A bill to expand the state’s DNA database passed the state Senate on Tuesday but Democrats, who control the Assembly, have expressed concern about whether the law will do enough to help the wrongfully convicted. Law enforcement groups as well as legislators from both parties agree with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to take DNA samples from people convicted of any crime. But Democrats in the Assembly want defense attorneys to have greater access to the DNA database, and they want the state to adopt other criminal justice reforms. Governor Andrew Cuomo appears to support the bill, S5560A, sponsored by Republican Sen. Steve Saland (R-Poughkeepsie), who represents much of Columbia County in Albany. Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta), who represents Greene County also supported the bill. It passed in the Senate by a 50 to 10 vote, and Cuomo released a statement Tuesday, calling it “an important step in protecting New Yorkers and modernizing the state’s criminal justice system.” Barry C. Scheck, a founder of the Innocence Project, said that if supporters of DNA expansion were serious about preventing wrongful convictions, they should promote measures like requiring videotaping of interrogations or changing the way lineups are done. Read about the DNA database bill in the Times Union.
You are currently browsing articles tagged Steve Saland.
Ivan Lajara at The Daily Freeman thinks it is no joke that LAFTOR is the acronym for the New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. Their “proposals are laughable” according to Lajara’s headline in the paper, over a story about the redistricting proposals released Thu., Jan. 26. Common Cause/NY Executive Director Susan Lerner said, “These maps appear to continue the long tradition of partisan gerrymandering we’ve come to expect. There are major demographic changes that are simply not reflected on these maps.” Governor Andrew Cuomo has vowed to veto any redistricting that is not created by an independent body. This plan was created by the the legislators themselves, so, as almost everyone is pointing out, they have drawn the lines to ensure their own re-election. Republican-leaning districts, now lean more. Democrat-heavy districts are heavier. They have created a new 63rd Senate seat, pairing Greene County with Albany and other points north in Senate District 46. Lajara quotes an AP news account and says, “The story continues, ‘The added Senate district would include part of Ulster County (including the city of Kingston), all of Greene County and parts of Albany, Schenectady and Montgomery counties.’ So imagine my surprise when a total of zero public meetings were scheduled in the area.”
Local effects
• Ulster County may be in the worst situation in the entire state. The proposal cuts the county into four Senate Districts, up from two. The people of Ulster County will have almost no representation in the Senate, as those four politicians will care little about its collective well-being, and not even cater much to the few voters they will have there, focusing on their majorities elsewhere.
• Greene County would see much change. Republican James Seward would, under the plan, not be Greene County’s senator anymore, but would retain a very safe seat to the west. The new seat includes all of Greene and Montgomery counties, and most of Albany and Schenectady counties, and several towns in Ulster County to the south. In the Assembly Greene is being split into two separate districts. Assemblyman Pete Lopez would continue to represent Ashland, Windham, Durham, Greenville, New Baltimore, Coxsackie, and Cairo in the proposed 102 District which now also includes Coeymans, Westerlo, and Rensselaerville in Albany County, all of Schoharie County, and towns in Otsego, Herkimer, and Oneida counties in what will continue to be a very safe district for him. The southern half of Greene County — Athens, Catskill, Hunter, Jewett, Lexington, Halcott, and Prattsville — would be in the proposed 101st Assembly District, which also includes much of eastern Delaware County, four Ulster County towns, and two Orange County towns, and Germantown and Clermont in Columbia County. 
• In Columbia County, the Senate District used to be dominated by Dutchess County, as Poughkeepsie Steve Saland currently represents the area in Albany. In this proposal, Columbia County moves to Senate District 43, paired with all of Rensselaer County and parts of Washington and Saratoga counties to the north. In the Assembly, most of Columbia County is represented by the 106th District including Stuyvesant, Stockport, Hudson, Greenport, Ghent, Claverack, Livingston, Taghkanic, Copake, Ancram, and Gallatin. Millbrook in Dutchess County, interestingly, is no longer in the district, and the candidates (Republican Richard Wager and Democrat Didi Barrett) trying to replace Marc Molinaro for the 103rd Assembly, which is similar to the proposed 106th, live in Millbrook. So while they may fight for the seat in March, they may be in 105th District election in the fall. As mentioned before, Germantown and Clermont join the proposed 101st District, stretching across southern Greene County to parts of Delaware, and Ulster and Orange counties. The rest of Columbia County — Kinderhook, Chatham, Hillsdale, Austerlitz, Canaan, and New Lebanon — join most of Rensselaer County and two Washington County towns in the proposed 107th district, which is similar to the area Republican Steve McLaughlin represents, though without any of the Greene County towns it used to include. 
Public hearings
No public hearings between Albany and New York City. The closest public hearing to our area is this Mon., Jan. 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Legislative Office Building, Second Floor in the Hearing Room. (See the complete list of all public hearings after the link below.)
Tags: Didi Barrett, elections, James Seward, LAFTOR, Marc Molinaro, New York State legislators, Pete Lopez, redistricting, Richard Wager, Steve Saland
Jimmy Vielkind in Capitol Confidential reports that while New York State Senate staffing has dropped eight percent since July 2010, Greene County’s representative there, Republican James Seward, has hired an additional temporary staffer. Columbia County’s representative in Albany, Republican Steve Saland, also did not cut staff, as his remained the same from last year. Most departments of New York government have seen staff cuts in the past year. See the full Senate information through the link, and read the full story in Capitol Confidential. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: James Seward, Steve Saland
Governor Andrew Cuomo over the weekend released the list of bills he has just approved or vetoed, and of our local representatives, only State Senator James Seward co-sponsored any bills that reached the governor’s desk. Seward was involved with three bills Cuomo signed into law. The names of State Senator Steve Saland, and Assemblyman Pete Lopez and Marc Molinaro do not appear on the complete list (which can be seen following the link below). The three bills that Cuomo signed of Seward’s were:
• S.5459 SEWARD — Authorizes the village of Herkimer to finance a litigation settlement by the issuance of serial bonds and/or anticipation notes
Same as A.8097 Butler
• S.5657 SEWARD — Authorizes the village of Ilion to finance a litigation settlement by the issuance of serial bonds and/or anticipation notes
Same as A.8264 Butler
• A.4729-A Reilly — Relates to membership on regional fish and wildlife boards
Same as S.2363-A SEWARD
Follow the link to the complete list of bills signed and vetoed. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: James Seward, Marc Molinaro, Pete Lopez, Steve Saland
New York State makes pirate broadcasting a misdemeanor
Paul Riismandel in Radio Survivor reports that New York State Senator Steve Saland, who represents Columbia County in Albany, sponsored a bill just signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, making broadcasting on the AM or FM airwaves without a license a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison. New Jersey, has had a similar law on the books for several years, and no one can recall the state police getting involved in any actions, according to Paul Riismandel at Radio Survivor. “The measure is largely symbolic, aimed to frighten current and would-be unlicensed broadcasters out of taking to the air,” he writes. “While the law would allow police to get involved in tracking down and arresting pirate broadcasters, I’ll be surprised if law enforcement agencies are eager to dedicate much of their limited resources to such a minor crime.” If someone wants a radio license, they apply to the Federal Communications Commission in Washington D.C., not Albany, so courts would likely toss out any convictions. Read the full story at Radio Survivor.
