Power & Politics

Dan McCoy, Albany County Executive, February 3rd, 2025 Feb 03, 2025

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy joins Power & Politics this week, discussing some of the biggest issues facing Albany County, and discussing his future as County Executive. The wide-ranging conversation covered a variety of topics, including:

-Reaction as a former first responder to the tragic plane crash in D.C.

-What "Sanctuary Status" means in Albany County

-If he will run for Mayor of Albany in 2025

-Where he's hoping the $200 million in proposed State funding to the City of Albany will go

-The future of the College of St. Rose Campus

-State mandates, federal administration changes, and more

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P&P Top 3 January 31st, 2025: D.C. Plane Crash, Federal Funding Freeze/UnFreeze Fallout, Sen. Hassan speaks out at RFK Jr. hearing Jan 31, 2025

-Recovery continues after a helicopter and passenger jet collided in Washington D.C., falling into the Potomac River, killing 67 people on board. Reaction pouring in after Donald Trump said Diversity-Equity-Inclusion to blame, Air Traffic Controllers saying hiring process is rigorous

-How would potential federal funding cuts impact non-profit organizations, and how did Democrats respond?

-Confirmation hearings continued this week, with New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan making a passionate statement against RFK Jr.'s claims regarding vaccines and autism

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Corey Ellis, Albany Mayoral Candidate and Common Council President, January 27th, 2025 Jan 27, 2025

Corey Ellis, Albany Common Council President, discussed his third run for Mayor of Albany on Power & Politics this week, outlining his vision, plans and proposals for the city's future.

The conversation with Ellis continues CBS6's coverage of the Albany Mayoral race, already interviewing two candidates, Dorcey Applyrs and Carolyn McLaughlin, with plans to speak with the rest of the candidates leading up to the June 24 primary.

"I'm running because of the same reason why I ran before," Ellis, who ran, but lost, in 2009 and 2013, says. "I believe that our city has a great potential, and we need to make sure we have a vision and the will to fulfill that potential. We can no longer be a city that's just surviving. We have to thrive. And I believe my vision and the things I've talked about in the past, if we had done those things right now, we might be in a different situation, but we're not. So we want to make sure that we continue to push forward, continue to grow and make it the city that it should be. So many people come to our city, they say Albany has all this potential, and now it's time for us to fulfill that potential. And I believe, with my energy, my experience, that we can fulfill that potential."

The conversation included:

-Ellis' desire to change Albany's perception as a "political town"

-revitalizing downtown, and the importance of the State's $200 million proposal for the City

-Ellis' thoughts on Interim Police Chief Brendan Cox, and if he'd ask Cox to stay if elected

-community policing and social workers on the department, along with staffing shortages

-Ellis' proposal to create a Business Council

-Albany's Sanctuary City status

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P&P Top 3: President Trump's Executive Orders, Hochul says "Elections have consequences", Tik Tok gets political, January 24th, 2025 Jan 24, 2025

-Donald Trump's immediate Executive Orders stretch across industry and issues in the United States, including January 6th pardons

-NY Governor Kathy Hochul proposed her FY2026 Budget this week, and says the State won't backfill any cuts of funding or services by the federal government

-Tik Tok gives credit to Donald Trump for its return

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Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO New York Immigration Coalition, January 20th, 2025 Jan 20, 2025

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P&P Top 3: Hochul's State of the State, Trump Cabinet Confirmation Hearings, Isreal-Hamas Ceasefire? January 17th, 2025 Jan 17, 2025

Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address this week, promising an agenda of affordability, which includes tax cuts to the middle class, universal free school meals and tripling the child care tax credit

Trump's Cabinet picks questioned at the Capitol by lawmakers, including Pete Hegseth and Lee Zeldin

Israel and Hamas appear to be on the verge of a ceasefire, but when will it be finalized?

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Will Barclay, Assembly Minority Leader, reacts to Governor Hochul's 2025 State of the State, January 14th, 2025 Jan 15, 2025

Barclay reacted to the Governor's speech, saying that Hochul echoed initiatives the Republican party has been pushing for the last few years in the State legislature, mostly the Child Tax Credit. (The Governor proposed to triple the Child Tax Credit, to $1000)

"Welcome to the party, Governor, because these are issues that she talked about in her State of the State that Republican Assembly members have been talking about for some time, the two biggest things, affordability and crime," Barclay said. "She talked about a middle class tax cut, great. She talked about the inflation rebate, which, I'm not against that, because it does give money back to the taxpayers, but it seems a little inefficient to tax people and then give their money back to them, and it's only a one-shot deal."

