May 16, 2012 · www.gothamgazette.com |
![]() |
Loading
|
Eye on Albany
The 63rd Senator (August 24, 2009) The mayor won the school control battle and seems poised to scuttle a bill on public authorities. Has he finally figured out how to get his way in the state capitol?
Albany Aftershocks (August 3, 2009) Now that the state Senate has calmed, what can be done to prevent another stalemate from shaking Albany? Our David King finds out.
Dividing Albany's Pork Pie (July 27, 2009) However disorganized they might seem, State Senate Democrats have managed to hand out millions of dollars to pet projects in their home districts. We look at who got what.
Bringing Home the Pork (July 27, 2009)
A Fractured Senate Takes on Mayoral Control of Schools (July 14, 2009) The fractured state Senate is unlikely to move on many controversial issues, but mayoral control of city schools seems to be the one they can't ignore.
Amid Fireworks, the Senate Stalemate Continues (July 2, 2009) Deadlines and the holiday fail to stop the senate stalemate. In response, the Bloomberg administration looks for lost revenues and assembles a Board of Education. Can anything break the deadlock?
After the Deadline... (July 1, 2009) As June 30 ended, the State Senate remained mired in chaos. The city did not get its sales tax hike, and mayoral control of schools has sunset. What happens now?
As Time Runs Out, Paterson Tries to End the Deadlock (June 22, 2009) With the chamber mired in acrimony and facing deadlines on key issues, the governor makes a move.
Senate Turmoil Puts Everything in Doubt (June 15, 2009) With the State Senate mired in tragedy, soap opera and farce, reforms, budgets and more hang in the balance. We report from Albany and City Hall on the policies at stake.
Legal Ruling Puts a Cork on the Bottle Bill (June 4, 2009) The latest effort to expand the state's law on beverage deposits sputtered to a halt when bottled water companies filed suit to block it. Will the bill survive the challenges, legislative inaction -- and opposition from a prominent environmentalist?
Pedro Espada's New Clout (June 1, 2009) Rent control's fate could hinge on Sen. Pedro Espada -- although he's being investigated by the attorney general, hasn't paid campaign fines from 2001 and may not live in his district.
New York's Gun Battle (May 18, 2009) Despite police crackdowns, guns still wreak havoc in many New York neighborhoods. Will the killings in Binghamton prompt the state and federal governments to enact tighter controls?
Bills Seek to Help Women Prisoners Rebuild Lives (May 8, 2009) The number of women in jail in New York State has increased sharply, and the vast majority are mothers caring for children. Now, advocates hope the state legislature will enact a series of bills addressing the unique problems of women prisoners -- and their families.
On the MTA, Leaders Will Take What They Can Get (April 29, 2009) As negotiations for an MTA rescue plan wear on, everyone seems to be lowering their expectations, wondering if the Senate can pass even a weak, short-term plan.
The End of the Rockefeller Era (April 27, 2009) For years New York's harsh drug laws put all power in the hands of prosecutors and favored punishment over treatment. This month, that changed. A state Supreme Court judge examines the shift.
The Politics of Same-Sex Marriage (April 17, 2009) Whatever it does for civil rights, Gov. David Paterson's bill likely will cause headaches for state Democrats and give Republicans an issue in upstate districts where gay marriage remains unpopular.
The Legislature Takes on Election Reform (April 14, 2009) The state legislature has won few points for legislative activism these past few months, but one area where it might take action is election reform.
Even in Hard Times, Albany Offers a Feast of Pork (April 13, 2009) The state may face a budget crisis and talk of fiscal austerity may fill the air but Albany legislators still love those member items -- or pork -- that let them deliver goodies to the folks back home. What they do not like is making telling the public which legislator got what -- and how the money will be used.
What the State Budget Means for the City (April 1, 2009) Whatever the many criticisms of the new state budget for better or worse it does restore substantial amounts of aid to New York City and will stave off any teacher layoffs, at least for now.
In Albany, Budget Battles Behind Closed Doors (March 30, 2009) Despite new leaders, promises of openness and a dire financial situation, it was business as usual in Albany where leaders negotiated in secret to reach agreement on a new state budget.
With Clock Ticking, Senate Plan Does Little to End MTA Impasse (March 19, 2009) With only a week to go before the MTA has said it will have to begin raising fares and slashing service, the Senate has come up with a proposal critics assail for being slapdash, ridden with bad math and shortsighted.
The Tough Battle to Repeal Tough Drug Laws (March 11, 2009) The stars seemed perfectly aligned in Albany for repeal of New York's harsh Rockefeller drug laws. But the Assembly has passed a bill that would preserve several key aspects of the law, the Senate might not pass even that, and Gov. Paterson seems to be retreating from his previous position.
Stimulating a Cleaner Environment (March 9, 2009) The federal stimulus package provides billions of dollars to help New York State improve its environment and expand the use of alternative energy.
Plan to Toll Bridges Encounters More Roadblocks (March 5, 2009) Legislators raise a new round of objections to plans to charge a toll to cross New York City's bridges. Can this rescue plan be saved?