Lexington still dealing with emergency services issues
Michael Ryan in the Windham Journal writes that the Lexington Town Board voted not to cut the road chief’s annual salary in half, to pay for emergency rescue workers at “a meeting last week.” Lexington paid Ashland approximately $6,000 for emergency services in 2010, after the town’s volunteer memberhsip declined. The volunteer group is still answering calls, but Ashland handles many too. The town would like to have Shandaken provide services, since that Ulster County town is closer then Ashland. Ryan does not report the exact figure, but says Shandaken wants near six-figures to cover Lexington. The Fire Commissioners, which currently oversee the volunteers, is putting together a proposal to turn the volunteer unit into a paid service. Read the entire story in the Windham Journal.
Van Schaack, IDA reading out to municipalities
Melanie Lekocevic in the Greene County News writes that Greene County IDA Interim Executive Director Rene Van Schaack made one of his first public appearances since the three resignations at the top of the IDA, at the August meeting of the Athens Town Council. “We want to try to rebuild relationships,” Van Schaack told the Town Council. “The IDA is in a time of transition. The winds of change sometimes blow the furniture off the porch and sometimes they blow the roof off the house. We are somewhere in the middle of that.” Executive Director Alexander “Sandy” Mathes, Board of Directors member Hugh Quigley, and Chairman Robert Snyder have all recently resigned from the IDA, after a media outcry last year over bonuses paid to Mathes. Van Schaack broke a little news, saying the former Travco site in Athens was recently sold to Peckham Industries. Peckham had taken over the rear building and property more than a year ago, and, “now Peckham has taken over the entire site, and is expected to relocate some of its operations there,” Lekocevic writes. Read the full story in the Greene County News.
County manager position gets the door
W. T. Eckert reported that the Columbia County Board of Supervisors defeated a resolution to hire a professional to run the county. Eckert does not list which town supervisors voted for the “Supporting the Concept of Professional Governance for the County of Columbia” proposal, nor does he list who was against the resolution, nor who was absent. Judging by several quotes in Eckert’s story, it will be difficult or impossible to get some supervisors to cede any power. “I think there is room for a position similar to the manager,” Bill Hughes, D-Hudson4, said. “The position has to have its power curtailed. It shouldn’t take power away from supervisors. This person can oversee departments but no passing resolutions, no hiring or firing, and no paying for high-ticketed expenses.” Read the full story in the Register-Star.
Tags: Bill Hughes, pirate radio, Rene Van Schaack, Sandy Mathes, Steve Saland
NY Confirms First Case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Horse
Wed., Aug., 3, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) confirmed the first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as EEE, in an Oneida County, NY horse. The nine-year-old mare there has lived at its current home for several years and had no recent travel history, and was unvaccinated. A NYSDAM press release says, “the presence of an infected horse in the area indicates that mosquitoes carrying EEE are present and pose a threat to both humans and horses.” Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, Darrel J. Aubertine, “urges all horse owners to discuss vaccination against both diseases with their veterinarian,” according to the press release. State Veterinarian David Smith added that any horse exhibiting neurologic problems should always be handled with great caution. The risk of physical injury to handlers is greater when horses are unsteady on their feet and also rabies needs to be ruled out as a cause of the symptoms.
GOP sues to keep Dems out of ballot
W. T. Eckert in the Register-Star reports that the Hudson Republican Committee filed a lawsuit Wed., Aug. 3, against Columbia County Board of Election Commissioners Virginia Martin, Democrat and Jason Nastke, Republican, to stop the Democrats from having a line for mayor on September’s primary ballot. Last month city Democrats failed to file Democratic nominee for mayor Nick Haddad’s petition for the November elections. Democrats have since collected the 92 signatures to for an Opportunity to Ballot and allow Haddad to be a write-in candidate in the Democratic primary on September 13. “Republicans are arguing that the petition is inadmissible because the signatures are duplicates of the ones that appeared on the petition nominating Haddad as the Democratic candidate,” Eckert writes. Read the full story in the Register-Star.
Saland mailer has Cuomo photo
Republican State Senator Steve Saland, who represents Columbia County in the New York State Senator, just msent a mailer to constituents listing his various accomplishments this last legislative session, and includes a photo of Democrat Governor Andrew Cuomo. Saland is now best known for joining Democrats and becoming the 32nd vote in the Senate to pass the same-sex marriage bill in May.
Read All About It!
Carole Osterink in The Gossips of Rivertown blog corrals all the reviews from this weekend’s NADA Hudson art fair at Basilica Hudson:
Art Forum: “Upstate, Downstate”
The New York Observer: “NADA Hudson Sent the Art World Up the River”
ARTINFO: “Welcome to Art Country”
The L Magazine: “Photos from This Weekend’s First NADA Hudson Art Project”
Art Fag City: “Report from NADA Hudson”
Tags: Andrew Cuomo, art, Basilica Hudson, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, EEE, elections, horses, NADA, Steve Saland
Tom Davis of Livingston will be a guest Wed., July 13 on “@Issue” at 10 a.m. hosted by Victor Mendolia on WGXC. Davis will talk about his days on “Saturday Night Live,” his comedy partner Senator Al Franken, and life in Columbia County. The second half of the show will feature Terry Gipson, who is running for State Senator, the seat currently held by Stephen Saland. Above, a clip Davis as Keith Richards to Al Franken’s Mick Jagger.
Tags: Steve Saland, Terry Gipson, Tom Davis
This interview is with New York State Senator Steve Saland interviewed by Poughkeepsie Journal editorial board Tue. June 28, about his vote to legalize same-sex marriage.
Tags: same-sex marriage, Steve Saland
The Mid-Hudson News Network reports that New York State Senator Steve Saland will lose his endorsement from the Conservative Party after he voted for same-sex marriage Friday. Saland, who represents Columbia County in Albany, was the 32nd Senator to announce his public support for the measure, enough for the bill to pass the State Senate. Michael Long, the chairman of the state Conservative Committee said the party will not back Saland, R-Poughkeepsie, in the next election. “The Conservative Party has to be true to its principles and those principles are supporting marriage between a man and a woman and we can no longer endorse people who don’t respect that or honor that commitment,” he said. Read the full story in The Daily Freeman.
