In Case You Missed It…
Geez, we didn’t write a lot last week. That isn’t to say that there wasn’t a lot going on. Let’s look at the week that was on Rochesterturning starting with this.
Not sure which category to put this in but when this happens this still amazes me - we write a local story and it ultimately shows up on other blogs where the storyline isn’t part of their traditional coverage. We wrote about David Sirota’s first D&C column two weeks ago and first broke the fact that that Sirota may be picked up by the D&C. The Albany Project picked it up and ultimately a writer over at Openleft with Rochester roots - writes about it. Sort of a full circle thing,
So, the larger question is have you contacted the D&C yet to encourage them to pick up Sirota as a regular columnist? email opinion page editor Jim Lawrence at jlawrenc@democratandchronicle.com
Health Care Perspective
This was a big week in Health Care - the Senate Finance Committee (Max Baucus Chair, Sen Schumer member) was to vote on their version of the bill.
So, lets start with why we need Universal Health Care reform. There was this ad on why we need to protect insurance companies and the status quo. Yet another rally in Washington D.C. featuring one of the folks who was arrested in the Senate Finance Committee.
Let’s be clear - We know that the Democrats made a strategic mistake accepting the decision not to start negotiation with a single payer bill (option or system- two different things). Had these arrests not happened - I believe we would be voting on a bill that did more to protect the status quo than anything else.
Turns out that the Senate Finance Committee voted down a public option. Senator Schumer weighs in. Howard Dean speaks. Rep Grayson calls it like it is.
Local Politics
We wrapped up some oddness in the September Primary election. Dems wage a successful write-in campaign to earn an Independence Party ballot line in the LD-13 (Henrietta) and lose the Democratic ballot line to a Republican in the LD-20 (Chili, Riga, Odgen)
Monroe County locked itself into 20 year, $240 million dollar contract. An LLC that is about a year old, projected savings of $500 thousand annually. The world headquarters of the company that was awarded this contract looks like a Frat House with a cute sign.
Homelessness - there is a community meeting on the homeless situation in Rochester.
Development -
I’ve railed pretty hard on local corporate welfare activities like COMIDA, Empire Zones and the like. I find these activities generally unfairly applied and largely unnecessary. I’ll toss in that they measure the wrong thing as well (Job shifting and job creation are two different things) . The benefits largely go to line the pockets of owners by increasing profit margins. That property tax exemptions are granted for business that would locate here anyway - simply does not make sense.
We had a couple of local development stories this week.
The RBTL wants to build a theater in the ‘burbs. Will it be paid for?
Bene-Care (a health insurance brokers) invests in Rochester with your tax money.
Mario’s (the Daniele family) looks to invest in Brighton without it.
State
Paloma Capanna is running for State Supreme Court. A great candidate, she recently ran a spirited campaign for State Senator to replace Mike Nozzolio.
The New York State Democratic Committee has a new Chairman. By the way, they met in Buffalo last week where the new Chairman was appointed and we didn’t’ hear a lot about it. There a a lot of work to do on the State level. The New York Democratic party is centered in New York City and one of the things they need to do is reach out and support upstate activities. Lets start with the State Senate.
New York State mandates Immunizations for the regular flu virus. Nurses aren’t happy.
Quick Clicks -
Darth Vader darkened the otherwise bright skies above the ADKS.
Darth Vader “Barbie” wrote a book.
Wingnuts are back
Finally some Catholic blogger is pissed that Catholic Congressmen (Including Rep Dan Maffei) have signed up to repel the Defense of Marriage Act. Maybe this blogger needs to remember what John F Kennedy, Democratic candidate for President who happened to be a Catholic said -
I do not speak for my church on public matters, and the church does not speak for me.
That’s it for now - see you next week
Related posts:
Since I have long ago cancelled my subscription to the D&C, biased rag that it is, I doubt they care for my opinion, but I shall tell them my opinion regardless