updated
7:42 a.m.
Contains only posts that are ID'd as local content. An explanation. Want to help improve our local content filter? Add keywords here.
The new GI bill has now 26 of New York state's congresspeople cosponsoring it. That leaves just three not cosponsoring it. Who is one of those three? The congressman that represents Fort Drum and the military community surrounding it has made a concious decision not to cosponsor this bill that makes available benefits to those men and women currently and recently serving. Why John McHugh have yo...
DangerDemocrat - 7:41 a.m.
By now the announcement of his candidacy will be hitting the traditional media, but RT was fortunate enough to get an interview with him earlier this week. Tom Hasman is a Project Manager for a company who handles data security for the US government. He’s got experience in both government and the private sector, and comes [...]...
Rochester Turning - 7:41 a.m.
It looks increasingly likely that embattled New York State Congressman Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island) will not seek reelection: Rep. Vito Fossella of New York has acknowledged fathering a 3-year-old daughter with a woman outside his marriage. In a statement Thursday Fossella said he is “truly sorry” for the pain he has caused his loved ones. Fossella’s private life [...]...
Rochester Turning - 7:41 a.m.
The New York Times features a story today by Gretchen Morgenson that probes "predatory equity" practices in the rent regulated housing market. Revealing yet another heartless dimension of capitalism and New York real estate, Morgenson's piece reports that private equity firms are buying up rent-regulated properties in New York with the single purpose of chasing out tenants and then jacking up t...
DMIblog - 7:40 a.m.
In follow-up to the previous post, wherein I describe the time-wastefulness of the City Council in condemning a private citizen, I present to you this tidbit from Artvoice’s Geoff Kelly. You see, Mr. Kelly wanted to attend a public hearing yesterday afternoon at City Hall in the City of Buffalo, New York, United States [...]...
BuffaloPundit - 7:40 a.m.
Hi, Pundits and Pundettes. A question for you this fine Friday. Which is dumber? Carl Paladino saying future expat James Williams only got his job because of he’s black? or… Brian Davis helping organize a 5-4 condemnation of that statement in the Buffalo Common Council, punctuating it by saying that Carl Paladino [...]...
BuffaloPundit - 7:40 a.m.
Read original... The mother of Vito Fossella's love child knows all about cheating hearts. Both of Laura Fay's failed marriages were plagued by adultery - with the first one ending after she had an affair, and her second husband leaving her after trysts by both sides, sources said. Fossella admitted yesterday that he and Fay have a 3-year-old daughter named Natalie. Whether she has ta...
Lost in the Ozone... - 5:17 a.m. - 4 clicks ![]()
John McCain is coming to New York City today. Lucky us! In fact, he'll even be taking a sightseeing tour around the city by boat. Lucky for him, he'll be able to see all kinds of world famous New York City landmarks, stuff like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, not to mention the East River itself, all ofwhich he's opposed funding for or protecting for years . Bon Voyage, Senator M...
The Albany Project - 5:16 a.m. - 3 clicks ![]()
Read original... Republican Congressman Vito Fosella Confesses To Fathering 3-Year Old With Woman Not His Wife Rep. Vito Fossella has admitted fathering a 3-year-old daughter with a woman outside his marriage. The Republican congressman from New York City made the announcement Thursday amid heavy scrutiny after his arrest for drunken driving last week in suburban Washington. Police said...
Lost in the Ozone... - Thu 11:14 p.m. - 8 clicks ![]()
There has been much discussion today over whether us here at TAP are "anti-Assembly" because of our criticism of Sheldon Silver. But not enough is being discussed about the positive alternatives being presented by Shelly's challengers. For example, there is this nugget from Streetsblog's profile of Newell last week, on reforming Albany: there should be a limit on the number of bills each...
The Albany Project - Thu 9:33 p.m. - 4 clicks ![]()
The new G.I. Bill is getting more support from New York representatives in the House. I have written before about the G.I. Bill and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America has created a website to raise awareness about the new G.I. Bill. All of our representatives in New York have signed on - except for three: Rep. John McHugh , Rep. Mike McNulty and Rep. Jim Walsh . Out of 29...
The Albany Project - Thu 9:33 p.m. - 5 clicks ![]()
The Daily News has a web poll accompanying their story about his admission of the affair and child he fathered out of wedlock. The results so far? Not so good for Papa Vino: ...
The Albany Project - Thu 9:33 p.m. - 4 clicks ![]()
The New York Public Interest Research Group along with the Citizens Unions of the City of New York , Common Cause of New York and the League of Women Voters of New York State have all called on the New York State Board of Elections to enforce the rules regarding corporate campaign contribution limits which limit corporate contributions to $5,000. The NYPIRG has supplied another of their...
The Albany Project - Thu 9:33 p.m. - 4 clicks ![]()
Instead of bothering to try and keep up with the news roundups I am just going to focus on the inevitable, Fossella's resignation. Today's indications that he will not be up for re-elections comes from his own party ; House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) said Thursday that fellow Republican Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) should do some serious thinking over the weekend about his politi...
