FYI:
Dear Readers:
I will be appearing on Don Peters cable Show "On Yorktown" chanel 22 Tuesday Night at 10PM. Yorktown and Putnam residents can catch this show.
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FYI: THE SECOND CITY WIDE PEEKSKILL TAG SALE:
Dear Readers:
Don't forget to go to City Hall and either sign up or get your map of participating homes.
The date is this Saturday 07/28/07 9AM - 4PM(?). The last one as posted in a previous blog and written about in the North County News was a blast with over thirty homes participating.
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A MESSAGE FROM PEEKSKILL REPUBLICAN MAYORAL CANDIDATE BILL SCHMIDT:
Dear Readers of the Bazzo Manifesto:
A lot has happened in the brief period since May 31 when I accepted the Republican nomination for Mayor of Peekskill along with my City Council running mates, Selma Dias-Stewart and City Council members Milagros Martinez and Mel Bolden. In particular, we've developed the key issues of our platform and sought input from a variety of citizens in putting it together. After meeting with many of you, we felt the need to unite Peekskill behind a message that every citizen can support, regardless of party or belief – and that message is:It's time to "Put Peekskill First."Citizens from all walks of life and every political affiliation -- Republicans, Independents and Democrats – both long-time residents and newcomers -- have reached out to tell me they are fed up with the mindless partisanship that threatens to bring all progress in our city to a grinding halt. What does our "Putting Peekskill First" campaign specifically mean?
It 's about making out- of-town property owners and absentee landlords who have in the past illegally subdivided and destroyed private homes, start obeying our building, safety and health codes, or be prepared to suffer stiff fines and swift enforcement if they don't.
It also means sending a clear message to the many other wealthy Westchester communities who arrogantly and illegally refuse to shoulder their fair share of "affordable", low income housing and other social services for the less fortunate of our county. To these wealthy communities we say, "Don't expect Peekskill to shoulder all your burdens any longer. Now it' s your turn now to do the right thing, as the citizens of Peekskill have done all these years."
Every bit as important, we must recognize that our downtown can't properly grow commercially and our tax base can't expand unless we balance out our huge inventory of government-assisted housing with market-rate homes that bring new residents with sufficient disposable income. This step will support and grow our retail businesses throughout the city and provide amenities and prosperity for all Peekskill citizens.
Last, our message of "Putting Peekskill First" means that any new residential development, in addition to being market rate and of quality construction, must respect our zoning and building codes and harmonize with its surrounding neighborhood.These ideas and policies are what a broad-based, common sense, good government platform should be all about – ideas and policies to benefit homeowners and renters, long time residents and newcomers, citizens of all stripes, everyone from our most fortunate to our most needy.
If you have an issue that you would like to discuss, or would like to get involved in our "Putting Peekskill First" campaign, I want to hear from you. Please contact me at councilmanschmidt@gmail.com, and give me your input. My running mates and I would also be eager to meet with you on any matter that is important to Peekskill's future.Look for more updates on this site soon dealing with the critical issues we face as a city. Together we will make a difference to end pointless partisanship and build a community for all by "Putting Peekskill First".
Sincerely,
Bill Schmidt
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FYI:
YORKTOWN DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE FOR SUPERVISOR DON PETERS & SPORTS BARN PRESENT AN AFTERNOON OF MUSIC:
This is a fund raiser for the "Friends of Don Peters".
WHEN: Saturday July 28, 2007 3PM - 5PM
WHERE: Sports Barn Field: 2918 Crompound Road(202)
CONTRIBUTION: $25.00 per-person....$10.00 children under 12 (not tax deductable)
ENTERTAINMENT: 1) MICHAEL VEGAS (world renowned Elvis Tribute)
2) STEP BACK IN TIME (the famous Doo Wop Group)
************complimentary refreshments (while suply lasts)
************bring your own chairs
************alcohol free event
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THIS WAS IN THE NORTH COUNTY NEWS:
Keeping Yorktown green
By Adriane Tillman
The 13 acres of golf holes, shady trees, green grass and idyllic bridges at Shallow Creek Golf Course, cornering Taconic Parkway and Route 6, now belong to the town.Golf course owner Cary Fields donated the nine-hole course to Yorktown on July 10 to be preserved as open space. Councilman Nick Bianco said the land is worth more than $5 million. Yorktown’s Parks and Recreation Commission must now decide how to use the land – whether for passive recreation like walking trails or for a more active recreational use. Eventually, the Commission will come up with a plan that requires town board approval. “It’s a prime piece of property that sits between Route 6 and the Taconic,” Bianco said. Developers reportedly had their eye on the property. Lowe’s and Target inquired about the site, which could have become an extension of the mall.Barring development, further congestion will be avoided on Route 6, plus wetlands and streams that affect Lake Osceola, Shrub Oak Lake and Peekskill Hollow Brook Watershed will be preserved. “The real issue is that if it was sold to developers and built upon… the impervious surface would take away the natural flow of water in that area,” said Andrew Fischer, president of Hollowbrook Water Watch. “The wetlands actually act somewhat as a sponge,” he continued. “It handles the overflow so you don’t get floods. During drought, it retains water so vegetation and animals and habitats can sustain drought. When it’s wiped out with pavement, you’ve lost part of that ecosystem.”Preserving the watershed also means fewer chemicals are needed to treat drinking water from the area, said Peekskill Mayor John Testa.Fields believed it was better to “put the property in the people’s hands,” especially considering the impact development would have on sensitive wetlands. Tax deduction benefits for such gifts may also change after this year, according to Bianco, hence the impetus to transfer the parcel sooner than later. “The carrot is in front of your nose,” said John Settembrino, a member of the Advisory Committee on Open Space, referring to the tax incentives.Although Fields poured millions into the golf course over the roughly 18 years he owned it, he says he made little money on the endeavor.“It started with the yin and ended with the yang. [The golf course] will have a better life,” Fields said.Bianco planted the seed when he spoke to groundskeeper Ron Santorelli two years ago about preserving the course as open space instead of selling to a developer.Yorktown now has 2,000 acres of open space, an amount larger than the entire town of Eastchester.Bianco says he has his eye on a more ambitious goal, though: “We want our open space to be bigger than the City of Mount Vernon.”
