The WNBZ News Blog

Public rallies in support of Tupper Lake resort

2011-03-17T07:26:00.001-04:00

Here's George Earl's report on yesterday's Adirondack Club & Resort public hearings:

The L.P. Quinn Elementary School cafeteria was packed Wednesday afternoon during public hearings over the proposed Adirondack Club & Resort project in Tupper Lake.

Dozens of community members, business owners, politicians and other leaders from throughout the Adirondacks spoke during the hearings. The overwhelming majority were in support of the Adirondack Club and Resort project proposed for the Big Tupper ski area.

Melissa McManus of the Tupper Lake Revitalization Committee asked the state Adirondack Park Agency to send a message that “appropriate development can happen here, that Adirondacks are still open for business and that there is in fact hope for Adirondack communities like Tupper Lake.”

APA Chairman Curt Stiles and several commissioners attended the meeting, as did lead developer Michael Foxman and his partners.

Many of the speakers at the hearing cited the economic woes in Tupper Lake, including the lack of jobs, the decline of once thriving industries and the closure of many local businesses in their appeal for a speedy APA approval of the project.

Supporters argued that the resort, which would include a revamped ski area and a subdivision, would bring in hundreds of jobs and reverse Tupper Lake’s declining economic trends.

Others speakers emphasized the need for increased private sector investment in the region to replace government jobs that have or will be slashed as a result of the state’s fiscal problems.

Ricky Dattola, a speaker who said he was in favor of the resort proposal, asked everyone who supported the project to stand up. Nearly everyone who was seated rose to their feet.

Dozens of ACR supporters wore homemade signs on their shirts that read, “Yes ACR,” while others brandished homemade posters and flags in a show of support.
Mary Sparks is a former principal of L.P. Quinn Elementary and a life-long resident of Tupper Lake.

“I’ve seen many, many changes over the years,” she said. “Tupper Lake thrived when I was a child. But now more businesses are closing, and more youth are leaving to find jobs elsewhere. Tupper Lake is overwhelmingly dependent on the public sector for jobs. Many of these jobs are in jeopardy. Approving the ACR project would go a long way in helping our economy and the economies of the surrounding areas.”

Scott Bombard is sales manager at Greymont, a building materials company from the Tri-Lakes that employs some 40 workers and independent haulers.

He said development is vital to their success, noting that the ACR project would be “essential to our ability to sustain our business.”

Sheila Larkin is a business owner from Tupper Lake.

“I believe there have been good questions brought up and good compromises made over the years,” she said. “Now, the APA knows what they need to know and should not be appealed at every step of the way, again and again, to stall this project.”

Prior to yesterday’s hearing, numerous local municipalities passed resolutions in support of the project. Earlier this week, the village of Saranac Lake passed one of its own, and Mayor Clyde Rabideau was on hand to reiterate that support.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re from Saranac Lake, Lake Clear, or Lake Champlain, today we’re all Tupper Lakers,” he said. “And as a Tupper Laker, I’m asking you to move this process on in a fair and quick manner. Let’s get it done.”

The few criticisms of the project came from the park’s environmental leaders. Members of Adirondack Wild and the Adirondack Council criticized the project for not adhering to the spirit of the APA act, which they said intended developments to be contained and clustered.

Dave Gibson of Adirondack Wild said there’s still an opportunity to redesign the project “without landscape fragmentation and without violating resource management guidelines.”

Several speakers insisted that the environmental groups were standing in the way of progress and that Tupper Lakers didn’t need to be instructed on the value of wilderness.

Maureen Peroza, a teacher from Tupper Lake, said the community values its wilderness and that residents “want to keep our land safe, and we teach that to our children every single day.”

Community Store reaches goal, set to open this summer

2011-03-16T10:43:00.001-04:00

The interim board of directors of the Community Store in Saranac Lake announced this week that it has reached its capital investment goal and will open sometime this summer.

Board members made the announcement Wednesday morning at the former Corvo’s restaurant, the future site of the shareholder-owned department store.

The effort to open a community-owned department store in Saranac Lake launched in the summer of 2007. At the time, the all-volunteer board of directors had high hopes of reaching its $500,000 capital goal quickly.

What they didn’t anticipate was a severe economic downturn that ravaged markets and had business owners closing their doors rather than staging grand openings.

But the Community Store’s interim president, Melinda Little, says that even though it took longer than expected, investors finally came through.

According to Little, the funds raised over the last four years will now be released from escrow, allowing the company to enter into financial commitments.

“This is going to let us sign a lease,” she said. “And we are in negotiations right now with Greg Moore, who owns this building, the old Corvo’s restaurant. We expect that to come to a conclusion very shortly.”

Additionally, the investments can be used to begin hiring key positions for the store, such as manager and assistant manager.

The board’s interim vice president, Gail Brill, says reaching the $500,000 mark is a huge relief.

“I feel good,” she said. “It’s been a long four years, but we were always secure in the fact that the community would rally in support of the store – and they have.”

With the initial fundraising phase complete, the company is permitted to continue collecting shares, up to $600,000, until June.

Alan Brown is interim treasure for the Community Store. He says some 600 investors donated an average of $800 each – the minimum share price was $100. The largest single investment of $20,000 came from a Saranac Lake family, although the board said it could not identify specific donors.

The next step is to hire staff and convert the former restaurant, located on Main Street in the heart of Saranac Lake, into a department store. With about 5,000 square feet of available space, Gail Brill anticipates the business will feature a wide array of products.

“Products that are affordable for every person in Saranac Lake and obviously high quality,” she said. “I mean that’s our goal – to have a range of things.”

Melinda Little says the store will employee up to eight part and full-time workers from the Tri-Lakes area and will pull full taxes to the village of Saranac Lake.

A lot has to happen before the Community Store will be open for business, but a tentative grand opening is set for sometime in early July.

Barrett to chair ORDA board of directors

2011-03-15T11:55:00.001-04:00

The former chairman of the New York State Republican Committee unofficially took the helm of the state Olympic Regional Development Authority’s Board of Directors today.

Pat Barrett sat in as chair of Tuesday’s regular ORDA meeting, replacing Joe Martens, who earlier this month was confirmed as the new commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Barrett worked for Cuomo during his gubernatorial campaign last year, and served as chair of the state Republican committee from 1989 to 1991.

At the beginning of today’s meeting, Barrett thanked Joe Martens for his tenure as ORDA chairman and wished him luck in his new role.

“Joe will do it in a great manner, and he has the full faith and confidence of the governor, and you got one tough job ahead of you,” Barrett said.

Barrett currently serves on the board and served as its chairman before Martens.

Martens will remain on the board as the representative for the DEC, according to ORDA spokesman Jon Lundin. He thanked the board of directors for its help and support over the years.

“I had big shoes to fill,” Martens said, referring to Barrett. “And now you have big shoes to fill. The nice thing about the transition here is that I’m still on the board, I still love and believe in the institution and the organization, and it’s great to have you back at the helm here – it’s going to be a pleasure working with all of you.”

“Believe me, we’ll need your help,” Barrett quipped.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to make an official announcement about Barrett’s chairmanship soon.

Solider, 40, from LP dies in Texas

2011-03-03T10:31:00.000-05:00

A Lake Placid man who served several tours in Iraq was found dead at his Texas home last month.

Officials with the Fort Hood Army Base say Sergeant First Class Shawn Michael Coolidge was found dead at his residence in Killeen, Texas on Feb. 17.

The cause of death is not yet known.

According to a release issued by the Army, Coolidge graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1989 and entered active-duty service in June 1991 as an MI armor crewman.
Coolidge served two tours in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. One from Nov. 2005 to Nov. 2006 and another from March 2008 to March 2009.

His latest assignment, beginning in Dec. 2010, was with the U.S. Army Operational Test Command in Fort Hood.

Coolidge received the Bronze Star and numerous other awards and decorations, including: the Joint Service Commendation medal; five Army Commendation medals; seven Army Achievement medals; the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Stars; and many more.

Army officials say the circumstances surrounding Coolidge’s death are under investigation.

Police looking for missing sisters

2011-03-02T13:45:00.001-05:00

Police in Albany issued a missing child alert Wednesday morning.

According to reports, police are looking for two sisters who disappeared around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Officers suspect the young girls may be with their non-custodial mother, possibly heading for Canada.

Officials are seeking the public’s help in locating 15-year-old Ashley Duncan and 12-year-old Heather Duncan.

Ashley is described as a white female, 5’8” tall weighing about 160 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes; her sister, Heather, is described as a white female, 5’7” tall weighing approximately 120 pounds with brown hair and green eyes.

Ashley was last seen wearing blue jeans, a puffy green coat, and no shoes – Heather was wearing blue jeans, a purple fleece jacket under a grey coat, and no shoes.

44-year-old Patricia Duncan is wanted in connection with the girls’ disappearance.
She’s described by police as a white female, 5’8” tall weighing about 180 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Police say she’s driving a 1995 silver Mercury Villager bearing Texas registration P45FDZ. Investigators have reason to believe Patricia Duncan is traveling to Canada.

Anyone with information pertaining to the whereabouts of Heather and Ashley Duncan is urged to contact the state Division of Criminal Justice Services at 1-800-346-3543.

Gibson forms energy advisory council

2011-03-01T09:27:00.000-05:00

The Republican representing New York’s 20th Congressional District announced recently that he’s forming a group to advise him on a broad range of energy issues.

Chris Gibson of Kinderhook says the Energy Advisory Council will assist him in identifying the necessary steps to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.

Gibson also wants to study ways of developing clean forms of domestic energy production and establish the role northern New York can play in that process.

The council will hold its first meeting March 23.

Gibson says providing reliable and affordable sources of energy to businesses and consumers is essential to economy recovery.

“The United States needs a revised energy policy that reduces energy costs, limits our dependence on foreign oil, and protects our environment,” he said.

Gibson supports what he calls an “all of the above” energy policy that includes investments in solar, wind, biomass, hyrdo, and nuclear energy. He adds that his Energy Advisory Council will include representatives from all of those industries.

Since being elected to office last year, Gibson has been staging meetings with experts in the field of energy production and transmission. He’s also publicly supporting the development of a nuclear power plant somewhere in upstate New York.
Gibson says the North Country can lead the charge in developeing clean energy technology.

According to his spokeswoman, Stephanie Valle, the energy council will focus on three primary areas: energy generation and conservation/efficiency efforts; energy transmission; and fuel transportation needs.

The council will also focus on growing public awareness about energy challenges facing both the 20th district and the nation as a whole, Valle says.

Gibson says his nonpartisan council will also be available to review energy proposals put forth by Congress.

“I look forward to hearing their recommendations and counsel regarding energy legislation being considered before Congress as well as what impediments are currently restricting the development of domestic energy sources,” Gibson said.

Valle says the council will consist of a “broad range” of energy stakeholders and will be named before the March 23 meeting.

She adds that Gibson has formed a similar panel to advise him on issues facing farmers.

Gibson, Sayward to host town hall meeting in Lake Placid

2011-02-09T09:10:00.001-05:00

A pair of state and federal lawmakers will host a town hall-style meeting in Lake Placid next week.

Chris Gibson, who represents New York’s 20th Congressional District, and Teresa Sayward, who represents New York’s 113th Assembly District, will participate in a town hall forum from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18 at the High Peaks Resort on Saranac Avenue.

The event is being hosted jointly by the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce, the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism.

Gibson and Sayward – both Republicans – will make opening remarks, with a question-and-answer period to follow.

What's your superpower?

2011-02-08T14:42:00.003-05:00

Marist College released a poll this week showing that the preferred superpower for Americans is either mind-reading or time travel.

Other top desired powers include the ability to fly and invisibility.

Here's the rest of this afternoon's AP brief:

Time travel and mind reading tied for first place in a Marist College poll released Tuesday. Both superpowers received 28% of the votes out of 5 choices. Flying came in third followed by the ability to teleport and invisibility.

Pollsters surveyed 1,020 people across the country Nov. 15 through Nov. 18. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points.

Read more about the poll here.

Trudeau to stay in SL

2011-01-31T12:42:00.001-05:00

Officials with Trudeau Institute announced this morning they intend to keep the research facility in Saranac Lake.

Here's the official press release:

The Trudeau Institute’s Board of Trustees announced today that the Institute is committed to staying in Saranac Lake.

“The Trudeau Institute is committed to Saranac Lake and is dedicated to advancing biomedical research in the region,” said Trudeau President Dr. David Woodland. “As we further develop our long-term plan focused on maintaining our status as a premier research organization, our goal is to continue to thrive in the Adirondacks while pushing the frontiers of biomedical science.”

“I want to thank the Board for their attention to this process and their swift decision-making,” continued Dr. Woodland. “I also want to thank our legislators for their offers of support. We intend to continue this important discussion with our elected officials as Trudeau needs the support of our federal and state government in order to grow while meeting our mission of improving human health.”

“While the decision was made to continue our deep history in Saranac Lake, Trudeau is currently finalizing a growth plan and a path that allows us to adapt to the accelerating
pace of biomedical research,” said Dr. Woodland. “We intend to contact local philanthropists, scientists and members of our community to help us plot a path forward.”

Local man looks to purchase Sears

2011-01-28T10:16:00.000-05:00

Reports surfaced Friday that a local restaurant owner is nearing a deal to purchase the Sears building, with the intent of reopening the parking lot to public use.

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise says Paolo Magro, who owns the Little Italy pizzeria on Main Street and the Nonna Fina restaurant on River Street, is under contract to purchase the 1.41-acre parcel from Phil Vivlamore and Larry Mullen.

The pending deal does not include the Sears business itself. That remains on the market.

Margie Philo, of Adirondack Premier Properties in Lake Placid, told the Enterprise the building is under contract and she’s hopeful the parking lot issue will be resolved.

Vivlamore and Mullen closed the Sears parking lot to the public after negotiations with the village of Saranac Lake to purchase it fell through last year.

The closing of the lot angered many residents, with some calling for a boycott of the business.

In December, the Sears owners put the property on the market, citing bad blood with local officials and a sense that the community no longer welcomed them.

Philo told the Enterprise that she thinks Paolo Magro will be able to strike a deal with the village, leading to the reopening of the lot.

Magro told the newspaper he likes the Saranac Lake community. He added that financing for the deal hasn’t been secured, and he’ll have to find some way of generating revenue from public use of the lot to make the numbers work on his end.

The property is listed at $819,000.

Saranac Lake Mayor Clyde Rabideau says the village is ready to negotiate should Magro’s deal come to fruition.

“I’m really hopeful that should Paolo Magro be able to purchase the Sears building and parking lot that we can come to some sort of agreement,” he told WNBZ. “Our ears have always been open, we’ve always offered fair market value or a reasonable lease price – and we’re going to listen to Paolo and hear what he has to say about his plans for it, in terms of what he’d like to see from the village.”

“I think it’s a positive development and we’ll have to wait and see,” Rabideau added.

Currently, the lot is only open to customers of Sears, Nori’s Village Market, and Edward Jones.

Gibson wants repeal of 1099, won’t support Owens’ bill

2011-01-27T13:24:00.000-05:00

North Country Congressman Chris Gibson says he wants to repeal the 1099 reporting requirement included in last year’s Affordable Care Act.

But the Kinderhook Republican won’t support a repeal measure introduced this week by his Democratic colleague, Bill Owens.

The reporting requirement, which doesn’t take effect until 2012, forces businesses to submit IRS Form 1099s for every business-to-business transaction of $600 or more.

Owens, who represents New York’s 23rd Congressional District, says the measure small businesses are already overburdened with tax paperwork and reporting requirements.

His repeal bill would be pay for through a 5.4 percent surcharge on adjusted gross income that exceeds $1 million annually for joint tax filers, or $800,000 annually for individuals.

According to Gibson spokeswoman Stephanie Valle, that essentially amounts to a tax on wealthy Americans.

“Unfortunately, this tax will impact small businesses who file as individuals on their taxes – so basically, turning around and hurting the very people you’re trying to help by repealing the 1099 reporting requirement,” she told WNBZ.

Valle says Gibson supports repealing the 1099 provision, but not through additional taxes and fees.

He’s currently cosponsoring similar legislation to repeal the measure.

ORDA worker injured at Whiteface Mountain

2011-01-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

An employee of the state Olympic Regional Development Authority was injured earlier this week while performing maintenance on a ski lift at Whiteface Mountain.

