The Weekend Read ...

This is a new feature. We read a lot of stuff during the week that's not necessarily Bronx-related but it's relevant, or at least interesting, nonetheless. So, here's a few things we've been looking at. Please add any articles, or TV or audio clips, that interested you. We'll try to include some of them in our next Weekend Read next Friday. 

This City Hall article takes a look at why changes to the way the state administers Medicaid - a third of the state budget! -- is not likely to come anytime soon.

Also in City Hall, a report about the diminishing importance of some of the Council's committee chairmanships, particularly of the Economic Development Committee. That said, transportation advocates say east Bronx councilman Jimmy Vacca has done a terrific job taking up the reins of the Transportation Committee from John Liu, the former councilman who is now comptroller.

Another good City Hall article (thank goodness for occasional long subway rides) takes a look at the aftermath of Council Speaker Christine Quinn's shelving of the paid sick leave bill. It seems the disappointed progressive community, particularly the labor unions, are already looking to the next fight over the living wage and basically giving Quinn a pass on the sick leave measure, which had overwhelming support in the Council.

In yesterday's Daily News, Errol Louis says the doomsday for Democrats expected for Election Day on Tuesday might not come to pass. He explains that Democrats have a good ground game, and that's the kind of thing that doesn't show up in polls.We shall see.

As of 2008, one in 100 American adults was behind bars, according to this report in Reason Magazine. If you throw in those on probation it's one in 31!!! I had to read that several times. 

Eileen Markey, a WNYC producer and reporter (and former Norwood News intern in the mid-90s!) has this clear analysis of voter turnout, and why it generally stinks in mid-term elections and low-income communities. Take a listen.