Category Archives: Spring 2012

Someone must be liable for those who get sick and dies, or if someone accidently starts a fire and burns the place down. That’s what Adam Sudman, founder of pop-up food court, My Lucky Tummy, assesses and considers before running … Continue reading →

Celebrating 5 Years of Democracywise from Democracywise on Vimeo. For five years, Democracywise has served as a resource for Central New York voters on local, state and national elections and issues. Professor Grimes created the site in Spring 2007, and … Continue reading →

For 17 years, Kersten Hirsch of North Syracuse worked at the Magna Powertrain plant in East Syracuse.  He worked his way from an assembly line worker to supervisor. Last January, the plant finally closed — he was left without a … Continue reading →

Brenda Wrigley and Cathy Pontante traveled from Syracuse in 2006 to say “I do” in Toronto. “When we got married,” said Wrigley, 57, a public relations professor at Syracuse University, “our neighborhood didn’t blow up. Nobody died. Nothing changed.  We’re … Continue reading →

Brad Powless laments the pollution of Onondaga Lake. If only he and his fellow members of Onondaga Nation still controlled the land, he says, they would keep it clean. “It’s a sad thing,” said Powless, a member of the Onondaga … Continue reading →

Every month 72-year-old Mary Born has to stretch her Social Security check. “It’s never enough,” said Born of Syracuse. “Every month I run out of money before the month is over.” Born is one of almost 56 million people in … Continue reading →

If you live to be 65, you have a 40 percent chance of living in a nursing home. In Onondaga County, that nursing home will cost about $96,000 per year. Those are vivid examples of the nation’s need for long-term … Continue reading →

For Jacqie Greacen, getting access to birth control medications means jumping through hoops and much frustration. Greacen, a registered nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse, relies on birth control medications to regulate her periods and to reduce the … Continue reading →

To cut the enormous costs and high number of prisoners, states are more and more turning to specialized courts. “We’re looking at alternatives which engage inmates in programs that help them and essentially put them at successful rehabilitation and re-entry,” … Continue reading →

Jose Perez, a Syracuse lawyer, takes issue with the local police officer or state trooper who asks him to hand over proof of his immigration status. “I am a U.S. citizen. I have a thick accent. I live here,” he … Continue reading →

At $4 a gallon, gasoline prices have stymied economic recovery here in Central New York and around the nation. “This is not a robust economy where we can brush gas prices off,” said Don Dutkowsky, economist at Syracuse University’s Maxwell … Continue reading →

Kim Brayman wonders if she will profit this year from the 600 cows on her family’s dairy farm in Skaneateles. “Milk prices are constantly changing,” says Brayman. “It is completely out of our control. If prices drop, there is nothing … Continue reading →

For motorists, the odds of crossing a bridge that needs repairs are greater than one in three in Onondaga County. That’s a calculation from surveys done by the state and federal of the condition of local bridges. Nationally and locally, … Continue reading →

For those without health insurance and with low-enough income, Medicaidwill open opportunities for care in 2014. That’s the goal of the new health care law to help expand Medicaid eligibility for people making up to 133 percent of the poverty … Continue reading →

If women are from Venus, Democrats must be too. Democratic candidates get a much larger number of votes from women than they get from men. It’s known as the “gender gap” and it’s a major obstacle for Republicans in national … Continue reading →

When Election Day rolls around in November, many New Yorkers will be staring at new names and at new polling places to cast their ballots for their members of Congress. The reason: Redistricting. “The main reason for redistricting is to … Continue reading →

Alternative political parties are major players in New York and Onondaga County, say party members and some political scientists. “Third parties here play more of a role than anywhere else,” said Jeffrey Stonecash, a Syracuse University political science professor. “They’re … Continue reading →

For right-leaning or independent-minded Central New York voters, two parties offer alternative voices: The Conservative Party and TheIndependence Party. In Onondaga County, they are the two largest alternative parties. The Independence Party has 13,135 — or 4 percent — of … Continue reading →

Left-leaning Central New York voters have two major options for alternative parties: The Green Party and The Working Families Party. Here’s a closer look at the two parties: The Green Party Progressive voters are left out by Democrats or Republicans, … Continue reading →

As U.S. Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle sees it, the cell phone is a direct line to her constituents. “I give out my cell phone number directly,” said Buerkle, R-Onondaga Hill. She is seeking re-election in November for the former 25th … Continue reading →

With a pitch to the middle class and in a newly designed district, Democrat Dan Maffei of DeWitt is trying to reclaim his Congressional seat in November. “I’m very interested in the plight of the middle class, especially in Central New … Continue reading →