ORDA spokesman Jon Lundin says the worker was attempting to restart the chair lift at Kids Kampus when the accident occurred at about 10:15 a.m. Monday.

According to reports, the lift had malfunctioned and crews were using a standby, auxiliary engine to help unload a pair of skiers and two instructors from the top of the lift.

In doing so, the employee – which ORDA declined to identify – was struck by a chain.

The individual was treated by medical personnel at the mountain and subsequently airlifted to the Fletcher Allen Health Care Center in Burlington, Vermont for further treatment.

Ted Blazer is president and CEO of ORDA.

“Our thoughts are with the employee,” he said in a prepared statement. “We are hopeful for a full recovery.”

Lundin says an investigation into the cause of the accident is now under way.

Senator looks to stop congressional pay raises

2011-01-27T09:10:00.000-05:00

New York’s junior senator introduced legislation this week aimed at halting congressional pay raises.

Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand’s bill would prohibit automatic raises for members of Congress. 12 of her colleagues in the Senate are cosponsoring the legislation.

The bill mirrors a similar one introduced last year by Senator Russ Feingold, a Democratic from Wisconsin.

According to Gillibrand, the legislation would end the annual cost-of-living adjustment provided to members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“Hardworking, middle class workers are never guaranteed an annual pay raise, and neither should their leaders in Congress,” Gillibrand said in a prepared statement.

In 2010 and 2011, individual bills eliminated the pay raise temporarily.

Gillibrand’s legislation would permanently end the practice.

Police search for missing Saranac Lake man

2011-01-03T13:41:00.001-05:00

The Saranac Lake Village Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a local man who went missing over the weekend.

Chief Bruce Nason says village cops are looking for 55-year-old Gary P. Sklaryk of 304 Ampersand Avenue, Saranac Lake.

According to Nason, Sklaryk was reported missing by a family member on Sunday. He was last seen at approximately 4 a.m.

Sklaryk is described by police as a white male, six feet tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes and a full beard and mustache.

Officials say he was last seen wearing a blue and gray plaid hooded sweatshirt, gray corduroy pants and black slippers. Nason says he was heading in an unknown direction when he went missing.

Sklaryk also has a medical condition that may require medical attention. He does not have access to a vehicle.

Nason says that forest rangers with the state Department of Environmental Conservation have been notified of the missing man, and notice has also been sent to Ray Brook-based state police, the Tupper Lake, Lake Placid, and Malone village police departments and Plattsburgh City Police.

Anyone with information regarding Gary Sklaryk’s whereabouts is urged to contact police at 891-4422.

ORDA worker hurt following lift malfunction...

2010-12-30T10:42:00.001-05:00

An employee of the state Olympic Regional Development Authority was injured following a lift malfunction at Whiteface Mountain this week.

ORDA spokesman Jon Lundin says an investigation into the incident is under way. He notes, however, that the malfunction was not caused by wind and the lift line and chairs were not in danger of falling to the ground.

The malfunction occurred on Lift I – the Freeway Lift – on Little Whiteface Mountain at 10:58 a.m. Wednesday. Lundin says 76 people were on the lift when the malfunction happened.

Ted Blazer is president and CEO of ORDA. In a statement released to media outlets Thursday morning, he said one member of the mountain’s ski patrol was injured and is being evaluated.

“Our thoughts are with those affected and we are thankful that there were no serious injuries,” Blazer said.

He also credited ORDA employees for their handling of the incident.

“The Whiteface crew and responders did an outstanding job following procedure and evacuating the lift, ensuring everyone’s safety,” Blazer said.

Ski patrol began skiing the length of the lift line immediately following the malfunction. All skiers were evacuated by 12:45 p.m.

Lundin notes that the ski industry’s standard for lift evacuation is two hours from the time of the incident.

Officials note the Freeway Lift was constructed in 1978 and passed inspection earlier this year. The lift has 121 chairs, 23 towers, and measures 4,100 feet in length. Its vertical rise is just under 1,500 feet.

The lift can carry up to 800 skiers.

Comptroller finds Lake Placid government handing out taxpayers’ money...

2010-12-29T12:08:00.008-05:00

Here's a report filed by Jon Alexander a few minutes ago:

French King Louis XIV built the gold and jewel-laden palace at Versailles, the Roman Emperor Caligula named himself a god and Lake Placid Village officials apparently get grossly overpaid for work they never did.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli blasted Lake Placid Village government Wednesday following the completion of an audit that found village employees were paid over $111,000 for unapproved leave accruals. One town officials received lumps of cash for leave time that was never even earned.

In a verbal smack-down of Lake Placid government, DiNapoli said the village board was guilty of brash negligence when it dolled out over $93,000 in unearned leave accrual payments between August, 2008 and October, 2009.

“Lake Placid has to get its fiscal house in order and fast,” DiNapoli said. “Local governments must be more vigilant than ever in exercising their financial responsibilities to protect taxpayer resources from abuse and errors.”

The audit found Village Clerk Kathryn McKillip received a whopping $38,000 in unauthorized leave accrual payments over the 14 month period, including $22,774 which she never actually earned.

DiNapoli also found the village paid seven department heads over $40,000 in unauthorized leave payments.

The audit states Lake Placid spent about $18,000 on dental and health insurance for employees who are no longer eligible.

DiNapoli is calling for a segregation of the village’s payroll duties and increased oversight from the village board.

Calls to Lake Placid Mayor Craig Randall went unreturned Wednesday.

Beard shaving for Donegal contest is this Saturday...

2010-12-27T12:22:00.002-05:00

John Warren at the Adirondack Almanack is reminding folks today that beard shaving for the third annual Adirondack Donegal Beard Contest is this Saturday:

Participants in the 3rd Annual Adirondack Donegal Beard Contest are preparing to shave their facial hair New Year's Day in anticipation of growing their Donegal Beard for this year's contest. New beardsman are welcome to take part in the event, which is free and open to the public. The Donegal Beard (also called a Chin-curtain or Lincoln) is an Irish-style beard that grows along the jaw line and covers the chin – no soul patch, no mustache. Contestants must be clean shaven January 1st and grow a Donegal Beard by St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th). On Saint Patrick’s Day all beards should conform to the Donegal standard. The contest will be held from 4 to 7 pm, Thursday (St. Patrick's Day), March 17th, at Basil and Wicks (formerly Casey's North), on Route 28 in North Creek, NY. Judging will be at 6 pm, prizes will be awarded. Judging is based on the following criteria: Length, Fullness, and Style and Sophistication. Attached Photo: Contestants in the First Donegal Beard Contest, held at Gore Mountain Ski Area, March 17, 2009.

Sears owners look to sell building, parking lot...

2010-12-21T11:37:00.001-05:00

Jon Alexander is reporting that Sears in Saranac Lake is up for sale:

The owners of Sears in Saranac Lake are seeking to sell their building, the business and the recently-barricaded Main Street parking lot that has roused non-stop controversy for months.

Adirondack Premier Properties owner Margie Philo told WNBZ Tuesday that the owners of Sears, Larry Mullen and Phil Vivlamore, are looking to shed the property because of the fallout surrounding the parking lot’s August closure.

“The owners feel that at this time – with the business climate in village and their difficult experience over the last 16 months – they just felt unwelcome,” she said. “So they decided to list it.”

Vivlamore and Mullen have been locked in a test of wills with village officials for months.

They sought to sell the property to the village for at least $265,000 or negotiate a lease that far surpassed the previous agreement that they inherited when they bought the property 16 months ago.

But unwilling to match their price, the village balked at buying the 100-spot parking lot and it has remained barricaded to a general public that had enjoyed access to the convenient location for years.

Philo said the 1.41-acre property and the building – including the existing leases with Nori’s Village Market and Edward Jones – are listed at $819,000.

The Sears business is also for sale, but is listed separately.

“They’re very busy with other properties and businesses – and this only being one of them and feeling it wasn’t going very positively – they decided it was in their best interest and probably in the best interest of the town and village, it would be best for a new owner to be there,” she said.

Unlike most local controversies, the Sears’ lot fallout has remained visceral and divisive. Many Saranac lake residents have called for a community-wide boycott of the business.

Adirondack Premier Properties has received seven inquires since it was first listed early Monday morning. Philo said several site visits are scheduled for this week.

She characterized one of the interested parties as – quote – “a prominent” local business owner, but would not elaborate.

Police searching for missing TL woman

2010-12-02T12:09:00.001-05:00

Police in Tupper Lake are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 79-year-old woman reported missing Thursday morning.

Tupper Lake Village Police Officer Justin Perryman told WNBZ that family members of Helen Reandeau reported her missing around 11 a.m.

Helen’s daughter-in-law, Diane, says she was last seen by her son and daughter at a residence on King Street in the village of Tupper Lake at approximately 7:15 a.m.
Diane says she arrived at the home at about 9:15 a.m., and soon after friends and family members filed a missing persons report.

She adds that neighbors owning trained search and rescue dogs tracked Helen Reandeau in the direction of the Adirondack Medical Center Mercy Care facility on Wawbeek Avenue, but soon lost sight of her footprints.

Officer Perryman said Helen’s boots and coat were left inside the house. He notes that she also suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.

“We’re looking for her around town right now, we’ve contacted various law enforcement agencies so they can look for her,” he said. “The family is also looking for her around town, at stores, friends’ homes, and family members’ homes.”

Perryman says most of the family is actively involved in the search, so it’s unlikely the missing woman is with a family member. He adds that Helen often goes for walks around town, but not during the winter.

Diane Reandeau says Helen often needs encouragement to leave the house in the winter.

“We ask that anyone who may have seen her contact us immediately,” she said.

Bridge update this morning...

2010-12-02T06:52:00.000-05:00

The Associated Press reports that officials with the state Department of Transportation will provide an update on the Lake Champlain bridge project.

Here's the AP brief:

New York state transportation officials and the contractor building the new bridge across southern Lake Champlain will give the public an update on the $70 million project.

Transportation officials and Colorado-based Flatiron Constructors will hold a news conference and public session Thursday at the Crown Point State Historic Site.

Officials postponed an earlier planned update on Nov. 12 but gave no reason why.

The public meeting is planned for 2 p.m., with a press event scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

The original bridge linking Crown Point and Addison, Vt., was demolished in December 2009, about two months after engineers found severe erosion on the 80-year-old span's concrete piers.

The new bridge is expected to open by next October.

In TL, Cuomo issues stern warning

2010-11-22T16:18:00.000-05:00

During a surprise visit to Tupper Lake Monday, Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo issued a stern warning to state workers.

According to WWNY-TV, Cuomo was touring the Sunmount Developmental Disabilities Services Office and campus when he issued the following statement:

“If I was a state worker and just a resident of the state, I would be afraid of what is coming ahead,” he said.

The WWNY report states that Cuomo has been touring state facilities since being elected. During his campaign, the Democrat promised to cut state spending and slash the state workforce.

While touring Sunmount, Cuomo said layoffs cause pain for families, but that difficult decisions will need to be made in order to bring New York out of its fiscal crisis.

Rabideau on Trudeau's future...

2010-11-18T12:37:00.002-05:00

I'm posting here, in its entirety, an editorial penned by Saranac Lake Village Mayor Clyde Rabideau regarding Trudeau Institute's future in Saranac Lake:

The Future of Trudeau and Saranac Lake
Guest Commentary by Clyde Rabideau

Trudeau Institute might leave us—an option affirmed by senior management---something most Saranac Lakers thought impossible until few weeks ago. After all, Trudeau Institute has been around for 126 years and was founded by the village’s first mayor, Edward L. Trudeau. Nothing could be more Saranac Lake than Trudeau Institute.

There’s a buzz that representatives will soon head to Kannapolis, North Carolina, home to the North Carolina Research Center—nestled in the Charlottesville-University-Research Hospital-hotbed—to check out its one million square feet of state-of-the art, ready-to-go lab space, equipment and prime research facilities. A Trudeau spokesman said they did not want their staff “buying houses” until their “strategic planning,” now underway, was complete.

Now, like most buzzes, it may or may not be true, but Trudeau’s Chairman of the Board lives in Charlottesville and Trudeau management say they need an urban research hospital environment like Kannapolis to get more federal funding, so it is believable. And, even if it isn’t true, Saranac Lakers should still take its measure and gird for battle.

So what might magnetize Trudeau to Kannapolis? A heck of a lot, truth be told. It’s one of the fastest growing areas of the country in which a multi-millionaire visionary by the name of David Murdock, bulldozed the Cannon Textile/Towel mills in the city’s downtown and built a Land of Biotech Oz through a public-private partnership with all the bells and whistles for research innovation and profit. It is a one-stop-shop for biotech research and for-profit ventures, with plenty of moolah to back it up, alongside universities like Duke, UNC and UC State and beau coup hospitals. It’s got mojo to spare.

Who would blame Trudeau’s management for checking it out and sending its “faculty” there?

I do and here’s why: We’re not like Kannapolis or the rest of the country for that matter, and that is our strong point. We’re unique and grand discoveries regularly take root here—in the Capital of the Adirondacks--amidst the solitude and serenity of our evergreens and lakes where great ideas take flight.

Saranac Lake has never been the epicenter of “urban-based, biotech, throw-the-money-at-‘em science.” No, we’re the epicenter of humanity—right where we want to be—where our forbearers gave comfort and solace to those that were ill. We always cared and always will, regardless of how much “moolah” is involved. Our scientists carry backpacks to work and not briefcases. They wear hiking boots and not high-heels. Backpacks and hiking boots probably aren’t that sexy in Kannapolis…but are more practical. We are unique and meaningful and so shall be the future discoveries at Trudeau IN Saranac Lake.

Kannapolis is a wake-up call, as is the so-called “Strategic planning” now underway at Trudeau, which many say is just window-dressing for a move to Kannapolis.

Saranac Lake and the State of New York must invest in real intellectual infrastructure that is uniquely “ours” and fearlessly compassionate, if it is to survive and thrive in the biotech future where money seduces, just as Kannapolis, our most fearsome competitor, is doing in its own way. We must lower our shoulder and push ahead with our own strategic plan and a solid, never-give-up commitment, staking our future on what has sustained us for generations, yet adapting as we must. If federal grant money is Trudeau’s answer, we must devise ways to get it to them.

We must also make sure in the days ahead that the Trudeau Board of Trustees, though they may not live here, understand that the very lifeblood of the institution they safeguard pulsates only if it has our indomitable Adirondack people, place and purpose...a people, a place and a purpose that will not go gentle into that good night.

Game on...

2010-11-18T12:25:00.002-05:00

I just returned from a news conference in Lake Placid, where officials announced that the winter Empire State Games will in fact be held in February 2011, despite reports this week that the state has pulled funding for the games.

You can read my earlier report here.

As of right now, barring any issues on the state's end, the games will proceed as planned, with the towns of Wilmington and North Elba, the village of Lake Placid, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), and the Olympic Regional Development Authority joining forces to keep the games alive.

I'm posting here the release issued this morning by ROOST. I'll have a full report later today during the five o'clock news hour.

Officials from the Village of Lake Placid, the Town of North Elba, the Town of Wilmington, the New York State Olympic Development Authority (ORDA) and the Lake Placid CVB, and the Whiteface Regional Visitors Bureau are pleased to announce that the communities will host the 2011 Empire State Winter Games.

According to a statement from the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on November 16, the summer, senior, physically challenged and winter Empire State Games were cut from the 2011 budget. The 31st annual Empire State Winter Games were scheduled to be held in February 2011 in Lake Placid.

The cancellation swiftly led to discussions amongst community leaders about a solution that would allow the Games to resume as scheduled this winter. Representatives from the Towns of North Elba and Wilmington, the Village of Lake Placid, the Lake Placid CVB and the ORDA made a joint decision Wednesday evening to work cooperatively to ensure that the games will continue at the same high level to which athletes are accustomed.

“We’ve made this decision on behalf of the greater Lake Placid region, just as Lake Placid decided in 1928 to pursue the 1932 Olympic Winter Games during the Great Depression, ” said Mayor Craig Randall. “This situation is actually an opportunity for Lake Placid, as it jump-started our existing plans to convene a leadership committee that will facilitate programs to support the communities’ sustainable future.”

“With the expertise of our venue management team at ORDA, the Lake Placid CVB, our North Elba Park District, and our partners in Wilmington we have more than enough expertise to host a very successful event; now and in the future,” added Roby Politi, Supervisor of North Elba.

