How 100 years of the Democratic rule has shaped the city of Albany
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Albany County Democratic boss Dan O Connell, undated. (Bernie Kolenberg, Times Union archives/Courtesy William Kennedy)
ALBANY One can argue whether the Albany Democratic machine was good or evil or how much of it remains today, but this much is indisputable: It has etched itself into American political history as one for the ages.
It has been 100 years since the O’Connell-Corning Democratic machine seized control of City Hall in 1921 by defeating the entrenched Barnes Republican machine. The Democrats have not relinquished power since.
Albany ranks first as the longest run of uninterrupted Democratic rule, longer than Boston (since 1930), Chicago (1931), St. Louis (1949), Philadelphia (1951), Buffalo (1962) or any other deep-blue city in the nation.
Security was tight around the state Capitol in Albany on Inauguration Day. Albany City Hall was closed and people were advised to avoid the area after the FBI warned of possible protests.
New York adjusts criteria, extends deadline for coronavirus rent relief
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1of5Housing advocates gathered outside Albany City Hall to call on elected officials enact an eviction moratorium and rent cancellation for the duration of the pandemic on Monday, June 22, 2020, during a press conference in Albany, N.Y. Housing courts reopened on Monday. (Will Waldron/Times Union)Will Waldron/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
2of5Housing advocates gathered outside Albany City Hall to call on elected officials enact an eviction moratorium and rent cancellation for the duration of the pandemic on Monday, June 22, 2020, during a press conference in Albany, N.Y. Housing courts reopened on Monday. (Will Waldron/Times Union)Will Waldron/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less