Gifts from the governor
Our opinion: The governor’s use of campaign funds for gifts to State Police underscores how even in small, sometimes well-intentioned ways, a blurry law is abused. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has generously, if...
View ArticleA fair deal for Mr. Bruno
Former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno was found not guilty of the corruption charges brought against him, and is entitled under state law to have reasonable attorney fees reimbursed by New York...
View ArticleInvest in career opportunities
The recent news about the employment sector providing more jobs is interesting. What we learned is that the hospitality and leisure sector – with minimum wage opportunities – is growing the fastest....
View ArticleDon’t sap energy program
In 2003, then-Gov. George Pataki set New York on a course to lead the nation in limiting greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Today, the nine-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative stands as a...
View ArticleFunds spent on weapons are needed elsewhere
Brian Nearing reported U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regional Administrator Judith Enck and U.S. Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-Amsterdam, held a news conference at Albany City Hall to draw attention to...
View ArticleN.Y. could lead energy solutions
How heartening to read Brian Nearing’s article “Funds to aid climate battle,” April 22. Unfortunately, knowing the backstory dims the luster of justice and good sense found in the story. Because, at...
View ArticlePut sports funds toward schools
I am offended by the tactic of putting a million-dollar sports complex as the top priority for Albany’s public schools. This was portrayed as tax free. It’s not. Taxes are going up yet again, and there...
View ArticleSpend gifts or stop asking
Our opinion: Contributors to the state’s tax-form checkoff charities deserve accountability on when and how the money is used. In moments of generosity, you may be tempted to say yes to those telephone...
View ArticleA fine line for corruption
Former Halfmoon Supervisor Melinda Wormuth will spend 10 months in Saratoga County Jail for cutting herself $6,250 in checks from her campaign account. Not to diminish her crime but, frankly, it’s...
View ArticleLong story short
Schenectady units create costly lesson Schenectady’s City Council is poised to settle two civil actions, both involving what have been described as grotesque misbehavior by public safety employees In...
View ArticleWhy high price of referendum?
The now $180 million Albany High School referendum will be held for Albany school district voters Feb. 9. The need for the classroom expansion projects appear to be based on two conflicting forecasts...
View ArticleStop enabling corruption
“Follow the money,” the time-tested mantra for anyone looking to expose political and governmental corruption, is a difficult challenge when it comes to tracking billions in New York state...
View ArticlePedestrian overpasses work
I was saddened to read about the tragic death of a teenager on State Route 787 in Cohoes. Apparently, none of the powers that be, whether state, federal or local, have a clue how to prevent these...
View ArticlePut funds to use helping students
The editorial “Good idea, bad execution,” July 14, fails to understand a basic principle of public finance, which is that appropriations are enacted one year at a time. The editorial laments the budget...
View ArticleNo retreat on Zika fight
The number of confirmed cases of Zika in the continental U.S. now has exceeded 1,800, making the fight against the dangerous virus even more urgent. Yet funds needed to defeat the disease are drying up...
View ArticleTime to protect pensions
As record numbers of public employees in New York look forward to six-figure annual pensions, many private sector workers are in danger of losing large chunks of their retirement funds, putting a cloud...
View ArticleUndisciplined discipline
Next time you hit a pothole, or can’t get through to 911, or next time the police tell you they’re too busy to find your stolen car, thank Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and...
View ArticleAuthority can account for funds
Recent articles (“Donations coincide with deals,” Nov. 13 and “Money trail scrutinized,” Nov. 14) included tables that compare annual payments to the Albany Convention Center Authority from the state...
View ArticleDon’t worry about Indian Point cleanup funds
With regard to the article about the Indian Point decommissioning fund, (“Indian Point cleanup fund looks short,” Jan. 12) it is important to note the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has a long and...
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