“The Empire State Games represent a great economic impact to the greater region,” said Randy Preston, Supervisor of Wilmington, home of Whiteface Mountain. “We look forward to being part of the team that will make certain that this event will continue to be part of our winter calendar.”

“Our facilities and venue management were already prepared to host these events, said Ted Blazer,” President of ORDA. “The venues are set, our staff is ready, and we will pull off an exceptional Empire State Winter Games 2011.”

“We’re pooling all of our collective talents, and are prepared to aggressively pursue funding to make this happen,” said James McKenna, President of the Lake Placid CVB. “We have already and will continue to communicate closely with the former Empire State Games staff to guarantee a rewarding experience for our New York State athletes.”

Senator Elizabeth O’C. Little was very supportive. “My office is willing to meet and assist any way possible,” she said. “I’m very glad that the community stepped forward to promote yet another great event in the Adirondacks.”

Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward was equally encouraging. “Great news,” she said. “Partnerships like this are necessary to keep great programs such as this in place.”

The event will be held on February 25-28, 2011, and includes competitions in the disciplines of alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ski jumping, ice skating and more.

No takers for Camp Gabriels

2010-11-17T15:57:00.000-05:00

Jon Alexander reports this afternoon that the state Office of General Services received no bids for the former Camp Gabriels minimum security prison.

Here's his story:

The state has been looking to sell the 91-acre parcel ever since its 2009 closure due to shrinking inmate populations and declining budget appropriations at the state Department of Correctional Services.

But apparently, no one wants the property. The state had set a minimum $950,000 bid on Camp Gabriels.

Heather Groll is spokeswoman for OGS.

“We’re going to look at the potential options that are available to us from an economic development standpoint,” she said. “Potentially leasing, requesting the help of the Empire State Development Corporation, going to RFP, potentially holding on to the property until there’s a change in the market.”

The bids were scheduled to be opened on Wednesday afternoon.

The town of Brighton has been actively participating in the search for potential buyers.

Brighton Supervisor John Quenell said he isn’t surprised that no bids were received.

“I was not terribly optimistic based on the level of interest that we have seen in the town and the lack of people who showed up for the scheduled tours,” he said.

“There were two open houses in October and nobody came to the first one and only one group came to the second. I sort of felt at that point that there isn’t any serious interest out there.”

For nearly a year, the Brighton Redevelopment Committee has been looking for new uses for not only Camp Gabriels, but also the soon-to-be shuttered Paul Smith’s Visitors Interpretive Center.

The region lost 107 jobs when Camp Gabriels closed.

GOP v. tea party Conservatives : Owens victory fallout

2010-11-03T15:00:00.004-04:00

Republicans in New York's 23rd Congressional District are blaming Conservative Doug Hoffman -- and through the transative property UNYTEA -- for Matt Doheny's defeat at the Hands of the incumbent Democrat Bill Owens last night.

But Hoffman and UNYTEA's brass are firing back.

While not actively campaiging, Hoffman remained on the Conservative line and garnered 9,500 votes. Without counting the 9,000 abesentees cast in the district, Owens bested Doheny by 4,000 votes.

This morning, newscasts across the region contained clips and quotes of GOP anger as they blaseted Hoffman for either not getting out earlier or not publicly supporting Doheny at campaign events.

This from Hoffman spokesman Rob Ryan, who blames, not surprisingly, the GOP party bosses:

Doug Hoffman said, “The outcome of the 23rd Congressional race is proof positive that the Republican and Conservative Parties must work together to achieve victory. The spoilers in this race are the political bosses who have yet to come to that realization. The 23rd Congressional District’s 11 Republican County Chairs knew since January that I would be on the Conservative Party line and that I would have no legal way to get off it after July. Yet, they endorsed Matt Doheny even though I had the grass-root support and momentum from the 2009 campaign to create a Republican/Conservative landslide in 2010. The Republican bosses in the 23rd CD have to live up to their big tent philosophy. I am a living example that they did not.”

And from UNYTEA Chair Mark Barie:

I congratulate Congressman Owens on his apparent victory in the race for Congress in the NY 23rd Congressional District.

The results of yesterday’s election, however, should not be interpreted as a mandate for more taxes and more spending.

Mr. Owens was reelected by the narrowest of margins and with less than fifty percent of the vote.

He is no longer a member of the majority party and most of yesterday’s winners in the House races, campaigned on the repeal of the Health Care act which Mr. Owens supported.

Mr. Owens is one of the lucky ones.

He has been given a second chance to lower our taxes, to reduce government spending, and to limit the size of government.

UNYTEA will be watching with great interest.

Note:

The narrow margin of Mr. Owens victory can be attributed to any number of factors. There was widespread confusion as to whether or not Doug Hoffman was still in the campaign. The extremely negative ads, many of them paid for by organized labor, which depicted Matt Doheny as a Wall Street investor who paid no taxes, were grossly inaccurate but apparently effective.

In the end, Mr. Owens garnered about as many votes this year as he did last year. But Mr. Doheny and Mr. Hoffman, the two fiscal conservatives in this race, received more than 52% of the total vote.

Big win for Dechene in Tupper Lake

2010-11-03T00:36:00.000-04:00

The race to decide Tupper Lake’s next town highway superintendent wasn’t even close Tuesday.

Deputy Highway Superintendent Bill Dechene – running on the Republican and Maple Leaf lines – handily defeated Democrat and town Supervisor Roger Amell as well as former Tupper Lake Village Trustee Tim Larkin.

Unofficial numbers from the Franklin County Board of Elections show Dechene pulling 1,139 votse, with Amell and Larkin tallying at 372 and 65 votes, respectively.

The three men were running for the seat vacated last April by former Highway Superintendent Mark Lavigne.

Burpoe, Crossman win; GOP gains two seats

2010-11-03T00:27:00.000-04:00

The two local incumbents facing challenges yesterday for their seats on the Franklin County Board of Legislators held on, and the Democrats retained a slim majority.

Democratic incumbent Timothy Burpoe fended off a strong challenge from Republican Betsy Nicastro in the race for the District 7 seat, winning that race 1,061 to 845.

Meanwhile, in District 3, incumbent Democrat Gordon Crossman also edged out his Republican challenger, Besser McKee Hanna, by a margin of 901 to 852.

The county’s GOP base did pick up two seats in the legislative body.

Some 767 absentee ballots remain to be counted in Franklin County.

Mulverhill edges out Reyome for Franklin County Sheriff

2010-11-03T00:26:00.000-04:00

In the race for Franklin County’s top law enforcement position, Kevin Mulverhill beat Ronald Reyome by a 500-vote margin.

Mulverhill ran on the Republican, Conservative, and Independence party lines, garnering 5,749 votes to Reyome’s 5,218.

Reyome ran for the seat on the Democratic line.

Cutting holds big lead in race for Essex County Sheriff

2010-11-02T23:21:00.003-04:00

Richard Cutting --the virtual incumbent for Essex County Sheriff -- currently holds a commandding lead over independent challenger Micheal "Ike" Tyler.

With 33 of 42 districts reporting, Cutting has garnered a whopping 67 percent of the total vote and leads Tyler by nearly 3,000 votes.

Cutting is the protege of the recently deceased Sheriff Henrey Hommes and has run on a platform focused on his 30 years of experience and consistency of operations at the county department. He has been backed by county Republicans.

Tyler -- a retired corrections officer -- campaigned on a promise of cutting costs through increased programming that he argues would improve operational efficiency.

For elections, North Country press puts craft before competition

2010-11-02T12:31:00.011-04:00

We in the press are accustomed to the intrinsic competition that comes with the information game. We are regularly massaging our sources and probing new angles in the hope of getting something new, unreported and fresh.

The driving paradigm in the news business is be out in front of something and make it yours.

But New York's North Country is a geographically huge yet sparsely populated region with a limited supply of advertisers and/or donors to prop up the bottom line. Because of this reality, when it comes to things like Election Day coverage, it would be almost impossible for a news outlet like the Adirondack Daily Enterprise or WNBZ to cover everything in the manner that our audience deserves.

Should only urban populations living in places capable of supporting massive newsrooms enjoy the fruits of wide-ranging and comprehensive coverage? I think not.

This belief is shared among all of the area news outlets -- NCPR, The Malone Telegram, etc -- and this dedication to our craft is harboring some interesting relationships that will be on display this evening.

WNBZ has teamed up -- as we often do -- with our public radio friends. While WNBZ will be covering Bill Owens's campaign headquarters in Plattsburg, NCPR will be at the HQs of Matt Doheny and Scott Murphy. We will all keep in steady contact throughout the evening and swap material and observations if and when this whole thing comes to a conclusion. WNBZ and NCPR will also be providing each other with live look-ins from the campaign HQs.

Similarly, the ADE will have reporters in Plattsburg and will swap 23rd Congressional race material with the Watertown Daily Times, who will be at Doheny's HQ.

The ADE will also trade comments and information about the Franklin County races with the Telegram.

All in all, what we are seeing tonight is the collective press working together so the rural population we serve gets what every citizen deserves. We are putting aside our competitiveness because we see what we do as important and necessary.

And, for me, it's a damn beautiful thing.

Gibson takes lead in NY-20

2010-10-26T12:03:00.001-04:00

This from the Associated Press this morning:

A new poll shows Democratic Rep. Scott Murphy trailing Republican rival Chris Gibson by nine points in the Albany-area 20th Congressional district.

A Siena Research Institute survey of likely voters released Tuesday finds Gibson leading Murphy by a 51-42% margin.

It's a big shift from a Siena poll last month, which found Murphy leading by 17%age points.

At issue are independent voters. The poll found Murphy trailing among independent voters by a 49-42% margin, after leading among independents by a 58-30% margin last month.

The poll of 676 likely voters in the district was taken from October 23-25 and had a sampling error of plus or minus 3.8%age points.

Irish American Republicans endorse Doheny

2010-10-19T15:36:00.002-04:00

Watertown banker and GOP candidate for New York's 23rd Congressional District Matt Doheny picked up another endorsement today.

His campaign spokesperson, Alison Power, called it "the best endorsement ever."

Here's the release:

The candidacy of Matt Doheny for New York's 23rd Congressional District seat has been endorsed by the Irish American Republicans, a coalition of Irish Americans founded in 1868 and dubbed by Sean Hannity "the GOP's Delta Force."

"The Irish American Republicans are calling upon all Irish Americans to support Matt Doheny, a true friend of Ireland. Matt Doheny will fight to cut the deficit, end out-of-control spending, repeal Obamacare and support a strong national defense." stated Grant Lally, national Co-Chair of the Irish American Republicans. Matt Doheny believes that people, not the government, are the foundation of our country."

The Irish American Republicans "support the principles of free markets, low taxes, limited government, individual liberty, and US support for Peace and Justice in Ireland," according to a press release on the endorsement.

"This election is too important for the future of our country. We need Matt Doheny in the US Congress,“ said Jeffrey Cleary, national Co-Chair of the Irish American Republicans. “Matt Doheny’s opponent is a big spending, high taxing supporter of the Obamacare/Pelosi/Reid policies that are failing our nation. The choice is clear: Matt Doheny for U.S. Congress.”

"I'm very grateful to the Irish American Republicans for this endorsement," Doheny said. "I not only share a heritage with the group, I share their belief in a federal government that spends less and taxes less."

According to the group's press release, "the Irish American Republicans are dedicated to building Republican support among the 45 million strong Irish American community, and have been a leading force in the national Republican coalition, since having been organized in 1868 and nationally chartered in 1880." Visit www.IrishGOP.com for more information.

State sets minimum price for Camp Gabriels

2010-10-18T15:09:00.001-04:00

The state Office of General Services announced Monday that it will conduct a sealed bid auction for the former Camp Gabriels Correctional Facility next month.

Carla Chiaro is acting commissioner of OGS. She says the state will auction the former minimum security prison – located off state Route 86 in the Franklin County town of Brighton – on Wednesday, Nov. 17.

The state has set the minimum bid at $950,000 and bids are due to the Office of General Services no later than 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16.

State officials conducted a site inspection last Friday and have scheduled a second inspection from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28.

The bids will be opened in public at 2 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Corning Tower in Albany.

The 336-bed minimum security facility is located on more than 91 acres of land. The property features about 48 buildings, including storage facilities, three dormitories, an outdoor work-out facility, a fairly new gymnasium and a 100-year-old chapel.

The property – which has an onsite waste water treatment system, a 125,000 gallon water storage tank and an emergency electrical generator – is being sold “as is.”

Lawmakers closed down the prison last year. The facility was first used as a sanitarium more than a century ago; Paul Smith’s College then used it for dormitories before the state converted it to a prison in the 1980s.

Candidates comment on Siena Poll

2010-10-13T13:36:00.006-04:00

Okay, I just got comment from Congressman Bill Owens and his GOP challenger Matt Doheny regarding the Siena poll. For once, both men agree; polls aren't worth looking at.

Here they are.

Owens:
“The campaign strategy remains the same – we’re out talking to people. Most importantly, we’re listening to them. They talk to me about jobs, the debt and deficit and milk prices,” he said. “Those are the themes that are there all of the time and they aren’t changing. It hasn’t changed since I started running last August. That’s what I’m focusing on.”

He continued,

“I voted against raising the debt ceiling twice. I have submitted my own bill – the war on debt – trying to get people focused on how we’re going to pay-down the debt,” he said. “I’ve been offering solutions to the problems. That’s what I think my role is. It’s to come up with solutions and put them on the table to discuss.”

And Doheny:
“Three days before the Republican primary they had Lazio and Paladino in a dead heat. Paladino won by 25 points in that race,” he said. “We understand where the polling is going and we feel very good that when people think about voting for Bill Owens and realize it’s a vote for Nancy Pelosi, we will be quite happy with the results.”

Take that statistics nerds. So much for your complicated reduction algorithms and z scores... Score one for the anti-bell curve crowd...... Snap!

Siena Poll: Owens leads Doheny, Hoffman still a major player

2010-10-13T11:15:00.003-04:00

Even though he is no longer actively in the race for New York’s 23rd Congressional seat, Conservative Doug Hoffman remains a key player in the outcome, according to a poll released Wednesday by the Siena Research Institute.

The poll sampled 607 likely voters in the district and found that if voters are aware that Hoffman has suspended his campaign, Democratic incumbent Bill Owens clings to a slim 44 to 39 percent lead over Republican Matt Doheny – just one point from being within the standard error. But if voters aren’t told of Hoffman’s post-primary concession, the Democratic incumbent’s lead balloons to 11 percent.

Owens also holds a 47 to 32 percent lead among the always-important independent voting block. His strongest lead is in Doheny’s backyard of Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties, where he holds a commanding 53 to 33 percent advantage -- even after Hoffman is removed from the equation.

While the poll found that Owens scored better than Doheny on issues like jobs, healthcare and the Afghan War, voters prefer the Republican challenger when it comes to taxes and the federal deficit.

46 percent of those polled held a favorable opinion of Owens, while only 36 percent hold a favorable opinion of Doheny.

A sure plus for Doheny, 50 percent of those polled want the healthcare reform bill repealed. In general, 45 percent would prefer to vote for someone else, other than Owens.

But 30 percent of those polled said they don’t know enough about Doheny to have an opinion of him.

Election Day is November 2.

Romney endorses Doheny...

2010-10-11T13:13:00.003-04:00

Just days after receiving the endorsement of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Watertown banker gets another high-powered endorsement, this time from former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Doheny is running against incumbent Democrat Bill Owens in New York's 23rd Congressional District.

Here's the rest of the release from Doheny's campaign spokeswoman Alison Power:

Romney, known for his leadership skills and business accomplishments in both public and private sectors, pointed to Doheny's potential as a Representative when making the endorsement. "Matt has turned around and restructured failing enterprises. He knows how to do the difficult work that ends up saving companies, and saving jobs," Romney said. "Few organizations need more help right now than our own federal government. Matt can, and will, help turn our nation and our economy around through his hard work and impressive experience."

Romney first gained national praise as President and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, for the 2002 Winter Olympics. He is credited with transforming the disorganized and financially troubled Olympics into one of the most successful Winter Games held in the U.S. When he was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 2002, Romney inherited a state that was in economic trouble. Without raising taxes or increasing debt, he got the economy moving once again and turned the state's deficits into surpluses. A leading candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2008, he remains one of the GOP's most popular national figures.

