John Whittaker Journalist Profile

Articles

Assembly Colleagues Wish Goodell Well In Retirement

Jun 15, 2024 | post-journal.com | John Whittaker

There was 10 minutes of debate on June 8 over legislation allowing snowmobiles on some roads in Bemus Point. Lawmakers didn't really care about the bill, per se. It passed, 139-1, and will be sent to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her approval. But for 10 minutes, legislators took turns wishing Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown, a happy retirement as the final bill the Republican Assemblyman was sponsoring in the Assembly came up for its vote.
Grid Modernizing Commission nears reality

Jun 3, 2024 | observertoday.com | John Whittaker

By JOHN [email protected] two years, the state’s Grid Modernization Commission is closer to becoming a reality. The state Assembly unanimously passed legislation (A.6253) forming the commission. The bill now proceeds to the state Senate for consideration before the end of the legislative session on June 6.
State Board of Regents eyes gender-neutral sports

May 8, 2024 | observertoday.com | John Whittaker

By JOHN [email protected] state Board of Regents wants to see more co-ed interscholastic sports teams. On Monday, the Regents started the comment process for a new regulation that will end the state’s current fitness test requirements for mixed competition. There will be a 60-day public comment period, at which the Regents expect to approve the change in time for this fall’s high school sports seasons in September.
Jamestown residents try to sue city police department

Apr 30, 2024 | observertoday.com | John Whittaker

Apr 30, 2024 [email protected] By JOHN WHITTAKER [email protected] JAMESTOWN — Two Jamestown residents are asking the state Supreme Court to allow them to file a lawsuit against the Jamestown Police Department that is otherwise time-barred. Charles A. Washington and Mariah J. Fleming filed a lawsuit Friday in state Supreme Court in Mayville asking Justice Grace Hanlon to allow them to file their lawsuit despite it being too late to file under state General Municipal Law...
Senate Passes Election Bills, Borrello Debates Portable Voting Site Bill

Jan 10, 2024 | observertoday.com | John Whittaker

By JOHN [email protected] Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, began the 2024 legislative session debating a familiar topic – portable voting sites. Borrello debated Sen. Rachel May, D-Syracuse, for the third consecutive year on the topic. S.242 has now passed the Senate for a third consecutive year, but has yet to pass the state Assembly. It was one of several elections-related bills to pass the Senate this week as the 2024 legislative session opened.
Four New York state schools take mascot fight to federal court

Nov 12, 2023 | niagara-gazette.com | John Whittaker |Jamestown Post-Journal

The Massapequa, Wantagh and Wyandanch, Connetquot and Amityville school districts have each filed lawsuits in the U.S. Eastern District Court seeking to nullify Part 123 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education adopted on May 3 prohibiting the use of indigenous names, logos or mascots other than for classroom instruction. The state Attorney General’s office is attempting to combine the four cases into one case.
Lawmaker proposes bill cut during cable disputes

Oct 18, 2023 | observertoday.com | John Whittaker

By JOHN [email protected] customers who didn’t have Walt Disney Co. channels available for more than a week in early September won’t see a break on their cable bills. Assenblyman Daniel O’Donnell, D-New York City, wants that to change for the cable company’s New York customers.
State lawmaker proposes fines for smoking marijuana near children

Oct 15, 2023 | lockportjournal.com | John Whittaker |Jamestown Post-Journal

A state lawmaker wants to make it illegal to smoke marijuana near children. Assemblyman Phil Steck, D-Schenectady, has introduced A.8025 to prohibit the use of cannabis within 30 feet of a child or 30 feet of any location in which children reside or attend for any recreational or educational purpose. Steck's bill also includes additional penalties for those who are ticketed more than once.
New York lawmaker proposes required e-bike training

Sep 7, 2023 | observertoday.com | John Whittaker

By JOHN [email protected] proliferation of e-bikes and e-scooters is prompting a state lawmaker to propose training courses for their use. Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, D-Brooklyn, has introduced A.7943 in the state Assembly to amend the state Vehicle and Traffic Law creating training courses for operators of bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters. Cunningham is also proposing optional training courses for those riding traditional bicycles.
Lawmaker proposes tougher standards for farm animal cruelty

Jul 24, 2023 | observertoday.com | John Whittaker

Local/Region Jul 24, 2023 John Whittaker [email protected] By JOHN WHITTAKER [email protected] Legislation that could be considered next year would create new standards for farm animal cruelty for egg-laying hens, calves raised for veal and breeding pigs. Assemblyman Harvey Epstein, D-Manhattan, recently introduced A.7841 and attracted co-sponsorship from Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon, D-Brooklyn. The legislation stipulates farm owners or operators in New York won’t...