Upstate Regular

This week, Shane discusses the 2022 Gubernatorial election, including the current Republicans seeking the nomination to defeat Gov. Cuomo. Shane also discusses the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame induction, alcohol to-go in New York, new flights out of the Syracuse Airport, and more. If you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on social media! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

Svante Myrick is the Mayor of Ithaca, NY, a city of roughly 30,000 in the finger lakes region of New York. Myrick was elected to Mayor in 2012 at the age of 24. Previously, he served on the Ithaca Common Council. He is known for creating the country's first supervised heroin injection site.  Myrick is a Democrat and a graduate of Cornell University.  This interview focuses mainly on Ithaca's Reimagining Public Safety Resolution which essentially changes the police department to a "Department of Public Safety" to be lead by a civilian. Ithaca made headlines recently over discussions of "abolishing the police department". Listen to learn what the proposal really means for Ithaca.  If you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on social media! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane and Ben discuss a variety of topics affecting upstate New York including vaccine eligibility, economic recovery, unemployment, the Census resulting in a loss of a NY Congressional seat, etc.You can find New York's vaccination tracker here: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/covid-19-vaccine-trackerIf you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on social media! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

Vanessa Reiser is a licensed Clinical Social Worker based in New York City. She is running a 285-mile journey across New York State, from Oswego to Manhatten, in only 12 days while wearing a wedding dress to raise awareness for "narcissistic domestic abuse". Reiser aims to raise $200,000 which she will donate to domestic violence centers in each of the counties she is running through.Reiser has experienced narcissistic domestic abuse first-hand and is the founder of the nonprofit "Tell A Therapist", which connects people nationwide with clinicians that specialize in narcissistic abuse and recovery.  You can access the resources and donate to this effort here: https://tellatherapist.org/Her run will take place from May 17 to May 29 and she will travel through Oswego, Onondaga, Madison, Otsego, Delaware, Sullivan, Orange, and New York Counties. A map of her run can be found here: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/4192459672If you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on social media! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

Danny Lapin wears many hats. He is currently representing District 13 on the Otsego County Board of Representatives, serves as the City of Oneonta Planning Commission Chairman, works as a Planner with the Otsego County Conservation Association, among many other things. Lapin is a graduate of UC Riverside and Bard College. He is an AICP certified Planner. Lapin resides in the 5th ward of Oneonta with his wife and son. This discussion touches a range of both city and county issues, including housing, planning activities, future political plans, economic development, zoning, etc.Lapin blogs about the City of Oneonta. You can find that here: https://dannyrlapin.medium.com/If you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on social media! (We apologize for the continued audio quality issues on our end. We are still working to resolve this. Thank you for your patience.)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

Len Carson, a City-Councilman in Oneonta, NY has announced that he will be running for Mayor. This follows the news that current Mayor Gary Herzig will not be seeking re-election. Carson is running as a Republican.Carson is a Laurens Central school graduate, Air Force Veteran, and worked for 26 years with the Oneonta Fire Department. Carson has served on the Oneonta Airport Commission and as Chair of the Personnel-Human Resources Committee. Additionally, he served one term on the Otsego County Board of Representatives. He owns DC Marketing with his wife and represents the 5th ward on the City Council in Oneonta. This discussion focuses on his reasons for running, his experience, his visions for housing and economic development in Oneonta, and more. If you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on social media! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