MY COMMENTS ON THIS:
Dear Readers:
It has been said that success has many father's but failure is an orphan. Witness the truth of that adage in the recent donation of the golf course on Rt. 6 to the town. I even received an e-mail from one politico taking credit(complete w/ picture) where none was due. There were even rumors on how one politico stole the idea from another. Truth be told, Councilman Nick Bianco worked on this for two years to make this happen. True enough that there was not much the original owner or future prospective could have done with said property. This does not diminish one iota the generosity to the town by Cary Fields. This will be a gift that keep on giving for generations to come, and for that Councilman Bianco deserves all the accolades for the foresight.
Now for the future of this property, the town will set up a committee to come up with ideas. As a citizen of Yorktown who will definitely not be asked to sit on that committee, I still have an idea. As there has been much talk of adding another senior center to our town, preferably on Rt.6 side, how about the studying of the feasibility of using the two existing buildings on this site for that center. They have everything including a kitchen and ample parking. It still leaves the ability to rent out the grounds for outdoor events and family picnics. Something to consider.
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FYI: WHAT'S HAPPENING AT SUSAN'S RESTURANT (North Division Street, Peekskill):
Susan's Restaurant 12 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 (914) 737-6624
http://www.blogger.com/
Great Music, Great Food, Great People " Where you want to be"
http://www.blogger.com/
$30.00 Prix Fixe Meal Includes Movie Ticket
Fri., Jul 20, Gottfried Stoger and The Free Spirits Sarah Jane Cion, Piano and Max pollack Tap and Percussion
Sat., Jul 21 The Bennett Harris Blues Band http://www.blogger.com/
Fri., Jul 27 Pete Levin http://www.blogger.com/
Sat., Jul 28 Carlos Colina and The Straight Up Blues Band http://www.blogger.com/
Fri., Aug. 3 The House Band*** performing outside at the Gazebo
Sat., Aug 4 Stew Cutler http://www.blogger.com/
Fri., Aug 10 TBA
Sat., Aug 11 Peekskill Jazz and Blues Celebration John Abercrombie Trio with SPECIAL GUEST John Scofield, Richie Hart Trio, Gregg Westhoff's Westchester Swing Band, Reegal Beegal, and The Sraight Up Blues Band
Sat., Aug 18 The Kyle Tucker Band http://www.blogger.com/
Fri., Aug 24 Jerry Malkin Trio
Sat., Aug 25 Chip Larison and The Catfight Blues Band
Saturday, August 11th Peekskill Jazz and Blues Celebration 4:00PM to 11:00 PM North Division Street.
Sponsored by the Peekskill Business Improvement District, Anheuser Busch, D. Bertoline & Sons, Inc
John Abercrombie Trio with Special Guest John Scofield
Reegal Beegal
Gregg Westhoff's Westchester Swing Band
Richie Hart Trio
Carlos Colina and The Straight Up Blues Band
*Admission is Free!!!
Mondays - Seafood Night 3 Course Seafood Menu $25
Tuesdays - Prime Rib Dinner $19.95 Classical Guitar with Tom Goslin
Wednesdays - Jazz Jam Hosted by Bob Meyer 8:30 PM *** Prix Fixe Dinner Available $25 With Wine $35***
Thursdays - Open Mic with Leah Quinn 8:00 PM Half Priced Bottles of Wine
Late Night Menu until 12:00 Midnight Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Sunday Brunch
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THIS WAS IN THE JOURNAL NEWS:
State Legislature was flooded with 15,670 bills this year, as usual
By CARA MATTHEWSALBANY BUREAU
(Original publication: July 15, 2007)
ALBANY - In the furiously frenetic last days of the state legislative session last month, when lawmakers found themselves digging through mounds of paper to find bills that came up at the last minute, Assemblywoman Sandra Galef, D-Ossining, sought help from her laptop-equipped next-door neighbor in the chamber.
Assemblyman Charles Lavine, D-Nassau County, had asked others for help moving his desk and the thousands of bills underneath it (the state constitution requires that they be in print and placed on lawmakers' desks) so he could find a plug for his laptop and look up bills that way.
In the six-month session, 9,285 bills were introduced in the Assembly and 6,385 in the Senate - by far the most of any state. Of the 15,670 total, just 790, or 5 percent, passed both houses.
A lot of people have the same philosophy about bill introductions as they do about campaign donations - "Everybody should be able to contribute what they want to. So it's like ... if you've got great ideas, just keep doing it," said Galef, who has proposed legislation annually since 1995 to limit bills proposed per member. "The problem is, it's a lot of work on people."
New York stands alone when it comes to the volume of legislation considered each year, and close to the bottom among all states for its approval rate, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In 2005, there were 15,379 pieces of legislation proposed, with 5 percent making it through both houses. The next highest state was New Jersey, whose lawmakers voted for 7.9 percent of 7,342 bills. Only Massachusetts and Pennsylvania had lower passage rates - 4.1 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively.
Galef said the legislation, which would limit each member to 100 bills in a two-year cycle, makes sense because:
- There are too many bills for lawmakers, legislative committees and staff to effectively analyze and debate each session.
- Members introduce bills similar or identical to legislation already pending, rather than seeking to collaborate with colleagues.
- Some are "dead-end" bills introduced only to score political points with constituencies.
There would be exceptions for bills that repeal sections of law, diminish a mandated program, are requested by local governments or are technical in nature.
Each year, there are countless bills that seek to rename parts of highways, get new license plates approved, get specific people added to the state's pension system and even seek to do things like change the state insect to a pink-spotted ladybug and make sweet corn the official vegetable of New York.
Galef's bill, which seven Democrats and 20 Republicans are co-sponsoring, projects a savings of $13 million per session, with "substantial indirect savings through reduction of local mandates and streamlining regulations."
