Gov. Hochul Once Again Wants to Take Over Local Zoning
Jan 12, 2023
The governor delivered her annual State of the State address earlier this week and spoke about the issues of crime, affordability and the continued exodus of residents, but she gave little to no detail on how we will make substantive changes. While we...
The State of Our State is in Peril
Jan 10, 2023
“Today, Gov. Hochul delivered a State of the State address that wasn’t rooted in reality. Unfortunately, single-party rule is failing New York residents. Look no further than a recent Times Union report detailing another 180,000 people leaving our...
A 2023 Christmas Wish List
Dec 16, 2022
Christmas is right around the corner, and I hope that you and your families are taking advantage of all the great holiday events happening in the North Country and Mohawk Valley. With Christmas comes a new year, and with a new year comes a new legislative...
Hochul Signs Legislation to Name State Route 283 The ‘Colonel Michael Plummer Memorial Highway’
Nov 4, 2022
Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation (S.8726A/A10024-A) that will rename State Route 283 in Jefferson County after Col. (Ret.) Michael Plummer. The legislation was sponsored by state Sen. Patty Ritchie and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush. Before...
Kerosene Shortage Direct Result of Mishandled Policy
Oct 20, 2022
Recently in the news, we have seen there is a kerosene shortage effecting both retailers and customers. This news comes on the heels of National Grid telling its customers to brace for substantial rate hikes on their energy bills this winter, up to 39%...
Biomass Must Be Part of Our Future Energy Portfolio
Oct 13, 2022
In past columns, I have warned of the dangers of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and its ambitious goals at making New York a zero-emissions state. Many deadlines within the plan are not too far in the future, so not only is...
In Support of Jefferson County Resolution Protesting State’s New Gun Law
Oct 5, 2022
I want to thank and show my support for members of the Jefferson County Legislature who passed a resolution protesting New York’s latest round of restrictive gun laws. Back in June, Gov. Hochul rushed lawmakers back to Albany to push her latest round...
Revisiting The Farm Labor Overtime Threshold
Aug 11, 2022
The Farm Laborer Wage Board is set to make a final recommendation on the overtime threshold for farm workers on Sept. 6. I want to begin by thanking all the North Country and Mohawk Valley residents who have called into the wage board, the governor and...
Gov. Hochul: Where Is The State’s Covid-19 Response Report?
Jul 13, 2022
When Gov. Hochul took office following the resignation of former Gov. Cuomo, she pledged to clean up the culture in Albany and commit her administration to transparency. As we approach a year under the Hochul administration, we see that these words have...
Summer 2022: Supporting Our Local Fairs
Jul 6, 2022
As we enter the ‘dog days’ of summer, I encourage everyone in the North Country and Mohawk Valley to support their local fairs. Every summer, these fairs pop up in our communities and provide countless services and activities for residents. For two...