"It is an honor to receive this endorsement," Doheny said. "Mitt Romney's accomplishments are textbook examples of how conservative economic policies and inspired leadership yield a healthier organization or a healthier government. I thank him for his support."

Reports: Hevesi to plead guilty

2010-10-07T09:33:00.003-04:00

The Associated Press reports this morning that former New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi will enter a guilty plea on charges of felony corruption.

Hevesi apparently turned himself in to law enforcement officials early this morning.

The former comptroller was replaced by Thomas DiNapoli after being accused of engaging in a pay-to-play scandal involving New York's pension fund. The Democrat resigned in 2006.

Doheny reacts to Hoffman's decision...

2010-10-05T11:10:00.002-04:00

This is hot off the presses from Matt Doheny's campaign, sent to me by his campaign spokeswoman Alison Power:

"Doug Hoffman deserves a round of applause from everyone across the 23rd who want to see this Congressional seat back in conservative, Republican hands. And he deserves a round of applause from the voters across this nation who will bring fiscal sanity back to Washington, D.C. by electing a Republican House majority in November.

"I thank Doug for carrying the conservative torch in the 23rd, and am deeply appreciative that today he has passed that torch to me. I welcome his support and will continue to work to gain the support of the many voters in the 23rd Congressional District who believed in Doug and his message.

"It is a message that he and I have always shared -- we must stop the spending, the taxation, and the over-regulation currently coming from Washington D.C. Now, more than ever, Republicans, Conservatives and all like-minded independent voters can unite to defeat incumbent Bill Owens on November 2."

Hoffman bows out...

2010-10-05T10:48:00.003-04:00

Adirondack Daily Enterprise staff writer Nathan Brown reports this morning that Saranac Lake accountant Doug Hoffman is dropping his Conservative Party bid for New York's 23rd Congressional District.

Here's the official statement, posted at the Watertown Daily Times website:

“I entered the 23rd Congressional District race for the good of our nation and to represent the common sense beliefs and values of the voters of upstate New York. Our nation is at a crossroads and it is imperative that on Election Day we wrest control of Congress from Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat majority.

“It was never my intention to split the Republican vote in the 23rd District. So today, I withdraw as a candidate from this race. Under New York State Election Law my name cannot be removed from the Conservative Party line on the ballot. However, I strongly urge and request that my supporters not vote for me and certainly not vote for the Democrat or Working Families Party candidate.

“Matt Doheny and I may have differed on some issues during the course of our primary race. Now, we must put those differences aside and do what is best for our nation. So today, I am asking all my supporters to cast their vote for Matt Doheny on Election Day, November 2nd.

“I want to offer heartfelt thanks to Chairman Mike Long and the New York State Conservative Party, to my staff, volunteers and supporters who all worked tirelessly on my campaign. I'd also like to thank everyone who offered me hospitality, warmth and encouragement as I crisscrossed the Congressional District, your generosity of spirit and your belief in our nation was always an inspiration and shall never be forgotten.”

AP: Lazio to bow out of race

2010-09-27T12:33:00.001-04:00

Breaking news from the Associated Press:

Conservative candidate Rick Lazio says he's withdrawing from the race for New York's governor, avoiding a potential three-way race that would have seriously hurt the chances of the tea party Republican who beat Lazio in the primary.

Lazio tells The Associated Press Monday he wants to continue to influence the race and bring a workable job creation program into a contest he says has devolved into name-calling between Republican Carl Paladino and Democrat Andrew Cuomo.

Polls show the maverick Paladino rising against the once seemingly unassailable Cuomo. The latest survey shows Lazio taking 8% of voters, most of whom would likely go to Paladino and cut into Cuomo's lead.

No Republican in New York has won statewide office since 1974 without Conservative Party support.

Barie: Hoffman has no chance

2010-09-24T09:32:00.003-04:00

The Upstate New York Tea Party's leader, Mark Barie, is leaving little doubt as to where he stands on Doug Hoffman's decision to remain in the race as the Conservative candidate.

This from UNYTEA's website this morning:

"Doug Hoffman doesn’t have an ice cube’s chance in hell of winning this election. A vote for him is a vote for Bill Owens."

I'll be speaking with Mark shortly...

It’s official: Doheny wins Republican primary

2010-09-23T15:12:00.001-04:00

The race for New York’s 23rd Congressional District seat got some much-needed clarity yesterday, with Watertown businessman Matt Doheny officially winning the Republican primary.

As of Thursday afternoon, Doheny held a 743-vote lead over Saranac Lake accountant Doug Hoffman with just 394 absentee ballots left to be counted.

Hoffman has officially conceded the GOP primary, congratulating Doheny on his victory. Hoffman says he’ll remain in the race on the Conservative line.
Doheny had the support of 11 county GOP committees and the endorsement of the Independence Party.

He now heads into what is sure to be a contentious three-way race with Hoffman and Democratic incumbent Bill Owens, who won the seat last year in a special election.
Doheny toured the district Thursday to announce his victory. He spoke with WNBZ in a phone interview yesterday afternoon.

“Number one, we want to thank all of our supporters,” he said. “I’m humble that as a first-time candidate, the voters would pick me to put this district back into Republican and Conservative hands.”

Doheny says Hoffman’s decision to remain in the race won’t affect his campaign. He says it’s disappointing that Hoffman isn’t honoring the wishes of voters across the district.

“I think everyone realizes that I’m the only candidate that can unite Republicans, Conservatives and Independents,” Doheny said. “I will be the candidate and the winner on Nov. 2 no matter what the ballot looks like.”

In the coming weeks, Doheny says his campaign will continue traveling the district and spreading his message of fiscal conservatism and job growth.

“Every day we have an action-packed schedule and unfortunately there’s only 24 hours in a day,” he said. “We’re trying to maximize our message to voters that not only am I the right candidate, but that I’ll be the hardest working congressman the district has ever had.”

Democratic incumbent Bill Owens says a three-way race has no impact on his campaign strategy.

“My view, as it was last year during the special election, is that I need to get out there, talk to people and travel the district,” he said. “What I’m hearing is that people are worried about job creation and fiscal responsibility. The structure of the race has no impact on that. Those are just the things that the people of the district are concerned about.”

The general election takes place Nov. 2.

UNYTEA chair reacts to three-way race

2010-09-23T14:53:00.001-04:00

The chairman of the Upstate New York Tea Party says he’s not pleased with Doug Hoffman’s decision to remain in the race for New York’s 23rd Congressional District as a third party candidate.

Mark Barie told WNBZ Thursday that Matt Doheny is the clear winner following last week’s GOP primary. UNYTEA backed Hoffman throughout the primary campaign, but its support has wavered since last week’s vote.

“Matt Doheny deserves our congratulations,” he said. “It was a hard-fought campaign; some would say it got a little bit ugly at times. Clearly, the people have spoken and it’s beyond challenge.”

Barie adds that a three-way race could spell doom for Republicans and Conservatives hoping to take back a critical seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I have to say I’m disappointed in Mr. Hoffman’s decision,” he said. “I was hoping he’d withdraw from the race. That’s the only true way to unite the party and move forward and to unelect Bill Owens. We have a choice between two fiscal conservatives and a tax-and-spend liberal, and if we don’t merge the two fiscal conservatives, it means the tax-and-spend liberal has a chance to win and I think that’s unfortunate.”

Barie hopes that UNYTEA will – quote – “live to fight another day.”

“The tea party is a concern of mine now,” he said. “Given the economic health and welfare of this country and what’s good for the New York 23rd, I have to be concerned for the tea party. I want it to live to fight another day. We’re in the process of surveying our members. Preliminary results show the tea party is split – there’s a lot of Hoffman fans, and there’s a lot of Doheny fans.”

He notes Hoffman has, however, lost a great deal of support within UNYTEA’s ranks.

“Doheny has picked up a lot of support, and my email and my phone calls are running four to one in favor of Doheny – people want to move on,” Doheny said. “I don’t know where Hoffman is going to go next. To my knowledge he has no money and no organization. He’s waited a long time to make his decision. He’s been out of touch and out of communication with virtually everybody. That’s no way to kick-off a campaign for Congress. I’m genuinely confused.”

Barie tells WNBZ he’s cleared the air with Hoffman, but doesn’t understand how his campaign will be viable going forward, as he has now lost a special election and a primary.

Hoffman concedes GOP primary, will remain in race

2010-09-23T14:50:00.001-04:00

As reported by Jon Alexander:

The race for New York’s 23rd Congressional District is officially a three-way contest and the candidates on the right will have to overcome a fractured Republican-Conservative populace.

Doug Hoffman acknowledged Thursday that he had indeed been beaten by Matt Doheny in last week’s Republican primary – but he’s not going away without a fight.

The Hoffman camp confirmed that he will actively campaign and seek the congressional seat while solely appearing on the Conservative Party line.

“I do not continue this race out of spite or because of self conceived virtues,” Hoffman said. “I continue in this race because of the failings of my opponents to be truthful with the voters.”

With almost all of the Republican absentee ballots counted, Doheny has expanded upon the roughly 600-vote lead he had over the tea party-backed Saranac Lake accountant when polls closed after the Sept. 14 GOP primary. Doheny now holds an insurmountable 740-vote lead.

The Doheny camp has all but begged Hoffman to step aside and back the Watertown banker’s bid to unseat the Democratic incumbent Bill Owens.

Alison Power is spokeswoman for the Doheny campaign. In a recent interview, she gave a stark assessment of the prospects of a three-way race.

“Doug Hoffman’s plan to stay in the race no matter what the Republican voters decide makes him the Democrat’s most effective operative,” Power said.

But Hoffman remained resolute that he can replicate last year’s success when he shoved then-GOP standard-bearer Dede Scozzafava out of the race just days before the general election.

“It was not an easy victory for Mr. Doheny; he outspent my campaign by a 12-1 margin and had the backing of all 11 of the GOP bosses and yet only out-polled me by a few hundred votes,” Hoffman said. “I will give voters a choice between two fast talking lawyers and a small businessman who will speak the truth.”

New York State Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long says Hoffman is in – quote – “good shape."

“There’s no question about, there’s going to be a split vote and its going to be split three ways,” he said. “Taking a look at what happened in the primary, considering how much Hoffman was outspent, and to still come as close as he did – I think we’re in pretty good shape.”

Hoffman says Owens and Doheny will – quote – “do or say anything to get a vote.”
Most politicos consider a three-way race with right-leaning votes being split between Hoffman and Doheny a huge boost to Owens’s reelection bid.

Owens already enjoys a one-week head start in the sprint to the Nov. 2 general election. While the GOP has remained in a holding patter – waiting for the finalization of the primary tallies – Owens has launched campaign advertisements on television and radio.

Statement from Hoffman...

2010-09-23T13:26:00.000-04:00

Hoffman's camp released this statement a few minutes ago:

Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate for Congress (NY-23), today conceded defeat in the hotly contested GOP Primary for the 23rd Congressional District seat. He announced that he would "keep his word to the New York State Conservative Party and to all those who believe in conservative principles, honesty and integrity" by continuing his race for Congress on the Conservative Party line. In last year's special election Hoffman pulled over 69,500 votes running on the Conservative Party line. Under New York State Election Law Hoffman's name must appear on the November ballot.

Doug Hoffman said, "Over the course of this week it has become obvious that Matt Doheny has achieved victory in the September 14th GOP Primary. It was not an easy victory for Mr. Doheny; he outspent my campaign by a 12-1 margin and had the backing of all 11 of the GOP bosses and yet only out-polled me by a few hundred votes.

"Over the past few days I have thought long and hard about the next six weeks. I have spoken with family, friends, supporters and staff as I have weighed my next step. So today, with new resolve and a strong commitment to conservative principles, I rededicate myself to this race and announce that I will actively campaign for Congress as the nominee of the Conservative Party.

"Understand, I do not continue this race out of spite or because of self conceived virtues. I continue in this race because of the failings of my opponents to be truthful with the voters.

"Whether we look a Mr. Owens' support of Obama-care or Mr. Doheny claim to be pro-life when in fact he supports abortion through the first trimester, we see two candidates who will do or say anything to get a vote elected.

"When I originally entered the race in August 2009, I did so to stand for conservative principles.
My message today is no different. I gave my word to the Conservative Party that I would fight for their principles and be their standard bearer. And I intend to keep my word.

"In the remaining weeks of this campaign I plan to take those principles of cutting taxes and spending directly to the voters in order to help our economy and create new jobs. I will speak out, as the ONLY pro-life candidate in this race, about defending the rights and lives of the unborn. I will speak about peace through strength and about what needs to be done if every American is to achieve a piece of the American Dream. I will offer common sense conservative solutions to the complex problems that affect both the district and the nation.

"And when they go to the polls on Election Day, I will give voters a choice between two fast talking lawyers and a small businessman who will speak the truth, work to create jobs and stand tall for conservative principles in Congress."

Confirmed: Hoffman will stay in race

2010-09-23T12:49:00.007-04:00

A spokesman for Doug Hoffman's congressional campaign has just confirmed reports that the Saranac Lake accountant will indeed remain in the race and actively campaign on the Conservative line.

As of today, Matt Doheny has officially defeated Hoffman for the Republican line. But the hopes of the Doheny camp that Hoffman would withdraw from the race and back the Watertown banker will remain unrealized.

Hoffman campaign spokesman Rob Ryan put the massive amount of speculation to bed only minutes ago.

"Yes, he will be actively running on the CP line," Ryan told WNBZ.

The revelation may prove to be a huge windfall for Congressman Bill Owens's reelection bid.

It's official: Hoffman staying in the race

2010-09-23T12:48:00.000-04:00

Quick update:

Doug Hoffman's campaign spokesman, Rob Ryan, just told Jon Alexander that Hoffman is in fact staying in the race.

That means voters must choose between Democrat Bill Owens, Republican Matt Doheny, and Conservative Doug Hoffman.

Thoughts?

Looks like a three-way dance...

2010-09-23T12:30:00.000-04:00

This just in from the Syracuse Post-Standard:

Tea Party favorite Doug Hoffman will formally concede today to Matt Doheny in the tightly-contested Republican primary for the 23rd Congressional District seat, according to a source close to Hoffman's campaign.

Hoffman plans to stay in the race on the Conservative Party line for the November election, the source said, ignoring calls from Republican leaders to step aside.

What do you think about Hoffman's plans to stay in the race? Is it smooth sailing for Owens from here on out?

Read the rest of the Post-Standard article here.

Polls, polls, and more polls...

2010-09-23T09:42:00.002-04:00

Looks like Quinnipiac University and the Siena Research Institute have some explaining to do.

Quinnipiac came out with a poll yesterday showing that tea party Republican Carl Paladino was making huge gains on Democrat Andrew Cuomo in New York's gubernatorial race.

The numbers showed Cuomo with a 49 to 43 percentage point lead over Paladino.

Then, today, Siena answered back with a poll showing a very different race.

This poll shows Cuomo with a commanding lead -- 57 percent to Paladino's measly 24 percent.

So what gives? Does Cuomo have a comfortable lead, or is Paladino gaining rapidly?

Meanwhile, Siena says U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer have nothing to worry about.

Gillibrand leads Republican challenger Joe DioGuardi 57 percent to 31 percent. Schumer leads GOP candidate Jay Townsend 63 percent to 30 percent.

Quick NY-23 update...

2010-09-23T08:52:00.004-04:00

Watertown businessman Matt Doheny will host a press conference at 4:30 p.m. at his Clinton County campaign office -- which is located at 1 Broad Street, Plattsburgh.

Doheny is expected to discuss the results from last week's Republican primary. In other words, look for the congressional hopeful to declare victory and shift gears to the November general election.

Saranac Lake accountant Doug Hoffman is also expected to make a statement today. His campaign spokesperson, Rob Ryan, emailed my colleague Jon Alexander to confirm that Hoffman will address the primary results.

Will Hoffman remain in the race as the Conservative Party candidate? Or will he drop out and support Doheny?

Stay tuned...

WDT calls Doheny the winner

2010-09-22T16:06:00.001-04:00

Earlier this week, it appeared as if Saranac Lake accountant Doug Hoffman was closing in on Watertown businessman Matt Doheny in the race for the Republican line in New York’s 23rd Congressional District.

But with a final tally expected today, Doheny has actually widened his lead over Hoffman.

Jude Seymour of the Watertown Daily Times reports that Doheny now enjoys a 796-vote lead over Hoffman; 676 absentee votes still need to be counted.