Tags: Conservative Party, Michael Long, same-sex marriage, Steve Saland
New York State Senator James Seward, who represents Greene County in Albany, released this official video through the New York State Senate’s YouTube channel, explains what he thinks the legislature accomplished this year. Below, Senator Steve Saland, who represents Columbia County, talks about his disappointment in the legislature’s failure to repeal the MTA Payroll Tax. Below that, Saland generally comments on the legislative session. Below that, Assemblyman Pete Lopez, who represents Greene County, talks about his work on the Regional Education and Property Tax Reform Committees.
Tags: James Seward, local video, Pete Lopez, Steve Saland
Columbia County’s State Senator Steve Saland became the 32nd senator to announce his support of the same-sex marriage bill, which passed in a vote Friday night in Albany. Buffalo’s Mark Grisanti, also a Republican, also voted for the bill, which passed 33-29. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill and it becomes state law in 30 days. Saland was the only locally elected representative who voted for the bill: Senator Jim Seward, who represents Greene County, voted against the bill, as did Assemblymen Pete Lopez (Greene County) and Marc Molinaro (Dutchess County).
• Click here to play an mp3 recording of the New York State Senate voting to legalize same-sex marriage. (2:10)
Tags: James Seward, local video, Marc Molinaro, Pete Lopez, same-sex marriage, Steve Saland
The State Capitol in Albany will be abuzz all week until a vote is taken on the proposed same-sex marriage bill or the legislature retires for the summer, whichever comes first. Columbia County’s State Senator, Steve Saland (R-Poughkeepsie) is one of three Republican senators Gov. Andrew Cuomo has targeted to be the last voted needed to pass the bill. Capitol Confidential, the Albany Times-Union’s political blog, posted the video above showing people both in favor and opposed to the law protesting in the capitol and this text:
Here’s the scene outside the east door to the Senate antechamber at 10:20 a.m. Monday, as advocates for marriage equality and traditional marriage are jumbled together, creating major placard dissonance (“Equality for all families” next to “Marriage = one man + one woman”). Football player David Tyree, who released a video last week boosting traditional marriage, is in the throng. Trad marriage advocates have been encouraged to pray in small groups, and members of the media are amply represented in the thickening crowd — which is now singing.
Tags: same-sex marriage, Steve Saland
State Senator Steve Saland with Hudson school Superintendent Jack Howe at the Hudson Children's Book Festival. Photo from Saland's website.
Nicholas Confessore and Danny Hakim in The New York Times say New York State Senator Steve Saland, the lawmaker who represents Columbia County, “has not decided whether to allow a vote on legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage in New York State.” The Times says Saland, along with Senator Andrew J. Lanza of Staten Island and Senator Kemp Hannon of Long Island, met with Governor Andrew Cuomo about their concerns, “that churches and other religious institutions that do not approve of gay marriage could face legal challenges or regulatory conflicts if same-sex marriage is legalized.” Currently 31 of a necessary 32 state senators have publicly said they will vote for the bill, which passed the State Assembly Wed. June 15, and will be signed by Cuomo and made law if one more Republican senator changes his position. All week, Senators have said they expect a vote on Friday. Read the full story in The New York Times.
Lafarge updates planning board on modernization project
Hilary Hawke in The Ravena News-Herald reports that Lafarge representatives Senior Project Manager John Light, Engineering Manager Marc Desimon, Environmental Manager John Reagan and Plant Manager Martin Turecky met the Town of Coeymans planning board recently, with an artist’s rendering of the cement plant proposed modernization plan. Reagan said Lafarge “was not quite ready” to apply for building permits. “We have been working on this for three years,” Reagan said. “We have held informational sessions, public meetings, undergone a public comment period and taken part in the DEC legislative hearing.” Hawke writes that the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to submit comments to the DEC within the next few weeks and DEC will then issue a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). “We want to know about the landscaping,” said Planning Board member Joe Kapusta told the Lafarge representatives. “We want an up-to-date, state-of-the art plant,” Board member Buddy Irwin said, “but we also want attention paid to the appearance of the Route 9W corridor.” Hawke also reports that Callanan Industries, a supplier of paving materials and construction services just west of Lafarge, will be move out during construction of the new Lafarge plant. “It is not clear if they will reoccupy the premises once the modernization is completed sometime in 2014.” Hawke reports that the redone plant’s production will increase from roughly 1.7 million tons to 2.8 million tons each year. “Reagan said the modernization project will create roughly 800 construction jobs and once completed the new plant will employ the roughly the same number of workers as now, 180.” Read the entire story in The Ravena News-Herald.
Rodgers arrested
Carole Osterink in The Gossips of Rivertown blog reported two days before anyone else that Tim Rodgers, one-time candidate for alderman in the First Ward, was arrested Wednesday at his SEIU office on Warren Street by the Hudson Police Department and charged with a misdemeanor for filing a false document. Current First Ward alderman Geeta Cheddie’s complained to police after Rodgers signed applied to become a commissioner of deeds, citing a home address of 15 Allen Street, a building where he says he expected to be leasing an apartment. But the agreement with the building’s owner fell through, and Cheddie filed the complaint. Rodgers, was endorsed by the Hudson Democratic Committee as a candidate for First Ward alderman, an endorsement Osterink says Cheddie sought, recently withdrew from the race (David Marston is the new Democratic candidate). Last week, it was announced that Cheddie has been endorsed by the Republicans. Rodgers was arraigned Wednesday before Judge Richard Koweek, who says he will recuse himself from the case, since he was recently endorsed by the Democrats for another position. Rodgers was released on his own recognizance and will appear again on July 6 before Judge Mark Portin. Jamie Larson in the Register-Star adds this detail: After the arraignment, Rodgers was stopped on Warren Street and arrested again by HPD for driving with a suspended license. Read the entire story in The Gossips of Rivertown.
It’s Copake’s time to chime
Kelly Criscione writes in the Times Union Copake residents raised $42,000 in less than a year to restore the town clock and war memorial. The clock, created after the death of World War II soldier and Copake native Steven McIntyre, originally cost $2,600, when built in the 1940s. The memorial, that now once again chimes on the hour, contains the names of 168 Copake veterans from the first and second world wars, and its image is used on town letterhead, police uniforms, and the Copake flag. Read the entire story in the Albany Times-Union.
