But whether the fare goes up depends on the intricate byplay of Albany politics.

Meanwhile, many environmentalists long accustomed to such twists and turns in Albany politics have already shaken off their disappointment.

But they are asking a question that is central to Albany politics: what took so long?

Now a potent mixture of local enthusiasm and Albany politics has turned what began as a local dispute into a statewide issue.

To underestimate his understanding of Albany politics would be a mistake, they said.

It would have made a mockery of Albany politics.

Longtime observers of Albany politics were not surprised.

"They are in the 800-pound-gorilla category of Albany politics, both of them," he said.

It is one of many features of Albany politics that blurs the lines between public and private interests.

But the pastor's efforts have been thwarted by something outside his spiritual realm: Albany politics.