Politics

Lawmakers consider delaying vote on allowing casinos

Karen Dewitt — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:48:00 +0000

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have tried to jump start negotiations over siting several new gambling casinos in New York. But they also conceded that the plans might be delayed for another year.

A loose collection of groups makes up state's fracking opposition

David Chanatry — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:52:05 +0000

When philosophy professor Mike Gorr and his wife were looking for a place to retire, they took a trip from Illinois to the Finger Lakes region.

Watertown City Council tries to ban roommates – but planning officials say measure is unenforceable

Joanna Richards — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 07:51:00 +0000

The Watertown City Council has received a lot of pushback and even ridicule in the media recently for passing what's being referred to as a “roommate ban.” Last month, in response to a neighbor dispute, the City Council removed language from the zoning code that allowed the renting out of rooms in single-family homes. But city planning officials say the regulatory change is completely unenforceable.

Federal sequester means deep cuts at Fort Drum, impact on regional economy

Joanna Richards — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:47:50 +0000

The federal government's across-the-board spending cuts known as the sequester are set to kick in Friday, barring an agreement between Congress and the president. That means a big impact for defense spending, including for Fort Drum, an important regional economic driver.

Same-sex military couples “elated” by news of some spousal benefits, say full equality is needed

Joanna Richards — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:21:15 +0000

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced yesterday that in line with the repeal of the military's “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy, some spousal benefits will be given to same-sex service members and their partners. The federal law known as the Defense of Marriage Act still prohibits many of the major spousal benefits, like housing and health care, from being extended to same-sex couples. But Panetta's announcement still had advocates for gay service members cheering.

Russell legislation would redistribute school aid to help poorer districts

Joanna Richards — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 04:27:00 +0000

Democratic Assemblywoman Addie Russell, of Theresa, thinks the current state school aid formula is broken, benefiting wealthier districts at the expense of poorer ones. She says legislation she's introduced would make the formula more equitable.

Senate's "innovation banks" would help commercialize research

Ryan Delaney — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:52:27 +0000

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat from New York, is hoping to build a better bridge between academic research and the commercial market. On Wednesday, Gillibrand stopped in Buffalo and Syracuse to continue stumping for the America Innovates Act. The bill would put $200 million into "innovation banks" that could be then given to researchers to help further develop their inventions.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend on the Campbell Conversations

Grant Reeher — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:39:11 +0000

This year’s presidential election has brought up a host of perplexing questions about the relationship between religion and politics, and the importance of a candidate’s faith. In this week’s edition of the Campbell Conversations, Grant Reeher probes those questions with Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, the eldest child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy.

More people may use Google to make their political choices

Ryan Delaney — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:18:23 +0000

A new survey suggests more young people are taking to Google internet searches to help them make up their minds before they cast a vote.

Patty Ritchie on cost of housing state parole violators in county jails

Joanna Richards — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:12:22 +0000

Right now, county jails – and ultimately, local property taxpayers – are footing the bill for housing state parole violators while they wait for the state to pick them up. State Senator Patty Ritchie (R-Heuvelton) has proposed a solution to the problem.

Reverend Michael Dowd on the Campbell Conversations

Grant Reeher — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:50:22 +0000

Evolution has been at the front lines of some of our most heated political and cultural conflicts. Speaking with Grant Reeher, Reverend Michael Dowd, the author of "Thank God for Evolution," has staked his claim on the proposition that evolution and science need to be married to our religion- and he's an evangelist about that idea.

Campbell Debate: Is Religion Hurting Our Politics?

Grant Reeher — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:54:16 +0000

The Campbell Institute of Public Affairs at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University presents the second in a series of debates on timely issues of public importance, with a fresh, provocative format.

Parties shy away from challenging incumbent lawmakers

Ryan Delaney — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:39:00 +0000

It can be tough to unseat an incumbent lawmaker in New York.

That's why both parties are having a tough time this year finding people to run for the state Legislature.

Local labor unions rally to bring jobs back home

Ryan Delaney — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:27:52 +0000

Local labor unions are calling for politicians to do more to stop jobs from going overseas and encourage companies to bring jobs home.

Local chapters of the United Steelworkers (USW) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) organized a rally Friday afternoon outside the shuttered M&K Candle factory on Syracuse's Northside.

Congressman Owens says Cuomo administration “noncommittal” on new water levels plan

Joanna Richards — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:26:29 +0000

The new water levels proposal for the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario has garnered some criticism from a group of state lawmakers along the lake's southern shore. This week they asked the governor to oppose the plan.

Last week, Congressman Bill Owens came out in favor of the proposal and said he'd ask for Governor Andrew Cuomo's support. Both Owens and environmental advocates say the opposition's arguments aren't based on the facts of the new plan.

A Special Conversation with Ken Rudin, NPR's Political Junkie

WRVO — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:56:00 +0000

Ken Rudin is known as NPR's Political Junkie and has provided coverage of major elections, national conventions and debates for most of the past 20 years. WRVO's News Director, Catherine Loper, spent an hour speaking with Ken Rudin, along with SUNY Oswego Political Science Professor Bruce Altschuler, during a live broadcast on Thursday.

Village of Chaumont ponders pros, cons of dissolution

Joanna Richards — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:28:54 +0000

Faced with increasing costs, aging equipment and the prospect of big tax savings for residents, the village of Chaumont is considering dissolution.

But the issue isn't that clear-cut and has become a contentious subject, pitting neighbors and friends against each other in this small community.

Jefferson County officials oppose offshore wind in Lake Ontario

Joanna Richards — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 02:00:01 +0000

A group of Jefferson County legislators has for the second time in two years expressed opposition to offshore wind turbines in Lake Ontario. Almost two years ago, the New York Power Authority proposed an offshore wind turbine project, which Jefferson County rejected. Now the county may move to oppose federal overtures in that direction.