Town unveils new design for rehabbed senior center
Melanie Lekocevic in the Greene County News reports that the Town of Coxsackie Mon. June 13 unveiled plans to refurbish the Coxsackie Senior Center that is in the former Knights of Columbus building on Mansion Street. The the town purchased the building last year with a $150,000 grant through former Assemblyman Tim Gordon’s office, and the renovations are covered by a $400,000 grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal, Division of Housing. The plan includes upgrades of the plumbing, heating and electrical systems, switching from oil heat to natural gas. If money is left over from the grant, the town may add pathways from McQuade Park. Construction is expected to take about four months, and the town is considering the fire department, and the QWL building off Rte. 9W for temporary programming during construction. Read the Greene County News for the full story.
Empire State Baseball League scores
Thursday: 13U Coxsackie Owlz – 10 Schenectady #1 – 2
The 13U Coxsackie Owlz (4-1, 5-2) overwhelmed Schenectady #1 on Thursday 10-2. Seaver Martin and Elliott Palmateer each went 3-4 with a double and 2 RBIs, to lead the Owlz with Kyle Roberts adding two hits and pitching for the win with relief help from Chris Zwoboda. Roberts went 5 2/3 innings giving up two runs, one earned on four hits, two walks and nine strike outs. Zwoboda finished the game giving up a hit and one walk while striking out three.
Tags: Coxsackie Owlz, Coxsackie Senior Center, Geeta Cheddie, Lafarge, same-sex marriage, Steve Saland, Timothy Rodgers
Gibson supports Ryan’s budget
Kinderhook’s Congressman Chris Gibson sits down for a long interview with the “All Politics is Local” column in the Post Star, and says he believes the plan proposed by Republican Congressman Paul Ryan will prove popular. “As it relates to the Republican budget, look, we’ve talked about this before. I support it because it’s pro-growth and it’s fiscally responsible,” Gibson says in the interview. “When you talk about Medicare — look the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) and the trustees of Medicare itself have said publicly that the program’s going to be broke in a decade. We’ve got the only proposal that saves Medicare.” Read the entire story in the Post Star.
Cuomo Q&A: ‘We’re making progress’
Rick Karlin reports from a press gaggle with Governor Andrew Cuomo at SUNY Stony Brook Wed. June 1. With ten working days left before the legislature is scheduled to leave town, the question in Albany is will they reach deals on all the issues they are attempting to finalize. “We’re working on rent, ethics — all of these matters are being discussed,” the Governor told the assembled reporters. “We do not have a three-way agreement yet on these issues — not on ethics, not on rent. We announced a three way agreement on a property tax cap, and we’re working through the details. … I’m optimistic that we are going to have accomplishments by the end of the session. … People make decisions when they have to make a decisions.” Read the entire story in Capitol Confidential, the political blog of the Albany Times-Union.
State Senator Steve Saland with Hudson school Superintendent Jack Howe at the Hudson Children's Book Festival. Photo from Saland's website.
State Senator Steve Saland, who represents Columbia County, got a bill through the New York State Senate Wed. June 1. S4921-2011, “Prohibits bullying on school property and enacts the “Law to Encourage the Acceptance of All Differences (LEAD).” The bill now heads to the Assembly and then perhaps the Governor unless someone stands up against it.
Tags: Andrew Cuomo, Chris Gibson, Steve Saland
BOS votes to take over office project
John Mason in the Register-Star reports that the Columbia County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday, May 11 to take over the plan to turn the abandoned Walmart building into a county office building from the Columbia County Capital Resource Corporation. Mason explains, “Up until now, the assumption has been that the CRC would buy the former Walmart building, send out requests for proposals, have the building designed and renovated, and lease it to the county.” Now Board Chairman Roy Brown, R-Germantown, thinks the county will spend less money if they buy it themselves for somewhere between $8 and $16 million. Sixteen supervisors voted to spend that money, three opposed the proposal, and four abstained. Pat Grattan, R-Kinderhook, William Hughes Jr., D-Hudson4, and Edward Cross, D-Hudson2, voted against the measure, and Supervisors Reginald Crowley, R-Copake, William Hallenbeck Jr., R-Hudson3, Kevin McDonald, R-Livingston, and Margaret Robertson, D-New Lebanon, abstained. Read the entire story in the Register-Star.
Lexington votes to move forward with wastewater system
Michael Ryan writes in the Windham Journal the Town Board in Lexington voted 4-1 May 3 to move forward with the pre-construction phase of a multi-million dollar wastewater treatment system. The Catskill Watershed Corporation, administrators of a $9.1 million block grant being provided by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for the project, had previously given the town a May 6 deadline on the project. Councilman John Berger cast the lone dissent, saying “They spent $125,000 [on the Study Phase] incorrectly as far as the town of Lexington is concerned. They should correct their work then ask for more money.” Read the whole story in the Windham Journal.
Columbia County libraries win state grants too
WGXC reported yesterday that New York State Senator James Seward announced library construction grants for Cairo, Catskill, and Haines Falls in Greene County, and now Senator Steve Saland (R, I, C – Poughkeepsie) reports on $361,332 in public library construction grant funds coming to Columbia County. Grant recipients in Columbia County include:
• $75,000 – Claverack Free Library and Reading Room Association: For new space creation in previously acquired building and new mechanical and electrical system.
• $31,673 – Hudson Area Association Library: To create a handicapped access entry, new gas supply, and improve mechanicals.
• $22,000 – New Lebanon Library: For structural restoration of basement and steel supports, elevated concrete footings, new wiring and controls for HVAC system tie in with geo-thermal system, removal of old system, restoration to ceiling and floor, and the creation of new workspace in attic.
• $97,459 – Roeliff Jansen Community Library: New space creation for improved service to children and educational activities. Green projects include energy conservation through daylight sensors, new solar photocells, and daylight harvesting.
“New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading. Many of New York’s local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient, cannot provide Internet and computer and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring, and do not have sufficient space,” Senator Saland said in a press release. “The funds will enable our libraries to finance the construction of additions to existing buildings and renovate existing space, providing improved space for all residents in our communities.”
PJ Keeler Announces Candidacy for Columbia County Treasurer
Claverack resident and local businessman Paul (PJ) Keeler Jr. announced he will run for Columbia County Treasurer, after the May 5 announcement that longtime treasurer Kenneth Wilber won’t run for another term. Keeler seeks the Republican, Conservative and Independence Party lines that Wilber formerly held for 16 years. Keeler is President and Owner of KD Cards, Inc, with Hallmark stores in Greenport and Catskill since 1972. He has served the Greenport Rescue Squad since 1980, a member of the Columbia County Ambulance Association/EMS Advisory Board since 1999, and the A.B. Shaw Fire Company since 1976. He also serves as the Columbia County EMS Coordinator, a position he has held since 2000. Keller has been on the Boards of several community organizations, including the Columbia County Healthcare Consortium, the Claverack Library Building Committee, the Claverack Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners, the Philmont Rotary Club and the Hudson Jaycees. “My business experience, my familiarity with county government, my relationship with the business community, and my years of public service working with emergency services and the County Board of Supervisors in improving the quality of life for all of our residents uniquely positions me to be County Treasurer,” Keeler said in a press release. “I am committed to working with the Board of Supervisors, the business community, and most importantly, the residents of Columbia County to enhance revenues, control expenses, and minimize the impact of these difficult economic times on our communities.”