The state Budget Division said $12.8 million was appropriated this year for the joint Assembly/Senate Bill Drafting Commission.
Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, D-Greenburgh, opposes the measure.
"A bill is an idea," said Brodsky, who heads the Assembly's Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee and introduced 217 bills. "I am puzzled by people who think you can have too many ideas."
"The issue isn't how many bills anybody has, it's whether the ideas are good or not," he said.
Mark Hansen, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, R-Brunswick, Rensselaer County, said the Senate majority would oppose legislation to restrict proposals.
"Most states don't have limits on the number of bills that can be introduced because that could limit the ability of a lawmaker to represent his constituents," he said.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, doesn't like the measure, either. "The Assembly majority does not favor limiting bill introductions because it does not want to hinder an Assembly member's ability to represent the needs of their constituents," spokesman Bryan Franke said.
Other arguments against limits are that they interfere with legislators' abilities to respond to emergencies and lead to bills that are more general in nature and scope rather than targeted to specific problems, a National Conference of State Legislatures report said.
About 20 chambers around the country have restrictions, said Brenda Erickson of the NCSL. Several chambers tried using limits but have eliminated the practice.
In the California Senate, the maximum number of bills per session is 50, an NCSL report said. The limit is 40 in the California Assembly. In the Florida House, members can file up to six for a regular session, with a number of exemptions. The North Dakota Senate does not permit senators to introduce more than three bills after the 10th legislative day. In Montana, lawmakers can give away unused bill allowances.
New York University Law School's Brennan Center for Justice, which in 2004 dubbed New York's Legislature the most dysfunctional in the country, has suggested a maximum of 20 per Assembly member and 30 for senators. With so many bills introduced, lawmakers can't possibly pay attention to all of them, said Suzanne Novak, deputy director of the center's Democracy Program.
"It's a matter of inefficiency to have that many bills introduced and so few bills passed," she said.
If legislators uniformly attended committee meetings, didn't have so many committee assignments, were required to hold hearings when a certain number of committee members requested them, and had to complete detailed committee reports, they wouldn't have time to introduce all these bills, Novak said.
Because it is so hard to move bills, it is easy for legislators to hide behind the bills they've introduced and say they tried to get them passed, Novak said.
The number of bills introduced varies widely among lawmakers. Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, D-New York City, didn't propose any. Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, D-Irondequoit, Monroe County, had 208. State Sen. Thomas Morahan, R-New City, had 257.
Morelle did not respond to requests for comment.
Morahan spokesman Ron Levine said 68 pieces of his legislation passed the Senate and 34 made it through both houses, a number the senator is pleased with. Part of the reason for the large number of bills is Morahan's chairmanship of the Senate's Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee, Levine said. Advocates, practitioners and others frequently propose changes in state law, he said.
Galef said she favors exceptions for committee heads, since they often submit bills proposed by a state agency or the governor, and she might consider increasing the 100-bill limit in the Senate, since districts are larger.
Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, believes it's often a waste of time to pass one-house bills, spokesman Phil Oliva said. Tedisco signed onto Galef's bill.
"We think that 100 bills would be more than adequate if they were focused on the real issues facing the people of New York state - upstate jobs, gas price relief and an energy plan," Oliva said.
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THIS WAS IN THE JOURNAL NEWS:
Peekskill sues affordable housing developer
By MARCELA ROJASTHE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: July 18, 2007)
PEEKSKILL - City officials announced yesterday that they are suing a well-known affordable housing developer that has defaulted on several projects meant to revitalize the downtown.
The city is seeking to retrieve four of five properties it sold to CPC Resources in 2004, Mayor John Testa said. The company has refused to relinquish the parcels unless the city gives it $1.8 million incurred in expenses, Testa said.
"They want the citizens of Peekskill to reimburse them for their mistakes," said Testa, standing in front of a fenced-in, empty Main Street lot. "I think this is unconscionable and I'm not going to let this happen."
CPC Resources issued a statement yesterday saying it had acted in good faith and the city had created "repeated impediments" in the construction effort.
"We will vigorously defend against this lawsuit," the statement said. "The suit is without merit and our answering papers and counterclaims will speak for themselves."
CPC Resources has 30 days to respond to the lawsuit, which was filed last week in state Supreme Court in White Plains.
The large-scale, $5 million venture was to include the rehabilitation of brick buildings at 994 Main St. and 13 N. Division St., along with the new construction of artist residences and retail outlets at 921 Diven St. and 922 and 974 Main St. The agreement called for the entire project to be finished by February 2006, Testa said.
To date, CPC Resources has completed only the restoration of 994 Main St., a building that houses ITI Strategies, officials said. A "reverter clause" in the contract says that, if deadlines were missed, the properties would be returned to the city, Testa said.
Construction came to a halt in August, officials said, and, since then, the city has sent several default notices. CPC Resources admitted that it could not move forward with the developments, Testa said.
"The cost of the project was more than they could absorb," he said.
Testa faulted CPC, saying it had used a contractor that performed shoddy work. When construction did begin last year, much of the initial work did not pass inspection, said Brian Havranek, Peekskill's director of planning and development and code assistance.
The city had expected to use $1.2 million in funds it had from the state Department of Housing and Community Renewal to subsidize the residential component of 922 Main St. and 921 Diven St., including 10 lofts and six townhouses, Testa said. The city had given $57,845 of that toward the first payment of the project.
The lawsuit also seeks to recoup that money, Havranek said.
Peekskill was looking to work with Westchester County, which has a developer for 922 Main St. and 921 Diven St., officials said. But CPC turned down negotiations to hand over the properties, Havranek said.
"If we could have made that work, that would have been the direction we would have gone," Havranek said.
Several people are interested in rehabilitating 13 N. Division St., Testa said.
CPC Resources is a for-profit subsidiary of the Community Preservation Corp., formed in 1992 to develop affordable housing in underserved areas of New York and New Jersey. CPC Resources, which has offices in Hawthorne, has completed more than 7,000 residential units, along with 500 units in construction and 1,400 units in pre-development, according to its Web site.