NY 13 - Thu 9:32 p.m. - 5 clicks ![]()
via Vito; “I have had a relationship with Laura Fay, with whom I have a three year old daughter. "My personal failings and imperfections have caused enormous pain to the people I love and I am truly sorry. "While I understand that there will be many questions, including those about my political future, making any political decisions right now are furthest from my mind. “Over the coming weeks...
NY 13 - Thu 9:32 p.m. - 5 clicks ![]()
Randy Kuhl likes to get drunk. And has gotten so drunk that he pulled two......
Democracy In Albany - Thu 4:22 p.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
Read original... Councilman Hiram Monserrate directed funds to Libre. The authorities are investigating whether a Queens social service agency that received city money through the efforts of Councilman Hiram Monserrate also helped politically with his campaign for the State Senate, according to a law enforcement official. The Queens district attorney’s office and the city’s Departme...
Lost in the Ozone... - Thu 1:27 p.m. - 19 clicks ![]()
The "favorite son," or, in this case, "favorite daughter," effect has operated in full force here in New York this presidential election cycle. The Democratic party establishment in the state has been a united front in support of Hillary Clinton's White House race, for the most part. However, Tuesday's results may have finally started to change that. According to http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/....
The Albany Project - Thu 1:26 p.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
Remember a few months ago when Nick Spano launched that new site asking the residents of the 35th if he should run again ? Well, apparently the good folks of SD-35 have spoken as Spano tells Politics on the Hudson that he's choosing the "spend more time with my family" route. Nick Spano says no to a campaign in 2008! Former state Sen. Nicholas Spano just called to say he has decided NOT to...
The Albany Project - Thu 1:26 p.m. - 12 clicks ![]()
David Sirota will be coming to New York City to promote his new book, The Uprising: An Unauthorized Tour of the Populist Revolt Scaring Wall Street and Washington . A press release was just sent out outlining two events Sirota will be taking part in to promote his newest work as well as discuss issues with populism. From the press release: May 30, 7:00pm to 8:30pm: David Sirota will appea...
The Albany Project - Thu 1:26 p.m. - 12 clicks ![]()
It seems "Vino" Fossella's predicament grows more dire by the hour. House Minority Leader John Boehner just told the drunk driving adulterer from Staten island to take a little time to think long and hard about his future. Sounds grim. Boehner advises Fossella to make a decision over the weekend House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) said Thursday that fellow Republican Rep. Vito Fos...
The Albany Project - Thu 1:26 p.m. - 14 clicks ![]()
I wrote yesterday that Governor David Paterson would be meeting with Rev. Al Sharpton and the family of Sean Bell. Now, according to a media advisory, Bell's family will be meeting with Paterson publicly today. 4:30 PM Appears with Family of Sean Bell Press Room 633 Third Avenue (between 40th and 41st streets) New York City Open Press This will be interesting. It will speak volumes wit...
The Albany Project - Thu 1:26 p.m. - 12 clicks ![]()
And not just cool, they’re super popular in the Democratic primaries! I mean, everybody’s trying to get a few on their side: Clinton makes case for wide appeal - USATODAY.com “I have a much broader base to build a winning coalition on,” she said in an interview with USA TODAY. As evidence, Clinton cited [...] SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "White People are So Cool", url: "...
DragonFlyEye - Thu 1:26 p.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
A few months ago when news broke that NY Governor Eliot Spitzer hired a call-girl, King was one of the first out of the gates with a call for resignation . "He's going to have to resign...At one level, it has to do with his integrity and his personal morality, but I don't even want to go into that. Without even touching on that, he has to resign. One of the reasons "To leave himself open t...
Peter King Watch - Thu 1:25 p.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
Read original... Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn announced Monday that on May 12 a new ferry service will be operating between the Rockaways and Lower Manhattan with a stop in Sunset Park, with expanded ferry service operating in North Brooklyn and Long Island City to follow this summer. “As our waterfront becomes even more dynamic, with new housing and open sp...
Lost in the Ozone... - Thu 10:34 a.m. - 17 clicks ![]()
Wow. This is a 'cut and paste' from Assemblyman Canistrari in this morning's email. Assemblyman Canestrari: Patty Ritchie Should Consider Running an Honest Campaign…For a Change “I am very surprised to learn from the article in today’s Watertown Daily Times that Ms. Ritchie would even consider running for New York State Assembly again, or partnering with the Republican Assembly Campaign...
DangerDemocrat - Thu 10:34 a.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
Vito Fossella is toast and I think we'll most likely be seeing a special election for that seat this summer. Vito admitted having a long time affair this morning as well as fathering a child, a daughter, with his mistress in a Thursday morning press release. Fossella admits to affair, out-of-wedlock child Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) said Thursday that he had an extramarital affair that has re...
The Albany Project - Thu 10:34 a.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
I've been meaning to write up a synopsis of the Reform Day events in Albany for over a week now-- this is just such a busy time of year, haven't been getting to it. So, I am going light on the text here, and mostly telling the story in photos. If you have questions, please ask in comments! Oh-- and tell me if the photos distort the shape of the site-- looks ok on my wide-screen compute...
