Infrastructure Thoughts in Albany

by Andrew Bird

We spent the morning in downtown Albany, New York today.  Driving by the Old State Capital in the morning was oddly exciting and we enjoyed the river views from the hills. The Hudson is truly scenic; maybe we should get some painters together to document that fact.

The cornerstone for the Old State Capital was laid in 1806, one year before Robert Fulton launched a steamboat line on the Hudson from Albany to New York.  18 years later the Erie Canal was opened, which completed a continuous water route from the Great Lakes to New York City. Infrastructure = commerce = growth, oldest formula in the book.  But speaking of old, our current infrastructure isn't getting any younger, let's do something about that.  Low bridge, everybody down.

Many people were, naturally, curious about the giant VoteForBusiness Bandwagon parked outside their hotel. Yvonne, the coffee shop manager, was very nice and treated us to an extra hazelnut boost in our coffee. She was very excited to see us out supporting businesses large and small and finding out what folks are concerned about this election season.

Yvonne talked about the things that impact her day to day life, and that will influence the way she votes. The most important issue to her is not just the rise in gas prices, but also the rise in costs for every necessity she has to buy.  From a gallon of gas, to a gallon of milk, everything around her seems to be rising....except for her savings account.

We're now headed to Syracuse, NY tonight for the Syracuse Chiefs baseball game.  Hopefully we can put up a W for Bandwagon sporting event stops and, with the support of our newly educated voters, notch a bunch of wins in November.