February 15th, 2022 Daily Headlines
The Tompkins County Democratic Committee has elected Linda Hoffman as the party’s new county chair. Hoffman was elected unanimously at the committee’s general meeting last month. Hoffman is taking over from Acting Chair Stacy Dimas who took the position after Former Chair Jim Gustaffson stepped down due to ill health. Hoffman previously served as chair of the Town of Ithaca Democratic Committee. At the same meeting, the County Committee announced a slate of endorsements for the 2022 Election Cycle. The committee endorsed Incumbents, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and Senator Chuck Schumer. The committee also endorsed Maureen Reynolds for County Clerk and Derek Osbourne for County Sheriff.
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The Lansing Town Council is attempting to amend town zoning laws to prohibit cryptocurrency mining in the town. According to the Ithaca Times, the town government fears a Bitcoin mining facility may be proposed at the former Cayuga Power Plant. The town is now hurrying to draft legislation before plans for a cryptocurrency facility can be submitted to the town.
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New York state is attempting to clamp down on businesses offering marijuana as a gift. According to Syracuse.com, last week the New York Office of Cannabis Management announced it had sent letters to two dozen businesses suspected of illegally selling cannabis. Businesses have popped up across New York offering marijuana as a gift along with other memorabilia such as stickers. While marijuana is legal to consume and possess in small amounts, it is not yet legal to sell. These so-called sticker stores claim that they are not selling marijuana but merely offering it as a gift in addition to their other products. According to the Ithaca Voice One such store opened in Ithaca back in December.
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New York state Democrats will meet this week at their party convention in New York City. According to Spectrum News, former New York Senator, and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton will offer the keynote address at the event. Party members will also vote on the party’s endorsements for the upcoming Gubernatorial Primary.