CPC Resources paid $115,000 for 922 and 974 Main St., and 921 Diven St.; and $65,000 for 994 Main St. and 13 N. Division St., city Planner Anthony Ruggiero said.
Since the early 1990s, Peekskill has worked to distinguish itself as a vibrant artists district. There are some 100 art lofts in the downtown area, Ruggiero said. The city is committed to the completion of the unfinished projects, Testa said.
"The city did everything we could in our power to make this a success. Unfortunately, we were led down the path of nonsuccess," Testa
said. "I'm amazed that such a large corporation would allow their reputation to be destroyed."
Reach Marcela Rojas at mrojas@lohud.com or 845-228-2271.
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THIS WAS AN EDITORIAL IN THE NORTH COUNTY NEWS:
Politricks in Peekskill
Councilwoman Mary Foster in Peekskill, the Democratic candidate for Mayor, should know better than to think that, just as election season is ready to enter Round 2, she could engage her loyal opposition in a serious, productive discussion about the inarguably core issue of eminent domain. They’d rather crack wise.The Republican response, overly orchestrated as to be too clever by half, was a passion play powered by political partisanship, nothing more, or less.We remain in the neutral corner for now in pugilistic Peekskill, waiting for the fight to progress to late-round action. But ideologies and governance styles aside, the way the battle is being joined leaves much to be desired, rhetorically speaking. All that the very business-like and purposeful Ms. Foster proposed was an ordinance, not that Peekskill be sold down the river to the inmates at Sing Sing. The sum and substance of her motion is as follows:When an economic development activity is designed or intended to increase tax base, tax revenues, employment or general economic health but does not result in the transfer of land to public possession, occupation and enjoyment, that economic development activity is not a public use. The public benefits of increased tax base, tax revenues, employment, or general economic health do not constitute a public use.
Superficial – not!Agree or not – and it takes a fair amount of research and consideration to absorb and analyze all the ramifications of her proposition -- it is thoughtful and earnest enough on the face of it to deserve a more substantive and less-posturing response than the GOP’s swatting it away as “superficial.” The Foster plan for eminent domain is but a starting point, yes, but superficial? Hardly.Tossing around such words as superficial for sheer effect, however, does smack of superficial. It is what you sawy when you have nothing else to say.That kind of freeze-dried critique also presumes an electorate of limited intellect who will buy such dime-store politricks in place of genuine, collective compromise.Taking it a step further, the GOP’s jerry-built press release responding to Mary Foster’s ordinance draft is a curiously transparent case study in disingenuousness. It’s hard to believe all the quotes originated with the people to which they are attributed.
Psychic predictionIn some cases, the speaker should disavow any ownership of the words put in her moouth. Case in point: Councilwoman Milagros Martinez’s clairvoyant statement that, “We should wait until [Bill Schmidt] is mayor before we address this issue. Foster’s motivation is purely political.” Actually, we prefer that to a motivation that is impurely political – or purely impolitic. We can talk gibberish with the best of them. These people sound like amateur actors being fed stilted dialogue, and it hurts to listen. You can choke on the hypocritical remarks – as if it’s anything other than political to presumptuously postpone a serious discussion with the patronizing reason that the election already is over – no need to vote, folks! We’ll decide for you.As a final flourish, the GOP’s statement dabbles in demagoguery by declaring, “Most people in Peekskill believe,” as a springboard for launching its opposition to homeless shelters and “income-based property of any kind.”Try this glittering generalization on for size: Most politicians secure in their beliefs and running from a position of strength do not feel the need to fall back on empty expressions like “Most people believe...” When you start indoctrinating “the people” as to what it is they believe, that’s a cue for them to stop believing in you.
Round 1 scorecardIt appears to the judges scoring Round 1 that Ms. Foster came out of her corner with a low-key, rope-a-dope strategy that put the GOP on the defensive with her ordinance. Inexplicably, the Republicans’ own release posits Mr. Schmidt not as a mayoral candidate but as “Foster’s mayoral opponent,” not only literally defining him by her, but also making her sound like the home team. Whoever is advising the Peekskill Republicans, gaffes like that make us suspect it’s someone a little less savvy than Karl Rove.Credit Ms. Foster with being sly and effective by inducing the GOP to over-react and, in the process, flail wildly while dancing around the ring, but not landing many punches. We eagerly await Round 2.
MY COMMENTS ON THIS:
Dear Readers:
In last weeks issue of the NCN (07/18-24/07) on page five, an article by reporter Sam Barron and an editorial(above) bring to the public a proposal by Democratic Mayoral candidate Mary Foster regarding eminent domain. You can read the entire proposal in my blog "The Bazzo Manifesto: http://bazzman.blogspot.com/
post title "Who Is The Master Of Your Eminent Domain".
I strongly disagreed with the Supreme Court's "Kelo" decision. I believe that the Supreme Court in expanding the powers of government by changing "public use" to "public good" over stepped it's bounds. The constitution they are sworn to uphold is a limiting document in relation to the power of government's relationship to the people. Justice Stevens in writing the majority opinion left open the right of municipalities to narrow the scope of the decision.
However this proposal by Democratic Mayoral candidate Foster does no such thing. It still leaves open the interpretation of "public good". What it does is ban private developers from using eminent domain from exercising "public good". It leaves intact governments use of eminent domain for "public good". In other words, private business cannot trample on the rights of the individual property owner but the government still can. I believe neither should.
Deputy Mayor Pisani(whose comments you can read in the above mentioned blog post)rightly points out this fatal flaw. This proposal does not return eminent domain to "public use". Even though both Mayor Testa and Republican candidate for Mayor Bill Schmidt will not remove this new tool of government as not to allow possible (stubborn) property owners from feeling they won the "land lottery", they have also to date not used this tactic to obtain the properties necessary for the proposed developments. I understand their position, though I disagree. If a property owner is lucky enough to have the forethought(or luck) to have won the "land lottery" good for them. Our founding fathers did not believe that government should decide how much profit a citizen may make.
Where Democratic Mayoral candidate Foster's proposal fails is that it unfairly still allows the government to use this new tool for it's own benefit. If private business cannot benefit for this "public good", neither should government. Yet, in her own words she still allows this (North County News pg.5 paragraph 6). I believe that until a proposal is introduced that limits both private developers and government their ability to trample on the rights of private property owners by going back to the original intent of "public use" that this particular proposal should rightly be defeated.
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THIS WAS IN THE NORTH COUNTY NEWS:
Battle lines drawn over rezone exemption bill
By Martin Wilbur
Local elected officials vowed to fight a proposed state bill that calls for all property to be exempt from local moratoriums or from being rezoned as long as the owner has filed an application with the municipality.The measure, introduced by Assemblyman Adam Bradley, would exempt parcels for up to six years as long as the owner has submitted an application for a site plan, subdivision or other development plan approval.An environmental assessment form or draft environmental impact statement, if required, must also be filed for the property owner to receive the exemption.Calls placed to Bradley’s district office were not returned by the assemblyman, but a copy of the bill’s intent made it clear that the legislator believes some municipalities have taken advantage of the ability to change zoning and local ordinances and impose building bans.“Municipal action which changes the rules midstream, when it is not based on legitimate concerns, constitute an impairment of a property owner’s rights by preventing the owner from having the liberty to use his land, it often devalues the property and causes substantial additional expenses to the property owner,” the legislation states in part.Representatives of a few local town boards reacted strongly to the legislation, arguing that it wipes out the practice of home rule and permits a Big Brother oversight to hover over local governments.Cortlandt Supervisor Linda Puglisi pledged to take the steps needed to make sure the bill is defeated or withdrawn.“The town of Cortlandt will lead the charge in that regard and will hire a bus to go to Albany and fight this,” said Puglisi who wondered whether special interests or lobbyists were behind the bill.Councilman John Sloan, who was equally miffed, joined Puglisi in questioning the timing and motivation for the bill.“They come off one of the most unproductive sessions in their history—and that’s saying something because they do squat—and they come up with this,” he said.Sloan indicated he would reach out to neighboring municipalities so they can join together in fighting the measure. During the past week he contacted Yorktown Councilman Nicholas Bianco, who then relayed the information to the remainder of the Yorktown council.A work session in the near future will be scheduled to discuss the matter, Bianco said.Meanwhile, Somers Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy called the proposal “an affront to home rule status.”She said zoning changes and moratoriums are legitimate and effective tools municipalities use that should not be easily circumvented. “This proposal in its current form really tries to take local authority from the municipalities,” Murphy said.But one local lawyer, who has frequently represented property owners and developers before various boards, said it is time for stronger protection of individual owners’ rights.Yorktown attorney Albert Capellini said that in recent years as a wave of anti-development sentiment has taken hold the pendulum has swung too far in favor of those looking to block new projects.As a result, many property owners’ right are being impinged, often at great expense and hardship.“It’s nice to see that somebody is trying to do something to bring that pendulum back,” Capellini said.Assemblywoman Sandy Galef (D/Ossining) said a vote may be a ways off since the bill is currently being examined in two legislative committee, rules and government.With the legislature not due to go back into regular session before January, any action will have to wait until at least next year, she said.Galef did say there is a small but steadily gowing groundswell of opposition against the bill, particularly in Albany.Other than Galef, the remainder of the Assembly’s Westchester contingent has either supported or sponsored the bill, according to Puglisi
MY COMMENTS ON THIS:
Dear Readers:
You can read my comments on this issue in next weeks issuse of the North County News In my Column IN MY OPINON, on sale 07/26/07
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss how Peeksill deals with political lawn signs. You can read my column on this topic exclusively in this weeks NORTH COUNTY NEWS on sale now. I am worth the seventy-five cents. Look for my column IN MY OPINION(page 10) in the editorial section. Better yet as this column is exclusive to the North County News on a regular basis and will be covering the local political scene, take out a subscription. Click on the North County News link below and go to Subscribe. Between this blog and The North County News you will have all the information to make a vote based on substance.
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FYI: ATOM TAXI INC. AIRPORT SERVICE:
Dear Readers:
This gives me a chance to plug my business ATOM TAXI INC. Instead of the headache of trying to find Airport parking, we do Airport Service to The Westchester County Airport(and ALL other airports) 24/7. Just call 1(914)879-6121 and my partner Tommy, will be glad to take you in our Airport Taxi. You will also be provided with a free copy of your local paper of record The North County News. If this is a business trip we also provide a professional receipt, just tell Tommy at the time of booking. The cost of a one-way trip to the Westchester County Airport is seventy dollars. To LaGuardia Airport the cost is Ninety-four dollars which includes all tolls. The cost to JFK and Newark Airports is one hundred-twenty-five dollars which also includes all tolls. We do not take credit cards, sorry.
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E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS:
Dear Readers:
It has come to my attention the difficulty in posting a comment on this blog. If you wish to comment, e-mail me at the link posted below, putting "Manifesto Reader" in the subject matter, and I will "cut and Paste" your comments myself. If you DO NOT wish your comments posted, but just wish to communicate with me, please make your wishes known in the e-mail.
