Paterson administration details state worker layoffs, two banks robbed, popular track coach officially fired, common council urges census recognition of same-sex marriages
The Paterson administration released a list detailing how many jobs are to be cut at which state agencies as part of the state worker layoffs -- the biggest cuts are at Corrections and OMRDD. The governor also announced that no management/confidential employees will be cut because they're raises have been canceled, thus saving the state money. Paterson sent a letter to unionized state workers yesterday calling on them to urge their unions to accept wage concessions as a way to avoid layoffs. [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [WNYT]
The Tedisco and Murphy campaigns have been calling absentee voters in the 20th Congressional District in an attempt to find out how they voted in the special election. The count in the race is currently at Tedisco +17. The counting of absentee ballots will start today. [TU] [CapNews9]
A national suicide expert told a community forum in Schenectady last night that kids in the city have told him that they feel anxious and have problems at home. Said one teen who spoke up at the forum, "We need help." Four Schenectady High students have killed themselves during the last five months. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Two Key Banks in Albany were robbed yesterday, apparently by two different people. Cameras in the Key at Washington and Lark caught a picture of the robber's face. [TU] [Troy Record]
The Shen school board officially fired Don Paretta, the track coach who was suspended after it came to light that his teaching certificate had been revoked in the 1990s after accusations he had an inappropriate relationship with a student. Paretta, who got a standing ovation from the crowd at the meeting, said that he had never been convicted of anything and had made a mistake in not getting a lawyer to represent him when the accusation first surfaced. [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [WNYT]
The Albany School Board approved a budget last night that's slightly smaller than last year's budget. The plan also includes 100 job cuts -- including 60 teachers. [TU]
The Saratoga Springs Board of Education approved a new budget that's 2.59 percent bigger than last year's -- but it doesn't include an increase in the tax levy. [Saratogian]
The Albany Common Council voted unanimously last night to call on the federal Census Bureau to recognize legal same-sex marriages. [TU]
Aaron Dare's stay in prison will be extended after he pleaded guilty to two felony grand larceny charges yesterday. The disgraced community leader is facing another 8 to 24 years on top of the 6 to 9 he's currently serving for mortgage fraud. [TU] [Troy Record]
The Schenectady police chief wants to hire more police officers -- but the mayor and members of the city council say they don't think the city can afford it. [Daily Gazette]
A roundabout at Jay, Front, Nott and Erie Blvd in Schenectady has been "suggested." [TU]
The design of the planned Saratoga City Center expansion has been sent to the city's Design Review Commission. Of the current design, the president of the Adirondack Trust Company -- who was once the head of the City Center Commission -- said, "We can do better." [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
SPAC has re-upped with concert organizer Live Nation for another five years. The deal will pay SPAC $1 million a year, with the potential for more depending on attendance. Live Nation organizes the big name pop/rock concerts at SPAC. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
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