Category: Politics

The situation has gotten bad along Lake Ontario. Communities are preparing for the worst, as officials now weigh the potential for evacuation efforts. The water itself may not be the trigger point for some, as Sodus Point officials said on Saturday. Public Works officials said that some homes are still pumping water from their basements into the waste water treatment... more

Victor, Fishers Fire Departments closer to merging

Two fire departments in the Town of Victor will merge. It will reduce cost, and according to the plan will provide better coverage for those living in Victor. “We’re in the position that we should go ahead with this. We think it is a benefit for the community. It helps us with safety because it makes sure that we have... more

Sapio to challenge Porsch for Seneca County DA’s job

A well-known area lawyer — and, until a couple of days ago, the town of Fayette justice — wants to become Seneca County’s next district attorney. Joe Sapio confirmed Friday afternoon he plans to challenge incumbent Barry Porsch this fall. Sapio, who has been practicing law for the last 15 years, had been town justice since 2012 but resigned from... more

Waterloo Village Board looks to move ahead with canal-to-downtown improvement project

The Village Board will take steps Tuesday night to move ahead with a canal-to-downtown improvement project. The board is gathering Tuesday rather than its usual Monday meeting day because some village officials will be attending the New York State Conference of Mayors in Albany. The village has received a state grant to upgrade the area from the north shore of... more

Union dues are now deductible in New York

New York union dues are now fully tax deductible under a state budget provision backed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo on Friday ceremonially signed a bill in New York City that will allow for more union workers to deduct all of their dues from New York State taxes. A limitation built into the law prevented many union workers from applying... more

Fair Haven mayor considers calling on inmates, National Guard to sandbag village

The wind has shifted, the rain continues to fall and volunteer sandbaggers are tired. Fair Haven Mayor James Basile said Sunday he is considering seeking help from state prison inmates and the National Guard to build levees to keep this village on Lake Ontario from taking on water. “Just so we can stay ahead of it,” he said. Basile said... more

Proposed bill would require beauty professionals to receive domestic violence training

Could people in the beauty professions soon join the fight against domestic violence? Manhattan Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal has introduced a bill that would require anyone providing a cosmetic service to get special training on domestic violence. A similar law just went into effect in Illinois. The law wouldn’t force stylists to report domestic violence, but it would just train them... more

Rep. Reed Faces Tough Crowds During Weekend Town Halls

Congressman Tom Reed faced some tough crowds over the weekend as he tried to explain his healthcare vote during town hall meetings in the 23rd congressional district. People held banners that slammed the Republican from Corning during his town hall in Allegheny Saturday. Reed supported the GOP healthcare bill that passed in the U.S. House last Thursday. The bill would... more

Rep. John Katko to participate in televised town hall meeting at CNY college

After months of rallies urging him to hold a town hall meeting, U.S. Rep. John Katko will participate in an open forum next week. The town hall meeting will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 15 at Onondaga Community College’s Storer Auditorium. The event, which is sponsored by CNYCentral, will be televised on WSTM channel 3 and... more

AG’s Office moves to dismiss Geneva Foundry claims

The state Attorney General’s Office has filed a motion to dismiss claims filed by city property owners against two state agencies over soil contamination in the Geneva Foundry neighborhoods. Oral arguments on the motion will be 2 p.m. July 12 in the New York State Court of Claims, 144 Exchange Blvd., third floor, Rochester, before Judge Debra Martin. The claims... more

Assisted suicide bill back before New York lawmakers

Legislation that would authorize people with terminal illnesses to request life-ending drugs from a physician is again before state lawmakers in Albany. Supporters of the bill include several New Yorkers who lost loved ones to painful terminal illness. They plan to meet with lawmakers Tuesday at the state Capitol. The bill would require two physicians to certify the patient’s illness... more

City proposal would give $800K to Auburn Schine Theater project

The stalled effort to restore the Auburn Schine Theater could be jump-started by some city funds the federal government is encouraging Auburn to spend. An $800,000 grant to the theater, which is owned by the Cayuga County Arts Council, is one of several amendments the city’s Office of Planning and Economic Development has proposed making to its 2016-2017 Community Development... more

Fleming supervisor: Harriet Tubman lived in town, not Auburn