George Elmer Pataki (b.1945) is an American politician, lawyer, and environmental advocate, best known as New York’s 53rd Governor (1995–2006.) A Republican, he led the state’s recovery after the September 11 attacks and advanced healthcare and environmental initiatives.
Born in Peekskill, New York, Pataki earned a B.A. from Yale University (1967) and a J.D. from Columbia Law School (1970.) He began his political career as Mayor of Peekskill (1981–84) before serving in the New York State Assembly (1985–92) and State Senate (1993–94.)
As governor, Pataki prioritized tax cuts, crime reduction, and environmental conservation, signing the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act (1996) and expanding parks and land preservation. He declined to seek a fourth term in 2006.
Pataki authored Pataki: An Autobiography (1998,) co-written with Daniel Paisner, reflecting on his political career and governance. His later book, Beyond the Great Divide: How a Nation Became a Neighborhood (2009,) examines American unity and political discourse.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by George Pataki
When government accepts responsibility for people, then people no longer take responsibility for themselves.
—George Pataki
Topics: Responsibility, Welfare, Government
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