More details about fatal shooting of man by Troy police, it's presidential primary day in New York, Kasich in Schenectady, Dairy Circus destroyed by fire
More details about incident in which man was fatally shot by Troy police
Troy police officially released the names of the Watervliet man fatally shot by a police officer early Sunday morning, along with the names of the officers involved in the incident near the Collar City Bridge. TPD says Sgt. Randy French fired eight shots at Edson Thevenin after Thevenin allegedly pinned French against a patrol car with his vehicle. TPD chief John Tedesco: "It would appear that the actions of Sgt. French were in line with the law, our policy and department training, and we are fully supporting the sergeant." [Daily Gazette] [TWCN]
Tedesco said police investigators have yet to interview French about the incident due to his medical condition (TPD says French suffered a leg injury). There have been somewhat conflicting reports on which agency will be investigating the shooting -- the Rensselaer County DA said the state Attorney General's office told them it would not be claiming jurisdiction, but a spokesman for the AG's office tells the Times Union that decision hasn't been made, yet. [Troy Record] [WNYT] [TU+]
It's presidential primary day
Polls are open in New York State for the Democratic and Republican party presidential primaries from noon to 9 pm today. Don't know where to vote? Check with the state Board of Elections website. (You must be a registered Democrat or Republican to vote in the primary.)
Delegates
The important results from Tuesday primaries will be how many delegates each candidate is able to pick up from the various vote totals in Congressional districts around the state.
+ There are 247 pledged Democratic delegates at stake in New York -- and Hillary Clinton currently leads Bernie Sanders by 1,307-1,094 in pledged delegates. [Politico NY]
+ On the Republican side, a key question will be whether Donald Trump can get a majority of the primary vote in Congressional districts, which would allow him to claim all three delegates from those districts. If he doesn't get past the 50 percent point, then the second-place finisher in the district gets one of the three delegates. [TU+] [FiveThirtyEight]
Voting rules
The deadline for voters to switch party affiliation in New York State in order to be eligible to vote in today's presidential primary was last October 9, a fact that's prompting attention to the state's voting laws. Chris Churchill: "When it comes to encouraging voters, the rules in this supposedly progressive and forward-looking state are among the most restrictive and regressive in the country. It shouldn't be surprising, then, that the state's voter participation rates are often among the nation's worst." [FiveThirtyEight] [TU+]
Kasich in Schenectady
John Kasich appeared at a town hall-style event at the Schenectady Armory Monday evening, pushing his argument that he would have broader appeal -- and a better chance against the Democrats -- in the general election. Kasich said he doesn't expect to win the New York primary, but is hoping to pick up delegates. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
Dairy Circus fire
The Dairy Circus in Scotia caught fire late Monday afternoon, and the building appears to be a total loss. Scotia's mayor called the spot "an institution in the village." [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [TU]
Schenectady casino
Officials say construction is still on track for opening in the first quarter of 2017. [Daily Gazette]
Brighter Choice
Brighter Choice Charter School for Boys and Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls in Albany are set to formally merge with each other and add a sixth grade. [TU]
Alleged bubble gum bandit
The man accused of stealing thousands of dollars in gum and other items from the Market Bistro in Latham was arrested in NYC over the weekend on unrelated charges. Colonie police took custody of him Sunday and brought him back for arraignment. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Not the owner
The Rensselaer County DA's office say an Albany man is facing charges for allegedly renting and selling homes he didn't own. [TU]
Petta's Restaurant
Petta's Restaurant in Schenectady is set to close after 65 years in operation. Owner Mike Petta to the Daily Gazette: "It was an institution, but it's an institution that has outlived its time ... I've lost a ton of regulars because they've passed on, and the young people want to go downtown where all the action is." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Stuff going today
The sharing economy
Albany Law is hosting a series of discussions about issues related to the sharing economy, including a panel discussion about taxi-app companies such as Uber and Lyft. Tuesday 12:30 pm-6 pm -- free (registration required)
Music: Tech N9ne at Upstate Concert Hall
Rap. With: Krizz Kaliko, Rittz, !Mayday!, Stevie Stone, Cres Cru, K. DAVER. 8 pm -- $22.50 ahead / $25 day of
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Comments
The democratic primary ballot has ovals to fill for both the candidate AND seven delegates. I voted for both the candidate and the seven related delegates but will everyone do both? The first poll worker I asked said to vote for just the candidate. I pointed to the instruction to also vote for seven delegates and they were stumped. The one I asked and two other volunteers at the table. No bad feelings toward the poll workers. Glad they are helping. But a neighbor who is very involved said the opposite--that only the vote for the delegates matters. If that's right, why the oval for the candidate? Surely someone can explain. Thanks in advance!
... said Randal Putnam on Apr 19, 2016 at 1:08 PM | link
@Randal: Dug out of the NYS BOE website: "The Democratic Presidential Primary is really a “dual primary.†Candidates for president run against each other in a statewide primary, and delegates run in each congressional district." That links has more details about how each party's primary is set up.
For a quick overview, here's a WBFO article that addresses some of the basics of the delegates topic.
... said Greg on Apr 19, 2016 at 3:24 PM | link
@randal: you were not alone to be confused. You have indeed 7 delegates to pick, and the 7 that are on the *same row* as the presidential candidate happen to be the ones supporting said candidate (confirmed by Democratic Deputy Commissioner Kathleen Donovan after being asked by a friend). Now why would you pick the delegates *not* supporting your candidate, that's a mystery to me. I guess unless some of them were unpledged/super delegates (thanks for not putting that info on the ballot by the way), and you had a strong preference in the matter?
... said -S on Apr 19, 2016 at 4:49 PM | link
Thanks, AOA community! I thought I was the only confused one filling out my ballot in Albany county. I didn't grow up in NYS. Would have been nice if the media explained the whole delegate voting before I voted. AOA-I'm counting on you to take this up in 4 years. :)
Also, I would like to point out that I did not receive a single mailing for this primary whether from the party or from any candidate. That's not a productive way to get registered folks out to vote dear, party, is it?
... said MB on Apr 19, 2016 at 8:01 PM | link