Columnists

No margin for error

Tougher for HS coaches in era of increased scrutiny

When New York Mills boys basketball coach Mike Adey picked up career win no. 500 last Sunday as his Marauders won yet another Section III Class D title at the Carrier Dome, he entered a territory few might ever trod upon again.

Stirpe celebrates historic Central New York women during Women’s History Month

As you may know, March is Women’s History Month, a time when the contributions of women around the world, both past and present, are recognized. Many of the women and events that have shaped women’s history came from, or occurred in, Central New York.

Virtually Speaking

The computer age has revised our English language not only by introducing new words, but also by hijacking existing words to play new roles and convey alternate meanings. It does not help matters in those instances where meanings and usage were never clear to begin with.

March, more mad

College hoops, NCAAs could be crazier than normal

More than 35,000 souls gathered under the Carrier Dome top to fete Carmelo Anthony and the championship team from 10 years ago (10 years already?), and to see the current Syracuse lot battle Georgetown one more time as a Big East rival. Only one other basketball crowd will be bigger this season – the one on the first Saturday and Monday in April, under another dome roof, this one in Atlanta.

Dairy farmers should be allowed to expand without penalty

The agriculture industry is the backbone of the economy in Central New York. Central New York is home to many dairy farms and it’s imperative that they are able to increase the number of cows on their farms without incurring costly regulations.

Driving Snow?

Too many car accidents this winter

Though many indications are to the contrary, it is almost spring. Although perhaps it is a little late to be talking about winter driving, I must relate that when listening to 911 Center calls lately, I am appalled by the number of car accidents in snowy weather. The body shops must be doing a bang up business.

Loss of funding at Upstate would create a hole both in our economy and the community

The more good-paying jobs there are in our area, the better our local economy performs. This is one of the reasons I recently wrote a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo asking him to restore funding to SUNY Upstate Medical University. In his 2013-14 executive budget proposal, Cuomo proposed cutting $28 million from an $87.8 million subsidy to the state’s three teaching hospitals. This cut would mean a loss of $9.3 million to Upstate Medical as well as countless job losses, which could have lasting and devastating effects on our economy and our families.

A Super ending for the Ravens

Baltimore run to Super Bowl title one full of twists, drama

Look here, as the clock hit zero in New Orleans, and you see John Harbaugh, subdued when greeting his younger brother at midfield, but happier when greeted by his boss and family.

2013 Constituent Survey is available online

As your assemblyman, my first priority is to listen to you and your family. Doing so ensures that your voice is always heard loud and clear in Albany. I want to make it easier for you to voice your questions, concerns and opinions to me, so that I can ensure that Central New York’s needs are not only heard, but met. To help make sure your best interests are represented, I invite you to take go to http://tinyurl.com/Stirpe2013Survey to take a constituent survey.

The players are here, too

Super Bowl XLVII has plenty of stories beyond coaching brothers

Harbaugh brothers, and let’s call it Ravens 24, 49ers 21. Or Harbaugh brothers, and let’s say 49ers 27, Ravens 24. There, I’ve spared you a vast majority of the cliché pieces that will spring up in the days leading up to that rather consequential football game they’ll play in New Orleans Sunday night.

State of the State focused on creating opportunities for CNY families

Despite an overall improvement in the economy, Central New York families are still struggling and there’s still a lot more we can do to build up our businesses and create more opportunities right here at home. The governor’s State of the State address sounded all the right notes, and I’ll partner with him to enact a bold agenda to improve Central New York. In addition to staying firm on not introducing new taxes, we must focus our efforts on continued job growth economic development.

Investing in education and creating an inland port in CNY is a priority

A new legislative session has begun in New York and I am honored to be back to serve as the assemblyman for the 127th district. The electoral process is the cornerstone of our democracy and I thank everyone who participated in the last election. I am driven by a sense of fairness and I believe government can help create a level playing field for everyone.

A good change, really

Marrone to Bills, Shafer at SU great for both teams

Just as soon as the word got out early Sunday morning that Doug Marrone was trading Syracuse Orange for Buffalo Bills blue, the negativity began. From this corner in Central New York, it was fury at Marrone for having the nerve to leave the program he helped resuscitate. From that corner in Western New York, it was griping about missing the big name and settling for something smaller.

A message to the little ones lost on Dec. 14

Dear Charlotte, Daniel, Olivia, Josephine, Ana, Dylan, Madeline, Jesse, Catherine, Chase, James, Grace, Emilie, Jack, Noah, Caroline, Jessica, Avielle, Benjamin and Allison, You were taken too soon, that is true. It is also true that you have experienced an unimaginable, horrifying end to your promising lives. I am so truly sad that this world will not experience you as teenagers, young adults, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers. You didn’t get your chance to fulfill the promise in your shining eyes and wide grins depicted in the photos lovingly treasured and shared by your families.

From the editor: Thanks for all the stories

I’ve had so many experiences over the past two-and-a-half years that I never imagined having — all without venturing too far from my hometown of Cazenovia.

Eagle Bulletin