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I knew Louis Stelling, the subject of Chris Churchill’s column "Victim of violence asks Albany voters to listen," March 18. He was one of our most promising graduate students, already engaged in key research projects on language modification and change. As Churchill describes, Stelling had been left to die in the Park South neighborhood by a teenage aggressor and his accomplices.

The next time I met Stelling, he could no longer speak with ease and certainly could no longer do research. His aggressor, Lukee Forbes, now 30, speaks with ease when he explains how the approximately eight years he served changed him and sparked him to seek the Third Ward’s Common Council position to be vacated by Joyce Love.

Stelling will never be able to seek public office: he is serving a lifetime sentence due to the disabilities that resulted from the 2010 attack that left him for dead. The old Stelling, the one I knew, is no more; Forbes proclaims his experience puts him in a position to help wayward youth. Perhaps, but who will help Stelling?

The writer is Professor Emerita of French and Francophone Studies at the University at Albany.

Published April 21, 2025

In response to Chris Churchill’s column, “Tussle over State Museum follows years of indifference,” Jan. 19, I’d like to suggest a potential solution to the planning and future function of the museum: Establish a friends group dedicated to handling the curation and day-to-day operations in partnership with the state.

Dozens of New York’s state historical sites, which are essentially living museums, have successful, committed, not-for-profit friends groups working in close partnership with the state or federal government to help these invaluable assets thrive. Most notably in our region: the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage, Olana, Schuyler Mansion, and Fort Crailo all have friends groups.

These healthy public/private partnerships have existed for years with devoted volunteer staff (some have paid staff) and hardworking boards of directors donating their valuable personal time to fulfill their mission because of their passion for the place and its story. There are many New Yorkers who hold a similar passion for the living and natural history of our state, many of whom I’m sure would be willing to dedicate their time to the museum.

Inviting residents, especially those from the community surrounding the museum, to be a part of its planning and its future will help embody the idea that it is truly “Our Museum."

Published Feb. 10, 2025

I’ve been cheerfully reading about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal of $400 million to revitalize Albany. Chris Churchill's column "Kathy Hochul comes to Albany's rescue," Jan. 15, describes how varied her plans are. While $150 million is specifically targeted for the State Museum, other projects are less defined. They may include a soccer stadium, renovating downtown Albany and/or building new housing.

The choice between fossil fuels and renewables for these developments needs public input sooner rather than later.

Readers may remember in 2019 New York signed into law the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The act required the state to obtain 70% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030. We are far behind this goal. Last July, the Public Service Commission reported that 70% of the target will not be met before 2033. The governor's proposal is an unexpected opportunity to recap some of this lost time to invest in renewable energy projects.

I also wish to thank Hochul for the July 2024 announcement of an additional $100 million to be spent on decarbonizing the Empire State Plaza. The community group, Sheridan Hollow Alliance for Renewable Energy, was organized in 2017 after citizens learned about the state's plan that would increase pollution by adding two massive fossil fuel turbines. SHARE’s persistence in turning the state toward renewable energy deserves our highest praise and commendation. People power works. Let’s make sure the restoration of Albany is based upon renewable energy.

The writer is a co-founder of People of Albany United for Safe Energy.

Published Jan. 27, 2025

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Chris Churchill’s column begins, “President-elect Donald Trump complains, with justification, that the Department of Justice was weaponized against him.”

That is utter nonsense, and shame on Churchill for parroting this huge lie. Trump was prosecuted not due to politicized “weaponization” but because he had committed obvious and highly serious crimes. His unlawful theft of classified documents was intentional, egregious, and endangered national security. He abused his power trying to overthrow an election — an effort that even included fake electors, a frontal attack on our democracy and civic culture; deaths resulted.

The real scandal here, in fact, was the Justice Department squeamishly dragging its feet for two years before starting those prosecutions. That is an unjustified delay that ultimately enabled the criminal to evade legal accountability.

That’s the reality, and it’s sickening how successful Trump has been at creating a bizarro alternate false narrative.

