Keyword: 'New York state' | Herald Community Newspapers

Back in early August, I began to consider writing a series of columns on reforming New York’s dysfunctional state government. Friends and neighbors were not aware of my interest in this subject; others suggested that no amount of disclosure and transparency could possibly make a difference. more

11/17/10

An open letter to Sen. Dean Skelos

Back in early August, I began to consider writing a series of columns on reforming New York’s dysfunctional state government. Friends and neighbors were not aware of my interest in this subject; others suggested that no amount of disclosure and transparency could possibly make a difference. more

Hal Peterson | 11/10/10

Local incumbents keep their seats

The anticipated nationwide wave to oust incumbents didn’t make it all the way to the South Shore this Election Day, as most current office holders — both Democrats and Republicans — … more

Lee Landor | 11/10/10

The illusion of reform: What happened to change we can believe in?

As I’ve mentioned in my four prior columns, our state authorities and agencies are not sufficiently accountable to the public. In the past decade alone there have been multiple reports by the state Comptroller’s office, governors’ commissions and public sector watchdog groups about this. Efforts to legislate greater accountability by officials who have focused their attention on authorities have met with limited success. more

Hal Peterson | 10/27/10

Johnson is the choice in 7th Senate District

Voters in the 7th Senate District should be happy that they have two candidates that are extremely passionate about the district and want to effect positive change in Albany. The Herald endorses … more

10/26/10

Pat Nicolosi, Democrat, and Ed Ra, Republican.

Ra, Nicolosi battle for Alfano’s Assembly seat

With longtime Assemblyman Thomas Alfano (R-North Valley Stream) deciding not to run for re-election, two newcomers are looking to represent New York’s 21st Assembly District. more

Andrew Hackmack and Lee Landor | 10/20/10

The debate hall at Hofstra about an hour before the event began.

Hofstra hosts first gubernatorial debate

The David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University was the site for the first gubernatorial debate of the 2010 election.Democrat Andrew Cuomo and Republican Carl Paladino were … more

Mike Caputo | 10/18/10

George Sava, left, is challengin incumbent Dean Skelos for his senate seat.

Sava challenges Skelos for state Senate seat

George Sava, a Republican who switched to the Democratic Party in 2007, is mounting a vigorous campaign against Republican Minority Leader Dean Skelos in the 9th Senate District. more

Judy Rattner and Jeff Bessen | 10/13/10

State raises standards, but who’s going to pay?

In a move that has confounded local school officials and is bound to confuse and upset many parents, State Education Department leaders recently announced that they were raising the raw scores that determine proficiency levels on the standardized tests taken by students in third through eighth grades. more

8/12/10

New York state bans drop-side cribs after infant deaths

State Sen. Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. announced last Friday that legislation banning dangerous drop-side cribs in New York state has been signed by Gov. David Paterson. more

David Weingrad | 8/3/10