Barclay said he also agrees with the Governor's push to expand involuntary commitment, and enhance Kendra's Law. But, was disappointed on the absence of discussion regarding criminal justice reform.

"You know, one thing she didn't mention, because she's partly responsible for these policies getting put in place, is bail reform, is raise the age, is the parole reform that she's talking about, or that she signed bills to let more people out on parole. So I think those issues need to be addressed alongside with a whole host of issues on criminal justice," he says.

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Michael Gianaris, NYS Senate Deputy Majority Leader, January 13th, 2025 Jan 13, 2025

Albany — Michael Gianaris, the NYS Senate Deputy Majority Leader from Queens, joined Power & Politics this week as lawmakers returned to the State Capital for the 2025 legislative session.

The conversation ranged over a myriad of topics, including: affordability priorities, universal childcare, MTA funding gap, taxing the rich, Marcy Correctional, Trump-proofing policies, immigration legislation, universal school lunches and more.

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P&P Top 3: California wildfires, NYS legislature "Trump-proofing?", Trump's "Gulf of America" proposal, January 10th, 2025 Jan 10, 2025

-California wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles communities, how is Governor Gavin Newsom reacting to the criticism thrown his way?

-New York State's legislature is back for its 2025 session, are lawmakers looking to pass "Trump-proof" policies?

-Why is Donald Trump pitching to rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America?

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Prenatal Leave: Lara Bryn interviews Roberta Reardon, New York State Department of Labor Commissioner, January 9th, 2025 Jan 09, 2025

CBS6's Lara Bryn speaks with NYS Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon to discuss New York's first-in-the-nation prenatal leave policy

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Brendan Cox, Albany Interim Police Chief January 6th, 2025 Jan 06, 2025

Albany Interim Police Chief Brendan Cox joined Power & Politics for a comprehensive interview this week, discussing his approach as he returns to the department.

Cox was Albany's Police Chief from 2015-2017, and retired from policing in 2017. Until now, he had been the Director of Policing Strategies of the L.E.A.D. National Support Bureau in his time away from policing.

In December, he took over for Eric Hawkins, who had been the Chief since Cox first retired.

"I've been gone almost eight years, you know, there's definitely some differences," Cox said. "There's also a lot of things that are the same, this is, you know, this is the city that I grew up in. This is the city that I considered home the entire time, even when I was gone. So, you know, there are some differences, and there's some challenges, but many of the challenges that we faced in the past are challenges that we face now. They're just grown, and they've grown because of some significant staffing changes and because perceptions are at a different heightened awareness."

The conversation ranged in a myriad of topics:

-Ensuring people feel safe

-perception of policing in 2025

-Understaffed department

-Mental health call response

-Bail reform/criminal justice

-Working with David Soares and now working with Lee Kindlon

-Presence of gangs

-Department transparency

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P&P Top 3: Attack in New Orleans/Truck explodes in Vegas, Speaker vote begins, New Year-New Laws, January 3rd, 2025 Jan 03, 2025

-An update on the terror attack in New Orleans, and the Cybertruck detonation in Las Vegas in front of the Trump Hotel

-Will Mike Johnson have a Kevin McCarthy-like experience in his efforts to retain Speaker of the House status?

-What are the new laws to watch out for now that the calendar has turned to 2025?

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Lukee Forbes, formerly incarcerated activist on the death of Robert Brooks, 12/31/2024 Dec 31, 2024

Lukee Forbes joined Power & Politics on Monday, discussing the beating and death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility in December.

Forbes, who is formerly incarcerated, spoke alongside other formerly incarcerated individuals and advocates at Monday's rally at the Governor's Mansion in Albany.

In the interview, Forbes described his, and others experiences with correctional officers while incarcerated, saying it is a systemic, abusive culture.

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Department of Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball, December 30th, 2024 Dec 30, 2024

New York Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Richard A. Ball joined CBS6's Power & Politics this week.

As the State faces a decline in rural farmland, Ball talked about the importance of urban farming, and the need for resources to help urban farms grow.

While he spoke about the need for the federal government to update the Farm Bill (especially after its most recent "extension"), he also spoke about State grant funding.