Even if every absentee ballot goes in Hoffman’s favor, Doheny would still hold the majority.

Barring any major changes, Doheny will appear on both the Republican and Independence lines in this November’s election against Democratic incumbent Bill Owens.

Hoffman does have the Conservative line, but he’s yet to say whether he’ll stay in the race.

Owens secures funding for Plattsburgh airport...

2010-09-21T13:11:00.001-04:00

The Democrat representing New York's 23rd Congressional District announced Monday that he's secured a significant chunk of change for a project aimed at enhancing security measures at the Plattsburgh International Airport.

Congressman Bill Owens says a grant totaling $583,000 was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration.

Owens is defending his House seat this November against either Watertown businessman Matt Doheny or Saranac Lake accountant Doug Hoffman -- or both.

Here's more from Owens communications office:

“These enhancements are part of a continued effort to enhance the facilities at Plattsburgh International Airport, which makes the area more attractive and marketable to outside companies,” Owens said. “As we work together to bring more job creators to Clinton County, I am optimistic that we are on the path to economic recovery.”

The grant will allow Clinton County to construct and install security fencing around the facility, fulfilling safety requirements. Plattsburgh International Airport is a primary non-hub airport owned by Clinton County and located at the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base. The facility offers service to Boston, Myrtle Beach and Orlando among other destinations. Passenger service at the airport began in 2007.

“These security enhancements are sorely needed right now, and this grant will help us tremendously,” said Thomas D. Long, Airport Manager. “We thank the Congressman for the hard work he does for us at Plattsburgh International Airport.”

Something stinks in Albany... and in your mailbox!

2010-09-16T12:48:00.003-04:00

Say what you want about Carl Paladino (and people are saying a lot), but at least he's livening up an otherwise boring gubernatorial election in New York.

Democrat Andrew Cuomo is way out in front in almost every poll, but I don't think Paladino is too concerned.

After all, the pollsters said Tuesday's primary would be too close to call, and Paladino dispatched former Long Island Congressman Rick Lazio with relative ease.

Here's an Associated Press brief highlighting why I think Paladino will add some much-needed color to this race:

Something stinks in Albany, and in about 200,000 mailboxes around New York.

A garbage-scented campaign mailing by Carl Paladino, the Republican candidate for governor, features the photos of 7 Democrats, including six who have been investigated and two who have resigned in scandal within the last four years.

"Something STINKS in Albany," the mailer says.

Paladino spokesman Michael Caputo tells The Associated Press Thursday that the mailer is scented with a "landfill" odor.

He says the smell emanates from a material that will get worse the longer it is exposed, just like Albany.

The mailer doesn't name Cuomo, the attorney general and his Democratic opponent for governor. But Paladino has been trying to link Cuomo to the Democrats now in control of every statewide office and both chambers of the Legislature.

Paterson to Paladino: You're not fit for public service

2010-09-16T09:32:00.001-04:00

New York Gov. David Paterson apparently doesn't care much for GOP gubernatorial designee Carl Paladino.

Paterson told the Associated Press this morning that the tea party backed Paladino "isn't fit for public service."

Paladino will face Democrat Andrew Cuomo in November following his stunning upset of Rick Lazio in Tuesday's primary.

Here's more from the AP:

Paterson, a Democrat, said he understood Paladino's anger at the excesses of state government. But he said Paladino "insists on being divisive" and needs to tone down his rhetoric.

Paterson said he was deeply offended by the racist and pornographic emails Paladino has admitted forwarding to friends.

Barclay to Hoffman, Doheny: Take a deep breath

2010-09-16T09:13:00.001-04:00

Here's an interesting release that was issued by a former 23rd Congressional District hopeful and current Republican Assemblyman Will Barclay of Oswego County.

Barclay tells Doug Hoffman and Matt Doheny it's time to take a deep breath and unite in order to defeat incumbent Democrat Bill Owens in November:

With the Associated Press projecting Matt Doheny as the winner in yesterday's Republican primary for Congress in NY-23 - but with Doheny not declaring victory and Doug Hoffman not conceding defeat -- State Assemblyman Will Barclay of Oswego County (R-C-I), a man who only months ago was himself a contender for that nomination, is calling upon both Doheny and Hoffman and their supporters to "take a breather and start thinking about working together for their common objective of defeating liberal Democrat Congressman Bill Owens in November."

"It is certainly reasonable to wait for the counting of all the absentee ballots before declaring the winner," said Barclay, "and, given the preliminary miscount in one county in last year's special election, it is not unreasonable for Doug Hoffman to wait for the automatic recount."

"What would be unreasonable," Barclay added, "would be for either Doheny or Hoffman to refuse to gracefully accept the verdict of the voters and give aid and comfort to Bill Owens and his liberal Democrat allies by campaigning against the candidate the people chose."

"There is no better way for either Doug Hoffman or Matt Doheny to demonstrate his commitment to the conservative Republican principles he has espoused than by joining with me - right now, today - in publicly committing to not merely endorse, but also actively campaign for, the candidate the people chose so we can replace Bill Owens as our representative in Congress," said Barclay. "By doing so he will perform a great service to our party and to our country."

Said Barclay: "Going forward, what should matter most to both candidates, and to their supporters, is the fact that Bill Owens has been an enthusiastic willing enabler of the disastrous extreme liberal Obama-Pelosi-Reed agenda that has trampled sound constitutional governance, wreaked havoc on the nation's deficit and debt and dangerously debilitated our guard against the threat of terrorism. For the good of our country, for the good of the people of Central and Northern New York, we need to defeat Bill Owens in order to help reverse the disastrously detrimental direction that Washington has been taking."

In February when he was considering running for Congress, Barclay initiated and voluntarily signed a "unity pledge" to support for Congress against Democrat Bill Owens whichever candidate that Republican voters freely chose in the primary election contest and promised to campaign to help that candidate and urge all his supporters to do the same. "We Republicans need to set aside any personal vanity or personal ambitions and unite behind the people's choice in the critical common goal of defeating Bill Owens," he said then - and repeated today.

Enemies of smart development...

2010-09-16T08:39:00.003-04:00

John Warren at the Adirondack Almanack authored a scathing piece this morning that takes aim at individuals he dubs "the cast of opposing smart development."

It's an interesting read and I urge our readers to take a look.

Among the notable figures Warren takes aim at are state Senator Betty Little and Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, as well as Post Star projects editor Will Doolittle.

"Despite undeniable proof that the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) almost never denies a permit, the usual anti-APA folks are currently rallying once again for another push against the regional planning and zoning board that has kept the Adirondacks from looking like a suburb of the Northeast megalopolis for more than 30 years," Warren writes. "It's time for those who support reasonable and responsible development in the Adirondack Park to step forward and let their voice be heard."

Check out John's full post here.

Gibson opens satellite office in Glens Falls

2010-09-16T07:06:00.002-04:00

The Republican challenger to Democratic Representative Scott Murphy in New York's 20th Congressional District is opening a satellite office in Warren County.

This from Chris Gibson's campaign spokesman Dan Odescalchi:

The Chris Gibson for Congress Campaign is pleased to be opening a satellite office in Warren County at 20 Ridge Street in Glens Falls. The campaign would like to invite neighbors and friends in Glens Falls and neighboring towns to visit the office for information about Republican/Conservative Candidate Chris Gibson or to support his campaign for Congress. The office’s official opening will be tomorrow, September 16th.

“I have been humbled by the support from people all across the district including in the City of Glens Falls and our North Country towns and villages,” said Gibson. “The people in this region are hard working Americans and their opinions and goals for a brighter future are important to us. Having a campaign office in Glens Falls will help our campaign connect even more with voters and make it easier for them to participate in our campaign. I am thankful to all the volunteers and supporters who have worked so tirelessly on my behalf. It is their effort that has helped us gain so much interest in our campaign locally among those looking for a better way in Washington.”

Mark Westcott, coordinator for Chris Gibson for Congress in Warren County said, “We are grateful we can add this resource to the hundreds of volunteers across the North Country who have already been working tirelessly for months to bring Chris’ leadership and vision to neighbors in Glens Falls, Queensbury and all of Warren County and the North Country. This office will make available literature, resources and ways for people to get involved with helping Chris as we get closer to Election Day on November 2nd.”

The office will coordinate get out the vote activities over the coming weeks and be a resource for those interested in campaign materials.

It took a few hours, but...

2010-09-15T16:50:00.003-04:00

... we've finally got a statement.

Here's what Hoffman's campaign released just a few minutes ago:

"Yesterday was the culmination of a long and hard fought primary. Matt Doheny ran a spirited race and should be commended for his efforts. I also want to thank my supporters for their effort and their resolute belief in the conservative principles I stand for.

"This is still a fluid race. Thousands of absentee and military ballots remain to be counted. There is no clear victor and I would be doing a disservice to my supporters, men and women in uniform and the voters if I did not wait for all votes to be properly counted."

Is silence golden?

2010-09-15T12:09:00.003-04:00

It's a few minutes after noon, and still no word from Doug Hoffman's campaign regarding Matt Doheny's apparent victory last night.

The question on everyone's mind is simple:

Will Hoffman drop out of the race and ask his supporters to get behind Doheny?

Or will Hoffman remain in the race as the Conservative candidate, forcing a three-way race that will surely benefit incumbent Democrat Bill Owens?

We in the media are used to waiting for statements from politicians and candidates. But Hoffman's loyal supporters deserve to hear something from their candidate -- especially those who waited patiently into the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

I'll keep you posted...

Schneiderman wants to debate Donovan

2010-09-15T10:45:00.001-04:00

State Senator Eric Schneiderman, fresh off his Democratic primary victory for attorney general last night, is already calling for a debate against his opponent, Republican State Island District Attorney Dan Donovan.

Schneiderman wants the debate to focus on cracking down on Wall Street crimes.

This from the Associated Press:

Suggesting that Donovan has proposed relaxing the attorney general's oversight of financial markets, Schneiderman tells The Associated Press he will protect homeowners and consumers "from bad actors" on Wall Street.

He sent a letter to Donovan Wednesday asking for the debate.

Donovan spokeswoman Virginia Lam says they haven't received the letter yet. In campaign statements, Donovan says Wall Street is an important economic generator, and it's important to promote fair markets but not bring cases "simply to get headlines."

Gillibrand not one to waste time...

2010-09-15T10:38:00.002-04:00

New York's junior senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, isn't wasting any time following last night's primary elections.

The Democrat, who was appointed to the seat by Gov. David Paterson after Hillary Clinton's rise to Secretary of State, will square-off with Republican Joe DioGuardi in November.

Gillibrand's campaign staff announced today it will immediately begin airing television ads in western New York.

The ads will hit airwaves this week in Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse. Gillibrand leads DioGuardi in fundraising and in the polls.

This from the Associated Press:

The ads promote Gillibrand as a reform-minded senator devoted to public transparency. In the ad, Gillibrand says she hasn't been in Washington long, but she has been there long enough to know that things are broken.

Barie none-too-happy with Hoffman campaign...

2010-09-15T08:41:00.002-04:00

I present here, in its entirety, a release issued by Upstate New York Tea Party Chairman Mark Barie this morning. To sum it up, Barie isn't pleased with how Doug Hoffman ran his campaign:

Although the results of yesterday’s GOP primary are still unclear, the Upstate New York Tea (UNYTEA) party is moving quickly to organize for the November elections.

“There are less than seven weeks until the November election, and we intend to use that time to reorganize and to make the case to voters that Bill Owens has got to go”, said Mark L Barie, Chairman of UNYTEA.

Barie acknowledged that UNYTEA’s endorsed candidate, Doug Hoffman, is the apparent loser in the race. His opponent, Matt Doheny, is now leading in unofficial results by more than 600 votes. Approximately 1800 absentee ballots have yet to be counted.

“Doug would have to take about two thirds of the absentee ballots in order to win. I think that’s unlikely, but we can not afford to sit idly by while the recount takes place.”, said Barie.

According to Barie, UNYTEA’s Steering Committee will be meeting tonight to discuss the results of the Primary.

“We will be polling our members in the days to come and then making a decision as to the role UNYTEA will play in the Congressional race”.

Barie spoke bluntly about the results.

“I am very disappointed with the way in which the Hoffman campaign was conducted. It was unorganized, it lacked focus, and it failed to take advantage of Doug’s tremendous popularity.” said Barie, adding, “Doug’s senior campaign adviser (Chris Baker) ran this campaign from his office in Arizona and he was clearly ignorant of what was happening on the ground here in the North Country.”

“Speaking just for myself, if Doug doesn’t make some personnel changes, his campaign for Congress is going no where. I think his chances for success on the Conservative Party line are minimal. This is true because, unlike last year when he came so close to defeating Bill Owens, this year’s GOP nominee is not a tax and spend liberal. Matt Doheny is a fiscal conservative”.

Barie stopped short of formally endorsing Doheny, saying that was up to UNYTEA’s 1000 plus membership who will be polled by email and regular mail, in the next two weeks.

Too close to call in 23rd CD

2010-09-14T22:52:00.002-04:00

First off, check out Jude Seymour's election coverage at the Watertown Daily Times.

Second, my early morning radio bed time is going to keep me from finding out any results on the 23rd Congressional District race.

For now, it's way too close to call. At last check, Doheny was 99 votes behind Hoffman.

Stay tuned tomorrow morning...

Major upset in the works...

2010-09-14T22:46:00.002-04:00

Despite polls showing a close race in the GOP gubernatorial primary, Carl Paladino is sitting very pretty with 33 percent of precincts reporting.

Paladino currently enjoys a commanding lead over former Long Island Congressman Rick Lazio. He has an eye-popping 68 to 32 percentage point lead as of 10:50 p.m.

It looks like tea party momentum will propel Paladino into a November general election against Democrat Andrew Cuomo.

Another interesting wrinkle: Lazio might not win the Conservative primary against the little known Ralph Lorigo.

Rice holds lead in AG primary...

2010-09-14T22:42:00.002-04:00

With 33 percent of precincts reporting, Kathleen Rice holds a fairly safe lead in the race for New York Attorney General.

Rice has 33 percent of the vote as of 10:45 p.m., followed by Eric Schneiderman with 27 percent.

Sean Coffey, Richard Brodsky, and Eric Dinallo have 21, 12 and 7 percent respectively.

This race looks like it's over, so barring dramatic changes Rice will take on Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan in November.

No returns... yet

2010-09-14T19:51:00.003-04:00

Okay, I'm heading over to Hoffman's primary headquarters at the Red Fox.

As of 7:52 p.m. I haven't seen returns for any races. That's sure to change soon.

Polls close earlier in New Hampshire, however, and it looks like (tentatively speaking, anyway) the tea party express may gain its first victory of the evening there.

Only a few precincts are reporting, but tea party-backed candidate Ovide Lamontagne is holding a 53 to 30 percentage point lead over GOP and Sarah Palin-backed former state Attorney General Kelly Ayotte. Both are angling for the GOP line in this November's U.S. Senate race.

Murphy, Owens unhappy with failure to act on 1099

2010-09-14T19:47:00.000-04:00

Here's a quickie that I just penned on the Senate's failure to address the 1099 requirement contained with President Obama's health care overhaul bill:

President Barack Obama gained a political victory this week following a crucial vote to clear the way for a bill aimed at creating a $30 billion government fund to help open up lending for credit-starved small businesses.

Two Republican senators – Ohio’s George Voinovich and Florida’s George LeMieux – joined Democrats to end a GOP filibuster of the bill.

But two North Country congressmen are unhappy that amendments to ease a requirement in the massive health care reform bill weren’t attached to the legislation.

Democrats Bill Owens and Scott Murphy say competing Democratic and GOP measures to repeal the 1099 requirement in the health care bill should have been included.

The 1099 requirement forces business to file a tax form for every vendor that sells them more than $600 in goods. Pro-business groups say that measure creates a paperwork nightmare for small businesses. The reporting requirement is not yet in place and does not take effect until 2012.

Owens, who represents New York’s 23rd Congressional District, says it’s regrettable that the Senate was unable to reach a compromise on an amendment to repeal the 1099 reporting requirement.

“Amending this provision of the law is critical to protecting upstate New York businesses,” he said in a prepared statement.

“Congress needs to show a stronger commitment to listening to our constituents and acting to resolve their concerns,” Owens added. “Amending this requirement on small business does just that.”

