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Connections

Coming up on Connections: Monday, January 15

GOVERNOR CUOMO'S OFFICE

First hour: Oprah for President?

Second hour: Discussing Governor Cuomo's proposed plan to end the tip credit

Oprah mania swept the Democratic Party in the past week -- but not everyone feels the same way about it. Some polling indicates that if Oprah Winfrey jumped into the presidential race, she'd instantly lead the field. Is she the answer for the American left, and for voters desperate to beat Donald Trump in 2020? We'll discuss it, and we'll examine how longtime party workers feel about how Democrats should be building for the next elections. Our guests:

  • Beatriz LeBron, leader of the 25th Legislative District of the Monroe County Democratic Party, and newly appointed member of the Rochester City School Board
  • Anthony Plonczynski-Figueroa, leader of the 21st Legislative District of the Monroe County Democratic Party, and co-founder of La Cumbre, Latinos United for Progress 
  • Yversha Roman, leader of the 26th Legislative District of the Monroe County Democratic Party, and member of Women Elect 
  • Jamie Romeo, chairwoman of the Monroe County Democratic Committee

Then in our second hour, Governor Andrew Cuomo wants to banish tips. The governor has argued workers who rely on tips have a harder time coming forward with concerns, and consequently are more vulnerable to exploitation and harassment. But restaurant, car wash, and nail salon trade groups say the tipped credit is critical to their survival. We'll discuss it with our guests:

  • Art Rogers, James Beard-nominated chef and owner of Lento
  • Christina DiPilato, server at Rocco
  • Samantha Pompili, general manager of a local tavern

Connections
Evan Dawson is the host of "Connections with Evan Dawson." He joined WXXI in January 2014 after working at 13WHAM-TV, where he served as morning news anchor. He was hired as a reporter for 13WHAM-TV in 2003 before being promoted to anchor in 2007.
Megan Mack is the executive producer of "Connections with Evan Dawson" and live/televised engagement programming.