Power & Politics

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

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