He’s confident, however, that members from both parties can come together to address the 1099 issue before it takes effect.

Scott Murphy represents New York’s 20th Congressional District. He says the failure to include the amendment was a failure of leadership by both Democrats and Republicans.

“As a businessman, I know that we need to remove financial and regulatory burdens on local businesses that would potentially stifle private sector growth,” Murphy said.

“During this tough economic time, we need to work to get government out of the way, and that starts with eliminating these burdensome provisions,” he added. “I will keep fighting for our small businesses, because they, not the government, are key to our economic recovery.”

In July, Murphy and Owens teamed up with Michigan Congressman Sander Levin to introduce legislation aimed at making up for the potential loss in tax revenue that would result from repealing 1099.

That legislation was endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business.

Two hours and counting...

2010-09-14T18:55:00.002-04:00

Hey all -- just checking in briefly with some election updates...

I'll be at the Red Fox in Saranac Lake this evening, hunkering down with Doug Hoffman's camp to await ballot returns. Jon Alexander is in Watertown with Matt Doheny's team.

We'll both report back to you as soon as we have results. You can listen for updates on AM 920 and 1240 WNBZ and ROCK105. Listen in after polls close at 9 p.m.

You can also listen live here.

Or, follow along on this blog for updates from both Jon and me.

If you haven't voted yet, get movin'.

Slow down...

2010-09-03T08:18:00.004-04:00

Members of the media -- including Jon and myself at WNBZ -- have been acting like feverish sports writers this week following Doug Hoffman's revelation that he'll remain in the race for New York's 23rd Congressional District, even if he loses to Matt Doheny in a Sept. 14 GOP primary.

Here's what I mean:

When an athlete, perhaps a wide receiver for an NFL team, indicates he's upset about not getting enough touches, the sports media generally takes that to mean the wideout is ticked at his quarterback.

That's when the floodgates open up: the quarterback is bombarded with questions about his relationship with the receiver; the coach fends off questions about team chemistry; and shows like PTI and Around the Horn pump their ratings with non-stop banter about the teams locker room issues.

And then the star wideout gets in front of a camera and clears things up by stating that the issue with his touches was his own problem, and we've all wasted a bunch of time.

Here's what I'm getting at: Doug Hoffman, the Conservative and tea party candidate who squares off with GOP and Independent candidate Matt Doheny in a primary in less than two weeks time, announced this week he'll remain in the race even if he loses the GOP primary.

That announcement prompted the regional media to go into a frenzy, speculating that Owens would now win the race because the two men on the right would cannibalize each other.

I say this: slow the heck down.

For all we know, Hoffman may trounce Doheny on Sept. 14 -- that's what his campaign-funded polls are showing right now, anyway. I don't put much stock into polls financed by a particular candidate -- I'd rather go with Quinnipiac or Siena.

But hey, that's all we've got so far, right?

I suppose that's the nature of the beast, though. It's what the media, specifically those who dabble in commentary and opinion, does best.

Hoffman's strategy: childish or brilliant?

2010-09-02T12:23:00.014-04:00

The question has finally been answered. If Doug Hoffman loses to Matt Doheny in the GOP primary later this month, he'll remain in the race on the Conservative line.

At last night's debate between the two would-be Republican challengers to Democratic incumbent Bill Owens, the Saranac Lake accountant finally answered the question that has been swirling for months.

“People think that I’m the spoiler because I’m not going to get out of the race. People that get the Conservative line, have to stay on the Conservative line once they take it,” Hoffman said. “The spoiler in this race is Matt Doheny because he is trying to get the Republican line, knowing very well that he can’t get the Conservative line.”

Both men claim to have their fingers on the collective pulse of conservatives in New York's 23rd Congressional District. Who is right won't be known until after the primary.

But Hoffman's strategy for victory may be much more apparent now. If Doheny wins, it appears, there will be a three-way race in November. Such a three-way -- pitting tea partiers versus moderates -- would surely constitute a huge boost for Owens and his reelection bid.

So, as it stands now, when a Republican voter enters the voting booth on September 14, they will be faced with a conundrum -- a Catch 22 that could very well shape how they cast their ballot.

Is voting for Doheny a vote for Owens?

This voter may well prefer Doheny to Hoffman, but may also prefer either man to Owens. This effect could very well send many more GOP votes in Hoffman's direction then he would have otherwise garnered.

Hoffman is holding Republicans hostage. His statement to Republicans is essentially this; "Either vote for me or I will torpedo this whole damn thing."

His approach may seem bullish at best and maybe a little childish. It brings images of a scorned third-grader to my head when I think about it.

But it could prove highly effective on primary day and that is the end goal here, after all.

Doheny argues he is the best suited to face off against Bill Owens and comments made by UNYTEA Chairman Mark Barie -- who has endorsed Hoffman -- suggest he agrees with the Watertown banker's assessment.

But Doheny has pledged to back whoever wins the GOP primary. He has pledged to not force a three-way race if it's left up to him. And this pledge, and his commitment to upholding it, may be his undoing.

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1-- closing statements

2010-09-01T20:20:00.002-04:00

Closings:
MD:
"We agree on pretty much everything."
The choice is who can actually beat Bill Owens on November 2nd.
Clear choice. It's me.
Doug's a good man, but he can't win.
"Worst thing in the world on November 3 is getting up and realizing the house and Senate are still in Democratic hands.

DH:
"Matt's right. Do have a choice.
"Choice is, who do you want as next Congressman?"
I've been here for 40 years, working through problems and creating jobs.
"I'm the only real conservative in this race."
I stood up for conservative values last year when GOP picked someone who wasn't a real conservative.
Had 70,000 votes last year and they will turn out this year.

Smoke Break!!!!!!

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1

2010-09-01T20:04:00.004-04:00

Q17: To Hoffman
Why not debate in Western portion of district? What are you afraid of?

DH:
Nothing. We are hear debating and another one next week.

MD:
Doug, didn't answer the question. "Yield my minute?"
"I will debate anytime, no scheduling conflict."
"I'll be in SL next week. Hopefully it's not in your back yard."
Big district. But only debate in one region. "Flat out outlandish."
"not fair to those people."

Q18: To Hoffman
How to retain young professionals?

DH:
have to boost economy.
Broadband.

MD:
Need infrastructure and right policies.
Have great universities. "Greatest resources, human beings."

Q19: To Hoffman
Will you stay in if lose the primary?

DH:
"I will win the primary." Way ahead, going to fight like I'm losing.
Doheny didn't get the Conservative line.
"People say I'm the spoiler, but it's known that once on the Conservative line, can't get off it."
"Matt's the spoiler, not me."

MD:
I supported the nominee last time. I lived up to my word.
Was the first called about the Conservative line last year. Turned it down.

Q20: To Hoffman
The poll you cite was done by your campaign. If you do not win the primary and remain on a third line, how do you justify pulling votes from the GOP and hand it to Bill Owens?

DH:
"My objective is to get Bill Owens out of office."
"The people have rallied around me."
"These are the same people doing my polls last year. They were right on last year and no reason not to think they are right on this year."
"I have been meeting with the people, not the party bosses. That's why I'm 32 percent ahead."

MD:
The only poll that matters is the voters. "Everything else is irrelevent, if not garbage."
I'm on a third party line too. Don't see me sitting here saying I won't support the GOP line.
He got the Conservative line from one single person who lives in Brooklyn.
"He is backed by the the true party boss."

Q21: To Doheny
How can we sure up the northern border?

MD:
"Drug trade has to be stopped."
"Need the resources. Trust the judgement of the professionals."
"But at the same time, the border provides commerce and economic opportunity. Can't kill the golden goose trying to protect ourselves."

DH:
"My son is a decorated trooper out of Tupper Lake."
"But Matt is also right. We can't hinder trade and movement of goods."
People being detained, citizens and residents.

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1

2010-09-01T19:44:00.003-04:00

Q10: To Hoffman
Should unions take concessions? Congress take pay raises?

DH:
Absolutely.
Private business can't compete. Unions destroyed Chrysler and Gen Motors.

MD:
Need to cut Congress's pay in half.
Term limits.
End Cadillac pension plans.
"I'm the only one who has signed a no ear mark, pork pledge."
"Create a whole different congress."

Q11: To MD
Say don't like ear marks. But also say would support funding of core issues. Define?

MD:
"I will have a voice during appropriation process. ear marks a the 11th hour are wrong and corrupts Congress."

My opponent has distorted my position.

DH:
I wouldn't
ADE quoted my opponent as saying he would take ear marks while everyone else does.

Q12: To Doheny
Support of Bush tax cuts. How do your own taxes play in?

MD:
"Higher taxes right now, absolute worst thing."
"Has nothing to do with my own taxes."
Not only support Bush tax cuts, push for more.
Obama, et al, want to tax and sure the job creators.

DH:
"Exactly Matt."
"If tax cuts aren't extended, will collect $1 trillion more from Americans."
"Democrats just don't get it."
"If Bush tax cuts go away, we will kill the businesses in the North Country."

Q13: To Hoffman
Leaving Iraq the right thing? Time table for Afghanistan?

DH:
Still have 50,000 troops in Iraq. If gets worse, have to go back. Right now, looks good. Hopes to God it stays that way.
Need to stay in Afghanistan. Get job done.

MD:
Agree with Doug. Need to get job done.

Back to other issue.
I signed this no pork pledge.
Doug is lining his pockets with his campaign donations.

Q14: To Doheny
How would you rework social security?

MD:
SS needs to remain solvent. Right now, going to go bankrupt.
Must maintain the benefits for eveyone drawing now. But also stay solvent for future.

DH:
agree with Matt.

Back to last comments...
"You know damn well FEC requires this reporting."
Fast and loose with facts."
"People in glass boat houses shouldn't throw stones," "The way you treated those officers was unacceptable."

Q15: To Hoffman
One reason you would vote for your opponent?

DH:
"If I died."
"Matt's a great guy."
"But can't learn the district in just seven months."
"I'm the only conservative in this race."

MD:
"My answer, clearly much kinder than Mr. Hoffman's."
"Just like myself, he is an example of the American Dream."
"Why I lectured you before, don't be a class warfare person."
"I'm from the North Country for God sakes."
grew up here. "Doug can blow off what I've done over the last nine months. But will pay dividends."

Q16: To Doheny
Is the tea party good for America and this district.

MD:
Brought masses out of the doldrums.
"We hit rock bottom when Obama was sworn in."
"You guys will support whoever the GOP winnder is."

DH:
"The silent majority of America is waking up. We're fed up and going to fight back."
Out of control spending, taxes.
"We are America."

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1

2010-09-01T19:30:00.004-04:00

Q5: To Doheny
2004, two BWIs, 2005 sued for rent evasion. Why should we trust you?

MD:
I brought it to the media, wanted it to be known.
The rent thing was a civil thing. "I assure you, I can pay my rent."
Life is about the sum total of one's record. Raised to work hard.

DH:

Not going to answer that question, but will take a shot.
"You can't learn the entire district in eight months."
"I have struggled with people, I have employed people."
"We all know our kids grow up and they're gone because there aren't jobs."
Community leader;
Olympic Committee, NCCC board, etc.

Q6: To Hoffman
What can be done to help rural hospitals survive?

DH:
Blasts health care reform bill and reminds crowd Bill Owens supported it.
"Health care bill puts rural health care in jeopardy." Costs too much.

MD:
"I've visited every hospital. My opponent can sit idly by in Lake Placid or Saranac Lake and think that's the right decision."

Blasts "Obama-care." No incentive for rural doctors. Needs to be repealed.

Q7: To Doheny
Stem cell funding?

MD:
"Pres. Bush got it right. Keep working with exisiting lines, but don't use federal dollars."

DH:
"I am the only pro-life candidate for the 23rd district."
"Will fight anything that ends life and stem cell research does that."

Q8: To Hoffman
Why the campaign contribution drop off compared to last year? Why loan yourself money?

DH:
Had dozens of national conservative endorsements.
"We loaned $100,000 last year and this year."
I"m Main Street."
"I don't have friends on Wall Street who can give the max amount and expect favors from Washington."

MD:
"Doug, you got to stop criticizing people for being successful."
"I'm proud of you for being successful."
Why are people giving me money?," "Because I went out and worked. Went town to town, door to door and gained their support."
"They realize I'm the only candidate that can send Bill Owens back to practice law."

Q9: To Doheny
Same-sex marriage?

MD:
State issue.
"Dead set against gay marriage."
"This has been baked into our judeo-christian values and should stay that way."
"Should be dealt with by legislatures, not courts."

DH:
"Marriage should be between a man and a woman."

Back to last question....

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1

2010-09-01T19:19:00.004-04:00

Q2:To Hoffman
What free market programs would solve the health care issue is reform bill was reformed. Would you eliminate Medicare and Medicaid?"

DH:
Would not repeal Medicaid and Medicare. Too important.
Need more insurance competition. Need to allow for competition across state borders. Need to align individual state requirements.

MD: Rebuttal

Would not eliminate Medicaid and Medicare.
Would come come down on fraud.. Around 10 percent of Medicaid/Medicare goes to fraud.

Need to promote competition across state lines.

"Key issue, cost and keeping and retaining doctors."

Q3: To Doheny
Key to attracting businesses in the easter region of the district.

MD:
The key is proximity to Montreal. Need a border that is safe but allows the free flow of commerce.

Two fundemental things. Have to have the basic infrastructure to bring people here. Need cell phone coverage and broadband.
"Tragedy waiting to happen in places where there isn't cell phone coverage."

"I'm sure there are people sitting in a corporate office in St. Louis who'd love to be in the Adirondacks. But you need the infrastructure."

DH:
"Agree with Matt."
"Only candidate that has acutally created jobs in the 23rd district. "I know what it takes to make a business successful in the district."
"Everything Matt says is right on, but we also need to get big government off our back. Less Taxes, less regulation."

Q4: To Hoffman
How would you help farmers?

DH:
"My wife's family ran a farm for over 100 years. They got squeezed out of the business."
Chicago commodity market can be manipulated, powdered milk from China, supply and demand.
"I'm a conservative, I believe in the free market system, but I also agree in fairness."
"Farmers aren't being treated fairly."

MD:
"Unlike my opponent, have been traveling the district."
"Need transparency in fluid milk pricing milk market. Only done weekly. Need to know what the supply and demand are."
Too much regulation.. They are land rich. Need to get rid of the death tax.

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1

2010-09-01T19:14:00.002-04:00

Questions...

Q 1: T Doheny
Stimulus bill. Unnecessary paving. What's your take???

MD:
"Projects like that are putting into debt. "Leaders are flat out bankrupting us."
"Dead set against it. Been a flat out failure."
Citing higher than anticipated unemployment and underemployment figures.
Need to keep Bush tax cuts. Need to end over regulation.

DH:
"I agree with Matt"
"Last month, passed a $34 billion supplemental stimulus."
"Schools already have budgets. Now extra money. What are they going to do with it?"

Waste...
"Where are the jobs?"
Cut taxes and cut regulation... Creat jobs.

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1

2010-09-01T19:05:00.002-04:00

Mark Barie -- UNYTEA Chairman and event sponsor, "no applause please during the question and answer period.

And here come the two foes who are jockying for the GOP line.

Hoffman won the coin flip.

Hoffman opening statement:
Mic doesn't work..... holding pattern (7:09)

"Like most of you I'm fed up. Was fed up last year and we fought a great fight...."
"We know what the taxes and spending are going to do to us."
"We all have to fight back."
"I know what is going on in the North Country. I work everyday in solving problems in this district and, as Congressman, will solve them in Washington."

Doheny's opening statement:

"We need to send Bill Owens back into private practice."
"We are over-taxed and over regulated."
"Reality is that moms and dads don't believe their children will live their own American Dream."

"I'm the only conservative Republican on this stage that can actually win on November 2nd. I'm the only one who has been working his tail off and driving over 65,000 miles in my truck." he said. "My opponent tried last year and failed."
"Send a strong message to Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama."

Doheny v. Hoffman Round 1

2010-09-01T19:02:00.004-04:00

Room packed. Each of the 225 seats has been taken and we the press are pounding furiously at our keyboards trying to paint the picture.

Place is packed and it appears sweat is not an uncommon scene on the brows of the 200-plus spectators.

Doug Hoffman and Matt Doheny have yet to take their seats.

Should be underway any minute.

Murphy the Centrist

2010-09-01T10:36:00.003-04:00

For the most part, I view visits from representatives and senators with a certain pessimism.