Tags: John Berger, libraries, Steve Saland, Walmart
Cheddie: Not Rodgers’ neighborhood
John Mason in the Register-Star reports that Hudson First Ward Alderwoman Geeta Cheddie filed a complaint with the Hudson Police Department against Timothy Rodgers and Victor Mendolia for filing false information with the City Clerk’s Office. In applying to be a city commissioner of deeds, Rodgers stated that he lived at 15 Allen St., and Mendolia notarized that statement, Cheddie said. From the story:
Rodgers has been endorsed by the city Democratic Party to run for First Ward alderman; although he has been working in Hudson for two years, he lives in Greene County. Mendolia is the city Democratic Party chairman. Cheddie, who lives in Hudson, was not endorsed by the party. On April 19, Rodgers was nominated to be a commissioner of deeds at the regular meeting of the Common Council. Cheddie abstained from voting on the basis that Rodgers’ listed address of 15 Allen St. was not where he was currently residing. The council voted to amend the appointment resolution to remove Rodgers’ name. Subsequently, according to Cheddie, City Attorney John Connor Jr. was asked to investigate. He sent a letter to Rodgers at the listed address, and the Post Office returned the letter with the envelope marked “Vacant.”
“I believed the information filed with the city clerk was incorrect, and I’d like something to be done about it,” Cheddie said Tuesday to Mason. “I don’t think it’s OK for people to knowingly file false documents with the Common Council and pass law from it.” Mendolia is a host of @Issue at 10 a.m. Wednesdays on WGXC, and has told WGXC he has no comment yet on this story, and that he may be arraigned today. He did not get back to Mason in time for his story, so Cheddie gets the last word here: “The commissioner of deeds is a serious responsibility,” she said. “I am a commissioner of deeds. You witness signatures. You swear to tell the truth, that the person standing before you is who they say they are and that they live at that address.” Read the entire story in the Register-Star.
Safety panel approves 3 bridge jobs
Jim Planck in The Daily Mail reports the Public Safety Committee of the Greene County Legislature approved three bridge construction projects Monday May 9. Legislators agreed to replace the Caniff Road bridge over the Jan de Bakkers Kill, off County Route 41 in Cairo, for $130,444, with Wm. J. Keller & Sons Construction Corp., of Castleton. The same company gets $156,822. for the rehabilitation of the bridge on County Route 12 in Windham that crosses the Batavia Kill just before Route 23 and the repair of the bridge on Scribner Hollow Road over the East Kill, before the road joins County Route 23C in East Jewett. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.
Local State Senators busy
On Tuesday, May 10, S697, sponsored by Sen. Steve Saland (who represents Columbia County in Albany) passed 61-0. The bill would create, “a state trooper highway memorial task force to develop and establish guidelines for recognition of members of the division of state police who have died in the line of duty; such recognition shall be by means of dedicating a portion of the state highway system, or the placement of a memorial plaque or marker along a state highway.”… State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta), who represents Greene County will meet with seniors in Mr. Dave Carlson’s “Participation in Government” class at Coxsackie-Athens High School today, Wed. May 11 at 12:50 p.m.
The Felice Brothers release new album
The Felice Brothers new album “Celebration, Florida” was released Tue. May 10, and the Hudson Valley band will be on-air on WDST 100.1-FM next Tuesday May 17. The band recorded the new album in the gymnasium and theater of Beacon, NY’s old high school. The “unofficial” video for the song “Fire at the Pageant” from the new album is on YouTube (below).
DAILY AUDIO
Ian Stewart, the chair of Claverack Historic Preservation Society.
Interview about Historic Hamlet Walk in Claverack Sat. May 14 that begins at 10 a.m. At A.B. Shaw Firehouse in Claverack. Interviewed by Richard Roth and Ann Forbes Cooper.
Bryan Hunter, owner of new Catskill bike shop, interviewed on WGXC Afternoon Show.
Hunter just opened Catskill Cycles last weekend in Catskill, where he sells new bikes and repairs older rides. Interviewed by Ann Forbes Cooper and Richard Roth.
Kevin Dorn of Jazz 72 interviewed on WGXC Afternoon Show.
Drummer for the band Jazz 72 that is performing in Greenville May 13 through the All Arts Matters arts organization. Interview by Ann Forbes Cooper and Richard Roth.
Agie Seife from Temple Israel in Catskill.
Interview by Ann Forbes Cooper and Richard Roth on WGXC Afternoon Show, about the temples latest public events and activities.
Tags: Catskill Cycles, Geeta Cheddie, James Seward, local video, Steve Saland, The Felice Brothers, Timothy Rodgers, Victor Mendolia
School district, teachers agree to 4-year pact
Jim Planck’s story in The Daily Mail contains no other details except the Catskill contract covers the years 2008 through 2012.
Senate pass property tax cap
The New York State Senate voted 45-17 to pass the proposal, with both local senators, Steve Saland and James Seward, voting in favor, according to a story in Capitol Confidential.
Mixed bag in 2010 home sales
Sales of existing single-family homes in Columbia County rose last year, while declining in Greene County, according to the Mid-Hudson News. Putnam, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester also improved, while in Dutchess, Orange, and Sullivan counties sales also fell.
Plan to end homelessness completed by CARES Inc.
A study of Columbia County homelessness, reported in the Register-Star, recommends the Department of Social Services purchase or obtain a long-term lease on one or more of the motels it’s currently paying thousands monthly to house area homeless. The CARES study suggests contracting with a nonprofit to “manage the property and provide case management to the clients,” according to Francesca Olsen’s report.
Tags: Catskill schools, homeless, housing, housing sales, James Seward, property tax cap, Steve Saland, teachers
State Assembly passes Wage Theft Protection Act
The New York State Assembly passed the Wage Theft Prevention Act (S8380/Savino – A11726/Heastie) Monday (the state’s website does not yet list the vote, but this press release claims it passed by a two-to-one margin). The bill, which protects workers by mandating minimum wages, and ensuring employers cannot use various schemes that result in underpayment of wages, according to the press release from the New York State Senate, which is controlled by the Democrats who passed the bill. The bill now heads to Governor Paterson’s desk for a signature. Local Assembly representatives Peter Lopez, Marc Molinaro, and Tim Gordon all voted against the measure.
