Governor Cuomo signed an executive order to expedite the freedom of information law appeals process. The order fast-tracks FOIL appeals by requiring that all state agencies file notice of an appeal, settle the record on appeal, and file a brief within 60 days, absent extraordinary circumstances outside agency control. The Governor will introduce legislation in the upcoming session that encompasses the order, while also correcting the serious flaws of 2 Assembly Bills.
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State Police arrested 48-year-old George Velten of Guilford for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, after Velten was stopped during a road check on County Route 35 in the Town of Guilford. Velten’s license showed that he had 12 suspensions on 10 different dates, he was arraigned at the Town of Guilford court and remanded to the Chenango County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,500 property bond.
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90% of New Yorkers say they are somewhat concerned, 60 % say they are very concerned, that another terrorist attack will happen in New York in the near future, according to a new Sienna College poll released today. 63% said they have not changed their lifestyle out of fear of a terrorist attack. By a 52-39 percent margin, voters oppose allowing Syrian refugees to come to the United States at this time. 90% also believe that corruption in Albany is still a serious problem, and by a 3-to-1 margin, voters say new laws are needed to prevent further corruption in state government. 2/3rds also agree with Attorney General Eric Schneiderman that daily fantasy sports games are gambling and illegal in New York.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a one-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith. Deputies arrested 28-year-old Benjamin Nobel of Meridale for driving while ability impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana, plus several traffic summons related to the accident. Nobel was arranged in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail. Noble is to re-appear in the Town of Meredith Court at a later date.
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State Police arrested 25-year-old Dustin Phillips of Binghamton for criminal possession of a weapon, after troopers responded to assist an Environmental Conservation Officer who was out with three men shooting on state lands in the Town of Kirkwood. An investigation determined that Phillips and two other men where shooting shotguns at targets, Phillips is on parole and also is a convicted felon who cannot legally possess firearms; he faces court action on Tuesday.
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Governor Cuomo today announced he would host the 2016 State of the State and Executive Budget Address on Wednesday, January 13 at 12:30 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. New Yorkers wishing to attend should visit the Governor’s homepage to register, which is governor.ny.gov.
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Former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam were found guilty Friday of 8 counts of bribery, extortion and conspiracy. Dean Skelos was found guilty of using his power as Senate Majority Leader to get no show jobs to his son Adam. The conviction means that Skelos has been removed from the Senate seat that he held onto after resigning as Senate Leader in May.
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U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Governor Cuomo announced a push to prevent known or suspected terrorists from purchasing guns in New York State. Schumer commented at a Press Conference this weekend:
(Schumer 12-14-15)
Schumer said that the request became necessary after legislation in the US Senate did not pass, that would have closed the “Terror Loophole”.
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The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be constructing drainage improvements along the southbound lane of West Street between Hartwick Drive & Ravine Parkway beginning Monday morning at 7:00 AM. The project will continue for the week, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily, 1 lane traffic will be maintained with occasional interruptions, more information is available at 432-6465.
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The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is preparing for one of the season’s signature events: Hall of Fame Classic Weekend, set to return over Memorial Day Weekend. The 2016 Classic will be held on Saturday, May 28 at Doubleday Field. New in 2016, the Classic moves to 1:00 PM, with the popular Home Run Derby starting at noon. Tickets for the 2016 Hall of Fame Classic will go on sale on Monday, March 7th.
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