Squawkbox – February 17, 2026

When Ronald Reagan spoke, Russian dictators were scared to death. When our current Republican president speaks, Putin just laughs.

I’m going to withhold judgment on Chad Warbington’s columns until I am certain he’s not using them for his own causes. I learned some new stuff in his first, so I can see where it could be beneficial. If he starts promoting himself and his own causes — which he’s known to do — I say pull the plug.

How can someone as smart as Bo Dorough keep advocating for Tripp Morgan to own the downtown brewery? According to Warbington and past Herald reports, Dr. Deceit has now squandered $2 million-plus in taxpayer money.

What?, Let me rephrase … WHAT!? A 1% sales tax to reduce property taxes? You are out of your mind. This neither fixes the core problems nor offers a rational solution but irrational incompetency in leadership and management. Better yet, charge parking fees for the thousands that will come to see our virtual tour, color time at the Ritz or a new $9 million gym. Lord help us.

The state sent to some taxpayers a supposed extra $500 tax rebate because of budget savings last year. Yet, we come to this budget year under  the same administration, and DFACS has a budget shortfall of $89 million. Sounds like there are two sets of books with two separate accountants. The kids lose now, and that will carry over to at least another generation. Shameful, trying to buy votes by selling out our most needy children.

When people like Chad Warbington start writing editorial columns, hold onto your pocketbooks. He’s most likely hoping to pave the way for his own pet projects. I hope the Herald will not let this happen.

APD and the city and county commissioners have completely failed to publicly acknowledge and combat our city’s loud Charger and truck-racing problem. Now lives have been lost. Citizens are discouraged from getting out and supporting local businesses. These losers stain our city and impede economic growth and opportunities for our children. It is overdue for Persley, Bo, and the pastor to step up and actually do something positive.

Can’t wait to read more commentary by Commissioner Warbington. Something like this can be beneficial to city taxpayers.Friday the 13th bad luck origin: Friday, Oct. 13,1307, greedy King Henry of France sent the a

rmy and captured, tortured and killed Knights Templars to get their money and property. 

Trump has made numerous threats if Iran continues to kill protesters. Iran has killed thousands of protesters, and Trump wants to negotiate with a country that always cheats on negotiations.The time has come for Trump to follow up on his threats. 

Someone should be held accountable for the condition of the Hudson Malone Towers and its impending doom. A total waste of taxpayers’ money. Albany Housing Authority, its managers, its board members should all be replaced. Why can’t the employees and managers be held accountable, they simply were not doing their jobs? A life span of 40 years for a multimillion-dollar project is ridiculous.