All Over Albany

Paterson reportedly directed contact with aide's accusor, first Exit 6 ramp closure this weekend, NYRA wants to dump maitre d's at track, brothers out of running for smartest siblings

"Two people close to" David Paterson say the governor directed two state employees -- his press secretary and a friend who's a state worker -- to contact the woman the who had accused Paterson aide David Johnson of assaulting her. The state worker, Deneane Brown, reportedly spoke with the woman and urged her to talk with Paterson (which she apparently did before the hearing on her request for an order of protection). Paterson's press secretary, Marissa Shorenstein, reportedly called the woman to ask her to issue a statement on Paterson's behalf, apparently never ended up talking to the woman. Attorneys say Paterson's alleged actions may attract attention from prosecutors. [NYT] [NYDN] [NY Post] [Politico via Daily Politics]

The first stage of jury selection for the Steven Raucci trial was slow going yesterday. Potential jurors who said they had read about the case and formed an opinion were excused. The judge has forbid newspapers from being taken into the courtroom. [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [CapNews9]

The state DOT will be closing the on/off ramps at Exit 6 on the Northway this Saturday at 10 pm until 6 am Monday. Best line about the traffic mess: "Better than the bridge collapsing on us." [Troy Record] [CapNews9] [Fox23]

The man accused of stabbing an Albany man to death on Bradford Street last year pleaded guilty yesterday to manslaughter. [CapNews9 archive] [TU]

Two Albany common councilman have proposed decreasing the number of members on the council. [WTEN]

Two Saratoga County psychiatrists say the Saratoga Springs man accused of stabbing his mother last fall has been is fit to stand trial. [Saratogian]

NYRA has asked its food contractor to drop the maitre d's and captains in restaurants at The Track. [TU]

The Schenectady school district will start requiring employees to detail reasons for overtime after the state comptroller criticized the district for not doing so. [Daily Gazette $]

The state has started canceling camping reservations at parks slated to be closed because of the budget crunch. [AP/TU]

Another piece of the Helderberg Escarpment has been donated for preservation. [TU]

The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce has started a campaign against paid parking in downtown Saratoga. [Post-Star]

Supporters of public access TV in Albany say the program needs a paid employee to keep it on track. [TU]

Sections of South Pearl Street in downtown Albany will be closed repeatedly over the next two weeks for events. [TU]

Local private elementary and high schools say enrollment has been holding steady. [Daily Gazette $]

There's more talk that a replacement team is on the way for the departing River Rats. [CapNews9]

The DEC has issued an avalanche warning for the Adirondacks. [AP/CBS6]

State police say a Watervliet man showed up drunk to get his brother -- who was being held on DWI charges. [Fox23]