In general, their handlers have them on such a tight schedule that press access is limited and question-and-answer periods are short and topic-driven.

Not that I blame them -- when you represent a district like New York's 23rd, you generally have a lot of ground to cover in a short period of time.

But that was not the case when New York's 20th Congressional District Representative Scott Murphy rolled into the Tri-Lakes region Tuesday.

He made two appearances; one in Lake Placid, and another in Keene. The LP event was certainly topic-driven, but Murphy spoke eloquently about broadband access in the North Country, likening it to rural electrification in the early 1900s:

"It is an incredibly important issue, that is, connectivity and broadband internet access here in the Adirondack Park – all over the country really," Murphy said.

"The way I see it, it’s very much akin to rural electrification when you look back 80 years ago," he added. "We had electricity come on line 120, 125 years ago and it started to spread to our cities. But they weren’t building the poles and running the wires out to our smaller communities and to the more remote locations up in the mountains and rural areas. And the government made a decision: we’re going to have to subsidize this. But it was important enough and powerful enough a tool that we needed it for our rural communities to continue to thrive and survive."

Later in the day, my colleague Jon Alexander attended a "Congress on your Corner" event in Keene. There, Murphy took even more time to speak with constituents on a whole range of issues, including state issues like the APA and the budget mess.

Most interesting, though, were the comments he made regarding America's deeply divided political state:

"We were fighting about the budget and the Democrats didn’t want to put together a budget that showed us getting to a balanced budget over time – some of us that are more centrist did – and we were arguing back and forth with leadership and going round and round," he said.

"I went to a friend of mine on the Republican side of the aisle – a very senior member – and I said ‘Hey, I think there’s a group of centrist Democrats that if we could team together with Republicans, we could put together a path to get our budget house in order and we could get it passed if the Democratic leadership doesn’t want to.’ And he said to me, ‘Oh, we’re watching you guys squirm on this issue. We’re going to be in charge of the budget next year. We don’t want to help you out."

He even commented on America's corporate media -- firing shots at both Fox News and MSNBC:

"They almost tell different versions of the same story. They tell it to ideologues on either side that are in information cocoons, who only talk to people that think like them and they miss out," he said. "I think this is so important, talking to people in the small towns that I represent so they can hear from me and make their mind up and not just get their information from MSNBC and Fox News based on what political party they belong to."

Politics aside, it's nice to see a politician speak his mind on a range of issues with an apparent disregard for what those on the left or right might think.

I also interviewed Murphy for about 20 minutes Tuesday evening. That program will air on WNBZ's North Country Today at a later date -- I'll keep you posted.

Foresters predict magnificent fall

2010-09-01T08:52:00.004-04:00

This from the Associated Press this morning:

Foresters say the hot, dry summer could mean an early fall with brighter than usual colors in the North Country.

Glens Falls meteorologist Brian Whitley says rainfall at the Warren County airport was nearly 5 inches below normal for the year. Forester Bruce Barnard of the Department of Environmental Conservation in Ray Brook says areas that have had a dry summer could see peak colors a week or so earlier than those that got rain.

The central Adirondacks received more rain than parts of the region to the south and east, including Washington and Warren counties.

Signs of fall color have begun to show up here and there, especially in swampy areas with birches and maples.

And we all know what that means:

Road rage.

I'm a pretty calm guy, but when I'm out on an assignment (or just trying to get to Price Chopper) and someone slams on their breaks to take a photo of the leaves, I struggle to keep my cool.

So if there are any tourists out there reading this post, I beg you: find a parking area when taking pics of the brilliant fall vistas.

Police Chief: No right-hand lane on Bloomingdale Avenue

2010-08-31T13:24:00.000-04:00

If you’re driving along Bloomingdale Avenue, make sure to stay out of the right-hand bike lane.

In an effort to clear up confusion surrounding the intersection of Bloomingdale Avenue and Church Street, WNBZ reached out to Saranac Lake Village Police Chief Bruce Nason Tuesday afternoon.

Nason says motorists who believe there are two lanes are simply wrong.

“Where the white line is – that’s a bike lane,” he told WNBZ.

In recent months, many callers on Talk of the Town have questioned if traffic driving straight should be pulling to the right at the light. Some argue that because there are two lights, there should be two lanes.

“That’s just not true,” Nason said. “There are many intersection with multiple traffic lights and just one lane.”

He notes that it’s the same case at the intersection of Ampersand Avenue and Broadway.

“The DOT installs a couple of lights quite often for visibility reasons,” Nason said. “People might try to argue that point with you, but they’re wrong.”

WNBZ is 'kinda' involved in this -- Doheny nails Hoffman for no debates in western region

2010-08-26T15:03:00.007-04:00

The Matt Doheny campaign hammered Doug Hoffman Thursday for allegedly ducking requests to debate Doheny in the western portion of the district. Hoffman, who now lives in Saranac Lake, has agreed to two debates, one in Plattsburgh and another in Saranac Lake. Doheny resides in Watertown.

I have yet to call the Hoffman camp about this...

And the release -- a really fun one, too:

Statement from Alison Power, spokesperson, Doheny for Congress Campaign:

“On Monday August 24, the Young Republican clubs of Lewis and Jefferson Counties invited Matt Doheny and Doug Hoffman to participate in a debate on August 31, at the Italian American Club in Watertown. We accepted. Doug Hoffman, through his campaign manager Patrick Gerhart, declined the invitation: ‘Unfortunately, Doug will not be able to make that date do (sic) to a previous commitment.‘

The clubs offered to change the date and/or the time and were told on Monday that the Hoffman campaign would “look into it.” It is our understanding that the Young Republicans have not to date heard anything more from the Hoffman camp.

The outright dismissal of local activist Republicans and, by extension, voters across the 23rd Congressional District is shocking but to us, not surprising.

Our campaign manager has been virtually ignored in his requests to the Hoffman campaign to coordinate dates and venues. Lip service from Mr. Hoffman’s surrogates has been given to all requests for debates, except two: one, on September 1, sponsored by UNYTEA, the group endorsing Mr. Hoffman, and a second, on September 7, hosted by area media in Mr. Hoffman’s own backyard of Saranac Lake. We are grateful to the individuals who have worked to make those debates happen and eager to participate in them.

But there is a 23rd District west of Essex County. Voters across the district deserve to see these two Republican candidates speak for themselves before the September 14th primary.

Since Mr. Hoffman’s primary spokesperson continues to make patently false statements such as this one in Monday’s Plattsburgh Press Republican – “The Hoffman campaign is looking forward to debates with Matt Doheny.” – we are asking for comments and truth from the candidate himself.

We publicly ask Mr. Hoffman to:

· * State what his prior commitment is on August 31

· * Offer another date prior to September 14 for a debate to be hosted by the Jefferson and Lewis counties Young Republicans clubs. Matt will clear his calendar to accommodate a date suitable for Mr. Hoffman.

Mr. Hoffman has been quoted as saying that he is "absolutely" willing to debate Matt Doheny, to “get the real issues on the table and the real me on the table and hopefully the real Matt on the table," he said. The “real” Matt Doheny has been out among the people in all 11 counties of this Congressional district for the past nine months. We’re looking forward to hearing from the “real” Doug Hoffman."

WHOA!!

Okay, okay, full disclosure here. WNBZ is largely responsible for the September 7 debate in Saranac Lake -- "Mr. Hoffman's backyard." It was organized by the station in concert with the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. I don't think Alison is accusing us of bias. The Doheny Campaign has remained extremely available and responsive to us.

That said; God I love campaign season..

Doheny gains more GOP support

2010-08-26T14:29:00.005-04:00

Matt Doheny -- GOP Congressional challenger to Bill Owens -- got even more institutional backing this week. Doheny is currently spending as much time battling Conservative Doug Hoffman for the November GOP line as he is dealing with the incumbent.

Here's the release:

Watertown, NY – Three leaders in the national political arena – former Congressmen Bill Paxon, Tom Reynolds and Tom Davis – have endorsed the candidacy of Matt Doheny, Watertown, in the 23rd Congressional District of New York State.

“Matt is the kind of political newcomer we need in Washington today,” former Rep. Paxon (R-Buffalo,NY) said. “He’s a fiscal conservative who can apply both business and common sense to our nation’s current economic crisis. Matt can win the 23rd back for Republicans, and become a key vote against the failed policies of Obama and Pelosi.”

Paxon represented New York’s 26th Congressional District from 1989 to 1999. He was a leader of the “Republican Revolution” of 1994, which saw the GOP win control of the House, and the historic 1996 elections that saw the Republicans retain House control for the first time in more than 65 years. He is a former Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and remains a senior leader of the Republican Party.

His successor in Congress, former Rep. Reynolds (R-Buffalo,NY), is also backing Doheny’s bid.

“Matt has an incredible depth of knowledge on the most important issues of our day,” Reynolds commented. “Whether it’s the bloated federal budget, health care legislation, or creating private sector jobs, he knows the facts and he has the right vision.”

Reynolds represented New York’s 26th Congressional District from 1999 to 2009. He was a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and a member of three subcommittees: Trade, Select Revenue Measures, and Oversight. He was elected to the House Republican Majority Leadership, and is a former chairman of the NRCC.

Former Rep. Davis (R-VA) praised Doheny’s energy and commitment to this campaign. “These mid-terms are so important to the country and the direction we must take to stop the damaging policies of this Administration,” he said. “For months Matt has dedicated himself to securing the 23rd District seat and adding his voice to the chorus for change in Congress.”

Congressman Davis served seven terms in the United States House representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.

In the House Davis served as Chairman of the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee. He is a former chairman of the NRCC and president and CEO of the Republican Main Street Partnership.

Doheny is in the Republican primary on September 14 that leads to the general election on November 2, in which he will face off against incumbent Rep. Bill Owens (D-Plattsburgh). The New York State Independence Party, as well as numerous district Republican county committees and chairs have endorsed him. Earlier this month he was endorsed by former Congressman David O’B. Martin, who represented the district for 12 years.

Doheny has already secured the endorsements of nine or 11 county GOP committees as well as the backing of Franklin County Republican Chair Jim Ellis. NOTE: Franklin County Republicans didn't endorse a candidate, instead choosing to wait for the winner of the Doheny/Hoffman primary.

Hoffman has gained the backing of the Upstate New York Tea Party and numerous conservative PACs.

Both the Hoffman and Doheny claim to have their fingers' on the pulse of the electorate. I guess we'll see who's right Sepember 14.

The two will debate on September 1 in Plattsburgh and again September 7 in Saranac Lake.

Longtime Democratic strategist backing Gibson

2010-08-26T14:16:00.008-04:00

Here's a release from Chris Gibson's Congressional campaign.

Gibson -- a Republican -- is challenging incumbent Democrat Scott Murphy's reelection bid:

Kinderhook, NY – The Chris Gibson for Congress campaign announced the formation of Democrats for Gibson, a district-wide organization of members of the Democratic Party who support Chris Gibson as the next Congressman of New York’s 20th Congressional District.

“We are proud that people from all political persuasions are supporting our campaign,” said Chris Gibson. “We have reached out to those looking for a better way forward regardless of party affiliation and welcome the support of Democrats, Independents, Conservatives, Republicans, Tea Party and other new voters. Growing up here and in a union household, most of my family were Democrats. I am glad to have the support of this distinguished group of long time Democrats who believe that the way forward must include reducing spending, borrowing and taxing. Our children do not deserve to inherit the unsustainable debt that we have amassed and I will reach across party lines and work with everyone to change course.”

Bartle Bull, a long-time active New York State Democrat, is serving as chairman of Democrats for Gibson. Paul Raihofer, former Deputy Mayor and current Village Trustee of Valatie, and Arthur Shiff, a leading Democrat in Germantown, are serving as co-chairs in Columbia County. Additional co-chairs in various towns and counties in the District will be announced shortly.

Bartle Bull, a writer, lawyer and former publisher of the Village Voice, who lives in Amenia, New York, was Robert Kennedy’s New York State campaign manager in 1968 and was chairman of Citizens for Hugh Carry and Mario Cuomo in their campaigns for Governor of New York. He was also, Jimmy Carter’s New York State campaign coordinator in 1976 and was chairman of New Yorkers for Edward Kennedy for President in 1980. He served as a Civil Rights lawyer in Mississippi in the 1960’s and in 2003 received a Civil Rights medal from the late Senator Edward Kennedy.

“The problems facing our District and our Country oblige us to rise above partisanship and elect the best available men and women,” said Bull. “Chris Gibson is a proven leader who exemplifies the qualities of intelligence, integrity and experience that our District and our County need today.”

Gibson is giving Murphy a real run for his money, even though he's raised and spent only a fraction as much as the incumbent has. The New York Times has officially declared the race for NY's 20th a "toss up."

SL man enters guilty plea in drug case

2010-08-26T11:55:00.001-04:00

A 22-year-old Saranac Lake man pleaded guilty to a bevy of drug charges in Franklin County Court this week.

James T. Lacey was arrested in April after police observed him conducting a narcotics transaction. He was originally charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a prescription not in its original container.

At the time, Saranac Lake Village Police said Lacey was seen selling – quote – “10 narcotic preparation pills” to another individual.

Appearing before Franklin County Court Judge Robert G. Main Jr. on Monday, Lacey pleaded guilty to the sole count of fifth-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance.

He was also sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison for felony violation of probation.

Sentencing on the drug charges is scheduled for Oct. 25.

Police find body of missing Lake Clear woman

2010-08-25T16:53:00.002-04:00

Law enforcement officials located the body of a missing Lake Clear woman early Wednesday afternoon.

The discovery of 37-year-old Carrie Bailey’s body ends a two-day search that launched Monday after family members reported her missing.

Troopers Jim Butzer and Raymond Caldwell found Bailey’s body in the driver’s seat of her 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser at a camp down off Hull Road in Rainbow Lake in the town of Brighton.

Officials with New York State Police Troop “B” and state Department of Environmental Conservation announced the discovery of the body at a 3 p.m. press conference at the Brighton municipal park in Gabriels.

State Police Captain Robert LaFountain said the investigation began Monday after family members reported Bailey missing.

“As a result of information developed, the family had great concern for her safety,” he said. “The investigation was intensified Tuesday, with aerial and ground searches, primarily along roadways, looking for Carrie and her vehicle. The forest rangers were kind enough to come over and set up a GPS mapping system to conduct a more detailed search of this area.”

LaFountain said Bailey was last seen at a camp in the Rainbow Lake area.

While conducting a door-to-door search of camps in the area, Troopers Butzer and Caldwell located the vehicle and found a deceased female inside.

The scene was secured and a forensic identification unit began an on-scene investigation, LaFountain said.

“One of the investigators, Senior Investigator Edward Gibbs, knew Ms. Bailey and positively identified her as the deceased subject inside,” he said.

Bailey was last scene shortly after midnight Saturday morning at a friend’s camp in Rainbow Lake. Regional Forest Ranger Captain John Streiff said the body was located about half a mile from the camp at a second camp that investigators say may be owned by one of Bailey’s family members.

There was no damage to the vehicle.

LaFountain estimated there are hundreds of camps in the area where Bailey was found. Captain Streiff says the dense forest made it difficult to locate the vehicle by air.

“It didn’t appear that people had been utilizing the camps nearby, even
though it’s busy in the area,” he said. “The vehicle was located on a road off of another road. Even though we did aerial detection, the vehicle had a black top and was under a pretty dense canopy. It was through cooperation with state police that we were able to find the body.”

Officials declined to comment on whether or not the death is being considered suspicious. Captain LaFountain said a coroner was at the scene Wednesday afternoon and an autopsy was expected to follow.

Investigators hope to announce a cause of death Thursday.

Bailey has many family members in the Tri-Lakes area and was living with her father and step mother in Lake Clear before her death. Police say her family became concerned when she stopped making calls and texting on her cell phone.

The investigation is considered ongoing.

Schumer to visit Adirondack Museum, talk tourism

2010-08-25T14:17:00.000-04:00

New York’s senior U.S. Senator Charles Schumer will visit Blue Mountain Lake tomorrow.

The Democrat, who’s running for re-election this fall, will speak at the Adirondack Museum at 2:45 p.m. Friday.

According to a release issued by museum officials, Schumer will discuss the Travel Regional Investment Partnership Act – known as the TRIP bill. The legislation aims to support and grow tourism and is being co-sponsored by Schumer.

