Dave Lucas

Jennings Exit Impacts Mayoral Race

Dave Lucas — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:43:08 +0000

This week, Albany was rocked by the news that longtime Mayor Jerry Jennings has opted not to seek a sixth term. But even before his official announcement Wednesday, the rest of the city’s political machine was already in motion.

Green Your Commute

Dave Lucas — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:49:16 +0000

Today is the day to embrace "People Power" across the land.

That "People Power" is being expressed as "pedal power" - it is "National Bike To Work Day," celebrated annually coast-to-coast on the third Friday in May, which happens to be National Bike Month. The New York adaptation is "Green Your Commute Day" - it is being championed by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens.

NY AG Breaks Cigarette Trafficking Ring, Hints Terror Ties

Dave Lucas — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:33:46 +0000

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced the indictment of 16 members of a criminal ring that flooded New York City, Albany County and Schenectady County with more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes illegally imported from Virginia.

A 12-month investigation entailed wiretaps, aerial and electronic surveillance... In announcing the arrests of 16 individuals, Attorney General Schnedierman proclaims that "today the streets of New York are safer..." The investigation, which has so far uncovered $55 million in illegal cigarette sales, is continuing.

Saratoga Gun Show Schedule Cutback

Dave Lucas — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:54:12 +0000

Gun shows have caused concerns and triggered protests in Saratoga Springs. But the events have been pared back for the coming year...

In the wake of last December's tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, gun safety advocates have grown increasingly concerned with Saratoga Springs City Center's continuing to host gun shows.

Jobs For Returning Veterans

Dave Lucas — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:06:16 +0000

Northeastern New York is home to approximately 5,000 veterans who served in Iraq. This past February, President Barack Obama announced that another 34,000 American troops will return home this year from Afghanistan… And the drawdown will continue…

Marsha Lazarus is the "LegUp Workplace Solutions Project Director" at MHANYS, the Mental Health Association of New York State. She says MHANYS is hosting a free forum Thursday afternoon at 2 at the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce. Lazarus is urging local businesses to take a hard look at hiring returning veterans.

Stuck In Political Mud: Albany County Nursing Home

Dave Lucas — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:39:57 +0000

It's been a hot-button issue: the continuing saga of what to do about the Albany County Nursing Home.

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy has been on a mission to privatize the County Nursing Home, favoring a lease agreement with the Upstate Services Group, a company that provides administrative and operational support to affiliated skilled nursing facilities throughout New York.

Worldwide Lyme Disease Protest Represented In Albany

Dave Lucas — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:57:56 +0000

Advocates gathered in Albany's West Capitol Park on Friday in solidarity with the "Worldwide Lyme Disease Protest" to raise awareness and highlight the need for more recognition from government, science and medicine that Lyme Disease is a global concern.

Lyme disease is a growing public health concern throughout the Northeastern United States - the co-ordinated worldwide rally is all about getting the word out - with 30 states and 30 countries in all participating.

NY Cities: High Taxes, Low Taxes

Dave Lucas — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:29:22 +0000

A new report shows Schenectady and Gloversville rank among cities with the highest property tax rates in New York. A study published this week by the fiscally conservative Empire Center for New York State Policy ranks the Mohawk Valley city of Gloversville the highest-taxed of 75 cities in the state, with an effective rate of $52.40 per $1,000 of a property's value.

City Electricity Goes "Green" In June

Dave Lucas — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:22:40 +0000

A Columbia County city plans to become the first community in New York state to purchase its electricity as locally-produced wind power.

Researchers say that with a little effort, New York could get the power it needs from wind, water and sunlight by 2030. The city of Hudson is leading the pack for now with the announcement it will purchase electricity through retailer Viridian Energy. Hudson Mayor William Hallenbeck hails the move as a "win-win for the environment and for taxpayers."

NY Film Tax Credits Pro And Con

Dave Lucas — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:13:37 +0000

The Tonight Show is coming home to New York - the late night program left for California in 1972, but the lure of state tax credits has proven irresistible to the NBC television network. The show is expected to generate more than 100 million dollars in economic benefits for the Empire State. But not everyone supports the film tax credit.