The Albany Project - Thu 10:34 a.m. - 12 clicks ![]()
( A reader inquired about this in the Vino Finito thread. As the saying goes, ask and you shall receive. ) The news today regarding Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island) does not bode well for the Republicans. But this sure opens up things on the Democratic side in the 13th congressional district . First, the two candidates already "in" the race. New York City councilmember Dominic Recchia...
The Albany Project - Thu 10:34 a.m. - 12 clicks ![]()
I found this little gem yesterday from C-SPAN.org/Capitol Hill, the White House and National Politics, and since stlo7 had asked, I thought I would present it to you: Also phoning in is Maggie Brooks (R), County Executive, Monroe County, NY to talk about a $1 million earmark sponsored by Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-NY) for the Monroe County, New [...]...
Rochester Turning - Thu 10:34 a.m. - 14 clicks ![]()
Embattled New York Congressman Vito Fossella (R)'s political career has gone up in smoke in just one short week. It was bad enough when Fossella, the last remaining Republican Congressman from New York City, was arrested last week for DWI. "Vino" Fossella, as the New York Daily News has seen fit to dub him, blew a .17 into the Breathalyzer, twice the legal limit, and apparently had some troub...
DailyKos (New York) - Thu 10:34 a.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
Let's remind State GOP Chairman Joe Mondello what he said about the Spitzer-Call Girl revelations: March 10th " This is a sad day for Governor Spitzer and his family as well as for the citizens of our state. It is hard to see how Governor Spitzer can hope to govern effectively while the political, governmental and legal consequences of his behavior swirl about him .” “New Yorkers are fa...
Nassau GOP Watch - Thu 10:33 a.m. - 20 clicks ![]()
It's not like this was either unexpected or unfair : WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Hillary Clinton supporter Harvey Weinstein threatened to cut off contributions to congressional Democrats unless House Speaker Nancy Pelosi embraced his plan to finance revotes in Florida and Michigan, three officials familiar with their conversation said. 'Nuff said. If the Democrats have any chance of winning in November...
Simply Left Behind - Thu 10:33 a.m. - 12 clicks ![]()
My firm does some work with Erie County. As a meeting I was attending was wrapping up, the Erie County Legislature was heading into session, so I thought I'd stick around to see how things work at their Leg meetings. While watching, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with an individual who regularly attends EC Leg meetings. Here are some interesting pieces of information I learned abou...
Niagara Times - Thu 8:29 a.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
Read original... Dear Editor; Now that our children have returned to school from Spring Break, it is imperative that we turn our attention to working together diligently to stop the potentially devastating education budget cuts that lame-duck Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed in next years New York City budget. Mayor Bloomberg has failed our children with his power grab for Mayoral control...
Lost in the Ozone... - Thu 8:29 a.m. - 19 clicks ![]()
In reading my regular coterie of blogs and press yesterday there was an almost universal and sometimes vaguely gleeful theme that Hillary was toast. I don't buy it. The campaign goes on. The value of that ongoingness is that Barack Obama who will in all likelyhood be the candidate of our party has to endure another two or three weeks of vetting and tempering that will produce an incredibly s...
DangerDemocrat - Thu 8:29 a.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
Keep the lawyers in Albany busy. Everyone hire a lawyer! Bruno's office declined on Wednesday......
Democracy In Albany - Thu 8:27 a.m. - 14 clicks ![]()
All Things Jennifer has the Artpark summertime Tuesday free concert lineup. Evidently, reality TV star Bret Michaels is scheduled to play, as is ex-Doobie Brother castrato Michael McDonald. She also posted a list of ten things Hillary Clinton could have done instead with the $6.4 million she loaned her campaign. [...]...
BuffaloPundit - Thu 3:51 a.m. - 11 clicks ![]()
Yes, it’s true that New York is one state; geographically and to a degree politically. Economically, though, there’s a distinct difference between upstate and downstate; between east and west. The upstate economy is saddled with fail. Whether it’s taxes higher than that of neighboring states, regulations that are too onerous, or [...]...
BuffaloPundit - Thu 1:52 a.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
Buffalo Schools Superintendent James Williams? Yeah, he’s looking. ...
BuffaloPundit - Thu 1:52 a.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
Dangers of Artificial Turf aired on abc-tv news April 17th, 2008... High levels of lead measured in artificial turf at Hoboken's Sinatra Park soccer field. From Cablevision Channel 18 Neighborhood Journal, Hudson News edition. 4/15/08 Lead Traces Found in Artificial Turf - Click to read original 'Anything That Our Children Play on, We Want to Make Sure It's ...
Lost in the Ozone... - Thu 12:29 a.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
Read original.. A medica l examiner has identified the body found in a Lexus SUV in Forest Park as that of Yuriy Grinchuk, 40, to whom the vehicle was registered. According to Megan Cuccia, a spokesperson for the ME, “The case is pending. We need to do further investigation in order to determine the cause of death.” The body was discovered by a sanitation worker on Monday, May 5 when he...
Lost in the Ozone... - Thu 12:29 a.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
Read original... It isn’t a good season for bowling in Queens. Two major national bowling operators, AMF Bowling Centers, Incorporated of Richmond, Virginia and the Brunswick Corporation of Lake Forest, Illinois have both apparently abandoned the borough. On Thursday, April 24, AMF abruptly closed the Van Wyck Lanes in Richmond Hill, without any prior notice to the public, or a passel of...