Erin Insinga is the Shelter Manager of the Delaware Valley Humane Society (DVHS) in Sidney, NY, and has been since 2015. The DVHS was founded in 1965 and provides animals with emergency services such as temporary housing, food, and medical treatment. They can house up to 35 dogs and 75 cats and adopt out approximately 200 dogs and cats every year.This discussion focuses on the Animal Abuser Registry Law in Delaware County, NY. The law, which places animal abusers convicted of a misdemeanor or felony on a registry banning them from owning animals again, was adopted on Wednesday, February 24th by the Delaware County Board of Supervisors. Developing the law spawned from an animal abuse case in the Town of Franklin about a year ago when Nasir Azmat was charged with 41 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and neglect after 20 dogs were rescued from his property.You can learn more about the Delaware Valley Humane Society on their social media accounts, or at their website here: https://www.dvhsny.org/If you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on social media! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane and Clark discuss recent developments surrounding deaths at nursing homes from COVID-19 in New York State. The Cuomo administration underreported nursing home deaths resulting from COVID-19, a report from Attorney General Letitia James shows. Additionally, the administration is accused of trying to delay the release of data on COVID deaths in New York's long-term care facilities. You can find the NYS Attorney General report here: https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2021-nursinghomesreport.pdfIf you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on social media! It helps us a ton and you will be aware of new episodes.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane interviews author, consultant, and professor Casey Jakubowski. Jakubowski has earned his PhD from the University at Albany with research into rural school consolidation. Jakubowski is the author of "Thinking About Teaching: A Rural Social Studies Teacher's Path to Strive for Excellence" published by EduMatch. Jakubowski is the Chair of the Liberal Arts and General Studies Department at Hudson Valley Community College. This interview features a discussion about the Capitol insurrection, civic education, online information and social media, and the decline of "community" in the United States.If you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on social media! It helps us a ton and you will be aware of new episodes.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane and Clark discuss Governor Cuomo's proposed budget scenarios, the future of taxes on the wealthy in New York, marijuana legalization, and other budget-related items.You can find out more about the proposed budget here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/programs/fy-2021-new-york-state-budgetIf you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on social media! It helps us a ton and you will be aware of new episodes.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane interviews Kingston NY, Mayor Steve Noble. Noble has served as Mayor since January 2016. Kingston is a city 90 miles north of New York City and the seat of Ulster County, with a population of roughly 22,950. Before serving as Mayor, Noble had a ten-year career at the City of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department. Noble is the co-founder of the Kingston Land Trust and has held leadership positions with the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency, Environmental Management Council, and Hudson River Estuary Management Committee.Noble holds a degree in Environmental Science from SUNY New Paltz and an MPA from Marist College. This interview touches on the COVID impact on the City budget, updating the zoning code, police reform, housing, and environmental protection.The Mayor's website can be found here: https://kingston-ny.gov/content/8399/10762/10764/default.aspxIf you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on social media! It helps us a ton and you will be aware of new episodes.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane interviews the City of Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson. Johnson won his election in November 2019 as the first African American mayor of the upstate city. Hudson, NY is the seat of Columbia County, with a population of roughly 6,700.Before serving as Mayor, Johnson served on the Hudson Common Council as a first ward Alderman. He is the co-director of the "Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood", a non-profit supporting children growing up in the Hudson City School District He is also a coordinator of "POPS", a community fatherhood initiative.Johnson is a graduate of Columbia-Greene Community College and SUNY New Paltz and grew up in Hudson.This interview focuses on Hudson's impact from the COVID virus, Hudson's new Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot program, police reform initiatives in the city, and the recent capitol takeover.The Mayor's website can be found here: http://www.cityofhudson.org/departments/mayor_s_office/index.phpIf you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on social media! It helps us a ton and you will be aware of new episodes.(We are aware of the sound quality issues and are actively working towards a resolution. Thank you for your understanding.)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane and Ben discuss the new New York State Senate veto-proof supermajority, the 2020 Census, NY22 Congressional election results, and the New York COVID vaccination plan. You can find information on the NYS vaccination plan here: https://forward.ny.gov/covid-19-vaccine-distributionMake sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! This helps us a ton and you will be made aware of new episodes. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane interviews the City of Plattsburgh Mayor-elect Chris Rosenquest. Rosenquest has recently won the election as a Democrat, beating Republican Scott Beebie. Plattsburgh, NY is in New York's North Country, is the seat of Clinton County, and has a population of almost 20,000.Rosenquest is a graduate of the University of Washington, SUNY Plattsburgh, and Clinton Community College. He is currently a Clinton County Legislator representing District 9 where he has served as Chair of the Finance Committee (2018-2019), Chair of the Economic Development and County Operations Committee (2016-2018, 2020), and as Legislative liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Development board, and Clinton Community College. Rosenquest owns a coffee shop with his wife in downtown Plattsburgh.This interview is wide-ranging and touches on housing, transportation, economic development, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), COVID19, and planning generally.You can learn more about Rosenquest and get in touch at his website: https://www.rosenquestforplattsburgh.com/ as well as on social media platforms.If you liked the show, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter! It helps a ton and you will be aware of new episodes!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane interviews Democratic State Senator James Skoufis. Skoufis has recently won reelection to his second term as Senator for New York's 39th district which includes much of Orange County and smaller parts of Rockland and Ulster Counties, including the City of Newburgh. Skoufis bested Republican challenger Steve Brescia, Chairman of the Orange County Legislature.Skoufis is a graduate of Monroe-Woodbury High School as well as George Washington University and Columbia University. Skoufis previously served in the State Assembly for 6 years prior to running for State Senate. He is the chair of the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations and currently resides in Cornwall.This interview focuses on the recent 2020 election results, a new supermajority for Democrats in the State Senate, marijuana legalization in New York, redistricting following the recent Census, the COVID outbreak and resulting state budget deficit, and progress on the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane and Ben discuss the election! Ben and Shane discuss voting trends in upstate New York, local congressional and state-level results, Ben's own election, and the Presidential election. This election has already had several surprises and may have more to come.Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!NEW - - We now have a Patreon account! Patreon is a platform that will allow you to support us financially. We are a small operation trying to grow our presence and provide necessary policy discussions and informative interviews to the people of upstate NY and the Otsego County area. Check us out on Patreon, and consider supporting us! We appreciate it! - Shane & BenSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane interviews Otsego County, NY Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Barbara Ann Heegan. Heegan has served in this role since 2012 and formerly worked as the Marketing Director for The Plains at Parish Homestead in Oneonta. Heegan has an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a B.S. from SUNY Oneonta.This interview focused on the economic hardships being faced by businesses due to the COVID 19 pandemic, what they are doing to respond, and how the chamber is working to help businesses during this difficult time. We also discuss the "Survive then Thrive" initiative and Heegan shares a positive outlook for business in the region.You can find out more about the Otsego Chamber of Commerce here: http://otsegocc.com/Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!NEW - - We now have a Patreon account! Patreon is a platform that will allow you to support us financially. We are a small operation trying to grow our presence and provide necessary policy discussions and informative interviews to the people of upstate NY and the Otsego County area. Check us out on Patreon, and consider supporting us! We appreciate it! - Shane & Benhttps://www.patreon.com/upstateregularSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane interviews Democratic Congressional Candidate Tracy Mitrano. Mitrano is running in New York's 23rd Congressional district, which includes eleven counties spanning New York's Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions. The district is currently represented by Republican Tom Reed, who is seeking reelection.Mitrano was born and raised in Rochester, NY and earned a PhD from Binghamton University and a Law degree from Cornell University. Mitrano has served as assigned counsel attorney for many years in New York and has taught American History, Family and Social Policy, and Internet Law. Mitrano has also worked as Director of Information Technology Policy at Cornell and has consulted in information management, security, and privacy.Mitrano has previously run for Congress in the same district in 2018.This interview focuses on Mitrano's fundraising and polling in comparison to Tom Reed, her positions on further COVID stimulus funding, internet regulation, and campaign finance, and why she thinks she is the better choice for Congress.You can find out more about Tracy Mitrano at https://www.mitrano2020.com/NEW - - We now have a Patreon account! Patreon is a platform that will allow you to support us financially. We are a small operation trying to grow our presence and provide necessary policy discussions and informative interviews to the people of upstate NY and the Otsego County area. Check us out on Patreon, and consider supporting us! We appreciate it! - Shane & Benhttps://www.patreon.com/upstateregularMake sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane interviews City of Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig. Herzig has been serving as Mayor since 2015. Prior, Herzig worked as the Chief Operations Officer for Opportunities for Otsego and as Director of the Oneonta Job Corps Center. Herzig has also served on the Oneonta Planning Commission, the Oneonta Board of Assessment and Review, Oneonta's Comprehensive Planning Committee, Zoning Task Force, and Housing Task Force. This interview covers the current discussion surrounding whether or not to hire a new City Manager or Administrator. What is the need? How has the City been functioning without one for many months? How does the Mayor see his role? What is the difference between Administrator and Manager? You can find out more about the Mayor and the City at the City website: https://www.oneonta.ny.us/Public meetings are being streamed on the City's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/CityOfOneontaNEW - - We now have a Patreon account! Patreon is a platform that will allow you to support us financially. We are a small operation trying to grow our presence and provide necessary policy discussions and informative interviews to the people of upstate NY and the Otsego County area. Check us out on Patreon, and consider supporting us! We appreciate it! - Shane & Benhttps://www.patreon.com/upstateregularMake sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/upstateregular)

This week, Shane interviews Otsego County Treasurer Allen Ruffles. Ruffles has been serving as Treasurer since 2018.This interview covers how the COVID pandemic has affected the Otsego County budget, Ruffles' plan for 2021 including budget cuts and borrowing, types and differences in County revenue sources, and other budget topics.Information about the Treasurer's Office can be found here: https://www.otsegocounty.com/departments/treasurer/index.phpNEW - - We now have a Patreon account! Patreon is a platform that will allow you to support us financially. We are a small operation trying to grow our presence and provide necessary policy discussions and informative interviews to the people of upstate NY and the Otsego County area. Check us out on Patreon, and consider supporting us! We appreciate it! - Shane & Benhttps://www.patreon.com/upstateregularMake sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This week, Ben interviews Cooperstown Village Trustee MacGuire Benton. Benton was recently re-elected to a second term in a runoff election after an earlier tie with Republican Mary Margaret.The interview focuses on how this race was different from the last, Benton's plans for Cooperstown as far as the double day field committee goes, and how the village is preparing for another surge of the virus.You can find out more about MacGuire Benton here: https://www.facebook.com/BentonforCooperstown/Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This week, Shane interviews Greg Klein. Klein is a reporter with the Daily Star Newspaper in Oneonta, NY. Klein is also the Board President of a new organization in Otsego County, the Cooperstown, Oneonta, Otsego County Film Partnership Inc., known as Film COOP. This new commission is dedicated to helping attract the film business to the area and growing the industry in the region.Shane and Greg discuss the background of the film industry in the county, his personal connection to film, and how a film commission can help the region grow and attract business.You can find out more about Film COOP here: https://film-coop.com/Remember, if you like the show, give us a like on Facebook, subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a review!

Shane and Ben discuss the recent COVID19 outbreak at SUNY Oneonta as well as the controversial Endicott battery recycling plant. After months of keeping COVID numbers low, the start of the SUNY Oneonta semester has lead to an outbreak. Can officials keep it under control?What happened?What will it mean for the economy?If you are interested in being a guest on the show, reach out via Facebook.If you liked this episode, give us a like on Facebook, subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a review! Let us know your thoughts!

This week, Don Mathisen interviews Republican Congressional Candiate Kyle Van De Water. Van De Water is running in New York's 19th Congressional district which includes all or part of 11 counties in upstate New York between NYC and Albany. The district is currently represented by Democrat Antonio Delgado, who is seeking reelection.Van De Water was born in Rhinebeck and raised in Poughkeepsie, NY. He serves in the U.S. Army Reserves JAG Corps at the rank of Major and also works as a litigation attorney at Corbally, Gartland, & Rappleyea, LLP in Poughkeepsie. Van De Water lives in Millbrook, NY with his wife and three children. He served as a Millbrook Village Trustee from 2017 to 2018.This interview focuses on Van De Water's background, his positions on tax policy, the role of members of Congress, New York State politics, bail reform, and more.You can find out more about Kyle Van De Water here: https://www.kyleforny19.com/Remember, if you like the show, give us a like on Facebook, subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a review!

