Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.
State Must Focus on Ending Economic-Development Spending Corruption
The economic-development programs touted by Gov. Andrew Cuomo have been vehicles of corruption, with certain individuals gaming the system to make a buck on the public dime. Such is the case with one of Cuomo’s former top aides, Joe Percoco, who was found guilty of accepting bribes, and Alain Kaloyeros, who will face trial for […]
Yes, We’re the Great Pretenders
We need this guy today. To fit us with clear lenses. He appeared years ago. When I sold my car, I ran an ad in the classifieds. It extolled the car’s virtues to no end. Described it as a dream of a vehicle — virtually unblemished. Perfection. He brought me down to earth. “Hey, mate.
I was chatting with a group of students the other day when one of them looked me in the eye and commented, “You’re very tough on journalists.” I had to plead guilty. Of course, I’m tough on journalists. Maybe even as tough on them as they are on politicians. Our representative democracy depends on journalists
Depriving Youth Access to Target Sports is Nonsensical
A bill was recently put forward by a Manhattan lawmaker. Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal) that, if passed and signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, would do away with marksmanship, archery, and shooting programs in New York state schools. The bill would also ban gun-safety classes on school grounds by prohibiting the use of firearms as part of the
Politicians and commentators these Days like to point to an array of Threats to our constitutional system. There’s one, though, that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it should: our national debt. We may not yet be in imminent danger of fiscal collapse, but we’re moving into uncharted waters. We are among the most
Economic Duds, Success, Predictions, and Markets
Yes, our economy has improved. Hold your breath: it may improve more. Signs that it has improved include the following: Unemployment rates are at record lows in 14 states and the number of people drawing unemployment is the smallest since 1974. Not the percentage, but the number. We have twice the labor force today. Yet
Our republic is under stress. So much so, in fact, that if you’re not worried about its future, you probably haven’t been paying attention. What makes me say this? Our public discourse has become uncivil and shrill. Corruption and unethical actions by prominent politicians headline the daily news. Too many politicians make their mark by
Survey of Area Voters Finds Economy, High Taxes Among the Top Concerns
My office recently invited people in the 120th Assembly district to participate in a legislative survey, and more than 800 people took the time to respond. The survey asked people their thoughts on the local economy, laws pertaining to drugs, child welfare, the SAFE Act, economic development, and health care. Not surprisingly, in this unscientific
New York Business Climate Set to Go from Bad to Worse
New York state consistently ranks at or near the bottom for its oppressive business climate. For people courageous enough to take a risk, invest their time and money, and start their own business, Albany rewards them with sky-high costs and endless regulations. If things weren’t bad enough, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is pushing two new bad
And in this Corner We Have a Typhoon
Muhammad Ali and President Donald Trump belong in the same ring. Along with Hylton. Hylton and I worked side-by-side, when we were in our 20s in New Zealand. He was an exceptionally effective executive. More than that, he was a force. As natural and as powerful a force as a typhoon. He both drew and
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.