Power & Politics

In a wide-ranging conversation about his career, advocacy, criminal justice reform and the current narratives regarding federal judges, former Saratoga County Judge and District Attorney James Murphy joined Power & Politics this week. Murphy now provides advice and analysis for Behan Communications, a Capital Region PR firm. "It's been a long career," Murphy says. "It's been 37 years between District Attorney and the judgeship, and so I've dealt with 1000s of cases, 1000s of victims, lots of police agencies, all kinds of cases, and I think it's always the thing that I liked the most about it was that I could help deliver substantial justice to the residents of the County. I could help victims who had been wronged in the DAs office. I could make important decisions as a judge and hopefully be fair and patient, treat the litigants with respect and make the right decision." Over the course of the conversation, Murphy discusses: -Domestic Violence justice advocacy -Discovery Laws -Bail Reform and "Dangerousness" -Cases he worked on -"Politicization" of judges -New Role, and his retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lee Kindlon, Albany County District Attorney, joined Power & Politics this week to take a deep dive into the State's Discovery laws, and their role in the ongoing budget debate at the State Capitol. Alongside Governor Kathy Hochul and the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York, Kindlon has been stumping for changes to the Discovery laws, which were reformed in 2019. Hochul has been steadfast in making changes to those laws, which she says is leading to an increase in case dismissals, especially in New York City. More progressive members of the State Senate and Assembly have pushed back, with advocates saying the 2019 reforms were a step forward towards creating a level playing field for victims and those charged. Kindlon was just elected to the post of Albany County District Attorney. Prior to this role, he was a longtime defense attorney in the Capital Region. "I think I have a unique voice to bring to the discussion. Obviously, the first 18 years of my professional career in Albany I spent as a hard charging, fire breathing defense attorney, which gives me certain perspective, and now I'm the District Attorney in Albany County in charge of making sure that all of the discovery gets from law enforcement, various investigating agencies, to the defendants and their attorneys. So, you know, I want to make sure that my voice is heard at the table during the discussions, and so everybody gets a full picture of what's going on." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As part of the wide-ranging conversation, Horner discussed the impact of late budgets on public perception, the role of policy initiatives in the budget and how Governor Hochul's budget approach is shaping New York's legislative process. They also discussed some of the initiatives Horner has advocated over the years, including the impact of Donald Trump's Executive Order on the Climate Change Superfund Act. Horner also spoke about the Bottle Bill, electric lawn equipment, and the evolution of the legislature during his decades at the State Capitol. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the 2025 legislative session began, New York's top lawmakers have often had a common theme when discussing budgeting, and that's calling on New York's Republican Congressional delegation to "protect New Yorkers" from federal budget cuts. Mike Lawler addresses those officials, and those issues, here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elise Stefanik's nomination as the United States United Nations Ambassador was pulled on Thursday, but NY-21 hopeful on the Democratic side Blake Gendebien says he's committed to the long haul. While the Republican side hadn't chosen a candidate for the potential special election, Democrats chose Gendebien as their candidate in early February. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

North Country farmer Blake Gendebien joins Power & Politics to discuss a variety of issues, including the conversation around a date for the special election in replacing Elise Stefanik, the impact of tariffs on farmers, immigration, keeping the government open, and more Note: This interview was conducted prior to the withdrawal of Stefanik's U.N. Ambassador nomination Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lee M. Miringoff, Director at Marist University Institute for Public Opinion discusses the withdrawal of Elise Stefanik's nomination as U.N. Ambassador for the United States Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rennie Glasgow discusses the impact of social security employees taking the federal government's retirement offer, responding to Elon Musk's comments, including Musk saying Social Security is the "Biggest Ponzi scheme of all time". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A roundtable discussion, hosted by CBS6's Briana Supardi and Tom Eschen, with a variety of perspectives on the current state of New York's prison system. Guests: Patrick Stevens, Center for Community Alternatives, formerly incarcerated individual Melanie Bishop, Mother of a currently incarcerated individual Nate Yando, a CO who recently resigned Bernadette Singer, Wife of a CO Asm. Scott Gray of Watertown (R) Asm. Emily Gallagher of Brooklyn (D) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A fierce debate over the One-House Budget proposals took place at the NYS Capitol this week, as the Senate and Assembly passed their budgets, setting up negotiations with Governor Kathy Hochul ahead of the April 1st final Budget Agreement deadline. Jake Ashby provided some of the Senate Minority's perspective on the issues, including rebate checks, NY Heat Act, prison closures, affordability and the increase of corporate tax rates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deshanna Wiggins, CEO of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussed several topics, including the work the organization does to build minority-owned businesses and beyond in the City of Albany. Wiggins talked about the challenges facing business owners in Albany, and the work they do to overcome them, saying collaboration is key. The discussion also included: -Proposed State Funding in Albany -DEI initiatives -Albany growing up vs Albany now -Difference between Atlanta and Albany -Do Semiconductor investments trickle down? -Effectiveness of State film tax credit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a wide-ranging, hour-plus long conversation on CBS6's Power & Politics, New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, among other topics, addressed his recent announcement that he won't be running on Governor Hochul's Gubernatorial ticket in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas Gant from the Center for Community Alternatives says he believes it's not a coincidence that correction officers are putting on unsanctioned strikes as the indictment into the homicide of Robert Brooks is unsealed. He defends the HALT Act, while also advocating for legislation to improve conditions for incarcerated individuals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ta-Sean Murdock, Director of Albany's Center for Law and Justice, joined CBS6's Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing several topics and issues facing the City of Albany and beyond. "I think it's heartbreaking," Murdock said regarding the several violent incidents in Albany this week. "We're seeing continued acts of violence all across the city of Albany, but in particular the South End. And for a while, I've been saying, 'Hey, we need to do better at finding ways to pour resources into areas where we know that acts of violence take place.' We know that the youth need programming, and we know that there is a need for services like mental health support individuals with housing and so many other things that are needed to prevent and to support with reducing violence." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announces that the Justice Department is suing the State of New York over its greenlight laws and immigration policies -High-ranking State Democrats are calling on NYC Mayor Eric Adams to step down, or for Kathy Hochul to remove him from his role...the 2025 Mayoral primary is June 24th -NY State Democrats proposing a bill to align the special election timeline with general elections...why it reported is tabled because of Kathy Hochul and Donald Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany Mayoral Candidate Dan Cerutti joined Power & Politics on Thursday, going over his plan if elected Mayor of Albany. Cerutti's background is in the tech industry, with this campaign being his first foray into the political realm. He's an Albany native, leaving the area for college and his business career, but returned nearly 10 years ago to put down roots in the Capital Region once again. A portion of the conversation focused on the $400 million proposed State funding for the revitalization of the City of Albany. "I applaud the Governor and her team for recognizing that we need it," he said. "This is fabulous. I think we need to take our time. We don't need to rush the thing. I think about the $400 million as an investment, not a grant, not a handout. We need to figure out ways to use it to attract other investments, right? So I know we have to do something in Liberty Square, not an open-air part-time stadium, but something multi-purpose, sports and entertainment-oriented. I want to do some development in the parcel where the central warehouse is, access to the water. I'd love to bring and attract an employer to the Kenwood Estates. I consider Lark Street part of Downtown. So there's a lot of things we have to do. We have to fix some of our basic problems, right? Public safety and housing, but overall, this is an absolute, tremendous opportunity." The conversation also included: -Public safety, where he says interim Chief Cox "Has it right." --Social workers within Police Department -Addressing quality of life concerns in Albany -Albany's inclusionary zoning/affordable housing saga -Big projects like Central Warehouse, St. Rose, Kenwood Commons, and grocery store plazas -Albany's Sanctuary City status -Cerutti's background and experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-New York Democrats reportedly want to extend the timeline of special elections and consolidate with primary or general election dates...which some are calling political -Pam Biondi is threatening funding municipalities who