Power & Politics

In a wide-ranging conversation, Purdy, a former journalist who ran for Mayor of Albany in 2021, and the 109th seat in 2022, discussed many local and State issues impacting Capital Region residents.

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The Democratic representative for the 109th NYS Assembly District, Gabriella Romero, joined CBS6 Power and Politics on Thursday. Romero was fresh off of her Tuesday primary victory.

She spoke about:

-Her primary victory, and connecting with the 109th District moving forward

-The City of Albany's recent case of an undocumented immigrant accused of raping a teenager

-The Albany Common Council's ceasefire resolution, which she co-sponsored

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Over the course of the nearly 30 minute conversation, Soares discussed the County Comptroller's investigation of a $24,000 bonus he gave himself, the status of public safety in Albany County, his perspective on bail reform and what he says his office was doing prior to the laws being enacted in 2019. He also gave his thoughts on the Democratic party, and his status within the party, and what he believes is riding on this election.

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A week away from the Democratic primary, prominent Capital Region Defense Attorney Lee Kindlon joined CBS6' Power and Politics on Tuesday, discussing the race, his positions, and what incumbent David Soares has said during the campaign.

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NYS Assemblymember Pat Fahy discusses her endorsements for upcoming Democratic primaries, recent Supreme Court decisions addressing guns, specifically bump stocks, the future of the St. Rose campus, housing-including her short term rental legislation, the Central Warehouse and more.

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Legendary horse racing announcer Tom Durkin joined Tom Eschen on CBS6's Power and Politics on Thursday, live from Saratoga Race Course.

Durkin, who retired in 2014, said, prior to the construction at Belmont Park, situating the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course was an "impossibility".

In the extended conversation Durkin also spoke about:

-The biggest differences between Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course

-Long-term impact of Saratoga hosting the Belmont Stakes

-Why Saratoga is the "Graveyard of Favorites"

-His pick for the Belmont Stakes

-What's changed the most about horse racing since he started, and what he thinks will change moving forward

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Bendett, whose district covers Rensselaer, Washington, Columbia counties, along with the Town of Bethlehem, was a Rensselaer County legislator prior to his election to the State Assembly in November of 2022.

They covered several topics:

-Impressions of the State legislature as he looks back at his first term in office

-Reaction to Donald Trump's conviction

-The difference between working in the Republican majority of the Rensselaer County legislature and the Republican Minorityin the NYS Assembly

-Proposed social media guardrail legislation

-State cannabis rollout

-Recent Opioid crisis roundtable

-As small business owner, what small businesses need to succeed in New York State

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While appearing on CBS6's Power and Politics, Redburn Development Partners Principal Jeff Buell said the company has officially applied for a State grant to help fund the cost of demolishing the structure.

Buell also spoke about the proposal for a soccer stadium in Downtown Albany, his new initiative Knowhere Collaborative and its roots, inclusionary zoning, and his hope for the future of the region.

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Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus joined Tom Eschen on Power and Politics this week, discussing the latest in preparations for the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Racecourse on June 8th.

Three weeks until race day, Shimkus says hotel rooms are still available for the entirety of the racing festival. Wednesday night will kick the festivities off with "Belmont on Broadway," where Blues Traveler will perform live in the city.

"Hotel space is available each night, 180 bars and restaurants in Saratoga Springs alone,over 100 more in Saratoga County, they have reservations. Shops are buying more products and staffing up," he says.

Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan was unable to clinch the second leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday, as Seize the Grey held off the pack, and Mystik Dan, to win. Despite that, Shimkus says they still expect a distinct clientele in town for the Belmont.

During the extended interview, Shimkus also touched on Saratoga's new paid parking implementation, truck traffic on Broadway and his book "I'm Not Ready For This", which is about caring for his mother with Alzheimer's during COVID.

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The conversation included topics like school safety/lockdown drills, teacher shortages, absenteeism, along with the discussion around Foundation Aid and Hold Harmless during this year's budget debate.

"The perception that school districts are teaching to empty desks, that enrollment has declined so therefore we can cut funding, we really blew that myth away when we went out and talked to educators in schools," Person says. "What we saw was that districts were actually using that decline in enrollment to invest in things that they always to do in our schools."

Person said districts are providing extra co-teaching opportunities for students and investing in more extra curricular activities.

She says now the study of the Foundation Aid formula will help provide a better framework of future funding, but also that parents, teachers, superintendents and anyone who has a role in the school budget process should have a voice in the process.

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