SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Are Syracuse motorists spending extra time in their daily commute because of the scandals involving the Paterson administration in Albany? A Republican Syracuse common councilor says yes.

The state closed a section of I-81 when a bordering building showed signs of possible collapse. They were worried debris could fall onto the highway. Since last week, talks between the city and state on demolition of the building have moved very slowly.

Common Council Minority Leader Ryan McMahon says a governor should be able to cut through the "red tape" and resolve the disruption, but that David Paterson is incapable of doing that.

"Judging by this incident, his administration is frozen right now in their ability to govern. And, if we can't get this turned around soon enough, I think he's in big trouble," said McMahon.

Both City Hall and the state Department of Transportation say they are close to a deal clearing the way for demolition and a reopening of I-81.