Dave Lucas

Mayoral Candidate Presses For Discourse And Debate

Dave Lucas — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:52:23 +0000

An Albany Mayoral hopeful fears voters may have resigned themselves to the notion there may be only one candidate with any chance of winning the coming Democratic primary.

City Treasurer Kathy Sheehan was endorsed last week by the Albany County Democratic Committee following Jerry Jennings' announcement he would not seek a sixth term as Mayor. But Corey Elllis, who gave Jennings a run for his money in the 2009 primary, is still up for the challenge, as is Marlon Anderson, who is advocating for proper vetting of all candidates.

Help Wanted - NY's Capital Region "Unprepared"

Dave Lucas — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:58:15 +0000

A new report says unless steps are taken immediately, New York is not is going to be able to fill the jobs of the future . A report released in Albany Tuesday finds a “skills gap” exists in New York State – especially in the Capital Region, where high-tech jobs are growing as the area embraces its “tech valley” moniker with the expansion of chip fabrication and nanotechnology. But at the same time, the report warns of growing numbers of "unprepared students and unprepared workers."

Cuomo Cabinet Gets Education Update

Dave Lucas — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:58:51 +0000

Education was one of the leading topics discussed Monday when New York Governor Andrew Cuomo convened his cabinet at the state capitol in Albany. There was high optimism regarding Cuomo's New York State Master Teacher program.

The governor proposed the program in his State of the State address in January: SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher says it will provide $15,000 each year for four years to math and science teachers who mentor new and aspiring teachers.

Cuomo Addresses Ethics At Cabinet Meeting

Dave Lucas — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:05:25 +0000

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo held a cabinet meeting this afternoon at the state capitol. Issues discussed included jobs, education reform, drunk driving laws, pistol permits, and perhaps inevitably on the same day Brooklyn Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned his seat, ethics. Cuomo says corruption is rampant throughout government and society, and telegraphed the idea people are accustomed to it.

Siena Poll: Half of Voters Agree with Gov: ‘NYS Govt. is Working Again’

Dave Lucas — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:10:18 +0000

Weeks of negative headlines involving state legislators are having sway with public opinion. A new Siena College Research Institute poll measures New York voter attitude on political corruption, the state Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo.

There's good news and bad news about how New Yorkers feel about state government and the governor's refrain that it is "working again."

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.