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Weekend in review

Apr 28, 2014 6:00 am
Some of the stories that made the news Apr. 25 to Apr. 26:

Brian Nearing reported in the Times Union a Wall Street bond rating agency said Fri., Apr. 25, Columbia County's finances could be imperiled by its financial support of the county-owned, 120-bed Pine Haven Nursing Home. Moody's Investors Service assigned a negative outlook designation to the county. The county's cash position is already low, and further drains on cash could lead to a negative rating action. A lowered credit rating could make it more expensive for the county to borrow money. According to Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Pat Grattan, the county subsidized Pine Haven's operating budget by nearly $1.5 million last year.

Michael Ryan continues to report in The Daily Mail on the newest piece of the Windham town government puzzle. Ryan writes Supervisor Stacy Post has now restricted the established flow of information to the news media. On Thurs., Apr. 24, Post informed Ryan that any and all documentation related to town business regularly distributed to the press will now require a formal request under the Freedom of Information Law. Ryan asked for a copy of the written, prepared statement delivered by Post during a meeting of the town board Thursday, but he was refused without explanation. Post was elected supervisor in Nov. 2013, following a campaign that called for more transparency in local government. State police investigators raided Post’s home and seized a computer from her town hall office in March. No charges have been filed and the investigation is ongoing. Town officials continue to decline comment on the matter.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="278"] Olana south facade. (Courtesy olana.org)[/caption]

Adam Clayton reported in the Register Star the Olana State Historic Site was one of 53 state parks and historic sites to be awarded funds through the New York Works initiative. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced last week Olana will received $950,000, which will be used for improvements to better welcome visitors and upgrade the grounds, according to Sara Griffen, president of the Olana Partnership. Among the improvements needed: Additional public restrooms at the carriage barn, tower woodwork, fresh paint and an upgrade to the security system. Griffen said a number of the improvements will be completed this year.

Thomas Kaplan reported in The New York Times a Manhattan federal judge Thurs., Apr. 24, struck down New York’s limit on contributions to independent groups that spend money supporting political candidates. The move could unleash large spending by so-called super PACs in state races. New York imposes a $150,000 limit on an individual’s annual political contributions. The judge ruled the limit was a violation of the First Amendment when it was applied to independent groups. Three weeks ago, the United States Supreme Court struck down a cap on the total amount any individual can contribute to federal candidates in an election cycle. In the five-page opinion, the judge Thursday expressed concern about the influence of outsized donations on the political process, but wrote he had no choice but to follow the Supreme Court’s lead. New York State attorney general, Eric T. Schneiderman expressed disappointment with the ruling, and said the state had not decided whether to appeal.


The Daily Freeman is reporting a $1 million Powerball ticket was sold Sat., Apr. 26, at the Stewart’s Shops located on State Route 23 in Leeds. As of Sunday afternoon, the winner had not yet been identified and the store manager declined to provide further information. According to the New York State Lottery Gaming Commission, the chance of winning the $1 million prize is 1 in more than five million.
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