have Sanctuary Status -Donald Trump says he wants the United States to take ownership of the Gaza Strip Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy joins Power & Politics this week, discussing some of the biggest issues facing Albany County, and discussing his future as County Executive. The wide-ranging conversation covered a variety of topics, including: -Reaction as a former first responder to the tragic plane crash in D.C. -What "Sanctuary Status" means in Albany County -If he will run for Mayor of Albany in 2025 -Where he's hoping the $200 million in proposed State funding to the City of Albany will go -The future of the College of St. Rose Campus -State mandates, federal administration changes, and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-Recovery continues after a helicopter and passenger jet collided in Washington D.C., falling into the Potomac River, killing 67 people on board. Reaction pouring in after Donald Trump said Diversity-Equity-Inclusion to blame, Air Traffic Controllers saying hiring process is rigorous -How would potential federal funding cuts impact non-profit organizations, and how did Democrats respond? -Confirmation hearings continued this week, with New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan making a passionate statement against RFK Jr.'s claims regarding vaccines and autism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corey Ellis, Albany Common Council President, discussed his third run for Mayor of Albany on Power & Politics this week, outlining his vision, plans and proposals for the city's future. The conversation with Ellis continues CBS6's coverage of the Albany Mayoral race, already interviewing two candidates, Dorcey Applyrs and Carolyn McLaughlin, with plans to speak with the rest of the candidates leading up to the June 24 primary. "I'm running because of the same reason why I ran before," Ellis, who ran, but lost, in 2009 and 2013, says. "I believe that our city has a great potential, and we need to make sure we have a vision and the will to fulfill that potential. We can no longer be a city that's just surviving. We have to thrive. And I believe my vision and the things I've talked about in the past, if we had done those things right now, we might be in a different situation, but we're not. So we want to make sure that we continue to push forward, continue to grow and make it the city that it should be. So many people come to our city, they say Albany has all this potential, and now it's time for us to fulfill that potential. And I believe, with my energy, my experience, that we can fulfill that potential." The conversation included: -Ellis' desire to change Albany's perception as a "political town" -revitalizing downtown, and the importance of the State's $200 million proposal for the City -Ellis' thoughts on Interim Police Chief Brendan Cox, and if he'd ask Cox to stay if elected -community policing and social workers on the department, along with staffing shortages -Ellis' proposal to create a Business Council -Albany's Sanctuary City status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-Donald Trump's immediate Executive Orders stretch across industry and issues in the United States, including January 6th pardons -NY Governor Kathy Hochul proposed her FY2026 Budget this week, and says the State won't backfill any cuts of funding or services by the federal government -Tik Tok gives credit to Donald Trump for its return Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address this week, promising an agenda of affordability, which includes tax cuts to the middle class, universal free school meals and tripling the child care tax credit Trump's Cabinet picks questioned at the Capitol by lawmakers, including Pete Hegseth and Lee Zeldin Israel and Hamas appear to be on the verge of a ceasefire, but when will it be finalized? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barclay reacted to the Governor's speech, saying that Hochul echoed initiatives the Republican party has been pushing for the last few years in the State legislature, mostly the Child Tax Credit. (The Governor proposed to triple the Child Tax Credit, to $1000) "Welcome to the party, Governor, because these are issues that she talked about in her State of the State that Republican Assembly members have been talking about for some time, the two biggest things, affordability and crime," Barclay said. "She talked about a middle class tax cut, great. She talked about the inflation rebate, which, I'm not against that, because it does give money back to the taxpayers, but it seems a little inefficient to tax people and then give their money back to them, and it's only a one-shot deal." Barclay said he also agrees with the Governor's push to expand involuntary commitment, and enhance Kendra's Law. But, was disappointed on the absence of discussion regarding criminal justice reform. "You know, one thing she didn't mention, because she's partly responsible for these policies getting put in place, is bail reform, is raise the age, is the parole reform that she's talking about, or that she signed bills to let more people out on parole. So I think those issues need to be addressed alongside with a whole host of issues on criminal justice," he says. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany — Michael Gianaris, the NYS Senate Deputy Majority Leader from Queens, joined Power & Politics this week as lawmakers returned to the State Capital for the 2025 legislative session. The conversation ranged over a myriad of topics, including: affordability priorities, universal childcare, MTA funding gap, taxing the rich, Marcy Correctional, Trump-proofing policies, immigration legislation, universal school lunches and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-California wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles communities, how is Governor Gavin Newsom reacting to the criticism thrown his way? -New York State's legislature is back for its 2025 session, are lawmakers looking to pass "Trump-proof" policies? -Why is Donald Trump pitching to rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CBS6's Lara Bryn speaks with NYS Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon to discuss New York's first-in-the-nation prenatal leave policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany Interim Police Chief Brendan Cox joined Power & Politics for a comprehensive interview this week, discussing his approach as he returns to the department. Cox was Albany's Police Chief from 2015-2017, and retired from policing in 2017. Until now, he had been the Director of Policing Strategies of the L.E.A.D. National Support Bureau in his time away from policing. In December, he took over for Eric Hawkins, who had been the Chief since Cox first retired. "I've been gone almost eight years, you know, there's definitely some differences," Cox said. "There's also a lot of things that are the same, this is, you know, this is the city that I grew up in. This is the city that I considered home the entire time, even when I was gone. So, you know, there are some differences, and there's some challenges, but many of the challenges that we faced in the past are challenges that we face now. They're just grown, and they've grown because of some significant staffing changes and because perceptions are at a different heightened awareness." The conversation ranged in a myriad of topics: -Ensuring people feel safe -perception of policing in 2025 -Understaffed department -Mental health call response -Bail reform/criminal justice -Working with David Soares and now working with Lee Kindlon -Presence of gangs -Department transparency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-An update on the terror attack in New Orleans, and the Cybertruck detonation in Las Vegas in front of the Trump Hotel -Will Mike Johnson have a Kevin McCarthy-like experience in his efforts to retain Speaker of the House status? -What are the new laws to watch out for now that the calendar has turned to 2025? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lukee Forbes joined Power & Politics on Monday, discussing the beating and death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility in December. Forbes, who is formerly incarcerated, spoke alongside other formerly incarcerated individuals and advocates at Monday's rally at the Governor's Mansion in Albany. In the interview, Forbes described his, and others experiences with correctional officers while incarcerated, saying it is a systemic, abusive culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Richard A. Ball joined CBS6's Power & Politics this week. As the State faces a decline in rural farmland, Ball talked about the importance of urban farming, and the need for resources to help urban farms grow. While he spoke about the need for the federal government to update the Farm Bill (especially after its most recent "extension"), he also spoke about State grant funding. "We're going to release about a million and a million and a half dollars worth of awards here, and those projects will be released in 2025," Ball said. "We put together the community gardens task force. So we're meeting with the community gardens people and urban farm people across the state, not just in our urban areas, but all across the state, finding out what their needs are, finding out how we can help them." He also spoke about: -Potential new Mass Deportation policies, Ball saying that as many as 40 to 50 percent of workers in agriculture are not properly documented -The impact of proposed tariffs on State agriculture, an industry that lost $27 billion nationwide during the last round of tariffs during the first Trump Administration -Specialty crops, and New York's focus on those, along with the need for resources to help enhance that portion of the industry -The Spotted Lanternfly, and the threat the insect is posing to State agriculture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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-Elon Musk's influence felt during Congress' spending bill negotiations, some ask at what cost? -Governor Hochul confronted by an advocate against the State's CDPAP transition, what's the Health Department say? -Former Governor Andrew Cuomo sues woman who accused him of sexual assault for defamation, as he continues trying to clear his name inside, and outside the legal system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Lawler, the Hudson Valley Republican Congressman in New York's 17th Congressional District, appeared on CBS6's Power & Politics. Lawler addressed: -His anti-congestion pricing campaign -Aspirations as a potential Gubernatorial candidate -"One-party rule" in the State of New York -The Hunter Biden pardon -Kash Patel's nomination -Tariffs, lifting SALT cap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-How is everyone reacting to Governor Hochul's proposal to give New Yorkers $300-$500 checks? -How has Luigi Mangione's alleged act opened up the health care conversation -Donald Trump is Time Magazine's Person of the Year, a look at this week's cabinet picks, Canada as a State, and Lawmaker Lawler and Ryan reaction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