Budget Takes an Ax to Programs for Open Space (March 3, 2009) While just about every area of state spending will take a major hit in next year's budget, the fund that provides money for parks and open space is set to bear a particularly heavy burden.
Rural Legislator, City Issue: How Upstaters Decide (March 2, 2009) From Nesconset to Niagara, all legislators in the state get to rule on matters affecting only New York City. So what influences their votes? It's not as simple as you might think.
Taxing the Rich: An Idea Whose Time Has Come? (February 18, 2009) With Wall Street millionaires the people America loves to hate, and the state facing a huge budget deficit, it would seem the ideal time to up the income tax on the wealthiest New Yorkers. But Gov. Paterson and leaders of the State Senate have their doubts.
A Call for Tighter Ethics Laws (February 11, 2009) With Joseph Bruno under indictment, good government groups want a series of reform that they say would tighten the ethics rules governing the state's politicians while opening them up to increased scrutiny. Not surprisingly, it could be a tough sell.
Trying -- Again -- to Change the Drug Laws (February 5, 2009) For decades, activists have pressed the state's leaders to totally overhaul or repeal New York's harsh Rockefeller drug laws. Now Gov. Paterson and Assembly Speaker Silver have called for major changes, but Senate Democrats have yet to take a firm stand on the issue.
Paterson's Bitter Pill (February 2, 2009) Gov, David Paterson's proposed budget hits New York City harder than other localities in the state -- and Mayor Michael Bloomberg doesn't like that one bit.
How to Balance the State Budget (February 2, 2009) Tax and balance: Where can New York find the fist full of dollars it needs to fill its gaping budget gap?
The Senate Looks at How It Operates (January 20, 2009) With their majority finally solidified, the State Senate Democrats last week passed rules changes, which they say, are designed to create more legislative transparency and to balance the power rift between the majority and the minority. Even though the Democrats had moved on reform issues after years of pleading for the same courtesy from the Republican leadership, their actions were greeted with derision by some and a tempered optimism by others.
The Democrats Take Albany (January 12, 2009) The shifts in the capital should boost city issues, but following the governor's State of the State, many activists wonder whether the new Albany will look a lot like the old.
Advancing Rights (December 1, 2008) The changes in Albany – and the overall political climate – will dramatically alter the landscape in New York for civil rights issues, including same sex marriage and reproductive rights.
The Senate's Demographic Shift (November 24, 2008) If the Democrats can keep their edge in the State Senate in the 2010 elections, they stand to hold their grip on the legislature for years, if not decades, to come.
The Other Power Shift (November 10, 2008) Election Day brought change to Albany too as Democrats won the State Senate, solidifying their power in New York. A group of experts tell us what that could mean for spending, transit, health -- and more.
Longtime Incumbent Seeks Two More Years (November 4, 2008)
Staten Island 61st Assembly District: Titone Tries for a Full Term (November 4, 2008)
Staten Island 60th Assembly District: A Swing Seat (November 4, 2008)
Bronx/Manhattan 28th Senate District: A Serrano in the Seat (November 4, 2008)
Staten Island 24th Senate District: Seeking Re-election in a GOP Stronghold (November 4, 2008)
Election Results 2008 - General (November 4, 2008)
Bronx 84th Assembly District: Arroyo Seeks Another Term (November 3, 2008)
Bronx 82nd Assembly District: A Three-peat in the Northeast (November 3, 2008)
Staten Island 63rd Assembly District: Running on Four Lines (November 3, 2008)
Staten Island 62nd Assembly District: Going for a Full Term on the South Shore (November 3, 2008)
Bronx 32nd Senate District: Running from Both Sides of the Fence (November 3, 2008)
Bronx/Manhattan 31st Senate District: Surviving in a Different District (November 3, 2008)
Bronx/Manhattan 31st Senate District: Surviving in a Different District (November 3, 2008)
Queens 30th Assembly District: Running from a Flower Shop (November 3, 2008)
Queens 28th Assembly District: A Republican Tries Again (November 3, 2008)
Queens 26th Assembly District: A Low-Budget Race in Bayside (November 3, 2008)
Queens 23rd Assembly District: Running Against Albany (November 3, 2008)
Queens 12th Senate District: 25 Years in Albany (November 3, 2008)
Brooklyn/Staten Island 24th Senate: Red Borough, Blue District (November 3, 2008)
Bronx 81st Assembly District: A Challenger Hangs On (November 1, 2008)
Bronx 80th Assembly District: Rivera Faces Two Opponents (November 1, 2008)
Bronx Assembly District 78: Rivera's Easier Contest (November 1, 2008)
A Third Round in Highbridge (November 1, 2008)
A 22-Year-Old Seeks to Topple a Veteran (November 1, 2008)
Kavanagh Seeks to End the Turnover (November 1, 2008)
GOP Hits Snags in the Silk Stocking District (November 1, 2008)
Party Leader Runs Again (November 1, 2008)
Jeffries Seeks a Second Term (November 1, 2008)
Former Councilmember Seeks to Remain in Assembly (November 1, 2008)
A Familiar Contest in Bushwick (November 1, 2008)
Challenging the Party Chief (November 1, 2008)
Schools, Environment Issues in Brownstone District (November 1, 2008)
A Three-Way Race in Sunset Park (November 1, 2008)
Party Activist Looks for Upset (November 1, 2008)
Businesswoman Challenges Incumbent (November 1, 2008)
More than $1 Million for an Easy Race (November 1, 2008)
Veteran Challenges Former Teacher (November 1, 2008)
Challenger's Campaign Fades (November 1, 2008)
Guide for the Last Minute Voter (October 27, 2008) The presidential candidates will not be the only ones on the Nov. 4 ballot. Our guide zeros in on State Senate and Assembly races and other vital election information.