Shane and Ben discuss the current election in New York's 19th Congressional District. Kyle Van de Water is now the Republican nominee to challenge Antonio Delgado. How are the candidates fundraising, doing outreach, and talking to voters? Ben and Shane discuss these questions and more as we head into the 2020 election in November.If you are interested in being a guest on the show, shoot us a message on Facebook.If you liked this episode, give us a like on Facebook, subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a review! Let us know your thoughts!

This week, Shane talks with Democratic Otsego County District 11 Board Representative Clark Oliver. Oliver is a freshman member of the Board where he sits on the Human Services and Performance Review & Goal Setting committees. Oliver works full time at the Otsego County SPCA as an Adoption Counselor. His district includes Wards 1 and 2 in the City of Oneonta. Oliver is the youngest person to serve on the Otsego County Board and is the youngest Democratic county legislator in New York State. The conversation touches on Oliver's decision to run, his background, how the County is dealing with and responding to COVID-19, his goals for the County such as instituting a County Administrator and fighting climate change locally, and more. You can find out more about Clark Oliver on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OliverForOtsego/ Remember to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app!

After a long pause, we have returned. Our technical issues have been resolved and we are ready to start making shows again.This week, Shane and Ben talk about the current state of COVID19 and reopening in upstate NY, recent and upcoming elections, and more.If you are interested in being a guest on the show, shoot us a message on Facebook.If you like the show, give us a like on Facebook, subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a review! Let us know your thoughts!

This week, Ben interviews Democratic Congressional Candidate Nate McMurray. McMurray is running in New York's 27th Congressional district which includes Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, and Livingston Counties, as well as parts of Erie, Monroe, Niagara, and Ontario Counties.McMurray is a native of North Tonawanda, NY. A lawyer by trade, McMurray has worked extensively in Asia. McMurray is also wrapping up his term as Town Supervisor for the Town of Green Island, NY, and is currently Vice President of Business Development for Delaware North.The interview touches on McMurray's background, experience, campaign strategy, COVID19, issues he cares most about, and more.Remember, if you like the show, give us a like on Facebook, subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a review!

This week, Shane and Ben talk about the weight of the Coronavirus pandemic on upstate NY and how the region can bounce back. What are some opportunities that might be presented as a result of this pandemic? How will our daily interactions change? Can we attract more residents utilizing remote/virtual work? Shane and Ben discuss these questions and more.We have some exciting interviews coming up, but we hope you enjoy this conversation in the meantime.Remember, if you like the show, give us a like on Facebook, subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a review!Let us know how you are coping with the pandemic and/or what you see the future holds for upstate NY. We might include it in a future show!

This week, Don Mathisen interviews New York State Assembly Republican Minority Leader William Barclay. Barclay represents the 120th Assembly District which includes much of Oswego and parts of Onondaga and Jefferson County. Barclay is a partner at Barclay Damon LLP. where he specializes in business law. Barclay is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and Syracuse University College of Law. After graduating from law school, he served as a law clerk for Roger J. Miner, a judge of the United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit.This interview focuses on the New York State Coronavirus response, the positions of the Republican conference, regional reopening, state budgeting, upstate NY economics, You can learn more about Assembly Leader William Barclay here: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/William-A-Barclay Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This week, Shane interviews the Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC). Acquario earned his J.D. from Albany Law School and has served in a variety of board director positions and Gubernatorial appointments.NYSAC is an organization that represents, educates, and advocates for the counties in New York State. NYSAC provides research and education on a variety of issues to county leaders and represents the counties to state and federal policymakers.This interview focuses on New York's County responses to the COVID 19 outbreak, how the pandemic will influence county budgets, the overall economic impact, regional reopening, and more. You can read NYSAC's Special Coronavirus Economic Impact Reports here: https://www.nysac.org/nysac_covid_reportsMake sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This week, Shane and Ben interview Gareth Rhodes. Rhodes is on the state's COVID19 task force where he is working on a range of issues. Rhodes is also Deputy Superintendent & Special Counsel at the New York State Department of Financial Services.Rhodes is a recent graduate of Harvard Law School and listeners may know him as a former candidate for Congress in New York's 19th Congressional district. This discussion covers a range of issues related to the COVID19 pandemic such as testing availability, projections, economic outlook, regional differences in NY, and more.For information on the COVID19 pandemic, refer to your local county health department or the State Dept. of Health (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home)Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter! Submit your thoughts on this weeks episode by messaging our Facebook page and we just might feature it in next week's show!

