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2 months ago | 
spectrumlocalnews.com | Sean Kelley McKeever |JoDee Kenney
Local governments are on the frontline of delivering services for New Yorkers, and we’re talking about some of the challenges they face this week on In Focus. JoDee Kenney welcomed in Barbara Van Epps, the executive director of the New York Conference of Mayors. Upstate cities, Van Epps said, are having to do more with less and NYCOM is helping to make their voice heard during budget negotiations and the state legislative session.
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2 months ago | 
spectrumlocalnews.com | Sean Kelley McKeever |JoDee Kenney
This weekend on In Focus, we’re exploring the role local governments play across upstate New York and the challenges they face. JoDee Kenney sat down with Stephen Acquario, the executive director of the New York State Association of Counties. As NYSAC marks its centennial year, Acquario talked about its ongoing mission to connect counties, sharing knowledge and bringing their message from all corners of the state to lawmakers in Albany.
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2 months ago | 
spectrumlocalnews.com | Sean Kelley McKeever |JoDee Kenney
We are talking about local governments here in New York this weekend on In Focus. JoDee Kenney was joined by Chris Koetzle, executive director of the Association of Towns of New York state. This level of government, Koetzle said, is the primary provider of services for nearly half of New Yorkers.
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2 months ago | 
spectrumlocalnews.com | Sean Kelley McKeever |JoDee Kenney
With this year’s legislative session underway at the State Capitol, we are speaking with stakeholders about the bills and policies they are working to move forward. JoDee Kenney was joined by Dottie Gallagher, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. This chamber of commerce group, Gallagher said, brings together public and private sector partners with the common goal of growing economic opportunities across the region.
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2 months ago | 
spectrumlocalnews.com | Sean Kelley McKeever |JoDee Kenney
We are talking with incoming state legislators this weekend on In Focus. JoDee Kenney sat down with state Sen. Chris Ryan, who was elected to serve the 50th District, which covers Syracuse’s northern suburbs, as well as Oswego. Ryan talked about how his work on the Geddes Town Board and as minority leader of the Onondaga County Legislature prepared him to now serve in the State Capitol. Ryan also credited his dedicated staff for helping to get him acclimated to the fast pace of the Senate Chamber.
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Jan 19, 2025 | 
spectrumlocalnews.com | Sean Kelley McKeever |JoDee Kenney
This weekend on In Focus, we open a conversation on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.JoDee Kenney sat down with Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, who reflected on the opportunity to continue in the footsteps of those who came before him. That includes, Mayor Evans said, setting an example for the younger generation and working to engage and mentor students to become involved in public service.
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Jan 5, 2025 | 
spectrumlocalnews.com | Sean Kelley McKeever |JoDee Kenney
This weekend on In Focus, JoDee Kenney spends a day in the city of Troy with Mayor Carmella Mantello. Just wrapping up her first year in office, Mantello is the first female mayor of Troy and previously served as Troy’s City Council president. Born and raised in the Collar City, the mayor said she’s taking a proactive approach to addressing city issues, starting with street cleaning aimed at improving quality of life.
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Dec 15, 2024 | 
spectrumlocalnews.com | Sean Kelley McKeever |JoDee Kenney
We are bringing community revitalization efforts across upstate New York into the conversation this week on In Focus. JoDee Kenney talks with Shane Butler, Chenango County director of planning, about community revitalization efforts for more rural areas. The county’s 2050 Vision Plan, Butler said, lays out a roadmap for growth and opportunity in the region.
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Dec 15, 2024 | 
spectrumlocalnews.com | Sean Kelley McKeever |JoDee Kenney
This weekend on In Focus, we’re opening a conversation on community revitalization efforts across upstate New York. JoDee Kenney was joined by Utica Mayor Michael Galime, who grew up in the city, attended the University of Rochester and served as City Council president before running for mayor. Galime said in his first year in office youth services and recreation were among the priorities that were addressed.
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Dec 15, 2024 | 
spectrumlocalnews.com | Sean Kelley McKeever |JoDee Kenney
We are talking about revitalization efforts in our upstate communities this weekend on In Focus. JoDee Kenney sits down with Ginnie Farrell, Albany Common Council majority leader, who became a member of the city’s school board before considering a run for council. Farrell said when it comes to funding, Albany does seek grant money, but state aid is critical, especially given the number of state agencies and government buildings located in the city.