"We're going to release about a million and a million and a half dollars worth of awards here, and those projects will be released in 2025," Ball said. "We put together the community gardens task force. So we're meeting with the community gardens people and urban farm people across the state, not just in our urban areas, but all across the state, finding out what their needs are, finding out how we can help them."

He also spoke about:

-Potential new Mass Deportation policies, Ball saying that as many as 40 to 50 percent of workers in agriculture are not properly documented

-The impact of proposed tariffs on State agriculture, an industry that lost $27 billion nationwide during the last round of tariffs during the first Trump Administration

-Specialty crops, and New York's focus on those, along with the need for resources to help enhance that portion of the industry

-The Spotted Lanternfly, and the threat the insect is posing to State agriculture

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James McDonald, New York State Department of Health Commissioner, December 23rd, 2024 Dec 23, 2024

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P&P Top 3: "President Elon Musk", Hochul's CDPAP confrontation, Cuomo sues with eyes on the prize? December 20th, 2024 Dec 20, 2024

-Elon Musk's influence felt during Congress' spending bill negotiations, some ask at what cost?

-Governor Hochul confronted by an advocate against the State's CDPAP transition, what's the Health Department say?

-Former Governor Andrew Cuomo sues woman who accused him of sexual assault for defamation, as he continues trying to clear his name inside, and outside the legal system

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Rep. Mike Lawler (R), NYS 17th Congressional District Dec 16, 2024

Mike Lawler, the Hudson Valley Republican Congressman in New York's 17th Congressional District, appeared on CBS6's Power & Politics.

Lawler addressed:

-His anti-congestion pricing campaign

-Aspirations as a potential Gubernatorial candidate

-"One-party rule" in the State of New York

-The Hunter Biden pardon

-Kash Patel's nomination

-Tariffs, lifting SALT cap

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P&P Top 3: Governor Hochul's Grocery Bill, Luigi Mangione and the health care conversation, Donald Trump: Time Person of the Year, 12/13/2024 Dec 13, 2024

-How is everyone reacting to Governor Hochul's proposal to give New Yorkers $300-$500 checks?

-How has Luigi Mangione's alleged act opened up the health care conversation

-Donald Trump is Time Magazine's Person of the Year, a look at this week's cabinet picks, Canada as a State, and Lawmaker Lawler and Ryan reaction

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Rep. Pat Ryan (D), NYS 18th Congressional District Dec 09, 2024

Hudson Valley 18th Congressional District representative Pat Ryan (D) joined Power & Politics on Thursday, reflecting on his double-digit victory in the 2024 election (in a swing district) and what he's preparing for as a new administration takes over in January.

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P&P Top 3: President Biden pardons Hunter Biden, Supreme Court hears arguments on gender-affirming care for minors, Anthem calls off anesthesia coverage change 12/6/2024 Dec 06, 2024

-Joe Biden pardons his son Hunter, reaction from Democratic Congressman Pat Ryan and Republican Congressman Marc Molinaro

-What Supreme Court Justices were saying as they heard arguments over Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors

-Why Politicians pushed back against a proposal that groups claimed would put time limits on anesthesia coverage, and why Anthem reversed course

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P&P Top 3: Trump/Sheinbaum's border call, Mexican, Canadian, Chinese Tariff Wars?, Hochul says she's governing...Rep. Torres says she's Biden Nov 29, 2024

-Donald Trump says his call with Mexican President-Elect Claude Sheinbaum resulted in the border being closed, she has a different account

-Mexico, Canada and China all reacting to Trump's tariff proposals, what's the reasoning, and will they retaliate?

-Democratic Rep Ritchie Torres is on a media blitz criticizing current Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, setting a stage for a potential 2026 Democratic Gubernatorial primary...and now Hochul and her campaign team are reacting. Where does Republican Rep. Mike Lawler fit into this? Is it too early?

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Andrea Chrisjohn, Haudenosaunee Woman, Iroquois Museum Trustee Nov 28, 2024

Andrea Chrisjohn, a Haudenosaunee woman who is also a trustee at the Iroquois Museum, joined Power & Politics from the Museum this week.