Lost in the Ozone... - Thu 12:29 a.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
Read original... THE COURIER SUN/PHOTOS BY STEVEN ORTIZ Terry Caruso, President of the Ladies Auxiliary, and Commodore Stanley Wojnarowski placed a wreath in the bay behind the Club to honor those that will never be forgotten. The sun shone brightly and the rain held off as the Old Mill Yacht Club celebrated its 112th anniversary this past Sunday with an opening-day ceremony in Howar...
Lost in the Ozone... - Thu 12:29 a.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
Read original... Two candidates vying for the 30th District City Council had general objections raised to their petitions on Monday, May 5 - the last day to raise objections. Anthony Gucciardo filed objections with the city Board of Elections to the petitions filed by Republicans Tom Ognibene and Joseph Suraci, while Dennis Metz also filed against Suraci. Both Gucciardo and Metz have until M...
Lost in the Ozone... - Thu 12:29 a.m. - 17 clicks ![]()
Read original... City Councilmember Melinda Katz, who shocked colleagues and constituents little more than a month ago when she revealed she was pregnant, has delivered a healthy baby boy. The as-yet-unnamed little Katz “took me a bit by surprise,” the 42-year-old single mom said. “The baby is healthy and beautiful,” Katz said. He arrived a little over a month early according to the proud...
Lost in the Ozone... - Thu 12:29 a.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
As we all know, Vito Fossella had a little drunken driving incident last week, but know the story is growing, and as it turns out, it is all tied to a baby-momma problem . ...
DailyKos (New York) - Thu 12:28 a.m. - 18 clicks ![]()
I need to get this out a little early tonight, a lot of things to cover... NEW UPDATES Vito Fossella losing his seat in Congress for all the wrong reasons Down With Tyranny Fossella to call it quits? , Swing State Project Fossella about to be forced out by his own party NY-13: Fossella on the Ropes , Swing State Project Fossella’s Future in Doubt , Roll Call Privately, however, poli...
NY 13 - Thu 12:28 a.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
...
NY 13 - Thu 12:28 a.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
via Fossella Five ; Sally Jones and Thomas Good, members of the Fossella Five*, have released the following statement on the arrest of Congressman Vito Fossella for driving while intoxicated: While we would never advocate placing a human being in a cage and calling that rehabilitation, we are aware that this is precisely what the great state of Virginia may do to Vito Fossella should he be conv...
NY 13 - Thu 12:28 a.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
For those of you following the tailspin that is Fossella's career let me introduce VinoFossella.com . This site, live as of an hour ago tracks Vito Fossella's DWI arrest and the media storm that has happened since Wednesday April 30. The purpose it to track what info has come out and when it first appeared with references to the articles....
NY 13 - Thu 12:28 a.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
It is late. It has only been a week since the arrest but it feels like soo much longer. There are lots of questions swirling around and another press conference planned but not announced. Leave it to Vito to not even want to talk about his own planned press conference. What is going to happen? By now I think it is almost a foregone conclusion that Vito Fossella and Laura Fay have some relatio...
NY 13 - Thu 12:28 a.m. - 17 clicks ![]()
More than 3 percent of all New Yorkers could face foreclosure on their homes over the next few years according to one study. If the figures hold, it could spell disaster not only for the homeowners but for their neighbors, for government and for lenders. What can the city and state do to avoid the crisis?...
Gotham Gazette - Thu 12:27 a.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
Iddybud Journal - Wed 7:38 p.m. - 24 clicks ![]()
With recent news that rising food prices around the world are creating a food crisis, it's important to remember that most Americans do not face hunger like tens of millions in the developing world. At the same time, a recent New York Times article reminds us that access to fresh and quality food continues to be a pressing community development issue in New York City. A recent study has sho...
DMIblog - Wed 7:38 p.m. - 19 clicks ![]()
This blog is actually going to cite some law today and proceed with a formal complaint. THE ISSUE Today in a Watertown Daily Times story on page one of the B section the newspaper reported that Patricia A. Ritchie is considering a republican candidacy for the 118th assembly seat. The story goes on, "Mrs. Ritchie scored the highest in a winter telephone poll conducted by RACC sponsored to determi...
DangerDemocrat - Wed 5:04 p.m. - 26 clicks ![]()
The real-estate market tanked, and we emerged relatively unscathed. In fact, the market contraction is so severe that Rochester, with a projected 2.7% growth over the next 12 months, is number two of the “Ten Fastest Growing Real Estate Markets”, according to Money Magazine. Thoughts? ...
Rochester Turning - Wed 1:23 p.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
From a DiNapoli Press Release ... "State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office revoked the New York State and Local Retirement System membership of three attorneys and rescinded retirement system service credit for two other attorneys and an accountant. The actions are part of DiNapoli’s ongoing review of the Retirement System. “We’re moving forward, case by ca...
Nassau GOP Watch - Wed 1:23 p.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
The Politico has still more on Vito Fossella’s (R-Staten Island) legal woes: Fossella was arrested last Thursday in Virginia, with a blood alcohol level of 0.17 — over twice the legal limit in the state. If found guilty, he would have to serve five days in jail, an outcome analysts said could present major political problems. “The [...]...
