As the scandal- and gaffe-plagued reign of David Paterson comes to an end, we can look ahead to a new year and a new governor. Andrew Cuomo will be sworn in tonight, and he's so eager to get down to business to be on the 11 o'clock news that he'll take the oath at 10 PM, two hours earlier than expected. more ›

In the near-year that Governor Paterson has been residing in the Executive Mansion, his expenditures for the place are up 14% compared with the amount spent over the same period by his predecessor Eliot Spitzer for maintenance, preservation and the day-to-day functioning of the mansion. Since Paterson has been there, his staff has spent just under $62,000 on equipment and furnishings such as furniture, linens and wine glasses. The News points out that the tally even included a $200 toaster. (But it's not any toaster, it browns four slices of bread at once.) The Post says that Paterson officials pointed out that most expenses came before the governor declared a budget crisis and ordered agencies to slash unnecessary spending. The governor came under fire in November when it was revealed that he purchased a $20,000 Turkish rug from a major campaign contributor of Spitzer's. more ›

If you happen to be in Albany on New Year's Day, consider registering for a chance to visit the Executive Mansion. The 152-year-old home, whose residents included FDR and Nelson Rockefeller, is open for tours on Thursdays year-round, but this is a chance to see the home decorated for the holidays. Governor David Paterson and First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson stay there during most weekends (the Spitzers and Patakis didn't spend much, if any, time in it). Earlier this month, Paige Paterson took the Times on a tour of the 29,500 square foot mansion which has 40 rooms and an indoor pool; she joked about the 12-person staff, "It’s an adjustment going back to Harlem." [Via Politicker NY] more ›