Disciplining tokers in the workplace
The state’s new marijuana law prohibits an employer for disciplining a worker who smokes pot outside the workplace, yet inside the workplace, they can discipline a worker who is high on the job with caveats, an explainer story in the Albany Business Journal says. New guidance from the state Department of Labor offers some clarification and may require employers to update drug testing policies since employers must have "specific articulable symptoms” if they plan to take action. A drug test alone and the smell of pot on clothing is not enough.
Accusations in Milton
Benny Zlotnick, the Milton town supervisor, asked the state Attorney General to investigate his Republican opponent, Scott Ostrander, the Times Union is reporting. Zlotnick is in his first term and is wondering why computer files and programs were wiped from office computers before he arrived. Ostrander is his opponent for this fall’s race, but was the preceding supervisor. Ostrander, called the charge hearsay.
Justice in campaign showdown
“A town justice who has run unopposed since 1997 is being challenged for his 11th term” in Clifton Park, says the Times Union. Republican-Conservative James Hughes, 82, in office since 1982, is facing Jennifer Jeram, an attorney and clerk since 2009 in Clifton Park’s courts.
Gov. Hochul appoints APA chair
Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed John Ernst Adirondack Park Agency chair on Wednesday. The post had been vacant two years and before that was held by an interim chair. Ernst has been on the APA board since 2016. The state Senate must confirm his appointment. A first order of business: a public/private land use plan, says a story in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.
Malta now home to Wellspring
Wellspring has moved to a new custom-built location in Malta, says a story in Saratoga Today. The building was constructed to fit with their mission of countering domestic violence and sexual assault in Saratoga and Warren counties. This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.