Churchill’s column ("Yes, the U.S. Justice Department really did target Andrew Cuomo," Jan. 9) meanwhile focuses on Andrew Cuomo, who’s been battling to impugn the investigations that undid him. Another effort to create a bizarro alternate reality. One simple question: if Cuomo was really innocent, why did he resign rather than fight the charges?

Published Jan. 20, 2025

Once again, Chris Churchill has written a column that, at this time of year, clearly showed why he deserved a lump of coal in his stocking on Christmas morning. There may be myriad reasons that voters in Bethlehem chose not to support the expansion of their public library. Churchill says that the vote reflects the current voter sentiment of the most recent presidential election and, in that statement, there is a kernel of truth.

There is no doubt that many, our family included, are affected by rising costs, but that is all the more reason to support our libraries. Especially in difficult times, libraries are places where you can borrow reading materials for all ages for free. You can attend programs as well for no cost, everything from storytimes that promote literacy, computer classes for seniors, and yes, cooking and yoga. Meeting spaces allow for programming and places for the community and nonprofits to connect.

As someone who has worked in and taken her family to libraries for over 40 years, I cannot think of another place in our communities where everyone can get, if you want to speak in financial terms alone, more for your tax dollars. Libraries though are more than just cost savings, they are essential community centers that serve everyone in their communities and deserve our support.

Published Jan. 6, 2025

Chris Churchill's piece "Ms. Hochul goes to the grocery store," Dec. 19, cuts deep into the roots in exposing how very out-of-touch our politicians truly are. Gov. Kathy Hochul is the epitome of the never-having-met-a-camera-she-didn't-like syndrome.

This syndrome sounds like "Ooh, ooh, look at me," take my picture wearing a hard hat, holding a newly purchased shovel spray-painted gold at a groundbreaking, holding a giant pair of scissors at a business opening or slinging burgers in an apron at a restaurant like "real folk." The list is endless.

It's all about making "much ado about nothing." It is smoke-and-mirrors subterfuge designed to give the appearance that they are "working hard" at helping us all out while keeping their names and faces in the news as free campaign-run advertising. Here's a novel approach, how about instead of some closely scripted and choreographed photo op, they actually tackle some important issues, like homelessness, mental health, school funding, clean water and air, the outward exodus of people from our state, etc.

Why not?

Because those things are hard, require effort, and might make a politician even less popular. Discussing the price of eggs to demonstrate how in touch you are with all of us is way easier. Bogus to be sure, but easier.

Published Dec. 30, 2024

Chris Churchill, in his column "Mayoral race taking shape, and, yes, you should care," Dec. 8, makes a good observation that as the city of Albany goes, so goes the rest of the Capital Region. However, Churchill’s simplistic mischaracterization of Chief City Auditor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs' association with Mayor Kathy Sheehan is a disservice to the voters of Albany.

I have known Applyrs since she first ran for the Albany Common Council in 2013, and she is definitely not a "status quo" candidate for mayor of Albany. Yes, Applyrs and Sheehan have a working relationship as they both serve the citizens of Albany in City Hall. But Applyrs is her own person who has proven in the past, through both the audits of city departments she has conducted as chief city auditor, and during her time on the Albany Common Council, that she will do what she believes will "activate" Albany, no matter who might disagree with her, including Sheehan.

An example of her independence from Sheehan was then-Councilmember Applyrs' efforts to include a 5% inclusionary housing provision in the revised city code over Sheehan's objections. I personally witnessed a debate between Applyrs and Sheehan on the proposal. Despite Sheehan's fervent opposition, Applyrs stood her ground and argued her case. The Common Council agreed with Applyrs, and inclusionary housing provisions became law.

This is only one example of many that demonstrate Applyrs’ independence from Sheehan and illustrate that Churchill’s characterization of Applyrs as the “continuation” candidate is way off base.

The writer is a former Albany Common Council member, 2002–13.

Published Dec. 23, 2024

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Regarding Chris Churchill's column, "Albany throws a crummy birthday party," Nov. 24, Albany has ignored the history and commemoration of its founding in 1624, for the most part. It appears not to matter to city officials just as New York avoided commemorating the War of 1812 when New York's role was pivotal.

Similarly, Bruce Dearstyne's commentary "N.Y. must keep history as a high school graduation requirement," Nov. 12, commented on New York ignoring history standards for graduation from high school. I would add there is also no concern for civics. We will graduate students with limited knowledge of American history and government. This is not totally surprising since some colleges do not require students to take any history classes or civics in American government.

Unfortunately, we have a generation of high school and college students who could not pass the citizenship test for immigrants my Lebanese-born son-in-law passed.

The writer is the program director for history at Russell Sage.

Published Dec. 23, 2024

Chris Churchill’s column, “Issues driving Trump's big win weren't peanuts,” Nov. 7, makes several good points on why President Donald Trump won. However, he overlooks an important reason why a man of Trump’s character and record could be elected to the highest office in the land. Trump’s win was only possible because of support from Republican leaders in state and local offices.

As a Halfmoon resident, my elected Republican officials actively support the man who was charged with multiple felonies and found guilty of sexual abuse. I can find no public statements from any of these elected Republican officials condemning Trump’s sexual abuse verdict, the lies about election fraud, or his nomination of an attorney general who has since stepped aside as more discussion centered on accusations of him having sex with minor girls and other issues.

The 2024 election will be debated for years but, regardless of where one stands, it’s important to remember Trump’s win was only possible because of local Republican leaders who are completely loyal.

Published Dec. 2, 2024

Responding to Chris Churchill’s column, “In Bethlehem, yet another vote,” Oct. 27, the Bethlehem Library Board takes issue with the characterization that the Dec. 12 bond vote might have been chosen to suppress voter turnout. The board has a voluminous record of its meetings with both written materials and videos posted and available to the public. At no point has there been a discussion indicating a desire to disenfranchise residents.

The board has been considering a building project for the better part of a decade and has sought community input and involvement numerous times during its deliberations. In 2017, the library purchased the home adjacent to its property on Borthwick Avenue at fair market value to provide options for the planned project. It has not been anyone’s home since then.

Unfortunately, the pandemic led to skyrocketing construction costs, leading the board to further adjust construction plans as cost estimates already had increased during the design phase. In placing the bond vote in December rather than May, the board is seeking to avoid additional price increases.

We encourage all voters to visit the library’s website for information about the project. More importantly, we want all eligible voters to vote Dec. 12 or request absentee or mail-in ballots.

The writer is a member of the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees.

Published Nov. 11, 2024

The letter “League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization,” Oct. 27, took columnist Chris Churchill to task for his column “League’s alleged bias is up for some debate,” Oct. 22.

As part of that response, the writer described a situation in which the Republican Party and Conservative Party candidates in the town of Coeymans backed out of a debate in 2019.

The letter’s account mischaracterizes what occurred and proves Churchill’s point. The letter writer had previously been involved with the Coeymans Democratic Committee and sought to be involved in the debate despite obvious questions about her ability to be impartial.

I have nothing but respect for the work that the League of Women Voters does, particularly with respect to registering voters and compiling their Vote411. However, one can understand the impulse of both Republican candidates and the public in having significant hesitation in participating in league-sponsored events when something like the above occurs.

Published Nov. 11, 2024

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As a member of the League of Women Voters of Albany County, I feel compelled to respond to Chris Churchill’s column “League’s alleged bias is up for some debate,” Oct. 22. The league’s mission is as stated, “a nonpartisan grass-roots organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.”

The drumbeat that league debates are biased is absurd. All candidates are invited to participate and provided with the same set of debate rules that are followed to the letter. Of note: All candidates must agree to participate and the voters’ questions are presented to all candidates.

In 2019, I helped organize a league debate in the Coeymans town election. It took weeks of outreach to 10 candidates, coordinating schedules, securing permission from the school board for the venue and engaging student volunteers to assist the night of the debate. A week before the debate, Republican and Conservative candidates backed out, depriving voters the opportunity to play a critical role in democracy.

Every election, the League of Women Voters Education Fund produces nonpartisan guides to help voters understand where candidates stand on the issues. All candidates are asked about voters’ pressing issues and their answers are published word for word. To see the candidates who have responded in local elections, go to Vote411.org.

Published Oct. 28, 2024

To me, Chris Churchill is an important force for good in our community. In his column on the beloved and talented educator John Sawchuk (“John Sawchuk was a hero, and not just for stopping a school shooting,” Oct. 6), Churchill has done a great service by writing, “With broad shoulders, a big chest and a strong jaw, Sawchuk was a living, breathing rebuke to the nerdy 'Bueller, Bueller' portrayal of teachers so common in Hollywood movies.” Because even so careful a thinker as Churchill has fallen prey to it, let’s take a look at the harm everyone suffers from the stereotype “nerd.”

A Google search for “nerd” served up images of bespectacled white people dressed unfashionably and smiling awkwardly. Alongside was the definition, “A person who is extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable about a particular subject….”

I possess full training in both teaching and theoretical physics. The fact that dedication to an academic subject is mapped in so many minds to particular physical appearances and personality types is one reason we struggle to fill STEM jobs. Why, oh why, do girls tend to lose interest in math as they grow up?

Hollywood movies can help break stereotypes. Do you know who were nerds? Indiana Jones and the real-life mathematicians in “Hidden Figures."
Would technology be designed more responsibly if the designers grew up feeling valued? Is there any doubt that hatred of nerds promotes former President Donald Trump and undercuts climate action? Thanks to Churchill for spotlighting a critical issue.

Published Oct. 14, 2024

Chris Churchill’s column “Among Jewish voters, a shift toward Trump,” Sept. 24, was disturbing. The possibility that former President Donald Trump is beating Vice President Kamala Harris among Jewish voters is surprising in light of Trump’s assignment of blame to Jewish voters if he loses.

The poll cited in the column was not specifically targeted to Jewish New Yorkers so that may explain this development. There are differences in opinion in every community and the Jewish community is no different.

Open antisemitism is distressing and Trump’s blaming Jewish voters fans those flames of hatred. Lee Zeldin, the former Long Island congressman, represented my district. He is also a Trump supporter and an election denier. I agree with him that there is no simple explanation for a rightward shift among New York Jews.

Nevertheless, if there is any ambivalence, every Jewish voter must face the fact that being blamed for election results by a presidential candidate threatens their safety. Trump revels in strongman threats. You don’t have to be Jewish to understand that the blame game isolates the community. The Holocaust reminds us where that can lead.

The writer was a member of the President’s Commission on the Holocaust and the first U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council.

Published Oct. 14, 2024

Reacting to Chris Churchill’s column “Among Jewish voters, a shift toward Trump,” Sept. 24, any Jew that believes former President Donald Trump will act more favorably toward Israel than Vice President Kamala Harris is truly forgetting Trump’s actions affecting his family over the distribution of the estate of Fred Trump and his business dealings.

The actions regarding the estate it has been argued by a number of heirs were unscrupulous; some of those heirs have used harsher terms. His modus operandi regarding his businesses was well-documented and simply outrageous. The slew of lawsuits and bankruptcies document these unsavory actions.

Trump would sell out Israel for a hotel or a business deal in Saudi Arabia, Iran or anywhere else. Saudi Arabia may be in the process of normalizing relations with Israel due to Trump, but this is the same nation whose financiers bore responsibility for 9/11. The militants and terrorists in the Arab world may have their differences, but one fact holds true: They all want to drive Israel out of existence and do anything to injure the United States. Trump’s statement blaming Jews if he loses in 2024 is just another brick in Trump’s wall of bigotry, notwithstanding his daughter’s conversion to Judaism and his grandchildren’s faith.

Trump is no friend of Israel or Jews. Rather, he is a friend to any Jews willing to invest in whatever he purports to be selling at the moment. Based on past history, don’t expect any positive returns for America on those investments.

Published Oct. 14, 2024

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I had the pleasure of working side-by-side with Phil Calderone for the city of Albany for more than 18 years. We formed an instant bond in our working relationship and became great friends, which continues today, well after we both moved on from the city. His passion for serving the city and its citizens was contagious, and he treated everyone with utmost respect and compassion. His intellect and even-keeled manner diffused many contentious situations. In government now, roughly 40 years later, I can attest that I have never met a more intelligent, creative, loyal, kind and humble public servant than Calderone.

I have followed his remarkable transformation of the Albany International Airport as........

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