Power & Politics

Ashby discussed many of the issues he says are impacting voters in the district, including outmigration, public safety and his initiatives regarding veterans during his time in office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Minita Sanghvi, the Democratic candidate in the race for New York State's 44th Senate District, joined CBS6' Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing her vision for the district if elected in November. The conversation discussed the biggest issues facing residents in the district, ranging from funding for sidewalks, to affordable housing, the equal rights amendment, and with Sanghvi as the current Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Finance, the results of the new paid parking in the city's garages and lots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NY State Senator Jim Tedisco appeared on CBS6's Power & Politics on Wednesday, discussing the issues he says are impacting the constituents of New York's 44th Senate District the most. Tedisco, a Republican, is running against Democrat Minita Sanghvi in this year's election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After lighting a "Vote for Trump" sign in front of hundreds in the City of Amsterdam on Monday night, Sticker Mule Founder and CEO Anthony Constantino joins CBS6's Power and Politics on Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York 21st District Congressional Candidate for the Democratic Party, Paula Collins, appeared on CBS6' Power and Politics on Thursday. Collins discussed a variety of issues during the newscast, telling the audience why she believes her campaign is different than the previous candidates to go up against Elise Stefanik, her views on the border, funding for Ukraine, immigrants, and FEMA, along with New York's cannabis rollout as a cannabis tax attorney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elise Stefanik, the top ranking female Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives, joins Power and Politics for a wide ranging conversation. She discusses: -Governor Cuomo testifying at the Capitol -Donald Trump/Kamala Harris' campaigns -Border Policy, Economic Policy Proposals -Gun rights -Influence amongst other New York Republicans (This interview was taped on 9/10/2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrat Lee Kindlon and Republican Ralph Ambrosio went head to head for a debate at the CBS 6 studios Tuesday. Moderated by Tom Eschen, the debate focused on bail reform, gangs, gun buyback programs, & more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Suozzi, a Democrat representing New York's 3rd Congressional District, joined Power and Politics for a wide-ranging conversation on a variety of topics. They discuss: -The SAVE Act -Border Policy, and if President Biden waited too long to issue Executive Action -Nassau County's recent mask ban and transgender athlete legislation -Economic policies, and the impact of Government spending on inflation -The War in Ukraine, and recent comments made by RFK Jr. regarding the U.S.' role Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four years after organizing a rally at the NYS Capital, Marcella Goheen joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing the state of nursing home care. Goheen cares for her husband, who is in a nursing home, and was unable to provide that care during the pandemic. Her advocacy launched Essential Care Visitor, an organization which highlights the current conditions in nursing homes in New York State. Her op-ed in the New York Times in 2021 prompted legislation which allowed caregivers back into in-person care. Goheen attended Tuesday's House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing, where former Governor Andrew Cuomo defended his nursing home decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg provides an update on the Castelton-On-Hudson Bridge repairs, as the eastbound deck project, with $21 million in federal funding, is set to begin soon. Buttigieg also discusses the recent CBS6 report about repairs needed for the Mario Cuomo Bridge. While speaking about the federal infrastructure law, he addressed the funding included for the electric grid. He also provided updates on the Airline Transparency Law and the Railway Safety Act. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUNY Chancellor John King took over the role in January 2023, and says the SUNY System is turning the tide with its enrollment, seeing increases in 2023. With that in mind, he also discusses the potential $1 billion budget deficit for SUNY within the next decade, and what's needed within enrollment and State aid to help offset those shortfalls. He also speaks about civic engagement, and their approach to protests and potential encampments moving forward. Multiple institutions have seen significant declines in Black and Hispanic students since the Supreme Court struck down Affirmative Action, and Chancellor King goes through ways they're working to maintain diversity on their campuses. He also speaks about his future as SUNY Chancellor, and his vision for 5-10 years in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following a conversation at the U.S. Capitol in June, New York Democratic Congressman (NY-20), joined Power and Politics to recap the August District Work Period, while also looking forward to the House's return to session on September 9th. The discussion ranged from constituent concerns, Kamala Harris' policy proposal, border policy, campus protests, Farm Bill expiration, potential Government shutdown, sports betting, and he also addressed the recent news of a Kathy Hochul aide being accused of working for the Chinese government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Capital Region civil rights Activist Dr. Alice Green passed away on August 20, 2024, leaving behind a lasting legacy of fighting for civil rights in the Capital Region and beyond. In this podcast, we look back at recent conversations with Green on a variety of topics. -Reparations in New York -Bail Reform -Prison Reform -Relationship between Police and Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan joined CBS6' Power and Politics for a virtual interview from Chicago in the midst of the Democratic National Convention. She spoke about: -The message that's resonated with her the most -What she expects from Kamala Harris, and her background as a prosecutor -Republican accusations of Biden's stepping down as a "coup" -Border Policy -Lil' John Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As he continues his independent Presidential campaign, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sat down with CBS6 on Power and Politics for a wide-ranging, 30-minute interview. Their conversation begins with RFK Jr.'s thoughts on the recent federal trial in Albany regarding a lawsuit by Democrats to get RFK Jr. off the ballot in New York State. From there RFK addressed leaving the Democratic Party, and his family's reaction to that, as some have since endorsed the Biden-Harris campaign. He says he stands for a Democratic Party which believes in freedom of speech, pro-life and bodily autonomy, anti-war and that represents the American middle class. RFK's "America Strong" platform is his plan to "unify America", with many of its tenets focused on ending "politically motivated" prosecutions of private and political figures, so CBS6 asked if he would pardon Donald Trump if elected. RFK Jr. said he'd need to investigate further, and also, when asked if he'd be in Mr. Trump's cabinet, resolutely said "No." His views differ on American support in Ukraine and Israel, which he discussed at length, saying the United States is fighting a proxy war of their own in Ukraine, and that Israel has a right to defend themselves after the attacks from Hamas. He says he wants to address and reverse negative U.S. health outcomes, and address the impact of artificial intelligence moving forward. CBS6 also asked him why the "skeletons" in his closet are different than any other politician. He responded by saying he is telling the truth, and never planned on running for President of the United State, and that he "wouldn't run for Pope." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Upstate Republican Congressman Brandon Williams, who represents New York's 22nd District, joined CBS6 on Power and Politics at the U.S. Capitol. Williams, based in Central New York, is a former nuclear submarine officer, and founded a software company. Williams spoke about: -Bringing his experience in tech industry to federal government -That New York is "the worst place in American for solar [power]" -Facilitating Micron's entry to Upstate New York -The Interstate 81 Viaduct Project -Supporting Ukraine in their war against Russia -Border policy, reacting to the impact of the Biden Administration executive orders, along with legislation in Congress and the Senate that's failed to move forward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republican Congressman Marc Molinaro, who represents New York's 19th Congressional District, joined CBS6 for Power and Politics on location at the U.S. Capitol. As the interview commenced, Molinaro drafted new legislation regarding a convicted illegal immigrant database. The conversation included discussions on: -Molinaro being named the 2nd most bipartisan member of Congress -His reflections on his time in office as a Freshman Congressman -Donald Trump's criminal cases -Israel/Hamas War "Israel has every right to remove Hamas from the face of the planet" -Push to make Opvee legal in New York Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Members of Columbia County Sanctuary Movement is preparing for its 1st Annual Caribbean Festival, their goal is to bring together Albany's diverse culture, people, businesses and also its new residents seeking asylum. They also discuss some of the current challenges and successes of immigrants in the Capital Region Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the U.S. Capitol, CBS6 spoke at length with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who reflected on her last 15 years in office, along with some of her areas of focus right now. Gillibrand addressed the concerns regarding Joe Biden's vitality and Donald Trump's felony conviction in this Presidential race, also discussing the Farm Bill and the fight to restore maximum SNAP benefits. Gillibrand also spoke about immigration, and the impact of Joe Biden's executive action bringing