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2010-01-03T19:01:59-06:00

Welcome to Greater Rochester's boldest news, opinion, and information website.

Legislator Largesse, at Taxpayer Expense

2010-09-05T16:28:48-05:00

Monday, September 6, 2010 Rochester, NY - We at the Smugtown Beacon are proud and excitied to welcome former Rochester City Councilman Bill Pritchard to our writing staff. In Mr. Pritchard's first article on SmugtownBeacon.com, Bill looks into taxpayer funded perks for Albany types, including 'public' vehicles for some State Senate and Assembly members.

I Don't Want to Scare You... But I Think We're Doomed

2010-09-02T21:01:42-05:00

Friday, September 3, 2010 The Smugtown Beacon has been ringing the alarm bell on state and federal debt, ineffective government and several indicators of decline in our state and nation. In an effort to tie some of these thoughts together in advance of the 2010 elections, this author has tentatively reached the following conclusion: we are doomed.

What Message Will 131st AD Dems Send?

2010-08-31T18:11:18-05:00

September 1, 2010 In two weeks, voters in the 131st Assembly District (parts of Rochester, Wheatland, Rush and Chili) will identify the Democratic candidate for the November election. Unlike past years where incumbent Susan John held down the fort (sometimes with nail-biting margins), this year Democrats defend an open seat. This makes the September 14th primary even more important: will Democrats pick the candidate they think can hold the seat, a reformer, both or neither?

Sneak Peek our Newest TV Commercial

2010-08-31T15:25:50-05:00

Checkout our new Fall TV commercial which will begin airing on WHAM TV-13 on Wed., 9/1/10, and WHEC TV-10 on Monday, 9/6/10 !

Click here to view the spot on YouTube.com

We'd love your opinion. Please tell us what you think!

Political Predictions: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

2010-08-29T09:51:19-05:00

Monday, August 30, 2010 Rochester, NY - The following will serve as somewhat cynical election day predictions about alleged New York State voter outrage, and the likelihood that most if not all incumbents will be returned to Albany & Washington.

Alcohol: The Drug of the Nation

2010-08-26T05:25:25-05:00

Thursday, August 26, 2010 Rochester, NY - Alcohol. For centuries, the great social elixir, used to enhance the taste of food (wine), and to initiate the young (beer), as well as separate the men from the boys (liquor). But would it surprise you to know that 25% of the average senior class, at the average American high school are binge drinkers; that computer and data processing workers have, by industry, the highest rate of heavy alcohol consumption; and, that consumption of the drug, alcohol, causes, by far, more violent acts by heavy users than any other drug, whether legal or illegal? After reading this article, you might think twice about taking that next drink.

Paladino's Poorhouse Proposal Produces Primary Pother

2010-08-23T20:49:50-05:00

August 24, 2010 Republican candidate for governor, Carl Paladino has not campaigned as a button-down Chamber of Commerce Republican. Instead he has taken the fire-breathing, populist approach. His latest proposal: voluntary "dormitory" residency for poor people where they can learn a trade and, in Paladino's words, "personal hygiene." What does Paladino's proposal say about the state of politics in New York? Is this reflective of New York Republicans' platform?

What I Learned Along the Way (and Why You Should Care)

2010-08-20T07:24:55-05:00

Friday, August 20, 2010 Rochester, NY - The following information, stats, and facts might wow and amaze you. Then again, they may not. But, give it a shot.