Chrisjohn spoke about:

-Her experience as an unenrolled member of the Oneida Nation, saying as an adult, her voice was finally heard when she joined the Iroquois Museum as a Trustee

-Her relationship with her Grandfather

-How she views the holiday of Thanksgiving, and her message to those celebrating

-Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and New York's steps to acknowledge the Native American people, their culture, and their challenges

-The native people's relationship with the environment, animals, and the world around them

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Natasha Pernicka, Executive Director, Food Pantries of the Capital District Nov 25, 2024

Natasha Pernicka discusses increase in need at food pantries, fighting food insecurity

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PNP Top 3, November 22nd, 2024 Nov 22, 2024

-Reaction to White House supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles

-Dr. Oz, Linda McMahon tabbed as latest Trump Cabinet picks

-As wildfires burn in the Northeast, environmental advocates calling on Hochul to put action behind her words

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David Sirota, Former Bernie Sanders speechwriter, Founder of The Lever News, Oscar Nominee-Don't Look Up Nov 18, 2024

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P&P Top 3: Congestion Pricing, NY-21 Contenders, Matt Gaetz Nov 15, 2024

-Governor Hochul un-pauses congestion pricing, reacts to Donald Trump's statement

-Who will replace Rep. Elise Stefanik in NY's 21st Congressional District?

-Trump selects Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, will he make it through confirmation, will he have to?

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Phil Steck, newly reelected to NYS 110th Assembly District Nov 08, 2024

Democrat Assemblyman Phil Steck joined Power & Politics on Tuesday, fresh off of his victory in New York's 110th Assembly District election.

Steck spoke about being reelected, the Democrat party's approach State-wide and nationally, and also lended his reaction to Governor Hochul's move to "preserve freedoms" in New York as the country approaches a second Donald Trump administration. Steck also spoke about the potential for a Special Session to implement those measures, as Governor Gavin Newsom called for one in California on Thursday.

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Marc Molinaro, Republican incumbent in 19th Congressional District race Nov 01, 2024

Washington D.C. — Much of the nation's attention will be on battleground Congressional District races on November 5th, including in New York State.

One of the most contentious, and expensive, races in the Country is New York's 19th Congressional race between Republican incumbent Marc Molinaro and Democrat challenger Josh Riley.

This 2024 race is a rematch of 2022, when Molinaro beat Riley by about 4500 votes.

CBS6 has reached out several times to the Riley campaign for an interview over the last few weeks and months, but have yet to receive a response.

CBS6 recently spoke with Molinaro at the U.S. Capital in September about the issues he believes are impacting residents in NY's 19th District the most, along with the Presidential race.

This interview took place on 9/10/2024

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Pat Fahy Town Hall Oct 31, 2024

Assemblymember Pat Fahy has thrown her hat in the ring as the Democratic candidate for the 46th Senate District of NYS.

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Alvin Gamble, NYS Senate 43rd District Democratic Candidate Oct 25, 2024

Alvin Gamble, the Democratic candidate in this year's 43rd District NYS Senate race, joined CBS6's Power & Politics on Thursday.

Gamble, currently on Colonie's Town Board, discussed several issues, touching on the issues he believes are facing residents in the 43rd District, which includes the Town of Colonie, but also Rensselaer and Washington Counties.

The conversation ranged from agriculture, to housing, to EMS availability and more.

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Jake Ashby, NYS Senator, 43rd District Republican Candidate Oct 24, 2024

Ashby discussed many of the issues he says are impacting voters in the district, including outmigration, public safety and his initiatives regarding veterans during his time in office.

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Minita Sanghvi, NY 44th Senate District Candidate Oct 18, 2024

Minita Sanghvi, the Democratic candidate in the race for New York State's 44th Senate District, joined CBS6' Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing her vision for the district if elected in November.

The conversation discussed the biggest issues facing residents in the district, ranging from funding for sidewalks, to affordable housing, the equal rights amendment, and with Sanghvi as the current Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Finance, the results of the new paid parking in the city's garages and lots.

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Jim Tedisco, NYS Senator, 44th District Oct 17, 2024

NY State Senator Jim Tedisco appeared on CBS6's Power & Politics on Wednesday, discussing the issues he says are impacting the constituents of New York's 44th Senate District the most.

Tedisco, a Republican, is running against Democrat Minita Sanghvi in this year's election

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Anthony Constantino, StickerMule Founder/CEO Oct 11, 2024

After lighting a "Vote for Trump" sign in front of hundreds in the City of Amsterdam on Monday night, Sticker Mule Founder and CEO Anthony Constantino joins CBS6's Power and Politics on Thursday.

