Even by Albany standards, this has gone on long enough.
The Associated Press reported Monday that leaders of the Republican and Democratic caucuses in the state Senate are meeting to work out some sort of compromise. That effort must yield results — and soon. In a capital where it takes years for even the most basic reforms to gain traction, this leadership vacuum simply has to end.
A poll released Monday could be filed under the category of “no surprise here” — a majority of New Yorkers are embarrassed by the behavior of their state lawmakers.
Reported the AP:
“A Quinnipiac University poll finds 71 percent of voters, one of the highest numbers ever measured in a Quinnipiac University poll, are ‘somewhat dissatisfied’ or ‘very dissatisfied’ with the way things are going. The poll finds 42 percent of voters are embarrassed by the Senate standoff that continues into Tuesday.”
We would love to meet one of the 29 percent of New Yorkers who are satisfied with the way things are going in Albany. Perhaps they could offer some silver lining to these dark clouds of petty politics.
Gov. David Paterson is right to extend this session. Under no circumstances should senators be allowed to leave Albany without a resolution to the leadership question and lawful up-or-down votes on the myriad issues that have sat unaddressed during this whole ordeal. The public clearly deserves — and demands — nothing less.
Senators, the first day was interesting. The second day was confusing. The days thereafter were just ridiculous.
Figure out who’s in charge and get back to work. And do it today.
Editorials
EDITORIAL: Senate question must have answer
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CHEERS & JEERS: Feb. 10's best and worst of the week
As Ken Hamilton so eloquently puts it in his column on this page — the SPCA of Niagara would probably be in a lot better shape if everyone took care of their pets.
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EDITORIAL: U.S. has a lot of catching up to do in War of 1812 bicentennial
Almost 200 years after President Madison declared the War of 1812 there is a distinct lack of interest on this side of the border in commemorating that milestone.
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EDITORIAL: Times up for SPCA board
This is no time for subtleties or polite requests.
We are now demanding the resignations of the members of the board of the Niagara County SPCA. -
EDITORIAL: Niagara Falls ‘Can't Wait’ for this
Niagara Falls has always been promoted as a world-class destination.
Generations of honeymooners helped the city attain that coveted status, but that’s only a fraction of the people who keep coming from around the globe to enjoy the natural wonder here. -
EDITORIAL: SPCA off to good start
We were pleased to see members of the SPCA of Niagara’s board of directors take swift action and fire Executive Director John Faso on Monday.
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EDITORIAL: SPCA's Faso, board must go
There’s no question now that SPCA of Niagara John Faso must go — along with most or all of the agency’s board of directors.
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EDITORIAL: A good start for NFR
Thank you, Mr. Milstein
We are delighted to hear that long-time Niagara Falls landowner Howard Milstein is reaching out to one of our elementary schools and offering a helping hand. -
EDITORIAL: Time Warner is on thin ice
In a high stakes game of chicken between cable network MSG and the region’s largest cable TV provider Time Warner Cable, the only people losing right now are hockey fans the region over.
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EDITORIAL: Time to take action on SPCA
Although the dust still has to settle around the horrific complaints by a former employee of the Niagara County SPCA and others, we were discouraged to learn that the animal shelter is still struggling with a lack of leadership.
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EDITORIAL: The bus stops here — and let's keep it that way
The NFTA’s proposed cuts to local bus routes have the potential to really hurt the little guy, the rider who relies on the bus to get to work, to shop, to get to the doctor’s.
It just shouldn’t happen. - More Editorials Headlines
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