Eye on NY

Eye on NY is back! To mark Labor Day, Mark Spadafore, president of the Greater Syracuse Labor Council, joined me to discuss the state of the labor movement and various workforce-related issues.  Also in this episode: I discuss my Twitter break.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest: Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro discusses the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state budget and his political future.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is Bill Hammond, senior fellow of health policy at the Empire Center. Bill discussed his efforts to obtain the true number of COVID-19 deaths in New York nursing homes and why that data is critical to understanding the problem skilled nursing facilities faced and for learning from the pandemic.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest on the Eye on NY podcast is state Sen. John Mannion, who represents the 50th Senate District. The district includes parts of Cayuga and Onondaga counties.  Mannion answered questions about his first month-and-a-half in office, what more the state needs to do to address the COVID-19 pandemic, the nursing home report released by state Attorney General Letitia James (our main story for today) and more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Eye on NY podcast resumes and opens 2021, I'm joined by two guests:  Dustin Czarny, one of Onondaga County's elections commissioners, reflects on the 2020 elections from the perspective of an elections administrator. He also talks about what reforms could be coming in 2021 to improve elections in New York.  Roger Misso, executive director of Taking the Hill PAC and a former congressional candidate, discusses the 2020 elections and what the future holds.  New episodes of the podcast will be released every Thursday. You can find the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and auburnpub.com.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Eye on NY podcast:  The fight over the Supreme Court: The death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg creates another vacancy that President Donald Trump can fill and move the Court in an even more conservative direction.  Voting in New York: There are a few ways you can vote in New York. In this episode, we break them down.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Eye on NY podcast is back! The return guest is Mark Spadafore, president of the Greater Syracuse Labor Council. Mark discusses Labor Day, the labor movement in central New York and issues affecting unions and their members.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Francis Conole, a Democrat running for Congress in New York's 24th district, joins the podcast to discuss his campaign and how it's changed since the COVID-19 pandemic spread to New York. 

Roger Misso, who was a candidate in New York's 24th Congressional District from April 2019 until mid-March, reflects on his campaign and shares memories of the experience. 

U.S. Rep. John Katko joined me to discuss the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, early lessons from the public health crisis and how it's adjusted his work schedule as a member of Congress. (Interview begins at the 30:30 mark.) 

Today on the podcast:  Gov. Andrew Cuomo outlines his plan for regional reopenings in New York as the state aims to rebound from the coronavirus-induced economic shutdown.  Remembering Richard Hanna, the former central New York congressman who passed away in March.   

It's good to be back! On this episode, I provided an update on what I've been doing since the COVID-19 outbreak began in New York and discuss how the campaigns are adjusting to this "new normal." 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  An interview with Democratic congressional candidate Francis Conole, who is running for the party's nomination in the 24th district race.  An update on endorsements in the NY-24 race. Two Democratic committees in the district made endorsements Monday. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  My guest: Khalil Cumberbatch, chief strategist for New Yorkers United for Justice. Cumberbatch joined me to discuss New York's bail reform law that took effect Jan. 1 and to address the misinformation that's out there about the law.  Assemblyman Gary Finch announces his retirement. I'll have an update on who's running for his seat.  Some thoughts on the Iowa Caucus. Is it time to ditch the caucuses? 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  My guest is Democratic congressional candidate Dana Balter, who answered questions about her bid for the 24th district seat. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  An interview with John Mannion, Democratic candidate in New York's 50th state Senate District. Mannion, who narrowly lost in 2018, is running again. He shares why he decided to run for a second time, what he learned from his first campaign and answer questions about education and other state issues.  A summary of the preliminary campaign finance numbers in the 24th Congressional District race.  Remembering Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest players in NBA history. Kobe and his daughter, Gianna, died in a helicopter crash Sunday. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  • A preview of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's 2020-21 executive budget address. What will the governor propose to address the state's $6.1 billion deficit?  • State Sen. Jim Seward, who was first elected in 1986, announced Monday he will not seek re-election this year.  • Editorial board endorsements: Keep them or dump them?

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  No guests today. The podcast will focus on the 50th Senate District and Onondaga County Republican Chairman Tom Dadey's comments about his party's approach. He said earlier this week that the GOP is focused on winning in November, not a special election. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  Two guests! Unshackle Upstate executive director Michael Kracker joined me to discuss the State of the State and his organization's 2020 agenda. After Kracker, Fiscal Policy Institute executive director Ron Deutsch answered questions about his group's Vision 2020, which focuses on the state's fiscal and tax policies.  PLUS: A discussion about two New York congressional races and the fundraising numbers reported so far. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered his 2020 State of the State address Wednesday. I'll give a recap of the address and highlight some of the proposals he outlined in his speech.  Our guest: Roger Misso, a Democratic candidate in New York's 24th Congressional District. Misso answered questions about some issues, including the Iran situation, and shared his perspective on where his campaign stands at the moment. 

