7/14 Hour 3

Starting now, Honey's Radio Wham, 11 days. Thank you very much, sir. I appreciate that. And troops, like always, I appreciate you showing up for muster, and I hope all is cool and copacetic on your end. You and I've grown up voting a particular way, right? Used to be machines, we click, click, click, and now it's fill in the little loop and put it through the scanner. Seems pretty simple. I'm grateful for it. I have confidence in it. But there are thoughts about maybe changing. some of the ways we vote, and not necessarily the technology, but some of the structure. Specifically, maybe open primaries and something called ranked choice voting. To find out what each of those means, we're going to be joined by a longtime worker in elections, an elections commissioner from Monroe County, New York, Mr. Peter Elder. Sir, welcome to the broadcast. Bob, thanks for having me today. I always appreciate your time and expertise and the years of service you've rendered. First of all, the first one, open primary. What is that, please, sir? Well, right now, the New York State has a closed primary system, which means that only members of a particular political party can vote in that party's primary election. So if you're a Democrat, you can only vote in a Democratic primary or Republican or Republican and primary and so forth. So under an open primary system, the typical form of one would be that any voter regardless can vote in that party's primary. There are variations. One of the variations they use in New Hampshire, for instance, is you are allowed to come in. You can change your party on that very moment that you check in and then vote there. So it's a modified open primary system. But so there are nuances to what an open primary system is. But basically, if any voter has an opportunity to vote in any other party's primary. What would be strengths or weaknesses of that, please, sir? Well, one of the proponents tend to think that it would allow more participation in the voting process. Obviously, numbers of voters participating may go up there, possibly some turnouts that might go up as well. The negative side, of course, is the parties can no longer protect themselves philosophically or numerically from the philosophies of another party. So you've seen situations. where one party will literally flood the zone and have their members change their party to influence another party's the primary election. So it really becomes, in those particular instances, almost like a runoff election rather than an open primary where everybody's just out there trying to choose the first round of candidates before they get to the general election. But there is a little bit of a variation in the states and what an open primary is, but what they're really debating in New York right now is allowing voters who are no longer, who are not registered or not enrolled in a party, to be able to vote in either of the party's primaries. So if you're, what they sometimes, this is Elections Commissioner Peter Elder. So does that mean like blanks is there sometimes called, would be able to vote then?

But a Republican wouldn't be able to vote in a Democrat, and a Democrat wouldn't be able to vote in a Republican. Right. Exactly. That's one of the possible variations. Now, I will say you can actually do that in New York right now. The parties could, through their own rules, adopt procedures that allow for non-members of the parties, non-enrolled members of parties to vote in their primary election. So one of the things that to keep in mind here is that party rules. could actually take over and be another option here if that's something a party felt particular about. The other than the law could say exactly the same it is now, but if a party felt particularly important to allow blanks or non-enroll people to vote in their primary, they could simply change their party rules and allow it. But the fact that neither party has, that might send a message? Yes, it probably does, yes. If Peter Elders Elections Commissioner in Monroe County, I'm a Republican, and in New York, I'm always paranoid when the state says we've got this new thing. I always figure it's going to screw Republicans somehow. Would this impact either of the two major parties in any kind of significant or disproportionate way, sir? Yeah, an open primary system would more than likely impact the Republican Party more only because the Republican Party has less total members. The Republican Party in New York is outnumbered almost like it was about two and a half, three to one. So obviously the flood the zone scenario is talking about could much more easily be done with the Republican Party. Even if the Republican Party decided to do that kind of thing with the Democratic Party, there just aren't the same numbers there to do it. So I would, yeah, so there is obviously a disproportionate effect that could occur on each party. Could that on a local level? Could that go the opposite way? Absolutely. I mean, if you're in a position, if you're in a rural county in New York and there's an open primary system, then it could very well influence the fact that the would, you know, the republic could influence a Democratic primary. But on a statewide level, the Republicans are way outnumbered versus the Democrats. Yeah. Is there a proposal, speaking to Elections Commissioner Peter Elder, is there a proposal that would say anybody can vote in any primary? Yeah, there are proposals out there. That's exactly correct. That's another one. There are proposals where you could just cross over the parties. And again, usually there's usually something in there that requires a voter to declare the party they're going to vote in. So I would say that that's a lot more like the New Hampshire model, where you declare the party. When you come in, you vote in that party's primary now. In that case, some states have a situation or you have a cool-down period where you can't then change your party back for 60 days or 90 days. Other states, literally you can walk out of the polling site and change your party the next day. back to what it was before. So it really depends on the rules that are adopted. There's a lot of proposals out there of what that might look like. Is there a problem here? Is there a need for something like this, do you think?

