Power & Politics

Blair Horner provides his perspective on this year's legislative session, discussing Governor Hochul's approach to the budget process, the legislature's power, the bills that passed (redistricting), the ones that didn't (lobbying), and Zohran Mamdani 00:00 – Cold open and introduction to Blair Horner, NYPIRG00:29 – Hochul’s budget “hostage” strategy and compressed legislative calendar01:33 – Primaries, pay pressure, and why lawmakers left Albany02:04 – Governor’s constitutional budget power and late-budget leverage04:05 – Pros and cons of strong executive power and secretive budget add-ons05:34 – Lobbying muscle in Albany: Uber, auto insurance, and rising spending06:19 – What needs to change: extenders, reforms, and an independent budget office07:17 – Legislative leadership, lack of political will, and fear of courts09:19 – Missed transparency bills and why “no-brainer” reforms stalled11:21 – Packaging bill, floor debate time, and organized industry opposition12:03 – Redistricting fight, partisan gerrymandering, and the 2014 reforms rollback15:28 – How “independent” is the IRC and what’s really at stake15:57 – Governor–NYC mayor alliance, city influence, and Democratic unity17:18 – Urban aid, tradeoffs, and looming budget crunch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing his decision to pull the plan for a new bus terminal in Albany's South End. The decision came less than 24 hours after McCoy posted an update on the project on social media, saying: "The Advance Albany County Alliance, in partnership with Albany County, is advancing plans for the development of a new Intercity Bus Terminal at 106 South Pearl Street." As for what changed, McCoy said it was a buildup of certain opposition to the project. 00:00 – IntroTom Eschen introduces Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and the South End bus terminal debate. 00:29 – Why this siteMcCoy explains why bus companies wanted the former McDonald’s site and his vision to fix an “eyesore.” 03:53 – Pushback and pivotHe describes local opposition and shifting the property toward arena overflow and a potential sale. 13:21 – Timeline and fundingMcCoy talks about timeline of project and lays out how the project fit into a larger downtown funding package. 17:41 – Dropping the planHe explains why he’s walking away to focus on other county priorities and projects. 19:40 – Was it worth it?Tom Eschen asks if the process was a waste; McCoy reflects on loud voices versus broader community sentiment. 21:37 – What should go there?He recounts alternative ideas and argues the bus terminal was one of few viable options. 23:08 – Working with the new mayorMcCoy says future city projects will follow the new mayor’s vision, with the county in a supporting role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices