Mike Whittemore
Mike is a Senior Video Journalist and Producer for Capital Tonight, New York's only nightly statewide political television program.
Homepage: http://capitaltonightny.ynn.com/stateofpolitics
AIM: rockharmonica
Posts by Mike Whittemore
The Red Cross Needs Your Help
Aug 31st - 9:00 pm
The images over the past few days have left many stunned. Entire villages washed away by flash floods. Hundreds rushed out of their homes just minutes before their homes were engulfed in water. For those who saw the images on the TV, they might be asking what they can do to help. It turns out, you can do a lot. The Red Cross is in bad need of volunteers and they are asking people to sign up ASAP.
Skip Zimmerman is the head of the volunteer division of the Red Cross of Northeastern New York. He joined Liz on Tuesday.
Alec Baldwin For Mayor…Of Syracuse?
Aug 31st - 2:41 pm
For months, 30 Rock star Alec Baldwin has been mulling a run for mayor of New York City. But if that doesn’t work out, he could always run in his mom’s hometown.
During a visit to the New York State Fair to help promote his mother’s charity, The Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, Baldwin explained to YNN’ Bill Carey that the task of fund raising and campaigning in a packed Democratic primary in New York City may be too daunting for his busy schedule.
Instead, Baldiwn said, “well maybe I can be mayor of Syracuse.” He then quickly changed his mind after learning incumbent Stephanie Miner is a fellow Dem–and scoffed at the idea of mounting a primary challenge against her.
Check out Bill’s full interview with Baldwin on his charities and if and when he could make a (serious) decision about running for office.
Lopez Personally Affected By Storm Damage
Aug 30th - 9:00 pm
Shortly after the officials updated reporters at the Cobleskill command center, Liz spoke with Assemblyman Pete Lopez. He attended that press conference not just as a public figure, but as a citizen who saw his his childhood home where his parents still live engulfed in the flood waters.
Gillibrand Tours Capital Region Damage
Aug 30th - 9:00 pm
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was one of several federal officials who toured storm damage in downtown Troy Tuesday, and Capital Tonight’s Nick Reisman was able to talk with her for several minutes at the end of her visit.
Gillibrand was touring downtown damage along the riverfront. The aging Hudson River community has been trying to turn a page and hoped attracting new businesses would be part of the Renaissance. Many of those businesses, including the recently opened Dinosaur BBQ, is closed. But Gillibrand says that even though some property owners might not have flood insurance, the federal government can still provide aid.
Cobleskill Mayor On Bridge, Dam Damage
Aug 29th - 9:00 pm
Mark Galasso is the Mayor of Cobleskill. He is also the President of Lancaster Development and can add some insight into the extent of bridge, dam and road repair that is going to be necessary following this storm.
Tonko Assesses Flood Damage
Aug 29th - 9:00 pm
Rep. Paul Tonko joined Liz Benjamin by phone Monday night as he toured some of the hard hit areas of the capital region.
Local Blog Keeping Residents Informed On Storm Updates
Aug 29th - 9:00 pm
With so many closed roads, downed trees and hanging power lines throughout the Catskills, members of the mainstream media and elected officials alike have had a difficult time reaching some of the hardest hit areas to report on, and assess, the damage Irene wrought.
It’s times like these that local Websites become valuable resources. They help residents keep in touch, sharing information about where to find food, gas and other supplies, and also bring the difficulties suffered by people in remote areas to light on a larger – perhaps even national – stage.
After Irene, a site called the Watershed Post, which usually carries features on local arts, characters and events, has become a go-to destination to keep tabs on damage in the Catskills.
Liz spoke to the website’s editor, Lissa Harris.
Protecting NYers From Price Gouging Following Storm
Aug 29th - 9:00 pm
As we continue our coverage of the storm damage from Tropical Storm Irene, unfortunately whenever there is a natural disaster, there are people who try and take advantage of those impacted by the devastation. That’s why the Attorney General’s office is stepping up efforts to crack down on price gouging, and related crimes.
Marty Mack is the Executive Deputy New York Attorney General. He joined Liz Benjamin from Buffalo Monday.
Pataki To ‘Remain Active’ In 2012, But Not As Candidate
Aug 26th - 1:15 pm
Former Gov. George Pataki just released a statement formally confirming reports that he has decided not run for president in 2012.
A source said this morning that Pataki’s decision was based mainly on family concerns. And now we have this:
“Earlier this year I launched No American Debt to put a focus on our debt crisis. President Obama and his misguided policies are bankrupting America, stealing from our children’s future and he must be defeated next November. ”
“It is incumbent on our party to come forward with serious solutions to preserve our future and ensure America’s continued greatness. I remain committed to the advancement of real, politically viable reforms to entitlements and rolling back the size and cost of the federal government.”
“At this time, I will continue to do this as the leader of No American Debt and not as a candidate for president. Throughout the coming months I will remain active in this important discussion and support the candidate who offers the vision, the ideas and the leadership to bring an end to America’s debt crisis.”
Michael Carey: OPWDD/State Police Agreement ‘A Good First Step’
Aug 17th - 5:47 pm
Michael Carey, an outspoken advocate and driving force behind, “Jonathan’s Law,” said today that the joint agreement between the Office for Poeple With Developmental Disabilities and New York State Police is a good first step to minimize abuse in group homes across the state, but also says could go much further.
The agreement would make it easier for information of alleged abuse to reach the ears of law enforcement, however Carey says such a directive should be mandated.
“When the calls of abuse are reported by mandate reporters, anybody that witnesses abuse, most of these calls, go to the abuse hotline,” Carey said.
“We want those calls to immediately forwarded to law enforcement, not just the state police, but local law enforcement so whoever is the closest agency around. It’s critical that these are immediate and not two or three days later because evidence disappears, bruises disappear and employees are influenced because a fear of losing their jobs.”
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