Great political leaders possess the unique ability to create dynamic legislation with members of the opposite party through compromise. This is rewarded when an idea successfully materializes into a … more

Democracy may be an increasingly rare creature in what is slowly becoming a worldwide jungle of authoritarian state rule.  Nearly without exception, despotic rulers around the world are … more

The following is an open letter to the Town of Tusten Planning Board. Dear Planning Board members:  I was pleased that I was able to attend your most recent planning board meeting on … more

Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his first budget address [on March 7], proposing a $45.7 billion state spending plan for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. That would increase general fund spending by more than … more

The county leaders who represent New York’s local property taxpayers unanimously adopted a resolution during their annual legislative conference, calling on Gov. Hochul to continue sharing … more

When Kathleen Hochul became governor, she promised a “new era of transparency.” In her recent state of the state address, Gov. Hochul did not say one word about transparency. In the … more

Black History Month has drawn to a close, Black Studies having dominated headlines for the wrong reasons this month, so I thought I’d take time for the right ones. As you may know, my … more

Last Wednesday evening I, as well as many other town Republican committee members, attended the nominating convention of Sullivan County’s Republican Party. more

The mainstream press typically espouses and aspires to balanced and objective journalism. The fact that none of us has “God’s eye” and thus could never actually claim to know the exact and objective truth seemingly runs counter to any such professed goal. more

Yes, we were forewarned about the storm that “chilled” the Catskills earlier this month. No rain was expected. So we’d see nothing like what engulfed Buffalo in December. That ghostliness was not only from the icy, white shroud covering everything. There were also the deaths of citizens who ventured outside, or who simply couldn’t get back home.  more

Catskill Mountainkeeper and our allies, representing tens of thousands of New Yorkers, are calling on Gov. Hochul to end her administration’s plan to add additional lanes along 50 miles of New York Route 17. more

When we think of February, we think of all the lovely things associated with Valentine’s Day, like flowers, chocolates and romantic dinners. But we know all too well that too many people’s relationships bear little resemblance to a Hallmark movie—especially those relationships that are plagued by violence.  more

Happy Black History Month! Happy Valentine’s Day! And, what does this day have to do with this month? The answer is quite LOVE-ly. more

As chair of the New York State Assembly’s mental health committee, I was encouraged to hear Gov. Hochul highlight the need to focus on livability, affordability and safety. Expanding and improving access to clean energy, health care, childcare and housing are key factors if we are to help our families. more

Where does your water come from? more

To me, participating in meetings on the local level is critical to protecting the environment, and improving our way of life.  more

Amidst an ongoing and worsening mental health crisis in New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul has taken action that will deeply impact the availability of affordable mental health services for constituents across the state.   more

The American Heart Association supports Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plans to achieve a tobacco-free next generation of New Yorkers by proposing to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products and increase the cigarette tax.  more

On January 10, 1924, a Black woman, 60-ish, travels by mule cart from her Newland, NC family farm on the rim of the Great Dismal Swamp to the Pasquotank County seat in Elizabeth City. more

Many see New Year’s as a “beginning event,” marked by a plan to start over again. With our resolutions that we promised ourselves, and our hopes we project out into the universe, the new year shines brightly with all its possibility. more