From ColumbiaPage.com
ColumbiaPage.com, the site for Columbia County volunteer firefighters, has an update, and photos, from Ghent: “Construction continues on the Ghent Volunteer Fire Company #1 on State Route 66. The work is being done by Hills Construction. Don Hills Jr. operates the lift as he and his crew place roof trusses.”
Flood watch and wind advisory
A Wind Advisory (through 1 p.m. Wed.) has been added to a Flood Watch (through 10 a.m. Thur.) for both Greene and Columbia counties. Up to four inches of rain is possible. Information here.
Democrat concedes in Buffalo state Senate contest
Michael Gormley of the Associated Press reports for Fox23 and other outlets that New York State Senate Democrat Antoine Thompson conceded defeat Tuesday to Republican Mark J. Grisanti in the 60th state Senate District in Buffalo. Two other elections are still undecided: “Recounts continue for the seats held by Democratic Sen. Craig Johnson of Nassau County, who trails Republican Jack Martins by over 400 votes, and Westchester Democrat Suzi Oppenheimer, who’s up about 300 votes over Republican Bob Cohen,” Gormley reports. If both go Republican, then the GOP controls the Senate 32-30, like the Democrats currently rule there. If the two races split as the count currently indicate, the body will be tied 31-31, with new Democrat Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy breaking the deadlock. Gormley says Republicans plan a legal challenge to that tie-breaking procedure in court. Locally, since Republicans Steve Saland and James Seward represent the area, GOP control of the Senate would mean more access to pork for local projects.
Seward in Greene County Thursday
State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) will be in Greene County, Thursday, December 2 at 3:30 p.m. at Kaaterskill Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 161 Jefferson Heights, Catskill, for their annual tree lighting ceremony. Seward will also visit the Greene County Chamber of Commerce annual holiday happy hour at 5 p.m. at Rip Van Winkle Country Club, 3200 Route 23A, Palenville.
Birthdays
December 1 birthdays include Richard Pryor, Billy Paul, and Lou Rawls.
Tags: ColumbiaPage, David Paterson, James Seward, Steve Saland, Wage Theft Prevention Act
2.1 percent tax hike in Greene County, no layoffs
Colin DeVries in The Daily Mail and Ariel Zangla-Girard in The Daily Freeman both report the Greene County Legislature‘s 2011 budget includes a 2.1 percent tax increase, and no layoffs in a tentative $99.7 million budget. “A budget hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18 in the Cairo-Durham High School, 1301 Route 145 in Durham, at 6 p.m. Copies of the budget are available in the legislature office on the fourth floor of the Greene County Office Building at 411 Main St., Catskill,” DeVries reports. The The Daily Mail story includes tax rates for each town.
Greene biomass study results coming
The Daily Freeman reports the results of the Greene County Forest and Agriculture Biomass Resources Study will be presented at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 Route 23. “Dan Conable from Cato Analytics will present the study, which was prepared by Cato Analytics and Clark Patterson Lee. The full report is available online at www.greeneida.com,” the paper reported.
Road closures
The Columbia Paper reports The Columbia County Department of Public Works closed the county bridge that carries Stone Mill Road Extension over the Taghkanic Creek (locally known as Hildebrandt Bridge, in the towns of Greenport and Claverack) November 1, after the DOT deemed it unsafe. Since alternate routes are available and county funds low, the bridge will not be rebuilt and the nearby intersection of Yates Road and State Route 9H will also be closed to traffic. The Register Star reports, “The northernmost section of Mt. Merino Road may soon be closed to traffic, Greenport Highway Superintendent Mark Gaylord said Wednesday. He has authority to close the road if travel on it is not safe. The three-mile-long road has only two outlets, the other being west of the intersection of Route 9G and Route 23.” The story reports recurring flooding problems there.
Hole in the news
On Saturday, The Daily Mail reported about journalist Amy Goodman’s talk and book-signing for WGXC at the Community Theatre of Catskill last Thursday without mentioning WGXC. On Monday, The Daily Mail, in a story about the Sunday showing of Tobey Carey’s film “The Catskill Mountain House and the World Around” at the same Catskill theater reported, “The film was a production of Willow Mix Media, a not-for-profit arts group, and proceeds of DVD sales go to the Greene County Council on the Arts.” The Goodman appearance was a production of WGXC, and proceeds from admissions at the talk went to the station. “Democracy Now!” will air live on WGXC Monday through Friday at 8 a.m.
First snow
WGXC heard reports of snow throughout Columbia and Greene counties, with a bit of accumulation on the ground in higher altitudes, with salt trucks spotted spreading in both counties.
Birthdays
Today is the birthday of Lou Ferrigno, Spiro Agnew, and Ejiah Parish Lovejoy.
Tags: Greene County Council on the Arts, media, Steve Saland, The Daily Mail, WGXC
Steve Saland hit with ethics complaint over pressuring firefighters to promote re-election
The Daily News, Celeste Kaz broke the story Friday that, according to charges by a Dutchess County fireman and the Hudson city Democratic Chairman, filed a Legislative Ethics Complaint against incumbent GOP State Sen. Steve Saland, who is running for re-election in the 41st Senate District against Democrat Didi Barrett. The complaint alleges local fire authorities promoted Saland’s re-election bid on firehouse signs because Saland continues to win grants for local firehouses. Firefighter Lloyd Hamilton and Hudson Democratic chair Victor Mendolia (who is working on hosting a show on WGXC) have a letter dated Oct. 11 to prove it. In the Mid-Hudson News, Saland is quoted responding, “The charge that I would ever threaten any fire chief, of for that matter, any local official, is preposterous,” he wrote. “In the case of this particular complaint, it is an outrageous lie. In fact, I challenge these two Democrats to find a single fire chief who will testify under oath that I did that.”
Area campaigns flush with cash
The Daily Mail, Colin DeVries trawled www.elections.state.ny.us and discovered combined spending among Greene County Democratic and Republican committees is will exceed $115,000 this year, with Democrats spending $51,400 with around $18,000 in remaining contributions at 111 days before the election. Republicans have spent $39,800, with $4,400 remaining. DeVries writes, “Out of the Republicans who donated to the committee, itemized donors include Coxsackie Transportation ($450), Athens Generating ($250) and Peckham Industries ($680),’ and “Democratic county committee contributors include many small donations from private donors and small business, including Kaplan Law Firm ($100), Mooney’s Auction Service ($75) and Village Market in Tannersville ($75).” And what surely will be an election night question about what flavor, Catskill Town Justice Peter Margolius listed “candy bars” as a campaign expense.
Gillibrand puts her house on the market
WNYT reports U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has put her Columbia County house up for sale for almost $1.5 million. A spokesperson for the senator told the television station they want to move closer to Albany where she grew up and has family. It means Gillibrand will not be seen as often at the Hudson Amtrak station, as Columbia County no longer has its own United States Senator.
Tags: elections, Kirsten Gillibrand, Steve Saland, Victor Mendolia
Rick Karlin in Capitol Confidential reports:
“[T]he New York Public Interest Research Group has scanned into their website and updated the latest versions of financial disclosure forms for incumbents and challengers for the legislature. These are filed individually with the state Legislative Ethics Commission and frankly they don’t provide a lot of detail, especially regarding the monetary value of the stocks, outside employment or other sources of wealth and income that some lawmakers have.” Read the entire story in Capitol Confidential.
Locally:
Tim Gordon
Peter Lopez
Marcus Molinaro
Stephen M. Saland
James L. Seward
Tags: James Seward, Marc Molinaro, Pete Lopez, Steve Saland, Tim Gordon
New York State Assemblyman Marc Molinaro and New York State Senator Stephen Saland on Aug. 20 join the New York State Commissioner of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation; Assemblyman Joel Miller; Assemblyman Steve Englebright; and Lucy Waletsky of the State Council of Parks, Taconic State Park Commission for a tour of Walkway Over the Hudson (10 a.m.), Harlem Valley Rail Trail (11:45 a.m.), Taconic State Park (12:15 p.m.), Rudd Pond 1:10 p.m.), Copake Falls (2:15 p.m.), and Olana 4 p.m.).
Tags: Marc Molinaro, Olana, Steve Saland, town meetings
The New York State Senate voted 48-9 to impose a moratorium on shale gas drilling early this morning, just after midnight, passing the Thompson (S.8129B) / Sweeney (A.11443-B) measure. The bill would place a halt on granting new drilling permits until May, 2011. Locally, Steve Saland and James Seward voted for the moratorium. Assemblyman Tim Gordon, who represents parts of Greene, Columbia, and Albany counties, supports the measure and told WGXC, “If we want to proceed on this, I think we need to do it right, and there are still some unanswered questions.” Assemblyman Pete Lopez recently came out against the moratorium, saying, “In this case, (a moratorium) just gives the (Department of Environmental Conservation) cover so they don’t have to come out with the regulations.”
Tags: environment, James Seward, Steve Saland, Tim Gordon
Capitol Confidential and the New York Civil Liberties Union just tweeted that the Farm Workers Fair Labor Practices Act was defeated tonight 31-28 in the New York State Senate. Capitol Confidential quotes, in a tweet, New York State Senator Steve Saland, who represents Columbia County, on farm workers bill: “Why would you want to dance on the grave of upstate New York?” Both local senators, Saland and James Seward voted against the bill. and local Assemblymen Tim Gordon, Pete Lopez, and Marc Molinaro all oppose the bill. The NYCLU was quick with this statement: “Today’s Senate vote is painfully disappointing given our state’s proud tradition of supporting justice and equal rights,” said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman. “The Farm Workers Fair Labor Practices Act is basic civil rights legislation. Farm workers are New York’s least protected laborers. Our farm workers deserve the same labor rights that workers across New York have enjoyed for 100 years.” The bill would have mandated minimum salaries and maximum hours, and benefits for farm workers.
Tags: agriculture, James Seward, jobs, Steve Saland, Tim Gordon
Former NYC mayor Ed Koch’s New York Uprising reform initiative released its list of “heroes” and “enemies” of reform, and locally State Senators (R) Steve Saland and (R) James Seward, Assemblyman (R) Marc Molinaro, and Senate candidate (challenging Saland) (D) Didi Barrett all made the heroes list. Assemblymen (I) Tim Gordon and (R) Pete Lopez, however, made Koch’s enemies list. New York legislators and candidates were asked to pledge to support nonpartisan redistricting, ethics reform, and responsible budgeting. Those that did not sign the pledge made the enemies list. Read more about this in Capitol Confidential.
Tags: Didi Barrett, James Seward, Marc Molinaro, Pete Lopez, Steve Saland, Tim Gordon
From Johanna Barr in City Hall News:
If her fundraising totals are any indication, Didi Barrett looks poised to mount a serious challenge against incumbent Stephen Saland in New York’s 41st Senate District [which covers Columbia County]. Barrett [who campaigned throughout Hudson last weekend] has raised $161,196 this cycle. Her campaign also reported that it had gathered more than 3,700 signatures. Marian Rivman, Barrett’s communications director… said the campaign’s goal for this cycle had been to raise more than $132,000, which was the amount of cash Saland had on hand when Barrett first entered the race. Saland is a 20-year incumbent who served in the State Assembly for ten years, from 1980 through 1990, before moving to the Senate. If elected, Barrett would be the first Democrat to hold the seat in 100 years. The last was Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Read the entire story in City Hall News.
Tags: Didi Barrett, elections, Steve Saland
Both area State Senators — James Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) in Greene County and Steve Saland (R-Poughkeepsie) in Columbia — voted against the governor’s extender bill that passed tonight 34-27, with three Republicans voting for it. Click below to listen to a mp3 “radio cut” Senator Seward’s office provided, about his vote. Click here to hear mp3 from James Seward.
Tags: James Seward, local audio, Steve Saland
New York State Senator Steve Saland, R-Poughkeepsie who represents Columbia County, spoke the fourth most on the senate floor according to transcripts of floor proceedings that are now posted online and crunched by NYPIRG’s Bill Mahoney. H/T Capitol Confidential. Saland spoke 9,251 words this term through April 7, while State Sen James Seward ranks 34th with 1,465 words spoken. See Capitol Confidential for complete list.
Tags: James Seward, Steve Saland
From Casey Seiler at Capitol Confidential:
The Senate approved the one-week extender on a straight party-line vote, 32-29 [which means Columbia County's representative Steve Saland and Greene County's James Seward both voted against the measure], while the Assembly vote was slightly more mixed: 82-56.
From Rick Karlin and Jimmy Vielkind at the Albany Times-Union:
Assemblyman Tim Gordon told the protesters he would vote against a budget extender. He had been undecided about the vote; by tying the furlough provision to a measure that funds the government, Paterson has jammed several legislators, particularly Capital Region representatives whose constituencies include large numbers of state workers. “If it’s not legal, it’s very difficult to vote for,” said Gordon, I-Bethlehem. “I’ve been deliberating all weekend, and I’ve come to my conclusion: I’m voting no.”
