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.
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.
Albany arrest-diversion program favors fewer - and whiter - residents
Is a policing reform initiative failing to address racial disparities?
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Black residents account for only 34% of the people diverted into an alternative treatment program called Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion. (Cathleen F. Crowley & Eduardo Medina / Times Union)Cathleen F. Crowley/Eduardo Medina/Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
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A year after Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins was sworn in, the number of people diverted through LEAD dropped from 87 in 2018 to 35 in 2019. Now, data shows the program has been falling short of fulfilling a core mission: addressing racial disparities. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
Albany council considers giving police discipline powers to review board
Even if council supports, measure would face questionable legal future
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Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins speaks at a press conference to announce the launch of Time to Talk - Community and Cops Collaborating, on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The program will allow for police officers and community members to meet on a regular basis to discuss the issues impacting the relations between police and the community. Albany resident April Purcell-Bacon, background, played a major role in starting the program. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union