Feb 5
2013
Feb 5
2013
Feb 4
2013
Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to cap binding arbitration rulings involving public employee union contracts working for local governments deemed in “fiscal distress”. Localities would earn this dubious distinction if their reserves represent less than 5 percent of their operating budgets if their tax rates rank among the state’s top quartile. The Albany Times Union has a good primer, including a table listing the status of each county, city, town and village in the state. Investigative Post has broken out the list for Erie and Niagara counties. The bottom line for the locals: 23 of 75 units of government are defined as in[...]
Feb 4
2013
As state health department finishes its review of hydrofracking impacts, state residents still not sure if the controversial drilling should be allowed here, Capital Tonight reports. Jobs vs. environmental impacts creates the divide.
Feb 1
2013
Jan 31
2013
A new report issued by World Health Organization can inform discussion on the health impacts of Peace Bridge traffic on nearby residents.
Jan 31
2013
Jan 31
2013
Public Bridge Authority officials say they’re focused on expanding the Peace Bridge Plaza on the American side because it will improve traffic flow. But a look at the authority’s books reveals another possible motive: Money. While passenger vehicles account for almost 80 percent of bridge traffic, car tolls account for only 21 percent of authority revenue. Truck tolls, on the other hand, generate 48 percent of the authority’s revenues, almost $16 million a year. Duty Free stores at the base of the bridge in Buffalo and Fort Erie account for another 22 percent, or $7.2 million projected for this fiscal[...]
Jan 30
2013