LINKS: atom_taxi@yahoo.com
(as this a yahoo address make sure you put an underscore (-) between atom and taxi)
For immediate reply: atomtaxi@aol.com
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SITES TO LINK TO:
ON THE OTHER HAND W/ FORMER PEEKSKILL COUNCILMAN SCHMIDT: http://peekskillperspectives.blogspot.com/
YORKTOWN COUNCILMAN NICK BIANCO: http://www.electbianco.com/
PLAN PUTNAM: planputnam@googlegroups.com/
PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN: http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/
NORTH COUNTY NEWS: http://northcountynews.com/
THE JOURNAL NEWS: http://thejournalnews.com/
PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATS: http://www.peekskilldems.com/
PEEKSKILLREPUBLICANS:http://peekskillgop.com/
YORKTOWN CANDIDATE FOR SUPERVISOR DON PETERS: http://www.donpetersforyorktown.com/
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CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH:
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Every Tuesday at 10PM channel 22
Hosted by: DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM on channel 22
Hosted By: ED CHIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 22
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
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EDITOR'S NOTE:
All articles re-printed in this blog from the North County News are with the permission of Bruce Apar Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
BAZZO 07/21/07
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
WHO IS THE MASTER OF YOUR "EMINENT" DOMAIN
A MESSAGE FROM PEEKSKILL MAYOR TESTA:
Dear readers of the Bazzomanifesto:
I read with interest the story in the North County News regarding Peekskill Mayoral Candidate Bill Schmidt’s suggestion to the local Democrats to forgo another ugly campaign sign war. As someone who had his front lawn run over by a car in order to ‘wipe out’ my yard sign, I know all too well just how ugly, both aesthetically and politically, this issue can get.
I commend Bill Schmidt for reaching out to his opponent at the very beginning of the campaign to set a tone of cooperation and civility. This would allow the candidates to focus on local issues without the distractions of juvenile yard sign squabbles. From what I understand, a similar dialogue seems to be working in Yorktown. Sadly, I am not surprised by the reaction of Schmidt’s local Democratic opposition. Rather than give a simple “we’ll think about it” or a “thanks, but no thanks” response, his opponent and the party chairman decided to do what they always do - forge a political and personal attack.
The council majority in Peekskill has repeatedly tried to reach out across party lines, but whether the issue is Waterfront Revitalization, Downtown Redevelopment, or a Target store, they want nothing to do with honest dialogue. Instead they prefer to distort the facts and accuse US of being the difficult ones.
Now that they’ve shown their inability to discuss this issue of forgoing campaign signs, the citizens of Peekskill have a better understanding of what we have been dealing with for the last few years. It’s another example of why Schmidt and his team are better suited for carrying Peekskill forward. Bill Schmidt will make a great mayor. With his team supporting him, Bill will continue our mantra of “Peekskill First” and base decisions solely on what is best for the entire city, something his opponents just can’t do.
As for debates, all I’ll say is I can’t wait. As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for.
John G. Testa, Mayor
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Look for my column IN MY OPINION in the NCN on sale Thusday (07/19/07) on the Peekskill response to politicla lawn signs.
A.B.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM COUNTY LEGISLATOR OROS:
George Oros
Legislator, 1st District
July 12, 2007 Contact: George Oros
Tel: (914) 995-2828
Goo6@westchestergov.com
Making a Splash in Peekskill
New “Sprayground” opens at Lepore Park as part of downtown revitalization Property tax exemption should be approved for volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel
Calling it “a refreshing addition to Peekskill,” Legislator George Oros (R-C/Cortlandt) was elated to take part in the grand opening of a new “sprayground” at Lepore Park in Peekskill on a steamy July 11 afternoon. Oros was joined by County Executive Andrew Spano and Peekskill Mayor John Testa.
Located on Main Street, the facility features several interactive water spray features to cool off as many as 50 youngsters during the summer months.
Most of the funding for the project was provided through a federal Community Development Block Grant in conjunction with the Westchester County Urban County Consortium
Oros pointed out 24 percent of the CDBG funding distributed among the 17 county districts this year was given to the 1st District, which covers Cortlandt, Peekskill, Buchanan and the northern end of Yorktown.
“The Community Development Block Grant program has really helped complete many projects that will directly benefit residents,” Oros said. “This water park in Peekskill will provide many days of fun for kids and give adults a much needed break during the dog days of summer. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
“We are pleased to work with Peekskill in making their revitalization happen”, said Spano. “It is great that Peekskill citizens can use this facility at no cost.”
“An important part of our city’s revitalization is making certain that we have superb recreational facilities, and the sprayground is a great example of just that,” said Peekskill Mayor John Testa.
The sprayground will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and will be manned at all times by Peekskill Parks and Recreation personnel.
************************************************************************************
A READERS COMMENTS ON THE PUTNAM VALLEY PRIMARY:
Dear Andy,
I thought you should know the the following:
Emerald Ridge - Marsh Hill Road - Val Santucci - VS Construction
(builder of Big Blue at Oregon Corners) David Steinmetz, attorney
the problems
3900 foot dead end when our law allows 1200 feet.
16% grade (steep road) when our law says 8% is safe
public comments were not considered in final environmental impact statement
financial cost to taxpayers
no trustee for conservation easement land
the problems after Councilwoman Wendy Whetsel's secret meetings with Mr. Santucci and her new solution
3900 foot dead end when our law says 1200 feet
16% grade (steep road) when our law says 8% is safe
public comments were not considered in the final environmental impact statement
financial cost to taxpayers
no trustee for conservation easement land
Come to the Putnam Valley Town Board meeting July 18, 2007 at 7PM
P.D.
************************************************************************************
PEEKSKILL DEMOCRAT'S AND REPUBLICAN'S TAKE ISSUE WITH EMINENT DOMAIN:
THE DEMOCRATS:
FOSTER PROPOSES LOCAL ORDINANCE TO BAN USE OF
EMINENT DOMAIN FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT
-Councilwoman presented draft legislation to staff in April-
-Calls on Council Colleagues to Support the Measure-
Peekskill Councilwoman Mary Foster, candidate for Mayor, is calling on her colleagues on the common council to support a local ordinance that would limit the city’s ability to use eminent domain for private development. The law would restrict the use of eminent domain by the City unless a clearly defined public use is identified. Directly addressing both the Kelo decision and the City’s Urban Renewal Plan for downtown Peekskill, Foster’s ordinance makes clear that economic development activity cannot be defined as a public use. The ordinance states,
When an economic development activity is designed or intended to increase tax base, tax revenues, employment or general economic health but does not result in the transfer of land to public possession, occupation and enjoyment, that economic development activity is not a public use. The public benefits of increased tax base, tax revenues, employment, or general economic health do not constitute a public use.
