Governor Paterson may be withholding your tax refund this year, and Rye-area residents aren't happy.

According to the The Albany Times Union, State Budget Director Robert Megna said Paterson "plans to delay 1.4 billion in tax payments" and that "the move is necessary to keep the state from going broke." The delays would affect $500 million in personal income tax refunds and $200 million in business tax refunds, among others.

Paterson has said his plan would only affect people who file their taxes in March and that the delay would likely be only a few weeks.

The New York State Assembly and Senate are attempting to pass bills that would force the governor not to withhold tax refunds for schools, local governments and the public.

However, whether or not you'll get your state tax return on time seems to be sliding down the ladder of the governor's priorities as he his feet are put to the fire of a new controversy.

Paterson stopped his re-election bid Friday after he was accused of personally urging the girlfriend of top aide, David Johnson, not to press charges after Johnson allegedly assaulted her last October. Some are even urging the governor to resign.

So how do people in the Rye-area feel about all of this? Patch visited the Rye Ridge Shopping Plaza in Rye Brook to ask some locals:

How do you feel about the Governor Paterson possibly delaying your state tax refund?

• Carol Pelligrino, Rye: "Totally wrong. I don't think they should do it. It's the last thing we need right now. We need new people in office."
• Grace, Rye: "I think it's terrible and I hope we have a different governor next year!"
• Robert, Port Chester: "It seems to me to be a running trend with the Democrats. They need to cut spending before withholding tax returns." 
• Port Chester resident: "I didn't know anything about that, but I wouldn't be happy about it, that's for sure."
• New Rochelle resident: "Obviously, who doesn't want their money on time? In this day and age when people are so strapped and count on refund checks, I think its only fair for them to find a way to make up their own deficit. It's definitely a no brainer."
• Port Chester resident: "Nevermind that! Tell 'em to give me my damn salary. I'm a state employee and can't get my raise!"

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