Thursday, March 19, 2026

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

Alan Chartock

Alan Chartock is the president and chief executive officer of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, a National Public Radio affiliate, a position he has held since 1981. He was professor of political science at SUNY New Paltz and was a professor emeritus of communications at the State University of New York; and executive publisher and project director for the Legislative Gazette, a weekly newspaper staffed by college intern reporters covering New York state government.

written articles

Alan Chartock: The professor grades the politicians

Today I am bringing myself out of professorial retirement (I am otherwise employed now) to see if I still have my tutorial chops. I will attempt to give accurate grades to our politicians.

I Publius: Lake Mansfield, the wonderful community resource

The town has a wonderful facility. It is there for all of us and it is my hope that everyone in the town uses it.

Alan Chartock: The courage of whistleblowers

There is a certain parallelism between what Serpico did and the actions of a few courageous people who have seen this president in action.

Alan Chartock: I Publius

It turns out I have a serious allergic response to bees or wasps or whatever it was that got me. In any case, once again, the whole event proves the benefits of having a great hospital nearby.

Alan Chartock: And in other news….

This governor really cares about making a splash. The splash is so important that he doesn’t seem to care that he is mixing it up with someone who he thinks has been unfair to him.

I Publius: Remembering Michael Ballon

Michael Ballon would come out in his white chef’s outfit and we would gossip about things. Make no mistake about it: he had definite opinions and sometimes we would disagree.

Alan Chartock: Term limits aren’t always the answer

Bill de Blasio tried to position himself as a left-wing antidote to the corrupted political class. It just didn’t work. People got tired of him.

Alan Chartock: I Publius and the New York Express

A Chartock merit award to Great Barrington’s Steve Picheny for getting Peter Pan Bus Line to create an express bus from New York City to Great Barrington.

Alan Chartock: Feuding Democrats

Sometimes Andrew Cuomo doesn’t forget old hurts. Among the things he wants to get done this year is a new law that disallows the votes for a candidate on a third party line.

I Publius: A little to-do list for Great Barrington

While I am as proud of Great Barrington today as I have ever been, there are a few things that do need some work, so I have a little list.

Alan Chartock: Cuomo on the warpath

I have been speaking with him a lot lately on the radio and I’m here to tell you the guy gets angry when he is challenged. Nothing gets by him.

Alan Chartock: Comptroller DiNapoli keeps NY government — and governor — in check

Three of the governor’s top people ended up being convicted of very serious crimes. Those crimes might well have been avoided had DiNapoli’s powers remained intact.

Alan Chartock: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand drops out

If you were lucky enough to become a United States senator, why in the world would you not believe that you could be president?

ALAN CHARTOCK: In Memoriam, Judy Grunberg  

Judy Grunberg was one of those rare individuals who makes such a difference that you just don’t know how you can go on without her. 
spot_img

The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.