Happy New Year! Welcome back to the Eye on NY podcast.  On today's show:  A preview of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's 10th State of the State address, with a brief overview of some of the proposals he's already announced and predictions for other issues he will address during his presentation Wednesday.  A recap of Assemblyman Brian Kolb's DWI arrest and the impact on the Assembly Republican Conference. Kolb stepped down as minority leader after more than 10 years in the post. 

This week on the Eye on NY podcast:  • Mark Spadafore, president of the Greater Syracuse Labor Council, joins the podcast to discuss Labor Day, the central New York labor movement and challenges facing workers. 

This week on the Eye on NY podcast:  State Sen. Bob Antonacci is the Republican, Conservative and Independence for a state Supreme Court judgeship in central New York. If Antonacci wins, he would vacate the state Senate. What would that mean for the 50th Senate District seat? 

This week on the Eye on NY podcast:  Dustin Czarny, the Democratic elections commissioner in Onondaga County, is this week's guest. Czarny recaps the election reform legislation passed by state lawmakers this year. He also explains what election officials are doing to implement early voting and other reforms. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  An interview with Dana Balter, who is seeking the Democratic nomination in New York's 24th Congressional District. She discusses why she's running for Congress and answers questions about climate change, taxes and more.  PLUS: What's happening in Onondaga County with early voting poll sites? 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  An interview with Francis Conole, an Iraq War veteran, who is running for Congress in the 24th district. Conole discussed why he's running, his central New York roots and his positions on a few key issues.  PLUS: An update on the race for New York Republican chair. Ed Cox, the incumbent chair, and Nick Langworthy are in a competitive contest to decide who will lead the state GOP. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  An interview with Roger Misso, one of three Democrats running in the 24th Congressional District race. Misso discussed his central New York roots and answered questions about a few major issues, including climate change and health care.  Before the interview with Misso, an update on what issues could be addressed during the final weeks of the state legislative session. Rent regulations and a farm labor bill are among the big topics. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  An interview with Onondaga County Republican Chairman Tom Dadey about the 2019 local elections, the state of the state GOP and a look ahead to the 2020 elections. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  The state Department of Transportation released its draft environmental impact statement for the Interstate 81 project this week. Listen to the podcast for a quick summary of the statement and whether the DOT endorsed the community grid or a tunnel option.  The 2020 election is more than 18 months away, but there has been a lot happening in the 24th Congressional District recently. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  • An interview with Erin Merryn and Gary Greenberg about their advocacy for Erin's Law. The legislation named in honor of Merryn would require New York schools to provide age-appropriate sex abuse education. The lessons would teach children about appropriate versus inappropriate touching. Greenberg, who recently advocated for passage of the Child Victims Act, is joining Merryn to push for passage of Erin's Law.  • A state budget update! There has been some progress on the 2019-20 state budget. I'll review some of the key agreements so far, including a plastic bag ban, additional voting reforms, school aid and prison closures. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  John Balduzzi, a political consultant and president of The Balduzzi Group, joins the podcast to discuss TV ads, mailers, radio ads, digital advertising and more. The Syracuse-area native has consulted several campaigns throughout the country. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon joins the podcast to discuss his first several months in office. McMahon, a Republican, began serving as county executive in November. Before that, he was chair of the Onondaga County Legislature.  McMahon explains what he's doing to address three main issues: economic development, infrastructure and poverty. He also details his stance on the Interstate 81 project. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  An interview with Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. Molinaro, a Republican, discussed the state of his county, reflected on his run for governor in 2018 and briefly discussed his love of "The West Wing." 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  An interview with U.S. Rep. Anthony Brindisi. Brindisi, D-Utica, explains his support for H.R. 1 (For the People Act), offers his stance on President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration and shares what it was like to be sworn into office as the government shutdown was in effect.  The state Assembly passed a bill to raise the legal age for tobacco purchases from 18 to 21. This is a priority for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who included the proposal in his State of the State agenda.  An explanation to help better understand the story about U.S. Rep. John Katko's "legislative effectiveness" score. There has been some criticism of Katko from opposite ends of the political spectrum.  Prior to the Brindisi interview, a breakdown of what's in the For the People Act the House plans to consider this week. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  An interview with Dana Balter, a former congressional candidate and founder of Enter the Public Square, a new nonprofit organization that aims to boost civic engagement. Balter discusses the role she hopes Enter the Public Square will play in encouraging central New Yorkers to participate in their communities. She also reflects on her campaign for Congress.  There is talk of eliminating fusion voting in New York. What is fusion voting, why does it matter and what are the differing viewpoints? I'll break it down.  Will it be difficult for Democrats to agree to a state budget this year? The latest on state budget talks in Albany. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a "red flag" law that will provide a mechanism for removing guns from individuals deemed to be a risk to themselves or others. He was joined by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The House passed a pair of gun safety measures this week.  State Sen. Joe Griffo is pushing a bill that would change the construct of the state Senate. Instead of districts that contain multiple counties, each of New York's 62 counties would have one state senator.  State Sen. Cathy Young announced this week that she is resigning to take a job with Cornell. Some pundits think it's because Young, as a Republican, is now in the minority. But there's another (possible) explanation.  Finally, an interview with Seth Wallace, the editor at the Palladium-Times in Oswego. Seth joined me to discuss what's happening in Oswego County, the county's congressional representatives and the state of journalism. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  A recap of a few stories this week, including the proposal unveiled by one state lawmaker to examine whether upstate and downstate should become two separate states. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  In separate interviews, two local government leaders in central New York discuss their positions on the Interstate 81 project.  DeWitt Councilor Kerin Rigney explains why she supports a community grid to replace the I-81 viaduct in Syracuse. If a grid is installed, Interstate 481 — which passes through DeWitt — would become the new I-81 for through traffic. Rigney shares why that could be good for her town.  Owasco Supervisor Ed Wagner details his support of a hybrid tunnel-community grid option. There is a tunnel under consideration with some street-level improvements required, but there are several leaders — many of whom reside outside the city — who believe that a hybrid would be the best option. Wagner also relays his concerns about increased truck traffic if a grid is installed. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  An interview with U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik to discuss her efforts to elect more Republican woman to Congress. Her leadership PAC, Elevate PAC, aims to support women candidates in House districts across the country.  A (brief) recap of Gov. Andrew Cuomo signing the Child Victims Act into law. For many sex abuse survivors, it was years in the making.  Analysis of Amazon's decision to cancel plans to place a headquarters in New York. What's the political fallout? Will Amazon come to upstate? 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  An interview with state Sen. Fred Akshar, a Republican who represents the 52nd Senate District in New York. Akshar is considered a rising star in the GOP and may run for higher office. We discussed current events in the state Senate, his background in law enforcement and his political future.  Breaking down the latest Siena College poll, which included questions about sports betting, physician-assisted suicide and the Amazon project in Queens. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  The latest Siena College poll is out. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's favorability and job performance numbers fell.  Will Amazon ditch New York for another state? Cuomo is battling Senate Democrats over Amazon's proposed headquarters in Queens. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  A recap of President Donald Trump's second State of the Union address During his remarks, Trump criticized the Reproductive Health Act, an abortion rights law signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in January. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  A preview of President Donald Trump's second State of the Union address. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced its initial list of 33 targeted seats for the 2020 election cycle. The list includes four New York Republicans: U.S. Reps. Chris Collins, John Katko, Peter King and Lee Zeldin.  U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is heading to New Hampshire this weekend as she continues her presidential campaign. She launched her presidential campaign last month and has already traveled to Iowa. This will be her second campaign trip since becoming a presidential candidate. 

