Until the end of last month, Governor David Paterson had little connection in the public’s mind with the World Trade Center site. Unlike his predecessor, Eliot Spitzer, he did not loudly spout off in a campaign about mismanagement downtown; and unlike former Governor George Pataki, he was not involved in the planning process that led to the design for the site.

But all that changed June 30, when Mr. Paterson’s new executive director at the Port Authority, Christopher Ward, delivered—at his boss’ request—a candid report outlining a list of challenges at the site in need of resolution, warning of a need for more money, more coordination and more time to finish.  read more »

On April 10, Christopher Ward was sitting in his midtown office when he got an unexpected phone call late in the afternoon. On the line was a mutual friend of Governor David Paterson’s top aide, Charles O’Byrne, calling with an unusual question.

“He just said, ‘Are you bored?’ And I said, ‘You’re not asking me as my psychiatrist—what are you asking me?’” Mr. Ward, 53, recounted.  read more »