Power & Politics

Deshanna Wiggins, CEO of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussed several topics, including the work the organization does to build minority-owned businesses and beyond in the City of Albany.

Wiggins talked about the challenges facing business owners in Albany, and the work they do to overcome them, saying collaboration is key.

The discussion also included:

-Proposed State Funding in Albany

-DEI initiatives

-Albany growing up vs Albany now

-Difference between Atlanta and Albany

-Do Semiconductor investments trickle down?

-Effectiveness of State film tax credit

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a wide-ranging, hour-plus long conversation on CBS6's Power & Politics, New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, among other topics, addressed his recent announcement that he won't be running on Governor Hochul's Gubernatorial ticket in 2026.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas Gant from the Center for Community Alternatives says he believes it's not a coincidence that correction officers are putting on unsanctioned strikes as the indictment into the homicide of Robert Brooks is unsealed. He defends the HALT Act, while also advocating for legislation to improve conditions for incarcerated individuals.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ta-Sean Murdock, Director of Albany's Center for Law and Justice, joined CBS6's Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing several topics and issues facing the City of Albany and beyond.

"I think it's heartbreaking," Murdock said regarding the several violent incidents in Albany this week. "We're seeing continued acts of violence all across the city of Albany, but in particular the South End. And for a while, I've been saying, 'Hey, we need to do better at finding ways to pour resources into areas where we know that acts of violence take place.' We know that the youth need programming, and we know that there is a need for services like mental health support individuals with housing and so many other things that are needed to prevent and to support with reducing violence."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announces that the Justice Department is suing the State of New York over its greenlight laws and immigration policies

-High-ranking State Democrats are calling on NYC Mayor Eric Adams to step down, or for Kathy Hochul to remove him from his role...the 2025 Mayoral primary is June 24th

-NY State Democrats proposing a bill to align the special election timeline with general elections...why it reported is tabled because of Kathy Hochul and Donald Trump

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany Mayoral Candidate Dan Cerutti joined Power & Politics on Thursday, going over his plan if elected Mayor of Albany.

Cerutti's background is in the tech industry, with this campaign being his first foray into the political realm. He's an Albany native, leaving the area for college and his business career, but returned nearly 10 years ago to put down roots in the Capital Region once again.

A portion of the conversation focused on the $400 million proposed State funding for the revitalization of the City of Albany.

"I applaud the Governor and her team for recognizing that we need it," he said. "This is fabulous. I think we need to take our time. We don't need to rush the thing. I think about the $400 million as an investment, not a grant, not a handout. We need to figure out ways to use it to attract other investments, right? So I know we have to do something in Liberty Square, not an open-air part-time stadium, but something multi-purpose, sports and entertainment-oriented. I want to do some development in the parcel where the central warehouse is, access to the water. I'd love to bring and attract an employer to the Kenwood Estates. I consider Lark Street part of Downtown. So there's a lot of things we have to do. We have to fix some of our basic problems, right? Public safety and housing, but overall, this is an absolute, tremendous opportunity."

The conversation also included:

-Public safety, where he says interim Chief Cox "Has it right."

--Social workers within Police Department

-Addressing quality of life concerns in Albany

-Albany's inclusionary zoning/affordable housing saga

-Big projects like Central Warehouse, St. Rose, Kenwood Commons, and grocery store plazas

-Albany's Sanctuary City status

-Cerutti's background and experience

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-New York Democrats reportedly want to extend the timeline of special elections and consolidate with primary or general election dates...which some are calling political

-Pam Biondi is threatening funding municipalities who have Sanctuary Status

-Donald Trump says he wants the United States to take ownership of the Gaza Strip

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices