First hour: Why do so few people vote in primaries?
Second hour: Discussing the Climate and Community Investment ActSome voters in Monroe County will head to the polls on June 22 to vote in the primary. Historically, there has been low turnout. Primaries often decide local elections, especially in Rochester, where Democrats outnumber all other voters. So why don’t more people vote in primaries? How does that impact polling? And would a stronger turnout in primaries mean for local elections? Our guests discuss these questions and more:
- Paul Hypolite, founder of Leading With Our Values
- Stephanie Townsend, councilmember for the Pittsford Town Board
- Ken Warner, political consultant, writer, and community activist
- Tim Kneeland, professor of history and political science, and director of research, scholarship, and innovation at Nazareth College
Then in our second hour, what is the Climate and Community Investment Act? The legislation – which has passed the New York State Senate and Assembly – seeks to transition the state to 100 percent renewable energy. If enacted, supporters say the bill would create hundreds of thousands of jobs, protect workers in the fossil fuel industry, and support communities most impacted by climate change. We’re joined by local climate activists and Assemblymember Sarah Clark to discuss the Act, the impact it would have if implemented, and how New York State is addressing climate change. Our guests:
- Sarah Clark, New York State Assemblymember
- Liam Smith, co-director of governmental affairs for the New York Youth Climate Leaders
- John Keevert, volunteer with the NYRenews organizing committee and the Climate Solutions Accelerator, and a retired photographic scientist
- Eric Koski, owner/principal of Orebed Analytics LLC, and volunteer with Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region, Rochester NY March for Science, and the Policy Committee of NYRenews
- Allen Blair, M.D., liaison to NYRenews from the Rochester chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby
