The idea behind The Capitol Pressroom radio show is to make NYS government & politics understandable and relevant to the citizens they impact. 

To that end, I try to translate wordy & complicated governmental jargon into more easily digestible human-like sentence structure.  One of my favorite examples of wordiness is the name of this group:

The New York State Commission on Local Government Efficiency & Competitiveness

Although hard to grasp, and geographically non-specific, this particular Commission is one that many people in Albany would like to see succeed.  It is tasked with seeking recommendations for shrinkage from hamlets, villages, towns, cities and counties around the state.  And by shrinkage, I mean “creating more efficient systems” through which the government’s work can get done (ie;  Stop duplicating work &  Stop creating patronage positions). 

Today on The Capitol Pressroom we speak with a long-time public servant about his experiences traveling around the state speaking with other local officials about creating these efficiencies.  Lake George Mayor Bob Blaise will share stories of courage and of parochialism, and let us know what NY’s next steps have to be to lose some of the excess bureaucratic weight its carrying around.

Also, former Senate staffer and Department of Transportation whiz kid Michael Fondocaro decided a while ago that Spanish speakers in the State – one of the fastest-growing demographics - needed a tool to build community.  On his own he created Noticias y Notas – an email newsmagazine sent to over 1100 subscribers tailored to speakers of Spanish & Portuguese who are interested in civic engagement.  If there is an issue of special interest to the Latino population in Buffalo, Mike will be sure it’s in Noticias.  He joins to me today to talk about the growing power of the Latino population in New York, and why it’s significant. 

Plus Rick Karlin of the Times Union and Glenn Blain of the New York Daily News will have political analysis and the day’s top political headlines.

Tune in to the Capitol Pressroom today www.thecapitolpressroom.org or on WBFO, WSKG, WRVO, WCNY or WROW!

Podcasting is available!

It’s Friday!  I’m exclaiming!