iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

We have members of the Democratic Caucus who see a role for the Office of Public Integrity in the review of PrimeCare Medical (which we still don’t have legislation to start). I am VERY opposed to OPI involvement. They don’t have the expertise & don’t work for the legislature. 1/

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Like many of you, I have thoughts about the NHJ essay. It resonated with me on so many levels, as someone who attended RCSD schools and who's been at doors talking to city parents. rachbarnhart.substack.com/p/nikole-han...

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Update: Based on caucus feedback, I am resubmitting with one change — PrimeCare would be renewed on a quarterly basis, not month-to-month. The legislature president has not agreed to allow in as a Matter of Importance to be considered at Tuesday's committee meetings.

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Rachel Barnhart @rachbarnhart.com · 22/09/2026

It’s happening! Forever Spring Studios is painting a mural on the wall of my next door neighbor! I can’t wait to see it progress and have a new view outside my windows!

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This happened across the street from my house. Although I often joke I live on "dive bar row," it's pretty quiet over here. My thoughts are with the victim. I hope police find the suspect.

whec.com

Man shot and killed on East Main Street identified: Police say he wasn't intended target

Rochester Police have identified the man they say was shot and killed on East Main Street on Sept. 12.

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Rachel Barnhart @rachbarnhart.com · 22/09/2026

Venue now secured. Join us for a watch party at Salena's at Village Gate! secure.actblue.com/donate/shann...

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Rachel Barnhart @rachbarnhart.com · 22/09/2026

“Board of Elections employees are explicitly partisan hires who work at the pleasure of their party’s commissioner and other party leaders. Good-government reformers have long criticized the setup as the last vestiges of old-school political machine patronage systems.” Same system across state.

cityandstateny.com

Inside Rich Schaffer’s ‘hardball’ campaign to keep power in Suffolk County

The Long Island Democrat allegedly offered to pay to ensure a county committee member’s vote as he faces a serious challenge.

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Rachel Barnhart @rachbarnhart.com · 21/09/2026

I don't have an issue with these salaries, as they are complex jobs requiring experience and skill. But I challenge D&C to do a "lowest paid Monroe County employees" list. That would probably be more eye-opening.

democratandchronicle.com

Monroe County's highest-paid employee earns more than $300K

Monroe County's highest-paid employee earns more than $300,000 a year. Here's who tops the county salary rankings in 2026.

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In Fighting for Every Black Child, Did I Betray My Own?

My god, this article. I have now had hundreds of conversations with East District voters & schools is top 3 issue. Many thoughts on this I will eventually share. This piece gets at the whole problem — school segregation and a deep desire to support public education. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/20/m...

nytimes.com

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Family of man beaten to death by NY prison guards to receive $24 million

A staggering sum. This is among the reasons I'm pushing for the legislature to take the review of the Monroe County Jail medical provider seriously. The liability we face in that case is enormous.

wxxinews.org

Robert Brooks' beating death was captured on corrections officers' body-worn cameras.

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Many of you want to gather in person, so we are adding an in-person watch party! Figuring out a location. Buy tickets here - we'll send you Zoom and location when finalized! secure.actblue.com/donate/shann...

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Rachel Barnhart @rachbarnhart.com · 19/09/2026

Seven years ago today, I was sworn in as a Monroe County Legislator. It has been the honor of my life to serve this community. Thank you!

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Come down to the North Winton Village Festival today at Linear Garden! I’ll be here for a while.

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Rachel Barnhart @rachbarnhart.com · 18/09/2026

Prudy is always very cute in grooming day

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Rachel Barnhart @rachbarnhart.com · 17/09/2026

I have asked the president of the legislature to submit this as a Matter of Importance, allowing it to be considered at our next committee meetings. We cannot allow Primecare, the jail medical provider, to be renewed for another year come January. 1/

Honorable Legislators:
This resolution would amend the County’s contract authorization with PrimeCare Medical of New York, Inc., the provider of medical care at the Monroe County Jail.
It is prompted by the findings of the New York State Commission of Correction concerning the October 2023 death of Brian Harmon at the jail. The Commission found serious deficiencies in the medical assessment and treatment Mr. Harmon received and concluded that his death would have been prevented had he been properly assessed and timely transferred to a hospital.
Most importantly for this Legislature, the Commission specifically directed the Monroe County Legislature, as the appointing authority for the delivery of jail health services, to review its findings and “conduct an inquiry into the fitness” of PrimeCare as the designated provider.
The Commission sent its report to President Román in December 2025. The report was not provided to members of the Legislature. As a result, the review directed by the Commission never commenced, and PrimeCare was authorized for an additional one-year renewal in January 2026.
We cannot undo that renewal. But we can ensure that another one does not occur before the Legislature carries out the responsibility the Commission specifically assigned to us.
The existing contract authorization provides for a fifth year with PrimeCare beginning January 14, 2027. This proposed amendment would remove that final one-year renewal and instead require any continuation of the contract after January 13, 2027 to be authorized by the Legislature on a month-to-month basis.

This resolution does not terminate PrimeCare’s contract or interrupt medical services at the jail. PrimeCare would continue operating under its currently authorized contract through January 13, 2027. The month-to-month provision provides continuity of care while preserving the Legislature’s ability to determine how to proceed after examining the Commission’s findings, the corrective actions taken since Mr. Harmon’s death, and PrimeCare’s fitness to continue providing care.
The Commission’s directive was addressed to this Legislature. We should not allow another full-year renewal to occur before we have done the work the state specifically directed us to do.
This resolution would have no impact on the Monroe County budget.
Respectfully Submitted,

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Good evening from North Winton Village

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Trump’s fight with Canada has hurt NY farmers, automakers and tourism. Could it get worse?

"Since the round of tariffs went into effect last year, Canadian tourists have stayed away from New York. Farmers and wineries in New York have sold much less milk and wine north of the border. Shipments of Canadian aluminum through the Port of Oswego fell by half."

syracuse.com

New York is uniquely vulnerable to high tariffs because of its close trading partnership with Canada.

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An aging Congress attempts to regulate AI without using it

I believe them when they say they don't use AI. But I wonder how many elected officials would answer no just because they don't want to admit it. AI shaming is bad. We need to be honest about usage.

axios.com

Critics say it's impossible for politicians to grasp how rapidly AI is changing if they don't use it.

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This would not address the fact there just isn't enough power - and rates would rise.

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