The Peekskill community was outraged last year, when the Republican-controlled council moved forward with a decision to conduct a blight study for a four block section of Peekskill’s downtown. In a contentious 4-3 vote in May 2006, the Republican majority moved forward with the first two steps necessary for the city’s possible use of eminent domain procedures.
“I believe strongly that the city needs to work to support our businesses, not threaten them with the prospect of taking their private property,” said Foster. “As mayor I intend to rebuild the trust that has been lost with local merchants and this ordinance is my commitment to do that. I hope the council will be willing to discuss the ordinance I drafted when we reconvene in August.”
Councilman Don Bennett, who voted to protect businesses against a prospective blight designation, said the Foster proposal will give members of the council an opportunity to go on record with their position of eminent domain. “My friends on the other side of the aisle have stated they have no intention of using eminent domain in Peekskill,” said Bennett. “This ordinance allows them the opportunity to backup that statement up. I hope they will support it.”
Councilwoman Drew Claxton has continually fought against the use of eminent domain in the Waterfront Development project. “The council majority declared the Waterfront an Urban Renewal area in 2004 and never informed the business owners that their properties had been blighted. If we didn’t have 3 members on the council in 2006 who oppose the use of eminent domain for private development, there would have been no protections for the businesses and homeowners in the Waterfront Development area.”
Foster and Bennett’s running mates in the 2007 election have promised that if the current city council fails to pass the ordinance, it will be at the top of their legislative agenda when elected to the council. “I’ve lived in Peekskill all my life,” said Salvate-Riley. “I have watched businesses come and go. The last thing we need to do is hold the threat of eminent domain over their heads of people.”
“Ultimately, if we want to have prosperous commercial districts, we need to make the City welcoming to prospective businesses,” said Joe Schuder. “The last thing a potential investor in our city wants to do is to set up shop in a place where city officials use eminent domain as a negotiating tool.”
THE PROPOSAL:Chapter XX, EMINENT DOMAIN:
Section 1. Restriction on use of eminent domain
The City of Peekskill shall not use eminent domain unless it is necessary for a public use as defined in Section 3 herein. The City shall not use eminent domain for economic development, as defined in Section 3 herein. The City of Peekskill shall not use eminent domain to take property to be used for private commercial, financial, retail or industrial enterprises, except that (a) property may be taken and transferred or leased to private entities that are public utilities or common carriers, (b) private enterprises may occupy an incidental area within a public project, like a retail establishment on the ground floor of a public building.
Whenever property is condemned and will be used by a private party, the condemner must establish by clear and convincing evidence that the use of eminent domain complies with this chapter and is reasonably necessary.
Section 2. Use of property acquired through eminent domain
Private property acquired through eminent domain shall be used for the public purposes stated and cannot be dedicated, sold, leased in substantial part, or otherwise transferred to a private person, partnership, corporation, or any other entity for a period of 20 years following the acquisition of the property by the City, except (a) property may be leased to private entities that are public utilities or common carriers and (b) private entities may occupy an incidental area in a public project.
Section 3. Definitions
For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The term economic development means (1) activity designed or intended to increase tax base, tax revenues, employment or general economic health, (2) the transfer of land to a private entity that is a public utility or common carrier; or (3) the transfer of property to a private entity when eminent domain will remove a harmful use of the land, such as removal of public nuisances, removal of structures that are beyond repair or that are unfit for human habitation or use, or acquisition of abandoned property.
PUBLIC USEThe term public use shall only mean (1) the possession, occupation, use and enjoyment of land by the general public or by public agencies, (2) the use of land for public roads, highways, bridges and similar infrastructure, (3) the use of land for open space, conservation or preservation purposes, (4) the use of land for the creation or functioning of public utilities or common carriers, (5) the acquisition of land in order to remove a public nuisance, however, only after all other remedies as provided by law and local
THE REPUBLICAN RESPONSE:
Foster's Eminent Domain Proposal Superficial and Ineffective
"Copying and pasting another community’s ordinance is not leadership," Schmidt responds
"We don't want to get into the habit of creating ordinances every time someone wants to express an opinion about a Supreme Court decision," Mayor Testa instructs
A unified Peekskill GOP responded to Mary Foster's proposed eminent domain ordinance, and criticized it as a superficial attempt to avoid the issues Peekskill faces as we make important decisions regarding carrying the City's Revitalization Plan forward.
Foster's Mayoral opponent Bill Schmidt said, "Foster is clearly trying to steal one of my campaign issues. And she's not doing a very good job of it. Copying and pasting an ordinance that some other community has passed is not good enough for Peekskill. The issue of eminent domain goes to the heart of what we want our City to look like, and any ordinance on the issue must address this fact."
"A lot of people disagree with the Kelo decision," Mayor John G. Testa added, referring to the landmark Supreme Court decision allowing the use of eminent domain to further economic development. "It's a hot button issue. But our community has been focused on what kind of City we want Peekskill to be. Foster always focuses on politics; we as a community always focus on governing. I do not believe that we should create ordinances simply to register an opinion on a Supreme Court decision."
"Bill Schmidt has a very sophisticated understanding of the issue, and some very good ideas," Councilwoman Milagros Martinez continued. "I think we should wait until he is Mayor before we address this issue. Foster's motivation is purely political. As Mayor Testa said, we should keep our focus on governing responsibly as we revitalize Peekskill."
"If anyone wants to talk about restricting the use of eminent domain, then there are a lot of other things that must be put on the table," stated Deputy Mayor Catherine Pisani. "Foster's first definition of 'public use' is a Trojan Horse for everything we as a community do not want for Peekskill."
Indeed, any ordinance that attempts to define what constitutes an acceptable "public use" for the purpose of seizing property by eminent domain must also directly address:
1. Housing for transients. Most people in Peekskill believe that the government should not seize private property to create homeless shelters, boarding houses, flop houses, and any other sort of residential living facility for transients, which would be an acceptable public use under Foster's proposal.
2. Income-preferenced housing. Most people in Peekskill believe that the government should not seize private property to create income-based housing of any kind, including Section 8 and affordable housing, which also would be an acceptable public use under Foster's proposal.