I don't think there really is, again, it's very much an opinion here, but I would say that the New York State is an extraordinarily open enrollment registration process. If voters who are not registered in the party feel particularly strong about a particular philosophy, what I would strongly recommend is when they fill out their voter registration form, just enroll in a party. There's no, nothing prevents a voter who is currently not enrolled in the party from enrolling in one. Sure. Peter Elders. So it's pretty simple. Yeah. Peter Elder is an elections commissioner in Monroe County. The second one, I don't begin to comprehend. Ranked choice voting. What is that, please, sir? Well, that's a situation where if there's multiple candidates in a ballot, a voter indicates their choices by preference. So say there's three candidates, you'd indicate one, two, three, and indicate what your rank is of those particular candidates. And then they're tallied at the end, and whoever gets the third place, if the vote for two, for instance, the third place candidate would fall off. Those ranked numbers that were indicated by the voters would be reapplied. to the other two. So it's a system that is used in places like New York City. There are some specific cities in New York State. It's not, it's used in Maine on a statewide level for some races. So it's, but it really, the other 49 states don't use it on a statewide level. Which also might send a message, right? Yeah. The notion of making this statewide or spreading this in New York, I'm confused by it, and I'm not sure what the benefit of it would be, sir. Yeah, there's some of the people who are, the people who, again, are proponents of it tend to think that it is a better way to represent voters' wishes because they can literally rank their wishes when they do it. There's also an argument that it helps prevent runoff elections, or at least it's an alternative to a runoff election. Again, it's a much more, much more, a little bit more arcane process in terms of being able to calculate how that's done. It really is hard to recount in proportion to what we do now in comparison what we do now. So it is a lot, there's a little bit more to it. Again, my bias, I've grown up in it is we have a good system for voting right now. It's simple. To me, a simple voting system is a better one, the one that introduces complexity. So I can tell you, Bob, it's... an election right now if i get more votes than you do i win right it's easy it's very easy and and there is i think peace of mind in that i oh yeah we live in an era where people question elections and on both sides and that's not good right we we we want everybody to have peace of mind and believe in the outcome and additional complexity and confusion to my mind doesn't achieve that end Right. I think people forget off time this is the legitimacy of an election, which really gives people confidence in it. So when you have a winner-take-all system, just like called First Pass the Post in England, we use basically the same system as they do. You know, it's very easy to understand. Whoever comes first in the race, they win the race. Yeah. It's just literally like to track me. And so it is a, it's a very simple thing. I think it adds legitimacy to the results because people know that.

