Regional Briefs – July 21, 2015

Cuomo Has ‘Professional Relationship’ With de Blasio

QUEENS – Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday he was not bothered by Mayor Bill de Blasio’s accusation of revenge politics, Capitol NY reported. “We have a professional relationship. It’s not really a personal, lovey-dovey relationship,” Cuomo said. “I know the man 30 years, worked with him 30 years … I’ll work with him for another 30.”

Car Thief Discovers 1-Year-Old Girl in Back Seat

TRENTON – A car thief abandoned his loot Sunday after discovering a 1-year-old girl in the back, The Associated Press reported. The girl’s grandmother parked at a gas station and went inside. The thief then jumped into the car and took off. The woman’s phone, left in the car, helped track it down a few blocks away. The girl was unharmed.

State Tax Collector Accused Of Falsifying Her Own Bill

CANTON, N.Y. – A tax collector was arrested Monday on charges she falsified her own tax records to avoid paying nearly $5,000, The Associated Press reported. A state comptroller audit led to nine charges against Michelle Sheppard, the town clerk in DePeyster.

New York Assembly Speaker To Kick Off Upstate Tour

SYRACUSE – The new Assembly speaker is heading upstate to better grasp the challenges facing the entire state. Bronx Democrat Carl Heastie will meet Tuesday and Wednesday with leaders, schools, hospitals and business owners.

NY Gets Go-Ahead for Own Weather Forecasting System

ALBANY – New York can begin work on a new $24 million weather forecast system intended to provide better data than private stations, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday. The federal government approved the installation of sensors at 19 sites around the state. The full system will have 125 sites.

New Program Lets NYers Support Renewable Energy

ALBANY – A new program will let New York residents find a sponsor for renewable energy projects and get a credit on their utility bills. Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved the Shared Renewables Program last week.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the July 21st, 2015 edition of Hamodia.