Bland can be good

It will take some adjusting from the press corps and public-relations people if Richard Ravitch becomes the new governor.

Reporters today filed into a different conference room than the one typically used by the embattled (to say the least) Gov. David Paterson to hear Ravitch talk about the details of a new budget plan. He will take over the top job for the rest of the year if and when Paterson quits - something he said he has no intention of doing.

When Ravitch started to answer questions today, a press aide began to call on reporters, until one noted that Ravitch is not blind and is perfectly capable of calling on reporters himself, which he proceeded to do.

He talked for about a half-hour, looking at notes about a budget plan he was proposing, and seemed very conversant with the facts.

Plus there were no questions about any personal scandals (there aren't any, as far as we know), about whether he intends to resign (no reason to) and what his political plans are (he doesn't have any).

Just numbers and policy. What a concept. Kind of bland for the tabloid press, but not a bad thing for New Yorkers.