Power & Politics: Orangetown preservation, Blakeman for governor, Westchester budget & NY shooting stats
This week's guest includes state Sen. Bill Weber, plus News 12's Rich Barrabi discusses Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's decision to run for governor of New York.
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Orangetown Community Preservation
Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed a local bill into law, granting the town of Orangetown in Rockland County authorization to create a community preservation fund.
The program uses a property transfer tax to finance projects that help preserve a community's character. Money can be used for things like open spaces, historic sites and parks.
State Sen. Bill Weber has been working on the bill for years and finally got it over the finish line.
"It's a great tool in the toolbox for the town of Orangetown and for the people of Orangetown to have more open space," he said.
The law still needs voter approval and will head to a referendum, according to the town.
Blakeman enters the governor's race
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has announced he is running for governor.
This will set up a GOP primary with upstate Rep. Elise Stefanik, who already said she's running.
News 12's Rich Barrabi hosted a panel to break down what this means for the race.
Westchester legislature approves 2026 budget
Westchester’s county legislators passed the county's 2026 budget during a special meeting Monday.
Vedat Gashi, chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, said they ended up with a fiscally responsible, balanced budget that was below the tax cap.
However, the process came with some challenges.
"It's not what we would have wanted in totality. It's a tax increase at a time when people are struggling, but it's a recognition of the environment we are, and it's a dedication to the responsibility that we are all charged with," says Gashi.
The vote was 13-4.
News 12's Melanie Palmer dug into the numbers.
Gov. Hochul: Shootings are down
Gov. Kathy Hochul said this week that gun violence is dropping sharply across New York, including in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.
She cited new statewide data showing shooting incidents with injury have fallen 60% in communities participating in the state's Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative since 2021.