under a ranked choice voting system, it doesn't happen a lot, but it does happen sometimes that the candidate that got the second most votes ends up winning. Yeah. How's that? That is nice. And that makes people look at that a little bit and go, huh? Yeah. So. That doesn't work. I also like systems where, and I'm grateful for a two-party system. I recognize that that's not a system per se, but I like it when the winner has a majority. Whatever the deal is, when I have two choices A and B, and we all make our choice, whoever comes out on top, had the support of the most people, and that, again, I think, is good for society. Right, we tend to, and our system really is more of a plurality system, even the majority system, whoever gets the most votes. So if I had three candidates running, this is where the rank choice proponents tend to actually concentrate their argument. They say, well, there's three candidates running, you would have a situation like where one candidate could win with 47% of the vote, say, because the other one's got, you know, X amount of vote, and maybe they got, you know, 47, 40, and then the remainder picked up 13 or whatever. So then you would look at it and go, okay, well, that nobody achieved the majority. Right. So that's where the argument goes. I would still maintain that it's a lot easier for voters to say, oh, yeah, but the one that got the highest number of votes is one. 100%. My solution to this is let's not have three candidates, but my secondary solution would be the way we do it now is fine. Yeah. The guy or gal with the most votes. I'm sorry, sir. Yeah. Yeah. No, I'm just going to say one of the reasons we have primaries is to try to eliminate that multiple parties, multiple candidate structure. So it really, the way we have it now is designed all the way along to try to get you to the two candidates of the general election. Well, good, good, good. Anything else on these? And also, what do you sense of the prospects for these things actually spreading across upstate or becoming statewide? Yeah, it's hard. It's hard to tell. Obviously, the Democratic Party is overwhelming and control of the state government, so they do have a preponderance and effect on these things. Although, I will say to their credit, they very carefully look, I think, at some of these changes because their elected officials are elected under the current system. So I think they look at these and see how it will affect every race down the line, not just state races, but... county races, local town, village races. So all these, because it would have an effect on everything. So, well, you might think, well, geez, it's an easier way to keep us, you know, electing a Democratic controller. We already kind of are. So the issue really is, what does it do to the offices, say, in the middle where there's actually competition, say, on a countywide or a town-wide level, and that might change the perspective on how this would be implemented. There's one other thing I just mentioned real quickly. The ranked choice boiling also will change the way the ballot looks. So it's not just an matter. Open primary system wouldn't really change your ballot per se, but the ranked choice voting actually would physically have to, we'd have to really tell voters and really make sure they're educated on how this ballot looks and how you interact with the ballot. Yeah. I hate to sound like a conservative, but let's just leave it B. We're doing okay.

Yeah. You're absolutely right. Most states have gone that way. People looked at this before, and there's actually been places that have adopted this system and then decided to go back. So how's that? It makes me feel good. Peter Elders, Elections Commissioner Monroe County. Sir, appreciate your time and expertise. Thanks for explaining these things to us. Well, thank you very much. You bet you. Good to talk to you. You as well, sir. Back in a moment on News Radio, Wham 1180. If you've been watching these soccer games... I don't know usually what's going on unless there's a goal, but... We're not going to try to explain it. But if you're watching the news... No one quite understands. We got you. Let me explain it differently. Listen carefully. Use radio. Wham, 1180. You've heard those ads. A brand new bathroom in just one day. Sounds great until the short building on new data centers across New York for a year. I want it's a stupid idea, in my opinion, but I don't understand if this is what she wants to do. Why she doesn't just sign the already passed legislation that does this same thing. I'm not a fan of executive orders. I recognize, you know, that I voted for Trump, who seems to be, you know, the king of executive orders. But we are a legislative government. My Republicans in Congress should have been passing bills that implemented all the things that Trump put in in executive orders. But in this situation, Again, I don't think we should have a moratorium or a pause. I think we can go forward intelligently, and we can let individual communities decide, and I think we can make up policy on the run. But if Governor Kathy Hochul wants a one-year moratorium, and the legislature has already passed a one-year moratorium, Why does she just not sign it, right? And let the legislature act, as it's supposed to, as opposed to her issue an edict, which she's really not supposed to. You know what I'm saying? Could you tell her next time you have your no-kings rally that it's also a no-queen's thing? Okay, just let you understand the deal. Take a break, get news, be back after on News Radio Wham 1180.