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Paula Collins, NY-21st District Democratic Candidate Oct 04, 2024

New York 21st District Congressional Candidate for the Democratic Party, Paula Collins, appeared on CBS6' Power and Politics on Thursday. Collins discussed a variety of issues during the newscast, telling the audience why she believes her campaign is different than the previous candidates to go up against Elise Stefanik, her views on the border, funding for Ukraine, immigrants, and FEMA, along with New York's cannabis rollout as a cannabis tax attorney.

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Congresswoman Elise Stefanik Sep 27, 2024

Elise Stefanik, the top ranking female Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives, joins Power and Politics for a wide ranging conversation.

She discusses:

-Governor Cuomo testifying at the Capitol

-Donald Trump/Kamala Harris' campaigns

-Border Policy, Economic Policy Proposals

-Gun rights

-Influence amongst other New York Republicans

(This interview was taped on 9/10/2024)

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Albany County District Attorney Debate Sep 26, 2024

Democrat Lee Kindlon and Republican Ralph Ambrosio went head to head for a debate at the CBS 6 studios Tuesday.

Moderated by Tom Eschen, the debate focused on bail reform, gangs, gun buyback programs, & more.

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Rep. Tom Suozzi, Democrat Long Island Congressman Sep 20, 2024

Tom Suozzi, a Democrat representing New York's 3rd Congressional District, joined Power and Politics for a wide-ranging conversation on a variety of topics.

They discuss:

-The SAVE Act

-Border Policy, and if President Biden waited too long to issue Executive Action

-Nassau County's recent mask ban and transgender athlete legislation

-Economic policies, and the impact of Government spending on inflation

-The War in Ukraine, and recent comments made by RFK Jr. regarding the U.S.' role

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Marcella Goheen, Essential Care Visitor Founder Sep 13, 2024

Four years after organizing a rally at the NYS Capital, Marcella Goheen joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing the state of nursing home care.

Goheen cares for her husband, who is in a nursing home, and was unable to provide that care during the pandemic. Her advocacy launched Essential Care Visitor, an organization which highlights the current conditions in nursing homes in New York State.

Her op-ed in the New York Times in 2021 prompted legislation which allowed caregivers back into in-person care.

Goheen attended Tuesday's House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing, where former Governor Andrew Cuomo defended his nursing home decisions.

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Pete Buttigieg, U.S Transportation Secretary Sep 11, 2024

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg provides an update on the Castelton-On-Hudson Bridge repairs, as the eastbound deck project, with $21 million in federal funding, is set to begin soon. Buttigieg also discusses the recent CBS6 report about repairs needed for the Mario Cuomo Bridge. While speaking about the federal infrastructure law, he addressed the funding included for the electric grid. He also provided updates on the Airline Transparency Law and the Railway Safety Act.

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John King, SUNY Chancellor Sep 06, 2024

SUNY Chancellor John King took over the role in January 2023, and says the SUNY System is turning the tide with its enrollment, seeing increases in 2023. With that in mind, he also discusses the potential $1 billion budget deficit for SUNY within the next decade, and what's needed within enrollment and State aid to help offset those shortfalls. He also speaks about civic engagement, and their approach to protests and potential encampments moving forward. Multiple institutions have seen significant declines in Black and Hispanic students since the Supreme Court struck down Affirmative Action, and Chancellor King goes through ways they're working to maintain diversity on their campuses. He also speaks about his future as SUNY Chancellor, and his vision for 5-10 years in the future.

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Paul Tonko, Democratic Congressman, In-Studio Sep 05, 2024

Following a conversation at the U.S. Capitol in June, New York Democratic Congressman (NY-20), joined Power and Politics to recap the August District Work Period, while also looking forward to the House's return to session on September 9th. The discussion ranged from constituent concerns, Kamala Harris' policy proposal, border policy, campus protests, Farm Bill expiration, potential Government shutdown, sports betting, and he also addressed the recent news of a Kathy Hochul aide being accused of working for the Chinese government.

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Dr. Alice Green, Remembering Civil Rights Leader Aug 30, 2024

Capital Region civil rights Activist Dr. Alice Green passed away on August 20, 2024, leaving behind a lasting legacy of fighting for civil rights in the Capital Region and beyond. In this podcast, we look back at recent conversations with Green on a variety of topics.