border crossings to a 3-year low in June, but also addressing her concerns around immigrants and instances of crime. Foreign policy, and current aid to Ukraine and Israel were also a discussion point, as Gillibrand proposed a different approach for Israel's fight against Hamas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Democratic Congressman Paul Tonko spoke with CBS6 as a part of Power and Politics on location at the U.S. Capitol, discussing many issues currently impacting New Yorkers and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a wide-ranging conversation, Purdy, a former journalist who ran for Mayor of Albany in 2021, and the 109th seat in 2022, discussed many local and State issues impacting Capital Region residents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Democratic representative for the 109th NYS Assembly District, Gabriella Romero, joined CBS6 Power and Politics on Thursday. Romero was fresh off of her Tuesday primary victory. She spoke about: -Her primary victory, and connecting with the 109th District moving forward -The City of Albany's recent case of an undocumented immigrant accused of raping a teenager -The Albany Common Council's ceasefire resolution, which she co-sponsored Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the course of the nearly 30 minute conversation, Soares discussed the County Comptroller's investigation of a $24,000 bonus he gave himself, the status of public safety in Albany County, his perspective on bail reform and what he says his office was doing prior to the laws being enacted in 2019. He also gave his thoughts on the Democratic party, and his status within the party, and what he believes is riding on this election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A week away from the Democratic primary, prominent Capital Region Defense Attorney Lee Kindlon joined CBS6' Power and Politics on Tuesday, discussing the race, his positions, and what incumbent David Soares has said during the campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYS Assemblymember Pat Fahy discusses her endorsements for upcoming Democratic primaries, recent Supreme Court decisions addressing guns, specifically bump stocks, the future of the St. Rose campus, housing-including her short term rental legislation, the Central Warehouse and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary horse racing announcer Tom Durkin joined Tom Eschen on CBS6's Power and Politics on Thursday, live from Saratoga Race Course. Durkin, who retired in 2014, said, prior to the construction at Belmont Park, situating the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course was an "impossibility". In the extended conversation Durkin also spoke about: -The biggest differences between Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course -Long-term impact of Saratoga hosting the Belmont Stakes -Why Saratoga is the "Graveyard of Favorites" -His pick for the Belmont Stakes -What's changed the most about horse racing since he started, and what he thinks will change moving forward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bendett, whose district covers Rensselaer, Washington, Columbia counties, along with the Town of Bethlehem, was a Rensselaer County legislator prior to his election to the State Assembly in November of 2022. They covered several topics: -Impressions of the State legislature as he looks back at his first term in office -Reaction to Donald Trump's conviction -The difference between working in the Republican majority of the Rensselaer County legislature and the Republican Minorityin the NYS Assembly -Proposed social media guardrail legislation -State cannabis rollout -Recent Opioid crisis roundtable -As small business owner, what small businesses need to succeed in New York State Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While appearing on CBS6's Power and Politics, Redburn Development Partners Principal Jeff Buell said the company has officially applied for a State grant to help fund the cost of demolishing the structure. Buell also spoke about the proposal for a soccer stadium in Downtown Albany, his new initiative Knowhere Collaborative and its roots, inclusionary zoning, and his hope for the future of the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus joined Tom Eschen on Power and Politics this week, discussing the latest in preparations for the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Racecourse on June 8th. Three weeks until race day, Shimkus says hotel rooms are still available for the entirety of the racing festival. Wednesday night will kick the festivities off with "Belmont on Broadway," where Blues Traveler will perform live in the city. "Hotel space is available each night, 180 bars and restaurants in Saratoga Springs alone,over 100 more in Saratoga County, they have reservations. Shops are buying more products and staffing up," he says. Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan was unable to clinch the second leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday, as Seize the Grey held off the pack, and Mystik Dan, to win. Despite that, Shimkus says they still expect a distinct clientele in town for the Belmont. During the extended interview, Shimkus also touched on Saratoga's new paid parking implementation, truck traffic on Broadway and his book "I'm Not Ready For This", which is about caring for his mother with Alzheimer's during COVID. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conversation included topics like school safety/lockdown drills, teacher shortages, absenteeism, along with the discussion around Foundation Aid and Hold Harmless during this year's budget debate. "The perception that school districts are teaching to empty desks, that enrollment has declined so therefore we can cut funding, we really blew that myth away when we went out and talked to educators in schools," Person says. "What we saw was that districts were actually using that decline in enrollment to invest in things that they always to do in our schools." Person said districts are providing extra co-teaching opportunities for students and investing in more extra curricular activities. She says now the study of the Foundation Aid formula will help provide a better framework of future funding, but also that parents, teachers, superintendents and anyone who has a role in the school budget process should have a voice in the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the announcement of $5 million in state funding to keep the Burdett Birth Center open over the next five years, New York State Assemblyman John McDonald (D-Cohoes), joined Tom Eschen on Power and Politics. They took a deep dive into the Birth Center funding, and why he wants the State to continue to support pre and postnatal care, and also the community members who fought to keep the Center open. That conversation continued with the issues facing emergency rooms and the root causes behind long wait times. McDonald also discussed the movement at the State level to protect young people from addictive social media algorithms, which continued with thoughts on the current protests on college campuses across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mantello ran her campaign on creating a "safer, cleaner" future for the City of Troy, and laid out initiatives she believes are steps in the right direction for the citizens of the City. She touches on: -The city's workplace culture -responding to resident issues -vision for future of City Hall -The potential closure of the Burdett Birth Center on June 30th -Troy's lead pipe replacement progress -The City's American Rescue Plan Act funding status -Public safety -Relationship with City Council -Biggest difference between being Mayor and City Council President Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. McLaughlin gave her perspective on several of the issues currently facing residents in the City of Albany. -30 years of public service -Being the first Black Albany Common Council President -David Soares controversy -ARPA fund update -Vision for site of South End Grocery store -affordability for the elderly, and young people in the City Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The City of Albany's Chief City Auditor and 2025 Albany Mayoral Candidate Dorcey Applyrs appeared on CBS6's Power and Politics this week. She discusses: -The recent comments by Rebecca Lobo saying "What's there to do in Albany?" -Her background, and motivations in public service -Endorsement from State Senator Neil Breslin -Recent equity audit findings -Albany Police Department adding 20 social worker positions -Albany's inclusionary zoning ordinance -The future of the Central Warehouse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The wide-ranging conversation covered several of the current issues in Saratoga Springs right now, including the Belmont, First 100 Days, and Campaign of Civility, People Experiencing Homelessness, Short-Term Rentals, City Council Meetings, Saratoga Black Lives Matter, Paid Parking Proposal, Public Safety and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They discuss: Breslin's retirement after 28 years of serving in the Senate, the Chamber's longest tenured Senator Breslin's brothers, who all held public office at one point in their careers Migrant crisis, and why Breslin believes immigrant can help solve New York's outmigration problem, helping fill jobs The cost of the legislature's budget proposal, going about $13 billion above Governor Kathy Hochul's, over $240 billion from the Senate His thoughts on Governor Kathy Hochul's relationship with the legislature, and why he thinks this budget conversation will make a big difference His perspective in working with Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins What he believes need to change the most in the legislature Dorcey Applyrs, who he has endorsed in Albany's 2025 Mayoral Race The age of Presidential Candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump His plans for retirement, and what he wants to address the most Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Power & Politics is a podcast that explores how local political decisions impact our daily lives. Host Tom Eschen engages in frank conversations with community leaders and influential figures, asking tough questions to cut through rhetoric and hold decision-makers accountable on issues ranging from taxes to public safety and healthcare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices