Politics

Gov. Tight Wad: Paterson Donates All Of $150

Earned Nearly $270,000 In 2007

Donated Used Clothing To Salvation Army

NEW YORK (CBS) ― New York Governor David Paterson and his wife made nearly $270,000 last year, but you might be surprised how much of that went to charity. We're used to seeing politicians give generously, so it came as a surprise to many when we learned just how much Paterson donated.

According to tax returns, Paterson and his wife didn't make one single money donation to charity. Instead, it was a sole contribution of $150 worth of used clothes to the Salvation Army.

"Oh my God, that's pretty incredible, you'd think they'd be more public minded and be able to help out the less fortunate," said Harlem resident, Darienne Grey.

"I gave more money than Governor Paterson and he made a lot of money and I just think it speaks volumes about who he is as a person," said Deb Eiseman of the Upper West Side.

Not everyone was so critical of the governor.

"Giving is not all monetary so perhaps they gave in other ways, I mean we don't know the whole story I guess," said Valerie Wilson.

Sandra Miniutti is with 'Charity Navigator,' a non-profit group that rates charities and investigates how they spend their money. According to Miniutti, when it comes to donors those who have less, actually give more.

"Middle-class and high income individuals only give about 3 percent of their income to charity here, whereas the low-income individuals tend to give about 4.5 percent so there's quite a difference there," said Miniutti.

'Charity Navigator' says 70 to 80 percent of American households give money to charities every year, with the average being around $1,000.

With the tough economy however, many charities are concerned donors will pull back this year. But as far as the governor is concerned, Miniutti expects to see a change.

"I would expect that we'll see next year when he releases his tax documents that his giving will have grown considerably."

CBS 2 contacted Paterson's office, but they had no comment.

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