-Reparations in New York

-Bail Reform

-Prison Reform

-Relationship between Police and Community

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Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan from the DNC in Chicago Aug 23, 2024

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan joined CBS6' Power and Politics for a virtual interview from Chicago in the midst of the Democratic National Convention. She spoke about:

-The message that's resonated with her the most

-What she expects from Kamala Harris, and her background as a prosecutor

-Republican accusations of Biden's stepping down as a "coup"

-Border Policy

-Lil' John

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Independent Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Aug 23, 2024

As he continues his independent Presidential campaign, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sat down with CBS6 on Power and Politics for a wide-ranging, 30-minute interview.

Their conversation begins with RFK Jr.'s thoughts on the recent federal trial in Albany regarding a lawsuit by Democrats to get RFK Jr. off the ballot in New York State.

From there RFK addressed leaving the Democratic Party, and his family's reaction to that, as some have since endorsed the Biden-Harris campaign. He says he stands for a Democratic Party which believes in freedom of speech, pro-life and bodily autonomy, anti-war and that represents the American middle class.

RFK's "America Strong" platform is his plan to "unify America", with many of its tenets focused on ending "politically motivated" prosecutions of private and political figures, so CBS6 asked if he would pardon Donald Trump if elected. RFK Jr. said he'd need to investigate further, and also, when asked if he'd be in Mr. Trump's cabinet, resolutely said "No."

His views differ on American support in Ukraine and Israel, which he discussed at length, saying the United States is fighting a proxy war of their own in Ukraine, and that Israel has a right to defend themselves after the attacks from Hamas.

He says he wants to address and reverse negative U.S. health outcomes, and address the impact of artificial intelligence moving forward.

CBS6 also asked him why the "skeletons" in his closet are different than any other politician. He responded by saying he is telling the truth, and never planned on running for President of the United State, and that he "wouldn't run for Pope."

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NYS Congressman Brandon Williams Aug 23, 2024

Upstate Republican Congressman Brandon Williams, who represents New York's 22nd District, joined CBS6 on Power and Politics at the U.S. Capitol. Williams, based in Central New York, is a former nuclear submarine officer, and founded a software company.

Williams spoke about:

-Bringing his experience in tech industry to federal government

-That New York is "the worst place in American for solar [power]"

-Facilitating Micron's entry to Upstate New York

-The Interstate 81 Viaduct Project

-Supporting Ukraine in their war against Russia

-Border policy, reacting to the impact of the Biden Administration executive orders, along with legislation in Congress and the Senate that's failed to move forward

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NYS Congressman Marc Molinaro from the U.S. Capitol Aug 23, 2024

Republican Congressman Marc Molinaro, who represents New York's 19th Congressional District, joined CBS6 for Power and Politics on location at the U.S. Capitol.

As the interview commenced, Molinaro drafted new legislation regarding a convicted illegal immigrant database.

The conversation included discussions on:

-Molinaro being named the 2nd most bipartisan member of Congress

-His reflections on his time in office as a Freshman Congressman

-Donald Trump's criminal cases

-Israel/Hamas War "Israel has every right to remove Hamas from the face of the planet"

-Push to make Opvee legal in New York

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Columbia County Sanctuary Movement Aug 23, 2024

Members of Columbia County Sanctuary Movement is preparing for its 1st Annual Caribbean Festival, their goal is to bring together Albany's diverse culture, people, businesses and also its new residents seeking asylum. They also discuss some of the current challenges and successes of immigrants in the Capital Region

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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from the U.S. Capitol Aug 23, 2024

At the U.S. Capitol, CBS6 spoke at length with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who reflected on her last 15 years in office, along with some of her areas of focus right now.

Gillibrand addressed the concerns regarding Joe Biden's vitality and Donald Trump's felony conviction in this Presidential race, also discussing the Farm Bill and the fight to restore maximum SNAP benefits.

Gillibrand also spoke about immigration, and the impact of Joe Biden's executive action bringing border crossings to a 3-year low in June, but also addressing her concerns around immigrants and instances of crime.

Foreign policy, and current aid to Ukraine and Israel were also a discussion point, as Gillibrand proposed a different approach for Israel's fight against Hamas.

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NYS Congressman Paul Tonko from the U.S. Capitol Aug 23, 2024

New York Democratic Congressman Paul Tonko spoke with CBS6 as a part of Power and Politics on location at the U.S. Capitol, discussing many issues currently impacting New Yorkers and beyond.