This week, Shane interviews the Executive Director of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, Mark Quandt. Quandt graduated from SUNY Albany with a Masters in Social Work and immediately applied for a position with the food bank. Shortly after in 1984, he was promoted to Executive Director. This interview touches on the role of the Regional Food Bank, how it operates, the impact COVID-19 has had on its important work, and how you can support its mission.The Food Bank, headquartered in Latham, NY provides food to charitable agencies serving the hungry and disadvantages in 23 Upstate New York counties. It provides 35 million pounds of food a year to about 1000 agencies. You can help the Food Bank during this incredibly difficult time by donating food and/or money, and by volunteering. Find out more about helping out at their website: https://regionalfoodbank.net/ .Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

For this week's episode, Ben interviews an upstate NY person diagnosed with COVID-19. She gives insight into how the disease has affected her family and lifestyle, what the process looks like, signs and symptoms, the effect on work and income, and more.Our guest this week has decided to remain anonymous and we support that decision. For COVID-19 information, please refer to the NYS Department of Health website: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home and your local health department.Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

For this week's episode, Shane interviews author, consultant, and professor Casey Jakubowski. Jakubowski has earned his PhD from the University at Albany with research into rural school consolidation. Jakubowski is the recent author of "Thinking About Teaching: A Rural Social Studies Teacher's Path to Strive for Excellence" published by EduMatch. This book seeks to "give voice to rural education..." and "to offer educators a "reflective voice to channel their own experiences against and with on their journey." You should definitely consider reading this book if you are a teacher, know a teacher, or care about teaching. Jakubowski also works as a consultant to individuals, start-ups, and medium sized companies to improve dynamics, innovation, implementation, and evaluation.This interview focuses on his book, rural education in general, teaching during the COVID19 pandemic, rural consolidation of schools, and more.You can find out more about his book and buy it yourself: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08412Q41C/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1https://www.edumatchpublishing.com/copy-of-striveMake sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!Note: This interview was recorded on March 26, 2020.

For this week's episode, Shane interviews author and politician Adrienne Martini. Martini is the author of "Somebody's Gotta Do It: Why Cursing at the News Won't Save the Nation, But Your Name on a Local Ballot Can" published by Henry Holt and Co., as well as several other books. The book describes Martini's inspiration for running for office and the logistics of actually doing it. She also gives insight into how local government works. The book was featured by the New York Times and shared by Hillary Clinton. After reading the book, you just may be inspired to run for local office yourself. Martini is also District 12 Representative on the Otsego County, NY Board of Representatives, representing Oneonta City wards 3 & 4. In addition to her book, the interview also touches on the COVID19 pandemic and its impacts, County administrator position, and more. You can find out more about Martini at her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/martinifordistrict12/You can find out more about her book and buy it yourself:https://www.amazon.com/Somebodys-Gotta-Do-Cursing-Nation/dp/1250247632https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/03/books/review/somebodys-gotta-do-it-adrienne-martini.htmlhttps://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250247636Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This week, Shane interviews NYS Assembly District 121 candidate Jake Cornell. Cornell is running as a Libertarian attempting to unseat incumbent Republican John Salka. Cornell lives in Oneida NY where he works in a CBD/Vape store. The interview touches on Cornell's positions on the state budget, education funding, upstate versus downstate, the left versus right, COVID19, his overall campaign, and more. NOTE: This episode was recorded on March 8.You can find out more about Jake Cornell at his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/JakeCornellNY/about/?ref=page_internalMake sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This week, Shane interviews NYS Assembly District 122 candidate Joe Angelino. Angelino is running as a Republican to fill the seat formerly held by Clifford Crouch. Angelino is a veteran, former Norwich NY Police Chief, former Norwich, NY Fire Chief, and serves on several local boards. The interview focuses on Angelino's positions on bail reform, gun control, healthcare, and budgeting as well as his overall campaign and background.You can find out more about Joe Angelino at https://www.angelinoforassembly.com/ or from his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AngelinoforAssembly/ .Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This week, Ben interviews Cooperstown Village Trustee candidate MacGuire Benton. MacGuire is running for his second term as a Democrat. Seeking two available seats on the Cooperstown Village Board are also Republican Mary Margaret and Democrat Joe Membrino. The discussion gives insight into MacGuire's opinions on issues facing Cooperstown, how his campaign is going, and what he is thinking about the COVID19 virus and how it may impact Cooperstown.You can find more about MacGuire Benton at https://www.facebook.com/BentonforCooperstown/Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