-Joe Biden pardons his son Hunter, reaction from Democratic Congressman Pat Ryan and Republican Congressman Marc Molinaro -What Supreme Court Justices were saying as they heard arguments over Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors -Why Politicians pushed back against a proposal that groups claimed would put time limits on anesthesia coverage, and why Anthem reversed course Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-Donald Trump says his call with Mexican President-Elect Claude Sheinbaum resulted in the border being closed, she has a different account -Mexico, Canada and China all reacting to Trump's tariff proposals, what's the reasoning, and will they retaliate? -Democratic Rep Ritchie Torres is on a media blitz criticizing current Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, setting a stage for a potential 2026 Democratic Gubernatorial primary...and now Hochul and her campaign team are reacting. Where does Republican Rep. Mike Lawler fit into this? Is it too early? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrea Chrisjohn, a Haudenosaunee woman who is also a trustee at the Iroquois Museum, joined Power & Politics from the Museum this week. Chrisjohn spoke about: -Her experience as an unenrolled member of the Oneida Nation, saying as an adult, her voice was finally heard when she joined the Iroquois Museum as a Trustee -Her relationship with her Grandfather -How she views the holiday of Thanksgiving, and her message to those celebrating -Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and New York's steps to acknowledge the Native American people, their culture, and their challenges -The native people's relationship with the environment, animals, and the world around them Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natasha Pernicka discusses increase in need at food pantries, fighting food insecurity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-Reaction to White House supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles -Dr. Oz, Linda McMahon tabbed as latest Trump Cabinet picks -As wildfires burn in the Northeast, environmental advocates calling on Hochul to put action behind her words Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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-Governor Hochul un-pauses congestion pricing, reacts to Donald Trump's statement -Who will replace Rep. Elise Stefanik in NY's 21st Congressional District? -Trump selects Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, will he make it through confirmation, will he have to? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrat Assemblyman Phil Steck joined Power & Politics on Tuesday, fresh off of his victory in New York's 110th Assembly District election. Steck spoke about being reelected, the Democrat party's approach State-wide and nationally, and also lended his reaction to Governor Hochul's move to "preserve freedoms" in New York as the country approaches a second Donald Trump administration. Steck also spoke about the potential for a Special Session to implement those measures, as Governor Gavin Newsom called for one in California on Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Washington D.C. — Much of the nation's attention will be on battleground Congressional District races on November 5th, including in New York State. One of the most contentious, and expensive, races in the Country is New York's 19th Congressional race between Republican incumbent Marc Molinaro and Democrat challenger Josh Riley. This 2024 race is a rematch of 2022, when Molinaro beat Riley by about 4500 votes. CBS6 has reached out several times to the Riley campaign for an interview over the last few weeks and months, but have yet to receive a response. CBS6 recently spoke with Molinaro at the U.S. Capital in September about the issues he believes are impacting residents in NY's 19th District the most, along with the Presidential race. This interview took place on 9/10/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Assemblymember Pat Fahy has thrown her hat in the ring as the Democratic candidate for the 46th Senate District of NYS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alvin Gamble, the Democratic candidate in this year's 43rd District NYS Senate race, joined CBS6's Power & Politics on Thursday. Gamble, currently on Colonie's Town Board, discussed several issues, touching on the issues he believes are facing residents in the 43rd District, which includes the Town of Colonie, but also Rensselaer and Washington Counties. The conversation ranged from agriculture, to housing, to EMS availability and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices