Republican Congressman Amo Houghton never wanted to represent Rochester, and according to his critics in Monroe County, he doesn’t.
Chris Busby
Posted inNews & Opinion
Pucker up, piggie
I’m picturing County Executive Jack Doyle sitting at his kitchen table, preparing to write his final State of the County address. It’s late on a hot summer night, and Doyle is sweating through his cotton pajamas, his favorite pair, the ones with the little golfers on them (sorry to put that visual in your […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Alan’s angels
Part two of a two-part series. Read Part one here. In last week’s issue, we undoubtedly introduced many of you to New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi, a little-known public figure around here who nevertheless wields an enormous amount of power and influence. Hevesi and his staff of 2,300 are the state’s auditors, accountants, […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Alan’s angels
Part one of a two-part series. Read Part two here. Alan Hevesi holds a deceptively low-key position in state government. As New York’s comptroller, he oversees the pension fund for state and local government employees. His office also serves as the state’s auditor and bookkeeper, and as such, it analyzes the budgets of municipalities, […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Fighting terrorism with drug money
County Executive Jack Doyle wants to use grant money designated to help fight the drug war to help fight the war on terrorism when that fight shifts to the PGA Championship at Oak Hill County Club this August. In a May 5 referral to the County Legislature, Doyle wrote that the PGA Championship “is […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Thanks for nothing
It’s easy to become jaded while observing local politics, especially as it pertains to education. Contrary to some folks’ naïve notions, “education is a political process,” as city school board member Bolgen Vargas said at the board’s June 19 meeting. Indeed, politics was on everyone’s mind that night. The board had convened to pick […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Debating the county exec debates
This year’s candidates for Monroe County Executive haven’t yet faced off in a public debate. But behind the scenes, the debate between their respective campaigns over what form those public debates will take, and how many there will be, is raging. Democrat Bill Johnson’s campaign manager, Travis Heider, says his candidate is willing to […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
The tobacco trick
It’s interesting to note which political events attract television news coverage. When Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle held a press conference last August to announce sweeping spending cuts in the face of a massive budget deficit, the carefully coifed, heavily make-upped TV news reporters swarmed the Public Safety Building on Fitzhugh Street. That evening, […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Develop this!
The dead center of downtown Rochester could thrive with life again, if only county Republicans would get out of the way. That’s what Democratic city officials are saying, and though they do their fair share of useless political sniping, in this case, I happen to believe them. If you care what happens to the […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Lights, camera, action?
I agree wholeheartedly with Republican County Clerk/Executive candidate Maggie Brooks. “We’ve had enough studies, enough conferences, and enough meetings,” Brooks has declared on several campaign occasions. “Now is the time to roll up our sleeves, bring people together, and get the job done.” Amen, Maggie. And to that, I would add that I’ve had […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Welcome to the machine
by Chris Busby At least three Democratic candidates for seats on the Rochester City School Board will continue their campaigns, despite failing to get the party’s endorsement at its May 17 convention. Howard Eagle, Jim Greco, and Woody Hammond say they’ll gather petition signatures to force a primary this September, in hopes of running on […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Filling Giuffrida’s sneakers
Joanne Giuffrida’s departure from the city school board puts her fellow board members in a potentially contentious position. Granted, the fractious board, which has brawled over the departure of former superintendent Cliff Janey and its own bylaws during the past year, has been a powder keg of conflicting personalities for some time now. But […]
