This typical action does not mean the holdovers from the Spitzer administration will be replaced, and Paterson said that "having the letters gives him the flexibility to make changes if he decides to".
Most political advisors report to the Secretary to the Governor, while most policy advisors report to the Director of State Operations, who also answers to the Secretary to the Governor, making that position, in practice, the true Chief of Staff and most powerful position in the Cabinet.
[2] In the Executive Chamber of Eliot Spitzer, the literal Chief of Staff was in charge of the Office of Scheduling and held no authority over other cabinet officials.
[3] Paterson has thus far taken a different approach, appointing Jon R. Cohen as titular Chief of Staff, although his function will be as a policy advisor.
The governor is also charged with naming the heads of the various departments, divisions, boards, and offices within the state government.