When it comes to money, U.S. Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle, R-Onondaga Hill, is performing far better than she did last time against Democrat Dan Maffei of DeWitt, setting records for herself. The two are the frontrunners to represent Central New … Continue reading →

Facing some new voters, U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna, R-Barneveld, must fend off a challenge from within his party before he can run for his second term for the newly drawn 22nd Congressional District in November. The GOP challenge comes from … Continue reading →

Stepping outside the party lines is sometimes the way U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna, R-Barneveld, does his job. For example, in March, he joined Democrats and other supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment at a rally in Washington. There, Hanna urged … Continue reading →

For the new 22nd Congressional District, Tea Party activist Michael Kicinski of Earlville and Democrat Dan Lamb of  Freeville are challenging.U.S. Rep.Richard Hanna, R-Barneveld. Kicinski is seeking the Republican nomination and will face Hanna in the GOP’s primary on June … Continue reading →

For his re-election money, U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna, R-Barneveld, has a large lead over his both  his challengers for the 22nd Congressional District seat. Hanna is running for his second term from the newly redrawn 22nd Congressional District in the … Continue reading →

With a few more Republican voters for his newly designed district, U.S. Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, is running for his second term inCongress in November. Owens has represented the former 23rd Congressional District since 2009. In April 2012, it becomes … Continue reading →

For campaign money, U.S. Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, has a big lead over his two challengers in the newly drawn 21st Congressional District race. As of mid-April, Owens had raised $1 million, according to the nonpartisanCenter for Responsive Politics in … Continue reading →

A lawyer, a military man and a member of Congress for three years. That’s the resume U.S. Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, will be using for re-election from the new 21st Congressional District on Nov. 6. “Every re-election is challenging, you … Continue reading →

Voters in the newly drawn 21st Congressional District will choose between two candidates to challenge U.S. Rep.Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, in a June primary election. The two challengers are Matt Doheny and Kellie Greene, both trying to win the Republican nomination. … Continue reading →

For Central New York voters, little has changed for their state senate and assembly districts in the November election. This small change was expected, said Jeffrey Stonecash, political science professor at Syracuse University.  The districts were redrawn by the appointed … Continue reading →

With a handful of new voters to court, state Sen. John DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse, is looking to claim his 11th term in the 50th state Senate District in November. The new voters come from this year’s redistricting process. Those new voters … Continue reading →

With new boundaries and now the bulk of Syracuse city, state Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, is seeking his fifth term in November. But he’s campaigning with the same goals in mind, said Jessica DeCerce, speaking on behalf of the campaign. … Continue reading →

On April 18, Democrat Al Stirpe of North Syracuse announced that he will challenge incumbent Don Miller for the assembly seat. Stirpe served two terms in the assembly before losing to Miller in 2010. For more info on Stirpe, see … Continue reading →

With some new voters and new boundaries, state Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, D-Syracuse, is seeking his eighth term in November. “I don’t see a change in my campaign at all or the issues in the campaign,” Magnarelli said.
 
The new voters and … Continue reading →

With a few new voters, state Assemblyman Sam Roberts D-Syracuse, is looking for re-election for a second term in the fall 2012 election. Since 2010, Roberts has represented the 119th state Assembly District. Because of recent redistricing, it becomes the … Continue reading →

Dominick DeTore took up photography while he was stationed in Iraq in 2004. He captured the scenery. Rock formations. Open fields. Rivers. Then an improvised explosive device went off during a routine night foot patrol in Hit, west of Baghdad … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/S12-Porter-Story13-Obesity.mp3|titles=S12 Porter Story13 Obesity] By day, Chelsea Norton is a SUNY graduate student in kinesiology. But come the end of the afternoon, she is a personal trainer to overweight teenagers working to improve their self-image. “It’s good to see the … Continue reading →

Grief — the sadness felt after losing a loved one  — is  being considered for part of the diagnosis of depression under a set of proposed, new guidelines for doctors. The proposed classification could allow millions more people to be … Continue reading →

Ever since Charisse Glass moved her daughter Jamaica from Roberts School to the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School, she’s noticed a difference. Not an academic difference, but a social one. “She was kind of introverted but now she’s a … Continue reading →

Homeowners across New York state are jumping at the opportunity to update their homes and downsize their utility bills. “More and more homeowners have started making their homes energy efficient,” said Chris Straile, owner of TS Performance Products a company … Continue reading →

When they have a concern about police, citizens have a new voice with the revival of the Citizen Review Board. “It is important that our police force knows that this community cares about the way that they interact with us. … Continue reading →

For those in abusive same-sex relationships, getting help means special challenges. “Culture is telling that person that ‘You’re not normal,’” sadi Tiffany Braley, an educator about domestic violence and outreach coordinator to the LGBTQ community from Vera House. Vera House … Continue reading →

Imagine shopping online for health insurance in the same way you shop for hotels, cars and flights. That’s the goal of proposed legislation from Gov. Andrew Cuomo  to create what are called “health exchanges” online where individuals and small businesses … Continue reading →

A private security firm will soon replace most of the city police in patrolling Syracuse’s Hancock International Airport. “By March 9 we should have received which firm,” said William Fisher, chairman of the new Syracuse Regional Airport Authority. In addition … Continue reading →

Tyrell Cannon of South Side  was on the wrong path before YouthBuild. “I was waking up every day, trying to put money in my pocket,” he said. He worked odd jobs, mostly for short stints.“That was about it.” Cannon, 23, … Continue reading →

Police would get help in identifying drugged drivers under a measure sponsored by Sens. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Mark Pryor, D-Ark. “The bottom line is, our cops need a breathalyzer-like technology that works to identify drug-impaired drivers, on-the-spot, before they … Continue reading →

For openly gay student Justin Cotton, finding a church with an openly gay pastor was an extra blessing. “When I came out to my parents, it was helpful for them to have our openly gay pastor to talk to,” Cotton … Continue reading →

Poverty is creeping up in the Syracuse area. Today, 44,527 Syracuse city residents — or about 34 percent of the population — live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census of 2010. That’s an increase of nearly two percent since … Continue reading →

Thousands of feet below the Marcellus Shale, another rock formation — the Utica Shale — waits for its turn in New York’s natural gas-drilling spotlight. “We believe New York has tremendous potential that has yet to be realized,” said Dennis … Continue reading →

College costs have skyrocketed in the past decade. And that’s not likely to change, according to college officials. “What we have seen, especially at public institutions, is the cost of tuition has gone through the roof,” said Sandy Baum, a … Continue reading →

Teenagers smoke marijuana and set off fireworks at the abandoned houses on Latora Jefferson’s block in the South Side. Shattered glass and boarded-up windows of the rotting properties surround her newly built home in every direction. Cats infest her neighbor’s … Continue reading →

CONCORD N.H., (Jan. 9, 2012) — For this year’s primary, the Tea Party is playing more of the  strong silent type. No big Tea Party rallies. No Tea Party town hall meetings. No Tea Party endorsements. No Tea Party protests … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/S12-Porter-RomWin.mp3] MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 10, 2012) —  Mitt Romney became the first non-incumbent presidential nominee to win both the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primaries since 1976.   WATD’s Matt Porter was on hand last night to witness the celebration. At … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/V_Kraham_InTheHunt_1_11_12.mp3|titles=V_Kraham_InTheHunt_1_11_12] MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 10. 2012) — A third-place finish in New Hampshire for Republican presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman has not derailed his candidacy. WATD’s Jared Kraham has the details. A lively crowd of Huntsman supporters crammed a downtown Manchester … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Watkins-story6-Gingrich-Campaign-1.mp3|titles=Watkins story6 Gingrich Campaign (1)] MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 11, 2012) — Newt Gingrich had high hopes for New Hampshire but the results last night were disappointing for him and his supporters. WATD’s Amanda Watkins was at the Gingrich headquarters. After … Continue reading →

The Young Guns of Ron Paul by Matt Porter from Democracywise on Vimeo.   NASHUA, N.Y. (Jan. 6, 2011) — At a Ron Paul rally in Nashua, we found ourselves surrounded by young supporters, many of them participating in the … Continue reading →

CLAREMONT, N.H. (Jan. 9, 2012)–In this small town in southwestern part of New Hampshire, many voters were pumped up about their candidates and the election on Tuesday. At the Claremont Middle School polling place, Marianne Keeler of Croydon  had a … Continue reading →

Salem Voters’ Voices by Matt Porter from Democracywise on Vimeo. SALEM, N.H. (Jan. 10, 2012) — After a week of anticipation, New Hampshire voters are finally able to cast their “first in the nation” votes for the presidential nominee.  In … Continue reading →

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (Jan. 10, 2012) — A passion for civic duty drove many Portsmouth voters to the polls on Tuesday. “I guess I have a strong belief in participation,” said Richard Winkler, 27, a marine engineer. The state having the … Continue reading →