Rochester Turning - Wed 11:20 a.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
Hey everyone - You may have noticed that new comments are not appearing in the new recent comment column.  We have also experienced some issues posting new material - So we are on the case. We just ask for your patience - Like all good progressives - we are looking at solving the problem as opposed to deferring [...]...
Rochester Turning - Wed 11:20 a.m. - 14 clicks ![]()
The value of the U.S. dollar has fallen dramatically due to the war in Iraq. The price of gasoline at the pumps is skyrocketing. Combine that with greed and profits that are unrecognizable and those of us who pay to go to work are getting absolutely taken to the cleaners. When asked if he would change [...]...
Rochester Turning - Wed 11:20 a.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
Earlier, Rotten and we concurred that Randy Kuhl and other Congressional Republicans will have to move past childish name-calling and adopt an actual agenda if they’re going to have any chance to survive in November. It seems that Newt Gingrich, of all people agrees with us. Problem is, the agenda he suggests is even more absurd than [...]...
Rochester Turning - Wed 11:20 a.m. - 14 clicks ![]()
For what his endorsement is worth, it’s Obama’s now, not Clinton’s: McGovern, former Clinton backer, endorses Obama - washingtonpost.com “She has run a valiant campaign. And she will remain an influential voice in the American future,” he said. Tagged With: Clinton, Endorses, McGovern, Obama, Pull, Urges Related posts No related posts. SHARETHIS.addEntry(...
DragonFlyEye - Wed 11:19 a.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
Listening to the local radio station for the 7:30 news yesterday morning, they were talking about the new pot hole machines that the city of Niagara Falls will be renting to fix the massive pot hole problem plaguing the city. This will bring much needed relief to drivers and vehicles in the city. Although I live in Lockport, I was in Niagara Falls for a jaunt to the casino this past weekend. I can...
Niagara Times - Wed 5:21 a.m. - 14 clicks ![]()
What the hell is this? NYT: Options dwindling for Clinton - The New York Times- msnbc.com And in Indiana, for example, less than half of Mrs. Clinton’s supporters said they would support Mr. Obama in a general election, while one-third said they would vote for Mr. McCain. About one-fifth of Mr. Obama’s supporters in Indiana [...] SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Does Hillary Represent the A$$hole Wi...
DragonFlyEye - Wed 5:20 a.m. - 14 clicks ![]()
Read original... Koester for News Greg Stouall, a 15-year bowler at Van Wyck Lanes, packed his gear last week after seeing the notice below. Queens bowlers better get another hobby. The borough's pin-pushers are in the gutter amid news that one local alley has closed, another will close soon and others may follow. "...
Lost in the Ozone... - Wed 4:11 a.m. - 14 clicks ![]()
Read original... Read report... Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum is less than impressed that 78% of the city's parent coordinators did not return calls in a survey by her office. But Queens did better than most, she found. Out of 20 schools contacted, coordinators at 75% o...
Lost in the Ozone... - Wed 4:11 a.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
Read original with addition photos... A look at New York's Queens Boulevard in the 1930s, via its long-gone trolley tracks Lightly populated Queens Boulevard hosted a Manhattan and Queens car in 1935. The view is near Grand Avenue in Elmhurst. The then under-construction competing Independent subway line's...
Lost in the Ozone... - Wed 4:11 a.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
Read original... For New Yorkers, a casino will soon be a mere subway ride away. Or a racino, to use the gambling industry’s term: a gambling emporium built into the Aqueduct thoroughbred track in Queens that will include 4,500 video slot machines, but no table games. Desperate for revenue, the state has put plans to develop a racino at Aqueduct on the fast track. While the plan has b...
Lost in the Ozone... - Wed 4:11 a.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
Americans love reality television. We tune in by the millions to shows like American Idol , Survivor , and America's Next Top Model . Our eyeballs glued to the TV screens, we analyze and agonize over our favorite contestants, hoping and praying that so-and-so makes it to the next round and their competition gets booted off the show. Several cities in Massachusetts have their own new real...
DMIblog - Wed 4:09 a.m. - 12 clicks ![]()
via Politico ; Fallout from New York Republican Rep. Vito Fossella’s drunken driving arrest last week could seriously jeopardize his hold on the Staten Island district and possibly cost the GOP yet another seat in the Empire State. snip “The prospect of jail time would make it very hard for him to run again,” said Cook Political Report House analyst David Wasserman. “The difference between...
NY 13 - Tue 11:31 p.m. - 18 clicks ![]()
Today we got a little more information about Vito Fossella's drunken escapades including where we was last known to be drinking and that he and a companion were cut off and asked to leave their final bar. via the Daily News ; A hammered Vito Fossella and a stumbling drinking buddy were asked to leave a Washington bar hours before the Staten Island congressman was busted for drunken driving, w...
NY 13 - Tue 11:31 p.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
Regular readers of this site know that we are pretty hawkish when it comes to taxes and spending. But I want to be one of the voices who congratulate Niagara Falls for going out and spending what was required to bring in top notch talent for City Administrator. While some may blink at the price tag, $110,000, the fact is you get what you pay for. Previous City Adminstrators made $60K which may...