Brooklyn State Assembly District 46: Former Staffer Challenges an Incumbent (October 27, 2008) Brooklyn State Assembly District 46
Bronx Assembly District 76: A Frequent Candidate Tries Again (October 27, 2008) Bronx Assembly District 76
Manhattan Assembly District 68: Powell Faces Two Challengers (October 27, 2008) Manhattan Assembly District 68
Manhattan Assembly District 67: A Former Nadler Aide vs. a Former Nadler Opponent (October 27, 2008) Manhattan Assembly District 67
Manhattan Assembly District 65: New Incumbent Seeks a Full Term (October 27, 2008) Manhattan Assembly District 65
Manhattan Assembly District 44: Longtime Incumbent Faces a Party Activist (October 27, 2008) Manhattan Assembly District 44
Brooklyn Assembly District 43: Trying for a Full Term in Crown Heights (October 27, 2008) Brooklyn Assembly District 43
Brooklyn Assembly District 41: Going for Three Decades in Office (October 27, 2008) Brooklyn Assembly District 41
Brooklyn Senate District 17: A Second Round in Northern Brooklyn (October 27, 2008) Brooklyn Senate District 17
Bronx Senate District 36: Rematch in the Bronx (October 27, 2008) Bronx Senate District 36
Bronx Senate District 34: Klein Goes for Three (October 27, 2008) Bronx Senate District 34
Bronx Senate District 33: Espada's New Clout (October 27, 2008) Bronx Senate District 33
Manhattan Senate District 32: Duane Faces Little Known Challenger (October 27, 2008) Manhattan Senate District 32
Brooklyn Senate District 27: Brighton Beach's $1.8 Million Man (October 27, 2008) Brooklyn Senate District 27
Manhattan Senate District 25: A Republican Tries to Beat the Odds (October 27, 2008) Manhattan Senate District 25
Brooklyn Senate District 20: Adams Seeks Re-election (October 27, 2008) Brooklyn Senate District 20
Brooklyn Senate District 19: Sampson Seeks Another Term (October 27, 2008) Brooklyn Senate District 19
Brooklyn Senate District 18: Looking for a Landslide? (October 27, 2008) Brooklyn Senate District 18
Queens Senate District 11: A GOP Incumbent Seeks to Turn Back a Democratic Tide (October 27, 2008) Queens Senate District 11
Tackling Campaign Finance Reform (October 14, 2008) It's an election year -- and in New York State, candidates have a virtual license to raise as much as they can any way they can. Is there a better way?
Rights and Recognition for Same-Sex Marriage (September 26, 2008) New York's courts and governors have said, if you're married in another state you're married here, whatever your sex and that of your spouse.
Guide for the Last Minute Voter: The 2008 Primary (September 2, 2008)
A Feud in Flushing (September 2, 2008)
Filling a Last-Minute Vacancy (September 2, 2008)
A Factional Split in the Southeast Bronx (September 2, 2008)
Going Head to Head in Morrisania (September 2, 2008)
The Organization Chases a Rainbow (September 2, 2008)
A Second Chance in Canarsie (September 2, 2008)
Taking on the Brownsville Dynasty (September 2, 2008)
Running Under Indictment in the West Bronx (September 2, 2008)
In East New York, Corruption Creates an Open Seat (August 11, 2008)
In Queens, a Race to Control the Senate (August 11, 2008)
A Battle Over Reform in Manhattan and Brooklyn (July 14, 2008)
Running Against Albany on Manhattan's Lower East Side (June 30, 2008) First Eliot Spitzer resigned. Then Joe Bruno announced his retirement. Now two political novices hope to end the political career of the third man in Albany's room: Speaker Sheldon Silver.
State Assembly District 22 - Flushing, Queens (October 13, 2004) The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.
State Assembly District 62 - Staten Island (South Shore) (October 11, 2004)
State Senate District 28 - East Harlem (October 11, 2004) The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.
Assembly District 82 - Bronx (July 26, 2004) The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.
Assembly District 80 - Bronx (July 26, 2004) The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.
State Senate District 23 - Staten Island/Brooklyn (July 26, 2004) The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.
Assembly District 68 - Harlem (July 26, 2004) The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.
State Assembly District 57 - Brooklyn (Fort Greene, Prospect Heights) (July 20, 2004) The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.