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (Jan.10 2012)—On the state’s seacoast, voters on Tuesday celebrated their special role in presidential politics at the voting booth. At the Robert J. Lister Academy polling place,  Linda DiBernardo, 67, was out with her husband Ralph DiBernardo, 68, … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/VotersVoices-Kraham.mp3|titles=VotersVoices Kraham] NEWPORT, N.H. (Jan. 10, 2012) — In this rural part of the state, some voters went to the polls today with a sense of excitement. At the Newport town hall polling place, Rob Magnuson, 19, of Newport, had … Continue reading →

CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 10, 2012) — New Hampshire’s capital city was abuzz with voters Tuesday who came out — as many of them see it — to ensure the country will head in the right direction. At the Green Street … Continue reading →

Voters’ Voices: Londonderry and Derry By Kathleen Ronayne   LONDONDERRY, N.H. (Jan. 12, 2012) — Voters in Derry and Londonderry took to the polls Tuesday morning to exercise their civic duty. At Londonderry High School, Laura Elazem, 42, a stay-at-home … Continue reading →

HOOKSETT, N.H. (Jan. 10, 2012) — Voters rose and shined in Southern New Hampshire to cast early-morning ballots in the the first-in-the-nation primary. In Hooksett, Damian Perron, 9, marched proudly into a polling center at Cawley Middle School with his … Continue reading →

NASHUA, N.H. (Jan. 10, 2012) — As the morning bell sounded at Charlotte Avenue Elementary School in Nashua, N.H., teaching assistant Jean Marie Eckstein ushered in students and voters. Eckstein, 53, cast her vote early in the morning before the … Continue reading →

Voters’ Voices: Manchester, N.H. By Meghin Delaney MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 10, 2012) — Manchester voters came out early Tuesday morning in the nation’s first primary. For Earl Hinkle, a 63-year-old retired member of the U.S. Navy, leadership is the biggest  … Continue reading →

CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 10, 2012) — Voters in the capital of New Hampshire make time in the morning before work to hit their local polling places and vote in this year’s primary. Concord resident Michael Douglas was one of the … Continue reading →

MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 8, 2012) — Ron Paul and his family had to skip breakfast. They missed out on MoeJoe’s home fries–the kind with dark crunchy bits patrons savor with ketchup. The reason: an overwhelming sea of media that caused … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/S12-Watkins-election-workers.mp3|titles=S12 Watkins election workers] Concord, N.H. (Jan. 9, 2012)–To get ready for its Big Day in American politics, New Hampshire fields a small army. WATD’s Amand Watkins has the details. On Primary Day, about 250,000  Republicans and at least 75,000 … Continue reading →

HOOKSETT, N.H. (Jan. 9, 2012) — Posters and photographs plaster most every inch of the beige wooden panels in Robie’s Country Store and Deli. Some are family portraits. Most are mementos of political campaigns that politicians left behind when they … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/S12-Porter-MittChristie.mp3|titles=S12 Porter MittChristie] EXETER, N.H. (Jan. 8, 2012) — New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, another major Mitt Romney ally, was in Exeter, New Hampshire, to stump for the former governor of Massachusetts.  Christie spoke in front an overflow crowd of … Continue reading →

Paul/Romney supporters debate each other on the streets from Democracywise on Vimeo. MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 7, 2012) — While in Manchester for the debate Saturday, a large contingent of Mitt Romney and Ron Paul supporters demonstrating downtown shouted at each … Continue reading →

MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 9, 2012) — Too many cars and more customers are among the trade-offs to having presidential candidates as neighbors. “There’s been a lot more activity since it’s closer to the primary now,” said Maureen O’Donnell, director of … Continue reading →

CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 9, 2012) — John Wible is one of New Hampshire’s career independent voters — and representative of its distinctive political culture. Take, for example, his voting record. For Ronald Reagan. Against Ronald Reagan. For Bill Clinton. Against … Continue reading →

MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 8, 2012) — For Jake Wagner, the decision to attend Saint Anselm College was easy — it offered a chance to be a part of New Hampshire politics. “I was hooked from the moment I found out … Continue reading →

CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 8, 2012) — The largest presidential campaign in New Hampshire belongs to the candidate who isn’t here: President Barack Obama. WATD’s Jared Kraham has the details. With so many candidates, the Republican presidential field has had most … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/s12-BraintreeRomney.mp3|titles=s12 BraintreeRomney] MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan.7, 2012)  —  The Massachussetts South Shore rolled into New Hampshire to support Mitt Romney on Saturday. Wrentham mom Stacey Malloy joined a bus of supporters to campaign for Mitt Romney in Manchester. She says she … Continue reading →

