that he already has) for real ethics reform, he deserves and needs our support. employment and the economy is job number one for all our elected officials, but even the best intentioned and most effective of those couldn't possibly change the business-as-usual attitude in albany from the bottom of the class.

chris a. randolph barak realty, east side office letters have been edited for clarity, style and brevity.