Fracking Foe On DEC Helm

Governor Cuomo has nominated environmentalist Joseph Martens as Environmental Conservation commissioner, and first indications are he may resist hydrofracking in the Marcellus Shale.
Pressconnects.com, the Binghamton Sun-Bulletin Web site, is quoting a speech where he called fracking “the most difficult and daunting” challenge DEC has faced in 40 years.
Cuomo also extended his predecessor’s moratorium.

SWEARING-INS:  Otsego County’s new congressmen, Republicans Richard Hanna and Chris Gibson, were to be sworn in Wednesday on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. 

HERE, TEXAS:  Trustee Neil Weiller said he will split his time between here and Austin, Texas, after leaving the Village Board April 1.

E. Lawrence Budro/
The Freeman’s Journal
Tony Casale, the former assemblyman and Cooperstown political consultant, and wife Theresa were where the action was locally on New Year’s Eve:  The Friends of Bassett gala at The Otesaga.