KINGSTON, NH (Jan. 8, 2012) –The morning after another debate of personal attacks and political theater, the town of Kingston, N.H, was still quite undecided. The quiet town of Kingston is considered a bellwether in the Granite State. By definition, … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/S12-Watkins-Gingrich.mp3|titles=S12 Watkins Gingrich] MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan.8, 2012) — For Newt Gingrich, it’s getting close to do or die time. Gingrich has been trailing badly in New Hampshire’s polls. On Friday, his presidential ambitions got a boost when billionaire Sheldon Adelson … Continue reading →

KEENE, N.H. (Jan. 8, 2012) — Memorize the script beforehand so you’re not standing in the street reading. Find out what houses you’re going to while you’re still at home so you don’t get lost. If you leave a hanger … Continue reading →

CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 8, 2012) — Casting himself as the “sane Republican,” Jon Huntsman has put his major political focus so far on New Hampshire’s primary on Tuesday. But, his campaign spokesman says, New Hampshire is not the end of … Continue reading →

MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 8, 2012) — The explosive issue of race hit Newt Gingrich at a Mexican-Carribean restaurant here on Sunday. “My question to you is, do think blacks represent an American problem?” asked Yvan Lamothe, an African American who … Continue reading →

MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 7., 2012) — Ron Paul and Rick Santorum battled for second place in the New Hampshire debate Saturday night. Texas Rep. Paul and former Pennsylvania Sen. Santorum spent the better part of an hour taking digs at … Continue reading →

MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 7, 2012) — With Mitt Romney’s overwhelming lead in the polls, the other five Republican candidates used Saturday night’s debate  to assert themselves as an alternative choice. Rick Santorum and Ron Paul clashed over spending. Newt Gingrich … Continue reading →

NASHUA, N.H. (Jan. 5, 2012) — An unemployed father. A postal worker with a web business. A telecommunications director. Those are among the 44 — yes, 44 — candidates running for president in New Hampshire’s primary on Jan. 10. The … Continue reading →

MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 7, 2012) — Building stage sets. Unloading mountains of electronic equipment. Parking a fleet of news trucks. Scribbling scores of to-do lists. Making Diane Sawyer’s dinner. It’s all in a day’s—and a year’s—work as Saint Anselm College … Continue reading →

MANCHESTER, N.H.(Jan. 7, 2012) — At six-feet,one-inch tall, Christian Dubois, a freshman at Saint Anslem College, measured up to a special task for the New Hampshire primary debate. “I kind of just fell into this,” he said, “because I’m the … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/V-Kraham-Romney-1-7-12.mp3|titles=V Kraham Romney 1 7 12] TILTON, NH. (Jan. 6, 2012)—For Mitt Romney, a campaign stop brought a nostalgic moment on Friday. WATD reporter Jared Kraham has the details. At the Tilton School, Governor Romney spoke to and touted his … Continue reading →

Manchester, N.H. (Jan. 7, 2012) — Chanting, singing and drumming brought Occupy New Hampshire Primary protesters together on the first night of their gathering here. “We are the 99 percent! We are the 99 percent!” and “Mic  check!” echoed from … Continue reading →

HANOVER, N.H. (Jan. 6, 2012) — In his 17 years here, Rochester-area native Brian Miller has learned that in New Hampshire presidential candidates behave differently. “They try harder here,” said Miller. For one, candidates are expected to do “old school” … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/S12-Porter-College.mp3|titles=S12 Porter College] CONCORD, N.H. (January 6, 2012) — Candidates reach out to voters at diners, senior centers, and rotary clubs, but they often miss a key demographic: college students.  That’s why New England College has invited students from across … Continue reading →

CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 6, 2012) — Carl Paladino, who captured the hearts of Tea party Republicans in his 2010 bid for governor, comes to New Hampshire on Saturday to support presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich. Gingrich is “a guy that will … Continue reading →

CONCORD N.H. (Jan. 6, 2012) –For 18-year-old Kelsey Crowley, the  upcoming presidential election is special. It’s the first time she’ll get to vote. “Just the responsibility of voting and being informed is so important,” said Crowley, a senior at Newburyport … Continue reading →

CONCORD, N.H (Jan. 6 2012) — Jimmy Tingle campaigns on Main Street shaking hands, kissing babies, asking his fellow citizens to vote “Tingle for President.” But in Jimmy Tingle’s case, it’s a political joke.  He is nowhere to be found … Continue reading →

NASHUA, N.H. (Jan. 6, 2012) — In his first appearance in the lead-up to next week’s primary, Ron Paul pitched his brand of libertarian, conservative values to an overflow crowd of supporters and the curious. “I’m just curious about Ron … Continue reading →