State senators agree to hate on David Paterson, landfill expansion gets official OK from DEC, Troy dog park becomes political squabble, Dino looking for big tax breaks, rabid fox alert, gastropub opening in Saratoga
The state Senate's two caucuses held separate, brief -- and pointless -- sessions yesterday. The two sides apparently are close to working out some sort of deal to share power -- and asked for more time to negotiate. David Paterson essentially told them to stuff it and called another "extraordinary" session for today. He also directed the state treasurer to withhold senators' per diems. [Daily Politics] [NYT] [PolitickerNY]
One thing senators of both sides can apparently agree on: they're annoyed with David Paterson. Brooklyn Dem Kevin Park even called Paterson a "coke snorting, staff-banging governor" (he later retracted his comment -- at least he didn't hit the governor). Paterson said it's not him versus the legislature, but rather "governance versus chaos." [Newsday] [PolitickerNY] [NYDN] [TU]
It looks like the Senate chaos has put the same-sex marriage bill on hold indefinitely. [AP/Daily Gazette]
Former state health commissioner Antonia Novello has pleaded guilty in the case that alleged she used her state employees as personal assistants. She's getting off with no jail time, but will have to do community service, pay $22,500 in restitution and pay a small fine. [TU] [AP/Daily Gazette]
A spokesman for Rick Lazio says the former Long Island congressman and US Senate candidate "fully intends" to run for Governor of New York. Lazio has called for New York to replace the Assembly and Senate with a unicameral legislature. [AP/TU] [Daily Politics]
A draft of the Albany Common Council's ghost ticket investigation report concludes that the "intent of the system itself was not bad ... it was the impropriety in how the benefit was granted that is a cause for concern." One version of the draft report also apparently includes sharp criticism of city treasurer Betty Barnette's office. [TU]
The DEC has officially issued the permit for the expansion of the Albany landfill (it still requires an OK from the Army Corps of Engineers). The expansion will reportedly extend the life of the facility by seven years (it's currently projected to be full by the end of this year). Environmental groups have opposed the expansion. [TU] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette]
Troy's now-closed Beman Park dog park has become a political squabble between Harry Tutunjian and the city council. It sounds like the park will eventually re-open, though. [Troy Record]
Niskayuna's police chief is retiring. [TU]
The Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is apparently seeking significant tax breaks from the City of Troy for the proposed Dino location on the river -- to the chagrin of some already-in-Troy business owners. The cost of renovating the old Fresno's is reportedly $3 million. [Troy Record] [CapNews9]
The Rensselaer County Department of Health is warning people about rabid foxes. Three of the rabid animals have been found recently. A woman in Schodack says she was attacked by one in May. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
The State Police will be patrolling the state canal system this weekend on the lookout for BWI -- boating while intoxicated. [Daily Gazette]
Rents at apartment complexes in the Capital Region are up a little more than three percent compared to last year.
The new Bombers in Schenectady has apparently been good for other downtown businesses. [Daily Gazette]
The owners of Brindisi's are opening a gastropub in the soon-to-be-former Chez Sophie space in Saratoga. [Daily Gazette]
The Albany Symphony Orechestra has hired a new executive director. [TU]
Among this year's group of graduates at Ichabod Crane High School: 88-year-old Jack Tuczynski, a WWII vet who now lives near Saratoga. Tuczynski dropped out of school to work for his dad's ice business in the 1930s -- he went on to fight in five major battles in the Pacific. [Saratogian] [TU]
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> he owners of Brindisi's are opening a gastropub
Gastropub. Very unfortunate word.
... said -S on Jun 26, 2009 at 10:30 AM | link
When I hear it, I picture a joint slinging escargot and beers.
"The Snail-n-Ale"
Coming to downtown Troy this fall... No tax break required.
... said Sandor on Jun 26, 2009 at 10:53 AM | link
I think it's funny that the senator's are getting together hating the Governor. D.Pat. has given more backbone in the last couple of days calling out the spineless senators, that he has gained a tiny bit of respect from me (and others).
... said Kari on Jun 26, 2009 at 11:34 AM | link
I agree with Kari. The politicians ought to be ashamed of themselves. Though, I think you need be able to see your own reflection to feel anything as human as 'shame."
The name calling and finger pointing is unbelievably out of line. I'm disgusted. The governor is just trying to put his foot down and get things done, and more power to him. I hope Paterson's approval rating actually goes up because of this.
... said Summer on Jun 26, 2009 at 12:10 PM | link
Ah, the ghost ticket report. Let me guess? It was terrible thing and it shouldn't have happened, and NOBODY is going to be punished for it? Yeah. That's Albany. Given the children that are running the government, how could we expect any better from the police?
... said Jon (was) in Michigan on Jun 26, 2009 at 12:37 PM | link
Great story about the WWII vet graduating from high school. Nice to see members of the Greatest Generation getting the recognition they deserve.
... said Mike C. on Jun 27, 2009 at 2:56 PM | link