Senate drama staggers forward, calls for Tuffey to be fired, APD starts rewards for tips program, it's DMB weekend in Saratoga
The state Senate -- or, at least, part of it -- went into session yesterday... for about 20 minutes. Hiram Monserrate -- one of the Democratic switchers -- walked out, bring the session to a halt. Monserrate said he's trying to bring more Democrats into the coalition -- but other suspect he's playing both sides in an attempt to the score the best deal. [TU] [NYT] [NYDN] [NYP]
Another hold up in the Senate yesterday: Democrats locked the cabinet that holds the bills.
Most of the action yesterday was in court, where Democrats tried to challenge the overthrow. The didn't win much -- and they'll be back in court today. However, they did get an order blocking Pedro Espada, who's (maybe?) the new Senate president pro tem, from becoming acting governor were something to happen to David Paterson. Apparently some are concerned that Espada could issue pardons if Paterson traveled out of state -- even a pardon to... himself. [AP/Daily Gazette] [Daily Politics] [TU]
Espada is apparently trying to pull other Democrats into the coalition by pushing for a vote on the same-sex marriage bill. [Daily Politics]
The big issue in the background of this whole struggle: redistricting. [Newsday]
Now that Albany police chief James Tuffey is back at work in an administrative role, Shawn Morris and Corey Ellis -- both mayoral candidates -- are calling for him to be fired. Tuffey said he's not going anywhere. Jerry Jennings says he still supports Tuffey: "I run this city. They don't run this city. I made this decision, I'll stand by it." [TU] [Fox23]
The APD is launching a reward program for crime tips based on New York City's Crime Stoppers. The program will offer small awards for many crimes, but it's opening with a $20,000 reward for info about the murder of UAlbany student Richard Bailey. [TU] [Fox23]
A state appeals court has ruled that the City of Albany can keep secret the names of the police officers who illegally bought machine guns using department letterhead earlier this decade. [TU]
Troy city council president Clement Campana says Bob Mirch, the city's commissioner of public works, is "a liability right now." The city -- and Mirch -- were sued by the NYCLU this week for their actions in temporarily shutting down the "Virtual Jihadi" exhibit at the Sanctuary for Independent Media. [Troy Record]
Albany High School students, parents and alumni protested the planned transfer of a veteran music teacher yesterday. The district won't say why the teacher is being moved to a middle school. [TU]
A Shen student is the latest confirmed case of the emerging H1N1 influenza virus in the Capital Region. That brings the region's total to 12 confirmed cases. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A power company wants to build a $50 million fly-wheel facility in Rensselaer County. Fly-wheels are used to store energy. [TU]
KIPP Tech Valley -- a charter middle school in Albany -- graduates its first class of students tomorrow. A hundred percent of its 8th graders passed the state tests for English and math this year. [Biz Review]
Another roundabout is in the works for Route 9 in Malta. [Post-Star]
It's Dave Matthews Band weekend at SPAC. Both shows are expected to draw 25,000 people. Officials at Spa State Park are hoping new parking rules will cut down on traffic a bit. [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
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Comments
If Tuffy isn't going anywhere, maybe we should add his name to all the city's promotional events that proclaim JJ has sponsored/presented said event. (See examples below)
www.albanyny.org/.../Columbus/columbus6.jpg
www.albanymagic.com/events.php
www.albanyevents.org/events/event_detail.cfm?ID=3
Or maybe, just maybe, we can dump these corrupt s.o.b.s and get some real people in charge.
... said slilly on Jun 12, 2009 at 10:37 AM | link
To the Democrats in the State Senate - at this point, just tell Monserrate to take a hike. Don't waste your time with a disloyal, opportunistic, selfish, and shady individual who most likely won't be able to serve the remainder of his term anyway.
To the Republicans - Espada as President Pro Tem is a huge mistake, and you're putting the entire State in even worse jeopardy than it already is.
It's nice if you're one of those that roots for the Republicans in the Senate, but you need to consider what this means and the company you're pulling in to gain that majority. I know, I know, the "rah rah go team" mentality carried by many folks tends to lend itself to an attitude of the ends justifying the means. I just want people to think about what those ends are exactly. I really don't think they're what you think they're going to be.
... said Kevin Marshall on Jun 12, 2009 at 12:10 PM | link
"Espada is apparently trying to pull other Democrats into the coalition by pushing for a vote on the same-sex marriage bill. [Daily Politics]"
I think it is disgusting that they are trying to use the rights of New York citizens as a bargaining chip.
... said DH on Jun 12, 2009 at 12:51 PM | link
@ Kevin Marshall
Or we could just through Monserrate in jail like the domestic partner abuser he really is.
... said Ellie on Jun 12, 2009 at 2:32 PM | link