Metro

‘Do-nothing’ gov’s budget defense

Gov. Paterson yesterday pushed back against reports that he’s been taking a passive role in Albany’s budget process, insisting that he has called meetings and urged legislators to get things done.

“I have been very active in the budget negotiations. I’ve called for budget meetings, which they don’t seem to want to do,” Paterson told reporters after an appearance at the Hillcrest Jewish Center in Flushing, Queens.

“We’ve done everything we’re supposed to do,” Paterson said.

The governor refused to comment on recent reports that he helped draft misleading statements about top aide David Johnson, who is embroiled in an alleged domestic-violence dispute. Paterson said he’s saving his comments for Judith Kaye, the former chief of the state Court of Appeals, who is investigating claims that he used his influence to help his longtime aide.