Local economy OK... for now, Gillibrand talks about tobacco industry work, bridges described as "structurally deficient," neighbors fight over tree
How's the local economy? Not so bad, say business owners and other experts. But the future may be another thing. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Kirsten Gillibrand addressed her time as a lawyer representing tobacco company Philip Morris yesterday. Campaign finance records indicate she's received at least $16,700 from executives connected to the company (which is now called Altria) -- Gillibrand says she wasn't aware the company had contributed. Gillibrand's history with the company has been publicized recently by a former Pataki aide on a blog and in comments on other blogs (including here on AOA). Gillibrand's opponent in this year's election is Sandy Treadwell, who served as NY secretary of state during the Pataki administration. [TU] [OpenSecrets]
Those 4-foot by 8-foot Treadwell campaign signs are OK as long as they're on private property, according to Clifton Park's director of building and zoning. Democrats there had complained the signs violated zoning rules. [Daily Gazette]
A memo released by federal prosecutors alleges that former state assemblyman Chris Ortloff said "... honestly I don't have a moral problem with this ... " about his desire to have sex with tween girls. The now former member of the state parole board was arrested in Colonie this week after a sting operation. [TU]
According to the state Department of Transportation, four bridges in Mechanicville are "structurally deficient" -- and two of them have been "red-flagged." Engineers say the bridges are not in danger of collapsing. [Daily Gazette]
A dispute between two neighbors in Guilderland over a downed tree led to one of them being charged with reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. [TU]
A development of "condo" offices being proposed for Wilton. Businesses would be able to buy space in the buildings the same way people buy apartments in a residential condo development. [Saratogian]
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The whole Kirsten Gillibrand thing seems a little sketchy to me. I understand why people are concerned over it but the way that it has been brought up seems kind of shady to me. Especially the comment that started it on AOA yesterday...just a little shady.
... said Emma on Oct 16, 2008 at 10:20 AM | link
I think it's the definition of irony when the TU publishes an article about how things are hunky-dory with the economy locally, then several hours later publishes a piece on their business blog about how unemployment has nearly doubled here in the last year.
I know everyone's looking for an angle to write about on the economy, but writing that things are just fine here... that's just craziness.
... said Siobhan on Oct 16, 2008 at 1:14 PM | link
The KG is very shady, but not the people who reported it. The fact that we never knew Ms. Gillibrand had this type of past is what is shady.
If the blog has it right then she knew about the effects of smoking but lied about it.
Why didnt she tell us this when she ran against sweeney? it is part of her professional past and if she is our public servant then we deserve to know what we have representing us
... said togaman on Oct 16, 2008 at 7:47 PM | link
Like I said, I understand the concern. However, even with that in her past she is way better than Sweeney.
... said Emma on Oct 17, 2008 at 8:50 AM | link