For this week's episode, Ben & Shane sit down and talk about the rapidly developing Democratic Presidential Primary and what that means for upstate New Yorkers. Would our state benefit from an earlier primary? Who will Upstaters support in the primary? How will local Congressional candidates be affected by the top of the Democratic ticket?Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This week, Shane interviewed New York State Assembly District 107 candidate Brittany Vogel. Brittany is running as a Democrat to unseat Republican Jake Ashby. The discussion gives insight into Brittany's background, her biggest ideas, what inspired her to run for office, and more. Brittany is a newcomer to politics, and says she wants to stand up for everyday people.You can find out more about Brittany Vogel at her website: https://www.brittany2020.com/or at her Facebook page. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This week, Shane interviews New York State Assembly District 121 candidate Dan Butterman. Dan is running as a Democrat to unseat Republican John Salka. The discussion gives insight into Dan's biggest ideas his campaign strategy, his events, background, and more. You can find more about Dan Butterman at www.buttermanforassembly.com or on his campaign Facebook page. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Shane Digan interviews New York State Assembly District 101 candidate Chad McEvoy. Chad is running as a Democrat to unseat incumbent Republican Brian Miller. The discussion gives an overview of some of Chad's biggest ideas, his campaign strategy, his background, and more. You can find more about Chad at https://www.chadmcevoy101.com/ Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Ben and Shane sit down to talk about a range of issues affecting upstate NY: Possible Coronavirus in the southern tier, senate and assembly campaign updates, Census 2020, and the NYS Plastic Bag Ban and related fees coming in March 2020.Make sure you subscribe on your favorite podcast app and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Ben Reynolds interviews NY19 Congressional Candidate Ola Hawatmeh. Their discussion ranges from her background, to her ideas, values, and much more. Ola is running as a Republican to try and unseat Democrat Antonio Delgado. She was endorsed by Anthony German, who was running as a Republican until recently dropping out. You can find more about Ola at olaforcongress.comMake sure you subscribe on your favorite podcast app and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Ben and Shane talk about the controversial bail reform laws in New York State, discuss an important development in the race for NY19, discuss NYS Democrats strategy, and Brian Kolb's disastrous exit from NYS politics.Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!

Shane and Ben sit down this week to talk about Ben's recent trip to Israel, the recent move to change the smoking age to 21, and a few projects funded by the recent CFA grant awards from NYS [Halal meat processing in Oneonta & Springbook housing on Main Street in Oneonta. You can find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Reporter Don Mathisen interviews Democratic State Senate Candidate Jim Barber. Barber is running for the 51st Senate seat against incumbent Jim Seward. Barber is a farmer from Middleburgh, NY He has served as Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in New York, a special assistant to the commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, and most recently as the Cornell Cooperative Exension of Otsego and Schoharie Countys' Agriculture and Farmland Implementation Specialist. Enjoy!

Ben and Shane sit down to talk about recent proposed tobacco laws in Johnson City as well as the recent colloquially termed "annoy the police" laws being proposed in the region.

Shane and Ben talk about the recent approval of a County Administrator position in Otsego County and share some news about a housing development on Dietz street in Oneonta.

Ben and Shane sit down to talk about local election results in Otsego County as well as what is going on with the NY19 and NY22 congressional races.