WCDO Radio News

State Senator Tom Libous & Assembly Members Donna Lupardo & Cliff Crouch met with state officials Tuesday in Albany to discuss the proposed closures of the Broome Developmental Center and the Greater Binghamton Health Center. Libous said that they are concerned about the loss of jobs, and the ability for the community as a whole to handle the patients:

(Libous 11-27-13)

Libous said that he talked with the Governor recently about his concerns, he said that he is hopeful that there could be money in next years state budget to keep the facilities open, if not he has proposed legislation to freeze the closure of mental health facilities until 2015, in order to come up with better plans for those affected. Libous expects to meet with officials again after the Thanksgiving break.

Governor Cuomo holds a wide lead over his potential Republican challengers in the 2014 gubernatorial race, according the latest Polls. A Wall Street Journal-NBC-Marist poll found that Cuomo leads Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino 65 to 23%, with similar leads against Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin and former Republican gubernatorial nominee Carl Paladino. A Quinnipiac University Poll shows Cuomo over Astorino by 56 to 25% margin.

State Education Commissioner John King will visit Binghamton Monday to discuss the Common Core with community members.  The forum is scheduled for 6:00 to 8:00 PM at West Middle School. The forum will be hosted by state Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and moderated by the League of Women Voters, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch will also be serving on the panel.