Niagara Times - Tue 9:29 p.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
A pretty reliable source (at least mostly reliable in the past) has confirmed for Danger Democrat that St. Lawrence County Clerk Patricia Ritchie will once again be a candidate for Assembly in the 118th District. All she has to do is dust off those old signs she has in storage after Darrel whompped her. This connected person also tells us that potential Ritchie challenger, Legislator Phil Reed...
DangerDemocrat - Tue 9:28 p.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
The NYPD is arresting more than 35,000 New Yorkers a year on marijuana charges , a remarkably aggressive arrest policy that began during the Giuliani years and has carried on full throttle through the seven years of the Bloomberg administration. And young men of color are unfairly bearing the brunt of this ill-conceived crackdown. These shockingly high arrest rates offer no demonstrable redu...
DMIblog - Tue 9:28 p.m. - 10 clicks ![]()
An op-ed by DMI's Harry Moroz is in today's metro New York . Harry writes, "As you read this, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with 8 million people, do you ever shiver with the strange feeling that you are being ignored? No wonder. We city dwellers are forgotten: The presidential candidates pay lip service to urban America while Congress argues about a farm bill on swine genome research an...
DMIblog - Tue 9:28 p.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
We take a break from the ongoing news updates of Vito Fossella's arrest to bring you some news about the administration's failure to have any economic policies. via Yahoo! Finance ; Light, sweet crude for June delivery rose 19 cents to US$120.16 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange by midmorning Tuesday in Singapore. The contract surged to a trading record of U...
NY 13 - Tue 9:28 p.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
D.A. Donovan : Contrary to National Trend, DWI Fatalities on the Rise in New York State, 2004; According to statistics released on August 25th by the NHTSA, a total of 17,013 alcohol related fatalities were recorded in 2003. This is down by 511, or nearly 3%, from the total of 17,524. “Law enforcement agencies across the nation, including my office, have been working tirelessly to end drunk dr...
NY 13 - Tue 9:28 p.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
I am hearing that ABC 7 is going to have a chronological report on Rep. Vito Fossella's arrest tonight at 11pm....
NY 13 - Tue 9:28 p.m. - 13 clicks ![]()
Laura Fay Vito's Mystery Pal A Mom , NY Post; When asked whether Fay's 3-year-old was the same girl Fossella had to take to the hospital, his spokeswoman declined to comment. Vito Fossella & pal were pickled at pub, had to be kicked out, waiters say , Daily News It's lucky Vito Fossella's boozy antics didn't end in tragedy , Daily News; I do not care if Fossella was on his way to see a...
NY 13 - Tue 9:28 p.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
I forgot to post this when it first came out. The NY Sun did a compariso n of State Legislature staffing and found that while other states do More with Less, NY does Less with More! "The Empire State's Legislature employs more people than any other state legislature in the nation. The state Assembly and Senate totaled 3,428 staff members during its busiest period in 2003, the most recent yea...
Nassau GOP Watch - Tue 9:27 p.m. - 17 clicks ![]()
The people in power in Albany have an excuse for everything. They have solutions for......
Democracy In Albany - Tue 9:26 p.m. - 14 clicks ![]()
This blog rags on our Congressman frequently. Of course, that opposition is philosophical and not personal. When John does something right we deserve to report that as well. This is the correct thing to do as reported by Marshall Miller in the way, way super righty TalkGwinnett blog. We are told to tighten our belts while several New York City area Democrats in Congress ride around ...
DangerDemocrat - Tue 7:04 a.m. - 10 clicks ![]()
Today in Albany, nearly a dozen energy and environmental organizations will descend on Albany to advocate for one of the more important energy policies the legislature will address this session. The legislation would expand New York’s net metering law, a sensible and intuitive policy that has long been overly restrictive in New York State. Net metering is simple. At its most intuitive level,...
DMIblog - Tue 7:03 a.m. - 9 clicks ![]()
Liz Benjamin from the NY Daily News talks about the fallout from Fossella's arrest on WNYC ; ...
NY 13 - Tue 6:06 a.m. - 10 clicks ![]()
Read original... A new ferry service starting next week will offer Rockaways commuters a $6 ride to Wall Street - part of an expansion of ferry service that city officials hope will get commuters off the streets and onto the East River. "It's going to replace hours spent in traffic with a beautiful ride along New York 's coastline," Mayor Bloomberg said at a ferry dock in Sunset Park, ...
Lost in the Ozone... - Tue 3:44 a.m. - 10 clicks ![]()
Read original... Tom Ognibene is charging his GOP rival, Anthony Como , with using his pull as a former Board of Elections bigwig to secure a ballot advantage in the special election for former City Councilman Dennis Gallagher 's seat. Como, the former Queens Board of Elections commissioner, secured the coveted top spot on the ballot by being the first candidate to file petitions for...
Lost in the Ozone... - Tue 3:44 a.m. - 8 clicks ![]()
Read original... "A sanitation worker got a grim surprise Monday when he checked an abandoned car in Queens and discovered a foot sticking out of a plastic bag inside, authorities said. The body, wrapped in transparent plastic, was found at about 10:20 a.m. in a black 1999 Lexus parked along Park Lane S. near a heavily wooded section of Forest Park. Police turned over the body to the city's m...