Tags: James Seward, Steve Saland, Tim Gordon
WGXC's Kaya Weidman records NY State Senate candidate Didi Barrett at Hudson Children's Book Festival.
Just as WGXC’s Kaya Weidman was about to sit down and interview Fidel Mareno, who was going to talk about Native American rights and the American Indian Pow Wow Aug. 14 in Stephentown, Didi Barrett showed up. We had asked the Democratic candidate for New York State Senate representing Columbia and much of Dutchess counties (a seat held by Republican Steve Saland) to stop by our table in Hudson High’s gym, but everyone arrived at the same moment, and then a recorder failed. Indeed, it was a whirlwind day with so many folks stopping by the WGXC table at the festival, which was even busier then in its first year. Eventually we got another recorder working, and a conversation between Barrett, Mareno, and WGXC staff ensued about absentee voting, Native American rights, and other issues.
Fidel Mareno speaks with Didi Barrett at the Hudson Children's Book Festival.
WGXC's Kaya Weidman records Robert Yellow Fox at Hudson Children's Book Festival.
Later Weidman sat down with Robert Yellow Fox, and spoke about Eagleton School, a private year-round residential, psycho-educational treatment facility for boys and young men ages nine (9) to twenty-two (22) years, with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Development Disorder, Communication and Cognitive Delays, Behavioral Disorders, Emotional Disorders, and Learning Disabilities. Listen to their discussion here or paste this link:
http://archive.free103point9.org/2010/05
/RobertYellowFox_HCBF_WGXC_050110.mp3
WGXC’s Emily Bennison also made recordings of children’s authors during the event. Click on the author’s name to listen to mp3 audio interview.
Anne Broyles
Ann Jonas
Barbara Slate
Danielle Joseph
Donald Crews
Ellen Jensen
Gail Carson Levine
Zetta Elliott
Tags: authors, Didi Barrett, elections, festivals, local audio, schools, Steve Saland, youth
Republican Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C – Poughkeepsie) announced today that he will be seeking re-election to the State Senate for his 11th term, representing all of Columbia County and much of Dutchess County. “Despite the state of affairs surrounding state government and the failing economy, I find myself more compelled than ever to seek re-election to the State Senate. I have no intention of deserting the ship even though it has taken on an abundance of water,” said Senator Saland. “While I have found this past year to be particularly challenging – constantly battling the tax and spend policies of the current Senate Majority, I know it’s critically important that we restore a balance of power in our State Government so taxpayers outside the city of New York once again have a voice of leadership to protect their interests.” Saland and Congressional hopeful Chris Gibson will both speak at a Tea Party Protest in Otego this Saturday, April 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. at River Valley Ford, which is about halfway between Oneonta and Otego on Route 7. Democrat Didi Barrett already announced her campaign to seek the seat.
Tags: Chris Gibson, Didi Barrett, Steve Saland
Rick Karlin of Capitol Confidential reports that this morning the New York State Senate passed an absentee ballot bill 35-27. The bill, previously passed by the Assembly, will make it easier to cast an absentee ballot, removing requirements to “disclose the special circumstances requiring his absence,” among others. Not surprisingly, Greene and Columbia counties’ Republican legislators are against the bill. Both local Assemblyman, Marc Molinaro in Columbia and Pete Lopez in Greene, voted against the bill. Both Senator Jim Seward (Greene) and Sen. Steve Saland (Columbia) voted against the bill this morning. Recently, Republicans in Columbia County have challenged many absentee ballots, targeting second-home owners as the voting totals have turned from slightly Republican to slightly Democratic in the county.<
Tags: James Seward, Marc Molinaro, Pete Lopez, Steve Saland
The Albany Times-Union asked all New York state legislators to disclose their household incomes. Locally, the Senators did not respond and the Assemblymen disclosed. Below is information from the senators and assemblymen representing Greene and Columbia counties:
James L. Seward, Senate, R-51
Responded: No
Reported 2009 income: Minimum of $94,000
Comments: Lawmaker declined to respond but legislative leader income is public record. Assembly pay of $79,500 plus $14,500 as Vice Chair of Minority Conference.
Tim P. Gordon, Assembly, I-108
Responded: Yes
Reported 2009 income: Up to $158,300
Comments: Assemblyman responded saying he makes his legislative pay of $79,500; $3,000, interest and dividend income of approximately $800. Wife works for Price Chopper in Schenectady for a salary of between $50,000 and $75,000 per year.
Stephen M. Saland, Senate, R-41
Responded: No
Reported 2009 income: Minimum of $92,500
Comments: Lawmaker declined to respond but legislative leader income is public record. Assembly pay of $79,500 plus $13,000 as Assistant Minority Whip.
Marcus J. Molinaro, Assembly, R-103
Responded: Yes
Reported 2009 income: $122,700
Comments: Assembly pay of $79,500 and ranking minority member pay on Election Law Committee of $9,000; $1,500 LILAC Realty Corp. sales referrals; Riding Tide Communications pay of $3,700 as associate publisher; wife is a registered nurse at Health Quest, makes $29,000.
Peter D. Lopez, Assembly, R-127
Responded: Yes
Reported 2009 income: $134,500
Comments: Assembly pay of $79,500 plus $9,000 as ranking Republican on the food, farm and nutrition committee. Spouse makes $46,000 per year as career counselor at SUNY-Cobleskill.
Tags: elections, James Seward, Marc Molinaro, Pete Lopez, Steve Saland, Tim Gordon
Local New York State Senators Jim Seward (who represents Greene County and other areas) and Steve Saland (who represents Columbia County and other areas) both voted “No” today on the Same-Sex Marriage vote in the New York State Senate. The measure failed, 38-24. In May, local Assemblyman Tim Gordon, D-108th, voted “yes” on the bill, while Pete Lopez, R-127th, voted “no”, and Marc Molinaro, R-103rd, was absent.
Tags: James Seward, Marc Molinaro, Pete Lopez, Steve Saland, Tim Gordon
On The Air
WGXC is on 90.7-FM now, at full-power, 3300 watts. We cover all parts of Greene County except parts of the mountaintop, and all of Columbia County except for a bit of Western Columbia County south of Germantown. WGXC also covers a large part of southern Albany County. We have heard reports that the signal is getting from Delaware County to Great Barrington, from Selkirk to Saugerties, from Pine Plains to the I-90 extension.
Local weather/webcams
National Weather Service, Albany
Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page
When the computer is turned on, the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page reports weather information in Harlemville. Check dates and times to see whether reports are live or from when the computer was turned off.
Greene County webcams:
Catskill webcam: Thomas Cole House Claude Mirror
Nearby webcams:
Recent Comments