Regional business owners, local officials, tourism professionals, and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend.

Schumer notes that tourism is New York’s second largest industry, producing well over $660 billion in economic activity annually. Adirondack communities rely heavily on tourism to support the regional economy.

The Senator says his bill would increase tourism through the creation of a grant program that aims to bring together government and the private sector in order to improve parks, build infrastructure and market tourist destinations.

Schumer says the bill greatly aids communities that lack the budget necessary for tourism promotion – that’s the case for many municipalities throughout the park.

“The TRIP Act will help improve the region’s already great tourist attractions and provide critically needed funding to keep the visitors, and their dollars, coming,” Schumer said in a prepared statement.

“Creating jobs has got to be our number one priority and focusing on tourism is one of the most effective ways of doing that.”

Museum officials said that anyone interested in attending Friday’s event needs to say so at the front desk.

Police searching for missing Lake Clear woman

2010-08-25T12:27:00.001-04:00

The search is on for a woman who went missing over the weekend in Franklin County.

Ray Brook-based state police say 37-year-old Carrie L. Bailey of Lake Clear was last seen Saturday, Aug. 21 shortly after midnight at a friend’s camp in the town of Brighton, near Rainbow Lake.

Bailey is a white female, approximately 5’9’’ tall and weighing about 115 pounds. She was last seen wearing blue “Capri” style jeans, a white tank top, a brown long-sleeve sweatshirt and sandals.

Troopers say she’s believed to be driving a silver 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible, with a license plate reading ERU 5171.

State police and state Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers are currently undertaking a ground and aerial search of the Rainbow Lake area.

Different groups have been assigned to specific areas to search for any signs of Bailey. The search began Monday when she was first reported missing.

State Police Captain Robert LaFountain told the Plattsburgh Press Republican that Bailey’s family is – quote – “concerned by her sudden and unexplained disappearance.”

Anyone with information regarding Bailey’s whereabouts is strongly urged to contact state police at 897-2000.

NCCC ranked among America’s best community colleges

2010-08-25T08:43:00.000-04:00

The good news continues to roll in for two local colleges.

Last week, Paul Smith’s College announced that it’s anticipating one of its largest classes in three decades. This week, officials at North Country Community College say the school has been included on a list of America’s 50 Best Community Colleges.

Washington Monthly magazine has NCCC ranked 22nd on its list for 2010. The rankings surveyed 650 community colleges across the nation, and NCCC received the highest ranking of any community college in New York.

The list is compiled using benchmarking data from the Community College Survey of Student Engagement and four-year federal graduation rates.

Ranking categories include learning, student effort, academic challenge, student-faculty interaction, support for learning, and four-year graduation ranks.

NCCC consistently ranked over 50 percent in every category.

“The schools on the list stand out in teaching and helping students earn degrees,” the Washington Monthly states. “When it comes to quality of instruction they outperform not only their two-year peers but also many elite four-year research universities.”

UNYTEA anticipates large crowd for primary debate

2010-08-24T15:53:00.001-04:00

The first of two debates between Republican Congressional hopefuls Matt Doheny and Doug Hoffman is expected to draw a substantial crowd.

The debate is being hosted by the Upstate New York Tea Party and is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1 at the West Side Ballroom on New York Road at the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base.

Mark Barie is chairman of UNYTEA. He says the first debate is expected to draw more than 200 people.

“We’ll be prepared to seat a minimum of 200 and as many as 300 spectators,” Barie said. “We expect a large turnout from both our own ranks but also from the public at large.”

Hoffman, a Saranac Lake accountant, is being backed by UNYTEA and has the Conservative Party line as election season approaches. Doheny is a businessman from Watertown with backing from county GOP committees and independents.

The debate features opening and closing remarks from both candidates and a series of questions from a panelist of local reports, including: Jeremiah Papineau of Denton Publications, Pat Bradley of WAMC Northeast Public Radio, and Joe Lotemplio of the Plattsburgh Press Republican.

Barie will serve as moderator, which he says may be tricks given UNYTEA’s vocal support of Hoffman.

“Neither I nor members of the audience will pose questions to the candidates,” he said. “We view our sponsorship of the debate as a public service and will conduct the event in an impartial manner.”

A second debate is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7 at the Harrietstown Town Hall in Saranac Lake. That debate will be moderated by WNBZ News Director Chris Morris and features a panelist of North Country journalists, including: Peter Crowley of the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Brian Mann of North Country Public Radio, and Matt Bosley of Denton Publications.

State police investigating burglaries in Schroon Lake

2010-08-23T14:25:00.000-04:00

Law enforcement officials are seeking the public’s help in solving a string of burglaries in Essex County.

State police say at least five businesses located on Main Street in the town of Schroon Lake have reported overnight break-ins in recent weeks. A statement issued Monday states that the incident occurred between August 20 and August 2.

The Morning Star Bistro, Crunch Time Bakery and Deli, Flannigan’s Pub, Timberwolf Pub and Pitkin’s Restaurant all reported money stolen.

Anyone with information pertaining to these crimes should contact Investigator Mashall Rocque at 873-2771.

UNYTEA reaches 1,000 members

2010-08-20T12:04:00.000-04:00

Here's a release issued last week by Mark Barie, chairman of the Upstate New York Tea Party (UNYTEA):

The Upstate New York Tea (UNYTEA) party has reached its goal of one thousand members.

According to UNYTEA party Chairman, Mark L Barie, the grassroots organization surpassed its goal of one thousand members by September 1st, just this week. At an organizational meeting in Port Henry on Thursday an additional sixteen members were signed up.

The one thousandth member was also one of UNYTEA’s youngest recruits. Fourteen year old Tommy Yakalis of Mineville was in attendance with his mother Jill. The teenager will be a freshman at Moriah Central School in the fall. He recently scored a perfect 100 on his eighth grade State of New York history exams.

Doug Hoffman, a GOP candidate for the US Congress was a guest speaker at the meeting. He, along with UNYTEA’s Port Henry Volunteer Coordinator, Brett Thompson, presented Yakalis with a U.S. flag, an engraved UNYTEA lapel pin and a replica of a Revolutionary War tri-corner hat.

“Young Tommy and his mom are typical of the people who support UNYTEA and continue to work very hard on our behalf, said Barie, adding, “These are the people who are hurt most by the tax and spend policies of politicians in both Washington and Albany.”

Both Hoffman and Barie criticized incumbent Congressman Bill Owens for his recent vote in favor of a 26 billion dollar aid package for public schools and state governments.

Barie told the group, “Public schools and state governments will never cut their spending as long as Washington is there to bail them out with more of our tax dollars.”

Malone teen in critical condition after falling asleep at the wheel

2010-08-18T13:33:00.001-04:00

A young man from Franklin County is in critical condition today after apparently falling asleep at the wheel.

Malone-based state police say 19-year-old Jonathon Foster of Malone was driving his pickup truck along state Route 30 at approximately 6 p.m. in the town of Duane when he exited the roadway and crashed.

Troopers and emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene and found Foster trapped inside the truck. Police say he was barely conscious.

He was extricated from the vehicle and airlifted to the Fletcher Allen Healthcare Center in Burlington, Vermont, where he was listed in critical condition as of Wednesday morning.

Troopers say Foster sustained multiple serious injuries in the crash. It’s believed that he fell asleep behind the wheel and was traveling alone.

An investigation into the accident is ongoing.

Gubernatorial election could be over before it starts

2010-08-18T13:29:00.000-04:00

More from Jon:

Poll data released by the Siena College Research Institute Wednesday indicates the race for governor could be over before it even starts.

The poll also shows that the Republican U.S. Senate candidates are facing a significant public relations problem – no one knows who they are.

The survey of 788 registered New York voters found that 61 percent of total respondents hold a favorable opinion of Democratic gubernatorial candidate and state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Of that, 38 percent of Republicans polled hold Cuomo in high regard. Only 32 percent think favorably of GOP standard-bearer Rick Lazio, with Republicans polling at only 47 percent.

Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said the data indicates neither Lazio nor tea party candidate Carl Paladino have been able to find a weakness in Cuomo’s armor. Paladino will primary Lazio for the GOP line.

“Neither Rick Lazio nor Carl Paladino has made a dent in the favorable view voters have of Cuomo. Nor have they made much progress in closing the large electoral gap Cuomo enjoys over both of them,” Greenberg said.

If the election were held today Cuomo would steamroll Lazio by a margin of 60 percent to 26 percent in a head-to-head match-up, according to the poll. 27 percent of Republicans and 51 percent of independents polled would vote for Cuomo.

In the race for Kirsten Gillibrand’s Senate seat, New York’s junior Senator enjoys the advantage of name recognition.

87 percent of the voters polled have no opinion about GOP Senate challenger David Malpass. This includes 89 percent of Republicans, who said they don’t know enough about Malpass to have an opinion of him.

His Republican challenger in the race for the GOP line, Joe DioGuardi, is in a similar boat. Some 76 percent of respondents have no opinion of DioGuardi, including 71 percent of Republicans.

“For the first time, more voters – 38 percent – would rather elect Kirsten Gillibrand to the Senate seat she was appointed to, rather than the 36 percent who support someone else,” Greenberg said.

Gillibrand would handedly defeat any of her opponents if the election were held on the day the poll was conducted.

The Siena poll was conducted between August 9 and 12 and features a 3.5 percent margin of error.

Gay Republicans back Sayward, Duprey

2010-08-18T13:25:00.002-04:00

Here's a piece penned by my colleague Jon Alexander:

Republican Assemblywomen Teresa Sayward and Janet Duprey received the endorsement last week of the state Log Cabin Republicans – a GOP political action committee focused on equal rights for homosexuals.

Sayward and Duprey are two of only three Republican state lawmakers currently seeking reelection to receive the organization’s backing, according to its state Chairman Greg Angelo.

“They just don’t talk about equal rights, they have gone on record and voted in favor of marriage equality time and again,” Angelo said. “It is with great pride that we endorse them for reelection this fall.”

Assemblyman Joel Miller of Poughkeepsie also received Log Cabin support.

Earlier this year, Sayward and Duprey voted in favor of legislation that would have legalized gay marriage in New York. It easily passed in the Assembly, but died on the Senate floor.

“We must protect and promote the civil rights of all Americans and the Log Cabin Republicans work tirelessly to make sure that the LGBT community’s rights are protected,” Sayward said. “I am proud to once again have their endorsement.”

Opponents of the measure argue it is an affront to the tradition of marriage. Senator Betty Little has said she would support a civil union system, but will not back outright gay marriage.

But like Sayward, Duprey said gay marriage is an issue of equal protection and smaller, non-invasive government.

“I will continue to support our shared Republican values of lower taxes, less government, a strong, free market economy and equal rights for everyone,” Duprey said. “We must work harder than ever to help New York become a place that is friendly to small business, encouraging of job creation, affordable to live and fully inclusive of everyone.”

Support for social issues like gay marriage are risky for members of the increasingly-fractured Republican Party. Last year, Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava was drummed out of her congressional bid because her right-wing opponent, Doug Hoffman, effectively cast her as a liberal in elephant’s clothing.

Angelo called Duprey, Sayward and Miller the strongest allies of the Log Cabin cause in the state.

The Log Cabin PAC is the nation’s largest Republican gay and lesbian political organization.

Texas Republicans Congressman Pete Sessions and Senator John Cornyn are the keynote speakers at the organization’s national chapter dinner in September.

Another Palin endorsement for Hoffman?

2010-07-29T14:45:00.001-04:00

Speaking during an appearance on Fox Business Channel, Congressional candidate Doug Hoffman said he expects to be endorsed by former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

The Saranac Lake accountant has Conservative and Tea Party support ahead of the September 14 Republican primary. Hoffman received an endorsement from the former vice presidential candidate last fall before a special election for New York’s 23rd Congressional District seat.

“Sarah has verbally told me she will endorse me,” he said. “I’m waiting for that to come though, and I hope it comes through soon.”

Hoffman says he hopes Palin will announce her endorsement before the primary election.
Inquiries sent to Palin’s handlers went unreturned Thursday.

Watch the full interview with Hoffman here.

Poll shows Hoffman with lead over Doheny

2010-07-20T15:59:00.002-04:00

A poll conducted for Doug Hoffman’s campaign shows the Saranac Lake accountant with a commanding lead over his GOP opponent Matt Doheny.

The poll was released by McLaughlin & Associates and shows Hoffman with a 52 to 20 percent lead over Doheny, a Watertown businessman.

More than half of voters in the poll said they’d vote for the conservative Republican over the moderate Republican. 54 percent identified Hoffman as conservative.

Hoffman has Conservative and Tea Party support and will face-off with Doheny in a September primary. Doheny has the support of the Republican and Independence parties.

Both men hope to unseat Democratic Representative Bill Owens this November in the race for the 23rd Congressional District seat.

Rob Ryan, a spokesman for Hoffman’s campaign, said voters shouldn’t be weary of the poll even though it was financed by the candidate.

“In this case the pollster is a nationally respected pollster; he would
lose credibility and business if his poll wasn't on target,” Ryan said.

He adds that similar polls conducted for Hoffman’s campaign during last year’s special election were fairly accurate.

Elizabethtown man charged with second-degree rape

2010-07-20T13:40:00.001-04:00

A 22-year-old Elizabethtown man faces several felony charges following allegations that he engaged a minor in sexual acts.

Saranac Lake Village Police arrested Kendall T. Fenton at 2:15 a.m. Tuesday and charged him with second-degree rape, a class-D felony.

He’s also charged with second-degree criminal sexual act, a class-D felony; third-degree criminal sexual act, a class-E felony; and endangering the welfare of a child, a class-A misdemeanor.

Chief Bruce Nason told WNBZ that officers were out on routine patrol when they noticed a suspicious parked vehicle in the parking lot at the Saranac Lake High School. Police approached the vehicle and engaged both individuals in an interview and determined that a sexual act had taken place.

When officers established the age of both subjects, they discovered the female was just 14-years-old.

“Subsequent interviews also determined that the two subjects engaged in multiple sex acts, resulting in the additional charges,” Nason said.

Nason said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be pending.

Fenton was processed at the police department, arraigned in village court and remanded to Franklin County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

He’s scheduled to reappear in village court at a later date.

Truth is stranger than fiction, or, "Lake Placid (the Movie)!"

2010-07-16T08:47:00.002-04:00

It was more than a decade ago when I sauntered over to the Palace Theatre in Lake Placid to watch, well, Lake Placid.

I'm an admitted horror movie junkie. When I say junkie, I'm not being kitchy; if I go too long without seeing a good gore fest, I start shaking and sweating, a la Trainspotting.

Well, it looks like Lake Placid (the movie) is reenacting itself in upstate New York. This from the Associated Press:

"Two teenage brothers following a turtle in a drainage area near an upstate New York park came upon an even bigger reptile: a 2-foot-long alligator.

"Nineteen-year-old Cliff Bickham III and his 16-year-old brother Jared were riding their bicycles Wednesday afternoon when they spotted a turtle across the street from a park in Johnson City, near Binghamton.

"They were tracking the turtle in a drainage area under an overpass when they saw the gator in several inches of water. Cliff Bickham pictures of the gator with his cell phone and sent them to his parents.

"Their father caught the gator and taped its mouth shut before taking the reptile to the police station.

"Police turned the gator over to a former pet store owner who specialized in reptiles."

Gillibrand on a fundraising tear

2010-07-15T11:04:00.003-04:00

If there were any questions surrounding Kirsten Gillibrand's ability to raise funds, they've been answered loud and clear.

New York's junior Democratic senator pulled in $2 million in the second quarter of 2010. The Associated Press reports Gillibrand has more than $7.2 million in her campaign coffers as she prepares to run for her first full term this fall.

She was appointed to the seat last year by New York Governor David Paterson after Hillary Clinton was appointed U.S. secretary of state.

Three Republicans hopefuls will square off in a September primary. Barring any petitioning setbacks, those candidates will be Bruce Blakeman, Joseph DioGuardi and David Malpass; the deadline to file petitions was Thursday.

Malpass has $2.4 million on-hand; $1.7 million through campaign donations and $1.5 million of his own money. Numbers for Blakeman and DioGuardi weren't available Thursday.

Gillibrand will face a challenge in a September primary. New York City lawyer Gail Goode filed her petitions Thursday morning. She says New Yorkers deserve another option as they had to the polls.