Lost in the Ozone... - Tue 3:44 a.m. - 11 clicks ![]()
Read original... A hammered Vito Fossella and a stumbling drinking buddy were asked to leave a Washington bar hours before the Staten Island congressman was busted for drunken driving, witnesses said Monday. "I can't imagine him [Fossella] getting into a car. They were [both] incapable of driving," Josh Hahn , a waiter who was working Wednesday night at the Logan Tavern , said of Fos...
Lost in the Ozone... - Tue 3:44 a.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
Read original... A box turtle that has for years crawled through backyards in Williamsburg was discovered last week painted a sickly orange, with neighbors blaming construction workers next door with ample time and spray paint on their hands. Photos of the poor turtle, known as Myrtle, in her new Technicolor shell were first posted on the blog The Gowanus Lounge, and caused a cascade of vi...
Lost in the Ozone... - Tue 3:44 a.m. - 11 clicks ![]()
Rep. Vito Fossella committed a crime and was arrested for driving while intoxicated. If you listen to Vito Fossella he has made a only a mistake, something akin to forgetting the milk. There seem to be two methods of down playing Fossella's actions by his surrogates; • A lot of people drive drunk, it happens • Other politicians have done it Both are ignorant in the simplicity and rely on Vito ...
NY 13 - Mon 11:13 p.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
Laura Fay Virginia Is For DUI Lovers , Radar Vito's ride a single mom, 'old friend' , Advance Vito Fossella's mystery woman: Va. lady who sprung him from jail lives nearby , NY Daily News The Rest Vito was really really drunk! , Brooklyn Paper Arrest raises question: What's Vito done for us? , Advance Democrats see victory vs. Vito Fossella in Staten Island , Daily News Bloomberg On Fo...
NY 13 - Mon 9:03 p.m. - 17 clicks ![]()
via Liz Benjamin ; Meanwhile, Councilman Domenic Recchia, who has yet to formally declare his candidacy for Fossella's seat but has been raising money for a likely run, didn't want to comment on his likely opponent's troubles, but did tell DN City Hall Bureau Chief Kirsten Danis that he has seen an uptick in fundraising since the Staten Island congressman's arrest last week. "In the last few ...
NY 13 - Mon 7:56 p.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
Robert Harding over at The Albany Project FOILed the travel reimbursement records for the State Legislature. The total pay-out for travel in 2007 was $3,267,903.94. Harding writes " I filed a Freedom of Information request to obtain the New York State Legislature's travel expenditures for 2007. The exact request I filed was for "per diem payments, taxi fares, mileage, train tickets a...
Nassau GOP Watch - Mon 7:55 p.m. - 17 clicks ![]()
Ithaca Democratic Socialists of America Presents #349: "Immigrant Rights May Day 2008" At the May Day Rally we hear stories of immigrants -- hardships, hard work, hope. People must unite and organize for justice. We hear from Nathan Shinagawa, Herb Engman, Tania Penafort, Carlos Gutierrez, Rebecca Elgie, Sally Wessels and Reverend Rich Rose. Tuesday, May 6 7:00-7:30 pm on Channel 1...
Ithaca Action Network - Mon 7:55 p.m. - 12 clicks ![]()
DD has a whole lot better communication going with Senator Aubertine's office now that Drew Mangione is pointing some stuff at us. Today the Drewster made this blog aware that Darrel gave an opening statement at a presentation by the International Joint Commission to the NYS legislators concerned with the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence. Darrel's position mirrors John McHugh's statement. ...
DangerDemocrat - Mon 4:38 p.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
We all know that Assemblypeople and Senators receive a salary of $79,500. But they get extras too. Robert Harding of the TAP blog filed a FOIL request asking what each legislator was reimbursed for their per dieum claims and travel expenses. Locally Dede Scozzafava got back $18,396.53 and Darrel Aubertine received $17,490.30. In addition both these legislators got leadership role stipe...
DangerDemocrat - Mon 4:38 p.m. - 18 clicks ![]()
It amazes me to no end that the people who are actually voting for Senator Clinton believe that she's the best candidate and that Senator Obama has more 'baggage' than he does. I'd like to explore some of the 'baggage' that Senator Clinton is carrying around that's waiting like a time bomb to go off IF she wins the democratic nomination (not that I can see that happening). Outside of her 'a...
DailyKos (New York) - Mon 4:38 p.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
DMI's annual benefit is two weeks from tomorrow! This year we'll be awarding our annual Drum Major for Justice Award to David Simon, creator/writer/producer of HBO's " The Wire ," for deftly exploring the realities of America's neglected cities. Mayor Byron Brown of Buffalo, a friend of DMI and impressive urban leader in his own right (check out his interview on MayorTV ), will present the ...
DMIblog - Mon 1:06 p.m. - 15 clicks ![]()
Robert over at the Albany Project has highlights Vito Fossella's arrest and is calling for donors to give to Steve Harrison via his actblue page; Today's ActBlue page of the day: NY-13 Democratic candidate Stephen Harrison . If you can, give Harrison $5. That's one dollar for each day Vito Fossella might serve in jail as a result of blowing a 0.17. ...
