Writer Ernest Hohmeyer writes that the next step for Gov. Andrew Cuomo is to create a true Adirondack Park, which may mean creating a singular regulatory, economic and marketing focus with state sanction and local buy-in.

The Times Union editorial board writes that it’s time for the state to really help local governments and schools that are struggling with state and federal mandates and still keeping within the tax cap. The governor needs to push the Legislature, harder than ever, to deliver meaningful mandate relief.

Reporter Brian Mann asks whether northern New York’s incredible natural beauty is being marketed as effectively as other tourist destinations. The answer, not surprisingly, is no.

Reporter Brian Nearing reports that Lake George Park Commission and a host of other groups are pleading with Gov. Andrew Cuomo to get behind a proposal to require boats to be inspected for invasive species before being launched into Lake George. 

Writer Bernard Melewski — an environmental attorney in Altamont (Albany County) — writes that the clear-cut proposal from the Adirondack Park Agency would result in ‘hundreds of acres [in the Adirondacks] may be cut at a time by large landowners without any review by the commissioners of the Adirondack Park Agency or public notice and comment."

Letter writer Donald Wharton of South Glens Falls writes that widespread clear-cutting would be devastating to Adirondack wildlife and the APA’s proposal should not be passed.

The Post-Star editorial board offers a boo to the state’s Mandate Relief Council for not actually offering much mandate relief.

Reporter Chris Knight reports that the state has acquired the 18,000 Essex Chain of Lakes tract from the Nature Conservancy for $12.3 million.

Reporter Thom Randall reports that new Assembly Member Dan Stec (R-Queensbury) says his priorities in the Assembly are the economy, job market and tax burden in the state and in his district.