Freedom. We're Americans. We love freedom. Flander the Free. Freedom does work. Home of the brave. Godless America. This is the voice of freedom. Use Radio. Wham, 1180. It's a funny thing, but that music from that little promo there makes me think about summer and your car, and that makes me think about ZBart. You've seen guys out there over the years. It'll be a sunny Saturday in the summer. They'll be waxing that thing. They'll have that turtle wax or paste job, whatever's on there, making it all shiny, getting it squared away for a little cruising on a Saturday night. Well, listen, at ZBart, they can help you with that. How? What about detailing the inside of your automobile? How? What about some sort of system that helps protect your car against scratches and dings? How? How about some protection for your car against rust and stuff like that? How? By undercoating to protect that undercarriage. That's how. Take care of that ride because it takes care of you. Taking care of your ride, keeping it squared away begins at ZBart.com. RPO at Bristol Mountain, Thursday, July 16th at 7.30 p.m. Kids under 18 are free, and adults, pay what you want. VIP dinner package is available. Talking currently to the folks at Congress, and it's going pretty well. They're civil. Nobody's shouting at each other. And Elena Kagan said a few words about Lindsey Graham at the commencement of her remarks that were really pretty gracious and thoughtful. Are to be joined by a retired Rochester police officer and a nationally prominent endurance athlete, the great Brett Zabrowski. Sir, welcome to the broadcast. Good morning, Bob. How are you doing today? Pretty well, stud. Also, happy birthday is in order. How many is this one, young man? This is, apparently, I've been told, I'm not sure if this is true, Bob, but this is the big one, I think, the big 60 years old today. Outstanding. Congratulations. Thank you. I'm glad. There's times when I didn't think I'd make it this far, and I'm glad I'm walking on this side of the earth. Yeah. Any thoughts at this milestone, this juncture in life? It really is. And I got to be quite honest with you. I wasn't sure, like last week, I was going to feel when I finally hit 60, but nothing changed. And, you know, just another number. So I, you know, I do believe in Father's time. And I believe he's always trying to chase his down, always trying to get a little, you know, try to wiggle his way into your life. So I just try to beat that guy back every chance I get. Don't let the old man in. I think that's the line. Don't let the old man in. Glenn Eastwood, right? 100%. You, Brett Zabrowski, are talking to, of course, and you almost always have a quest. You have a grand adventure that you've got coming up starting this Saturday. What is that, please? That is called the Community Action 400, where starting on Saturday I'm going to run 55 miles a day around various high school tracks.

for seven days in a row, then the final day on the 25th, the following Saturday, I'll run 15 to make it, you know, 400 miles overall. That's amazing. That is amazing. And we'll get to the endurance aspect of it in a moment, but there's a specific purpose you're trying to achieve here. Yes, it's for community action of Orleans and Tennessee. Just a... fabulous, fabulous agency out here, headquartered in LB in New York. And they do so much for this community here and in Genesee. And, you know, if they ever went out of business, there's no way that social services could ever pick up the slack what these great people do day in and day out. It's just, and I always say community actions to me is always about hand-ups, not hand-outs. It's about helping people, you know, live a better life. without just giving handouts. And it's just fabulous. From their Head Start programs to their weatherization programs for houses, they give prom dresses. Imagine being asked for the prom and you cannot afford a proud dress. They have these prom dress giveaways. I think in seven counties, 85 dresses this last prom season. Just a great organization, Bob. And Brett Zabrowski, you're looking to raise money. You need people to donate, to pledge. How can they do that, please? So you go to runner sign up, runner sign up. You search it on the Google and then Community Action 400. And it'll give you a place where you can donate money. What's just as important is that is coming out to these tracks. You know, I'm mostly in Orleans County. I'm doing all the high school tracks here. But on Monday, I'll be in the great city of, I call it Batavia, Batavia. And then on Tuesday I'll be in East Rochester honoring that same day, Anthony Mzerkowitz, which will be the four-year anniversary of his murder in the line of duty. I'll be honoring Daryl Pearson, who was murdered in the line of duty almost 12 years ago. And then James and Ritter, who out in Cleveland was murdered in the line of duty just a little over two years ago. So if folks can come out, you don't have to be a runner, you come out and walk a few laps around the track. And I would gladly walk with you. Just love to fill these tracks up with people for a great organization. Where are you going to be Sunday? Sunday, I'm going to be in the great, great village of Lindenville. Okay. In the north, in the northwest part of Orleans County. That's almost in Canada up there. When I drive home, my cell service every other day says, welcome to Canada. You are now roaming. You say, I don't drive to Canada, buddy. I swim to Canada, all right?