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NYS Republican 109th Assembly District Primary Winner Alicia Purdy Aug 23, 2024

In a wide-ranging conversation, Purdy, a former journalist who ran for Mayor of Albany in 2021, and the 109th seat in 2022, discussed many local and State issues impacting Capital Region residents.

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NYS Democratic 109th Assembly District Primary Winner Gabriella Romero Aug 23, 2024

The Democratic representative for the 109th NYS Assembly District, Gabriella Romero, joined CBS6 Power and Politics on Thursday. Romero was fresh off of her Tuesday primary victory.

She spoke about:

-Her primary victory, and connecting with the 109th District moving forward

-The City of Albany's recent case of an undocumented immigrant accused of raping a teenager

-The Albany Common Council's ceasefire resolution, which she co-sponsored

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Albany County District Attorney David Soares Aug 23, 2024

Over the course of the nearly 30 minute conversation, Soares discussed the County Comptroller's investigation of a $24,000 bonus he gave himself, the status of public safety in Albany County, his perspective on bail reform and what he says his office was doing prior to the laws being enacted in 2019. He also gave his thoughts on the Democratic party, and his status within the party, and what he believes is riding on this election.

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Albany County District Attorney Candidate Lee Kindlon Aug 23, 2024

A week away from the Democratic primary, prominent Capital Region Defense Attorney Lee Kindlon joined CBS6' Power and Politics on Tuesday, discussing the race, his positions, and what incumbent David Soares has said during the campaign.

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NYS Assemblywoman Pat Fahy Aug 23, 2024

NYS Assemblymember Pat Fahy discusses her endorsements for upcoming Democratic primaries, recent Supreme Court decisions addressing guns, specifically bump stocks, the future of the St. Rose campus, housing-including her short term rental legislation, the Central Warehouse and more.

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Bonus: Legendary Track Announcer Tom Durkin Live from Belmont at Saratoga Aug 23, 2024

Legendary horse racing announcer Tom Durkin joined Tom Eschen on CBS6's Power and Politics on Thursday, live from Saratoga Race Course.

Durkin, who retired in 2014, said, prior to the construction at Belmont Park, situating the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course was an "impossibility".

In the extended conversation Durkin also spoke about:

-The biggest differences between Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course

-Long-term impact of Saratoga hosting the Belmont Stakes

-Why Saratoga is the "Graveyard of Favorites"

-His pick for the Belmont Stakes

-What's changed the most about horse racing since he started, and what he thinks will change moving forward

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NYS Assemblyman Scott Bendett Aug 23, 2024

Bendett, whose district covers Rensselaer, Washington, Columbia counties, along with the Town of Bethlehem, was a Rensselaer County legislator prior to his election to the State Assembly in November of 2022.

They covered several topics:

-Impressions of the State legislature as he looks back at his first term in office

-Reaction to Donald Trump's conviction

-The difference between working in the Republican majority of the Rensselaer County legislature and the Republican Minorityin the NYS Assembly

-Proposed social media guardrail legislation

-State cannabis rollout

-Recent Opioid crisis roundtable

-As small business owner, what small businesses need to succeed in New York State

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Redburn Development Principal Jeff Buell Aug 23, 2024

While appearing on CBS6's Power and Politics, Redburn Development Partners Principal Jeff Buell said the company has officially applied for a State grant to help fund the cost of demolishing the structure.

Buell also spoke about the proposal for a soccer stadium in Downtown Albany, his new initiative Knowhere Collaborative and its roots, inclusionary zoning, and his hope for the future of the region.

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Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus Aug 23, 2024

Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus joined Tom Eschen on Power and Politics this week, discussing the latest in preparations for the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Racecourse on June 8th.

Three weeks until race day, Shimkus says hotel rooms are still available for the entirety of the racing festival. Wednesday night will kick the festivities off with "Belmont on Broadway," where Blues Traveler will perform live in the city.

"Hotel space is available each night, 180 bars and restaurants in Saratoga Springs alone,over 100 more in Saratoga County, they have reservations. Shops are buying more products and staffing up," he says.

Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan was unable to clinch the second leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday, as Seize the Grey held off the pack, and Mystik Dan, to win. Despite that, Shimkus says they still expect a distinct clientele in town for the Belmont.

