2012 was, by most accounts, a year of challenges for New York, not the least of which was the devastation of Hurricane Sandy as she tore up the Eastern seaboard.
In state politics, the assembly remains firmly Democratic, while this year will usher in a new era of governance in the senate by a controlling coalition of Republicans and the five-member Independent Democratic Conference, the effectiveness of which has yet to be seen.
In the middle of it all is Governor Andrew Cuomo, who continues to enjoy high approval ratings and remains among those potential candidates mentioned in conversations about the 2016 presidential race.
Joining us on this special extended edition of Vox Pop for analysis and commentary on Governor Cuomo's 2013 State of the State Address are a panel of guests who are very familiar with New York State policy and politics.
Throughout his 20 year career as an assemblyman representing the capital region, Jack McEneny has been a key voice on issues including veterans’ rights, education reform, environmental preservation, economic development, and public safety.
Having stepped away from public service after deciding not to seek re-election last year, he joins us now for an inside look at what we might expect from the governor and the legislature this session.
David Catalfamo is a partner at the Albany-based consulting and communications firm Capitol Public Strategies, and a 20 year veteran of New York state government with extensive experience working in both the legislative and executive branches.
As director of communications for former Governor George Pataki, he was a senior advisor on strategy, public policy, budgetary and political matters.
Dr. Alan Chartock is president and CEO of WAMC Northeast Public Radio, professor emeritus at the University at Albany, and publisher of the legislative gazette, the newspaper of New York State government.
He hosts WAMC’s weekly capitol connection program, which is heard on stations across the state, and is our resident political observer. WAMC's Ray Graf hosts.