Today (for the second time!) on the Eye on NY podcast:  A summary of Attorney General Letitia James' investigation into Apple's response to the FaceTime bug discovered last week. The glitch enabled users to hear and see recipients of a FaceTime invite, even though the recipient didn't accept or reject the call.  Interstate 81 has been in the news over the past two days. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand mentioned the highway at a Senate hearing, while U.S. Rep. John Katko is planning to hold town hall meetings on the future of I-81. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  A recap of a busy two days for the state Legislature. On Monday, lawmakers passed the Child Victims Act. The following day, a package of gun control measures received consideration. The state Legislature passed six bills to strengthen New York's gun laws.  A congressional update: U.S. Rep. John Katko retained his House committee seats and added a new subcommittee post. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  It was a busy week for the state Legislature. Democrats in the state Assembly and Senate passed a handful of bills that have long been priorities for lawmakers.  On Thursday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed voting reforms into law. I'll break down the new laws, including early voting and closing the LLC loophole. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  Recapping a busy day in Albany. The state Legislature passed the DREAM Act, which extends state tuition aid programs to undocumented immigrant students, and eliminated the requirement that links student performance on state tests to teacher evaluations.  Other topics include the state Senate's passage of a bill to make the property tax cap permanent and the latest government shutdown update. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  A recap of a big day for Democrats in Albany. The state Legislature passed the Reproductive Health Act, a bill to update New York's abortion laws. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill during a ceremony at the Capitol.  During the latter half of the podcast, I'll give a brief update on the government shutdown and U.S. Rep. John Katko's push to pay TSA officers during the stalemate. Katko will join me for a Facebook Live interview in early February. 

Today on the Eye on NY podcast:  An interview with Gary Greenberg, a New York businessman who has advocated for passage of the Child Victims Act. Greenberg was sexually abused as a child and founded a group, Protect NY Kids, to push for passage of the Child Victims Act.  The Child Victims Act would extend the statute of limitations for child sex abuse civil and criminal cases. It also includes a one-year "look-back" provision that would allow past victims of child sex abuse to pursue civil cases.