During the extended interview, Shimkus also touched on Saratoga's new paid parking implementation, truck traffic on Broadway and his book "I'm Not Ready For This", which is about caring for his mother with Alzheimer's during COVID.

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NYSUT President Melinda Person Aug 23, 2024

The conversation included topics like school safety/lockdown drills, teacher shortages, absenteeism, along with the discussion around Foundation Aid and Hold Harmless during this year's budget debate.

"The perception that school districts are teaching to empty desks, that enrollment has declined so therefore we can cut funding, we really blew that myth away when we went out and talked to educators in schools," Person says. "What we saw was that districts were actually using that decline in enrollment to invest in things that they always to do in our schools."

Person said districts are providing extra co-teaching opportunities for students and investing in more extra curricular activities.

She says now the study of the Foundation Aid formula will help provide a better framework of future funding, but also that parents, teachers, superintendents and anyone who has a role in the school budget process should have a voice in the process.

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NYS Assemblyman John McDonald Aug 23, 2024

Following the announcement of $5 million in state funding to keep the Burdett Birth Center open over the next five years, New York State Assemblyman John McDonald (D-Cohoes), joined Tom Eschen on Power and Politics.

They took a deep dive into the Birth Center funding, and why he wants the State to continue to support pre and postnatal care, and also the community members who fought to keep the Center open. That conversation continued with the issues facing emergency rooms and the root causes behind long wait times.

McDonald also discussed the movement at the State level to protect young people from addictive social media algorithms, which continued with thoughts on the current protests on college campuses across the country.

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Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello Aug 23, 2024

Mantello ran her campaign on creating a "safer, cleaner" future for the City of Troy, and laid out initiatives she believes are steps in the right direction for the citizens of the City. She touches on:

-The city's workplace culture

-responding to resident issues

-vision for future of City Hall

-The potential closure of the Burdett Birth Center on June 30th

-Troy's lead pipe replacement progress

-The City's American Rescue Plan Act funding status

-Public safety

-Relationship with City Council

-Biggest difference between being Mayor and City Council President

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Albany County Legislator Carolyn McLaughlin Aug 23, 2024

Dr. McLaughlin gave her perspective on several of the issues currently facing residents in the City of Albany.

-30 years of public service

-Being the first Black Albany Common Council President

-David Soares controversy

-ARPA fund update

-Vision for site of South End Grocery store

-affordability for the elderly, and young people in the City

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Albany Mayoral Candidate Dorcey Applyrs Aug 23, 2024

The City of Albany's Chief City Auditor and 2025 Albany Mayoral Candidate Dorcey Applyrs appeared on CBS6's Power and Politics this week.

She discusses:

-The recent comments by Rebecca Lobo saying "What's there to do in Albany?"

-Her background, and motivations in public service

-Endorsement from State Senator Neil Breslin

-Recent equity audit findings

-Albany Police Department adding 20 social worker positions

-Albany's inclusionary zoning ordinance

-The future of the Central Warehouse

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Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford Aug 23, 2024

The wide-ranging conversation covered several of the current issues in Saratoga Springs right now, including the Belmont, First 100 Days, and Campaign of Civility, People Experiencing Homelessness, Short-Term Rentals, City Council Meetings, Saratoga Black Lives Matter, Paid Parking Proposal, Public Safety and more

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State Senator Neil Breslin Aug 23, 2024

They discuss:

Breslin's retirement after 28 years of serving in the Senate, the Chamber's longest tenured Senator
Breslin's brothers, who all held public office at one point in their careers
Migrant crisis, and why Breslin believes immigrant can help solve New York's outmigration problem, helping fill jobs
The cost of the legislature's budget proposal, going about $13 billion above Governor Kathy Hochul's, over $240 billion from the Senate
His thoughts on Governor Kathy Hochul's relationship with the legislature, and why he thinks this budget conversation will make a big difference
His perspective in working with Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
What he believes need to change the most in the legislature
Dorcey Applyrs, who he has endorsed in Albany's 2025 Mayoral Race
The age of Presidential Candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump
His plans for retirement, and what he wants to address the most

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Introducing Power & Politics Aug 05, 2024

Power & Politics is a podcast that explores how local political decisions impact our daily lives. Host Tom Eschen engages in frank conversations with community leaders and influential figures, asking tough questions to cut through rhetoric and hold decision-makers accountable on issues ranging from taxes to public safety and healthcare.

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