Beverage run sends state Senate into a tizzy, Troy fire fighters at odds with RPI, bankruptcy filings up, grenade threat used to rob drug store, police srsly hope catch you txting
State Senate stand-off Day Number OhSomeoneKillUsNow: The Senate met three times yesterday. Two of the sessions, ordered by the courts, were in-and-sessions. The third involved the Democrats trying to call quorum when a Republican senator, Frank Padavan, briefly walked through the chamber in search of beverage in the Senate lounge. Democrats proceeded to pass a bunch of bills, but David Paterson says he (probably) won't sign them. There have been various reports about the beverage Padavan was seeking -- Coke, coffee -- but Padavan says he ended up drinking a V8. [TU] [NYT] [Buffalo News] [Daily Politics]
Why has the state Senate become such a fight to the death? Republicans say they realize this may be their last shot at being in the majority for a long time -- and they want to make sure things are set so that being in the minority doesn't totally suck. [NYT]
The Troy Fire Department and RPI are squabbling again. The latest flare up was sparked by Monday's fire in a chemistry lab -- the TFD says the school waited to too long to call in the fire, and as a result, firefighters faced a more dangerous situation. There's also the ongoing issue about whether RPI should pay a "public safety fee" to help support coverage of the campus. [TU] [Troy Record]
Two Albany Common Councilman say they're upset that the bond used to pay for the Albany landfill expansion won't be funded by an increase in the fees paid by companies that dump garbage. [TU]
There was a second shooting on Monday in Albany -- a teenager was shot in the leg on Delaware Ave near the intersection with Whitehall (map). [TU]
About 40 federal EPA and state DEC executed a search warrant at the Momentive Performance Materials plant in Waterford yesterday. The company says the search was about a problem it already self-reported, though federal and state officials wouldn't comment. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Bankruptcy filings at the Albany branch of federal bankruptcy court were up 14 percent in the first half of this year compared the same period last year. [TU]
Traffic at the Port of Albany is down by more than half over the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year. [TU]
The state released stats about hospital-acquired infections -- local hospitals were about average. [NYS DoH] [TU]
Another $18 million in federal stimulus money is headed for the Capital Region. Among the funded projects: the Congress-Ferry reconstruction in Troy, Church Street in Saratoga and Washington Ave in Albany. [Biz Review] [Troy Record]
Saratoga Springs DPW union members -- including the Zamboni driver -- protested outside the NY Conference of Mayors meeting at the City Center yesterday. The union is working without a contract. Looking out at the protest, mayor Scott Johnson said he was unfazed. [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
The well-known Saratoga County builder accused of stealing his customer's deposits pleaded guilty yesterday -- he's not going to jail, but he will have to pay $200k in restitution. [Post-Star] [TU]
Albany Police say a man robbed a pharmacy on New Scotland Ave with the threat of grenade last night. This is the second time someone has used that tactic to knock over a drug store on the stretch of New Scotland. (map) [Fox23] [Daily Gazette Dec 2008]
Schenectady County sheriffs have yet to give out a ticket for texting-while-driving -- but it's not for lack of interest. [Daily Gazette]
Former Schenectady mayor Al Jurczynski is now working as a part-time corrections officer. [TU]
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Comments
I love the Zamboni driver! I am constantly jealous of his job!
... said Matthew on Jul 1, 2009 at 10:09 AM | link
RestoreNY was supposed to release info in regards to what projects will be funded yesterday. I've looked all over and cant find anything, and there are a few sweet projects in Albany looking for that money, any info, anyone?
... said JVG on Jul 1, 2009 at 10:19 AM | link
Its funny that the Republicans are very concerned about making it "not suck" to be in the minority now. They didn't seem that bothered by it for the past few decades.
In reality, they should be more concerned about making certain that it "doesn't suck" for those of us who are currently un-represented by them.
... said Jon (was) in Michigan on Jul 1, 2009 at 12:15 PM | link
Jon, that's the thought I've had of this issue since they became the minority. Grumblings started almost immediately. It would be funny if it weren't so dysfunctional to see them be the abusive father who suddenly realizes his son weighs more than he does.
... said B on Jul 1, 2009 at 12:37 PM | link
Grenade, huh? Those strike me to be the weapon of choice for people who don't know how to spend money well. It's imprecise, unreliable and if there is a dog around, returnable. I feel like the robber would be better off with a water gun that looks real.
... said KatherineSass on Jul 1, 2009 at 1:05 PM | link
ps- Can you even detonate a grenade like that? With a cell phone?
... said KatherineSass on Jul 1, 2009 at 1:09 PM | link
Padavan and a V8? Oh so many jokes & so little time or inclination! I do love the cut & run concept of quorum these days!
... said Kari on Jul 1, 2009 at 3:04 PM | link