Yeah, if you drive, that's a cheap way out, Bob. There's only one way to get over there. That's exactly right. It's going to take 21 and a half hours. Ask me how I know. Yeah, he swam across Lake Ontario one time. Is there a runner sign up? Community Action 400 is how people can donate and pledge such like that. Is it there or any place on Facebook or something where people could like learn the schedule of where you'll be when? So you just, my Facebook's open and my name's the worst to spell, but if you just start spelling SOB, which I'm usually not most of the time. I never thought of that, but that's a good point there, Brad. Gosh. So when people spell my name, now I say it, instead of saying SOB and everyone's first, I'm like, S-O, B-I-E-R-A-S-K-I. So if you look Brett S-Bresky up on Facebook, it's all over my page where you can just click the link and go find it. If you looked up the community action of Orleans and Genesee, it's right on the front of their page is a donation where you can, or a link where you could donate. Outstanding. Now, speaking of Brett Soprowski, here is the issue of. You, today you're 60, and again, you're strong and vital. But 55 miles a day, multiple days in a row, that's a heavy, heavy lift. Oh, I'm, you know, it didn't sink until maybe a week or two ago, Bob. And I was like, yeah, I think, you know, and I kind of hope, you know, reluctantly hope that this is the hardest thing I do because that's kind of the purpose of it. But, yeah, I think, you know, many things could go wrong. And I think mostly because it's lack of time to recover. So it's going to take me 11 hours. I'm hoping 11, no more than 12 hours a day. But, you know, you think travel time to and fro and then, you know, shower time, sleep time. It's not going to leave a lot of time to work on, you know, self-care or preventive care. So it's going to be tricky. There's no doubt. You know, I mean, I'm confident I'm going to do it. Come hell of high water. It's just how well I do it, I guess. Yeah. Well, you'll do it with honor and grace, no doubt. I appreciate this. I am grateful to you for supporting this worthy organization and setting the example that you are setting. To folks who may be in your neck of the woods in terms of age, who may not have the same background, you know, in physical activity and exercise and such, what would you say to them? What do you know about this stage of life that maybe they should know, sir? Well, I'll tell you, if you don't start today, you're one day behind the curve. You really are. If you don't start today, you're one day behind. And I look at myself in an example. I smoked for 16 years. I led a very poor lifestyle, and I was a poor example for my sons at that time. And, you know, and...

And what's happened previously is that in the community where they're captured typically or in an adjoining county, they would be held in the county jail and the federal government would pay that sheriff to hold that person in that jail covering all the expenses as their paperwork is processed or until it was time for them to be released or transferred or something like that. Just as the state Department of Corrections does the exact same thing with, you know, state prison inmates for whom there's maybe not a cell open right now as they get sentenced or whatever. This is not an uncommon practice. But New York says, nope, county sheriffs can't hold. And this is not like Joe is grabbed off the street on his way to work. This is someone who has a deportation order. This is someone, they've gone through the process, they've had the judges, they've had the court, and it's time to, you know, be held and to be gone. Kathy O'Cole says you can't do that. Well, here's a deal. Those people still need to be held. There still will be a process in New York State whereby federal immigration law will be enforced. As part of that, A certain percentage of the people will have to be detained. And now that the Democrats have said they cannot be detained in county jails, they will have to be detained in federal facilities. And so the small holding center at the federal building in Rochester, a just slightly larger, and I think it's two or three cells in Rochester. And then in Newburgh, it's a similar size deal, and then an entire additional facility in Batavia. This ends up... costing sheriffs a lot of money that they won't get to make it ends up significantly inconveniencing the detainees and their lawyers instead of being held in a county jail where you are apprehended near maybe your family and certainly near your lawyer you're going to be transferred all the way across the state to batavia far away from your family far away from your lawyer and that's where you will be held because of this new law by Kathy Hochul and the Democrats in Albany. Without that, there's no need to build another detention center, and folks could have simply stayed in county jails as they did before. So this is Kathy Hochul playing in politics, not being a good governor. It's time for news. We'll get that from Dave Debo on news radio, Wham 1180. America consumes a lot of news. Stay informed by friends. The I-Hart Radio app. Listen, walk, jog, and yes, even drive with it. Available in the app store or news radio. Wham! 1180. Downtown definitely events presents movies with a downtown view. This Friday at Parcel 5.