NY 13 - Mon 10:44 a.m. - 18 clicks ![]()
Skelos is challenged by Hofstra University Ethics Professor Roy Simon and Hannon is challenged by Garden City Attorney Kristen McElroy. More info to come.......
Nassau GOP Watch - Mon 10:43 a.m. - 20 clicks ![]()
OK, on the one hand this is so monumentally insignificant in the grand scheme of things that it's laughable. On the other hand, it completely typifies the campaign that Clinton has run, and perfectly encapsulates why I don't trust her as far as I could throw her, and would never vote for her. ...
DailyKos (New York) - Mon 7:16 a.m. - 42 clicks ![]()
I had the displeasure of getting into an argument with a Clinton supporter over the weekend where she insisted that the party would come together once she was nominated. I told the woman that not only would that not happen but she very well might have problems getting reelected in 2012. She thought that was an absurd statement. Was she right? ...
DailyKos (New York) - Mon 7:16 a.m. - 10 clicks ![]()
Move over, Amsterdam – New York is the new king of the pot hill… at least, according to stunning new arrest data. Since 1997, nearly 400,000 New Yorkers were arrested for marijuana possession, making NYC the marijuana arrest capital of the world. Judging from the ten-fold increase in pot arrests over the past decade, you’d think New Yorkers suddenly started toking up on every street corner and...
DMIblog - Mon 5:57 a.m. - 8 clicks ![]()
Saturday's Ithaca Journal was quiet on Dryden, but their continuing series on poverty is well-worth reading. Energy East, the parent company of NYSEG, saw its earnings fall . In today's paper, Bolton Point water, which serves western Dryden, won the annual taste test of local waters . (The article also mentions a Town of Dryden treatment plant - I'm pretty sure they mean Village of Dry...
Living in Dryden - Mon 5:55 a.m. - 7 clicks ![]()
The NY Daily News is running an online poll asking; Vito Fossella's drunk driving arrest Should the S.I. congressman go to jail? The poll currently stands at 66% yes. Let them know what you think....
NY 13 - Sun 9:05 p.m. - 14 clicks ![]()
Fossella was pulled over for running a red light ; A Breathalyzer test showed Fossella had a blood-alcohol level of .17 when he was nabbed for running a red light in Alexandria, Va., early Thursday morning, police said. Fossella failed numerous sobriety tests ; The report said Mr. Fossella failed several sobriety tests on the street, including a preliminary breath test on which he reg...
NY 13 - Sun 9:05 p.m. - 14 clicks ![]()
The mayor told New Yorkers to pray for Wall Street as he presented his 2009 spending plan. An examination of the winners, losers and controversies....
Gotham Gazette - Sun 9:04 p.m. - 12 clicks ![]()
This was the second week I made predictions about add-on superdelegates. The first week, I didn't do so well in my predictions. This week, I only got one wrong. Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans was chosen yesterday as Louisiana's add-on superdelegate, and announced he was undeclared, and would make his decision based on which candidate would be best for his city's beyond extraor...
DailyKos (New York) - Sun 8:07 p.m. - 12 clicks ![]()
Here is the opening statement of a Daily Kos post you might like. If you—or your son in college, or your 80-year-old grandmother—are planning a bus or train trip within New York State (yes, I said WITHIN New York State), you had best be prepared with proof of citizenship. Riders who lack it may be detained as possible illegal immigrants or terrorists. Read the rest. ...
DangerDemocrat - Sun 8:02 a.m. - 16 clicks ![]()
Predicting the major players in the Darrel vacated River District race is a pretty foggy enterprise right now. But DD will wave his keyboard around a little and see if a little of that fog lifts. FIRST THE ELEPHANTS Pattie Ritchie, St Lawrence County Clerk, is clearly the republicans best vote getting hope in November. She expressed reservations about running in a special election b...
DangerDemocrat - Sun 8:02 a.m. - 11 clicks ![]()
If you—or your son in college, or your 80-year-old grandmother—are planning a bus or train trip within New York State (yes, I said WITHIN New York State), you had best be prepared with proof of citizenship. Riders who lack it may be detained as possible illegal immigrants or terrorists. ...
DailyKos (New York) - Sat 9:56 p.m. - 14 clicks ![]()
When I write the next sentence a few of you committed 'dyed in the wool' local major party types are going to redden up in the face and tell me I'm full of it. The Working Families Party was extremely influential for Darrel Aubertine in the special election for SD 48. And their importance continues to grow. Did you know that in the Jefferson County portion of the 48th district the Workin...
DangerDemocrat - Sat 8:04 p.m. - 12 clicks ![]()
Three years ago when we started Danger Democrat there weren't many Northern New York writers cranking out this political blog stuff. The NNY field is blossoming and I'll bet there are a few I haven't caught up with yet. I've made a link list on the right for you curious types to examine. Some are left and some are right--some are anonymous and some aren't--some are cranky and some funny--some se...
DangerDemocrat - Sat 8:04 p.m. - 10 clicks ![]()