Schmidt added, "I certainly don't favor any faux reform like Foster's which allows a governmental entity to use eminent domain for noxious purposes that we wouldn't allow a private developer to get away with."
Councilman Mel Bolden said that he felt no new law should protect past beneficiaries of eminent domain who have let our City down, especially those who have received aid from our community and returned the favor with blight. “In the 1970s, past City leaders gave prime Peekskill real estate to new developers with great hope,” Bolden commented. “They let us down. Now Mary Foster wants to reward them. I disagree.”
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FYI:
Save The Date! Friday, July 20, 2007
First-of-its-Kind Fundraiser & Bargain of the Year!
A Full-Course Dinner Cabaret to Benefit
Harrison Apar Field Of Dreams Foundation
Jenna's Dream Performing Arts Scholarship Fund
_______________________
In Cooperation with
North County News, First Nighters of Yorktown and Travelers Rest Restaurant
(Proceeds Donated to Support Local Performing Arts)
_______________________
COME TO THE CABARET!
Headlined by Yorktown’s Own Broadway Star (Les Miz for 1000 performances, Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll & Hyde)CRAIG SCHULMAN www.craigschulman.comMusical Appearances by:
New Middle Class (Contemporary Folk) www.newmiddleclass.com
Christy Baron (Jazz) www.christybaron.com
Travis Eaione (Classical Piano)
Marc Eliot (Pop Standards) www.marceliot.com
Larry Stevens (Rock) http://www.larrystevensband.com/Art Halperin (Pop) http://www.swordinthestonerecords.com/
_______________________
Friday, July 20, 2007
7:00p > Pre-Show Reception with Hor D’ouveres (in Waterfall Garden)8:00p > Full-Course Menu Dinner + Cabaret All for only $50 per person*(cash bar)
Travelers Rest
Route 100, Ossining, NY 10562(914) 941-7744 www.thetravelersrest.com
_______________________
*$50 per person includes cabaret, reception, full-course dinner with choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert, beverages; cash bar throughout evening)
Reserve Seats Now by Calling (914) 275-6887 and Pay at the Door -- or Mail Check to:
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation,
P.O. Box 1383, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
For More Info: Harrisonapar@Optonline.net
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FYI: THIS WAS IN THE JOURNAL NEWS:
Mailing it in: What's the future of the U.S. post office - and your mail?
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMIDTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS
(Original publication: July 7, 2007)
WASHINGTON - Could mail one day go the way of many pizza chains, where customers can pick it up or pay extra for home delivery?
Will the mail still arrive six days a week? Will the government still be involved?
The U.S. Postal Service faces big questions as it copes with rising costs and major changes in the way people communicate.
Nations' mail systems vary. Britain's Royal Mail, for example, is a government-owned business while Germany's Deutsche Post is a publicly traded stock company. All are much smaller operations than the USPS, which handles 40 percent of the world's mail.
Few doubt adjustments will occur, but what those will be remain to be seen. In 1993, then-Postmaster General Marvin Runyon drew a barrage of criticism for suggesting mail delivery might be cut to four days a week. That was a bombshell then, but postal experts say it may still be a possibility.
"If you have hard-copy delivery, you might have it six days a week or three days a week or one day a week," William Burrus, American Postal Workers Union president, said in an interview. And it may not even be delivered, he said. The recipient may have to go retrieve it.
Already, hiring private delivery contractors is an issue, prompting informational picketing by letter carriers in Florida to protest contracting out new routes in developing areas.
"I think within the next six to eight months the Congress of the United States is going to decide an issue that's going to determine whether or not we have a reliable, efficient postal service in the future," said William H. Young, National Association of Letter Carriers president. "What I'm referring to is the decision that's been made at the highest levels of the postal service to give all the new growth, and the new deliveries that are springing up, to private contractors."
But the postal service may need to outsource more of its activities to survive, said Gene Del Polito, president of the American Association for Postal Commerce, which represents advertising mailers.
It's conceivable, Del Polito said, "that a postal system in the future could evolve into something which I would call the master contractor, where it maintains its government identity by the government being the master contractor but that it puts things out competitively on bid...."
Burrus said he eventually expects pressure for privatization to increase, perhaps with legislators calling for limited privatization. But if private companies are allowed to skim the easiest, cheapest routes, the government cannot subsidize delivery only to the expensive places to reach, he said.
Tony Conway, a longtime postal manager who now heads the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers, said he expects the USPS to "evolve, probably into more of a focus on the strength of the organization, which is its delivery network. That's the heart and soul of the organization: No current private carrier can compete with it."
"The $64,000 question is how to keep the delivery network affordable," Conway said, noting the decline of First Class Mail. The only significant growth area is Standard Mail, which is mainly advertising, he said, and as the cost of postage rises, "at what point do you start losing that volume growth?"
"The days of reckoning are coming sooner than people probably now appreciate," Conway said. The USPS gets 2 million new delivery points every year, raising costs on a declining revenue base. "That's not a pretty financial model."
The USPS and mailers also fret about "do not mail" bills proposed in several states. Designed to mimic the "do not call" rules, the bills would let people opt out of receiving what many call "junk mail."
As that mail, advertising and solicitations, is the main postal growth area, passage of such bills would hurt the USPS financially, perhaps forcing it to raise rates again. That worries Del Polito.
"We're already seeing signs that ... people are seriously measuring the effectiveness of mail against alternative mechanisms, such as e-mailing or retailing or telemarketing to your known customer base, shifting to direct response TV or any of the other channels that previously one would have looked at and said, 'God, these are expensive venues.' Now, all of a sudden, they're looking at them and they're saying, 'Well, the cost of those venues are coming down but the cost of mail is going up,"' he said.
Rep. John McHugh, R-N.Y., a longtime congressional leader on postal issues, thinks hard-copy mail always will have a place.
"Clearly, the way Americans communicate on a day-by-day basis is changing," he said, citing computers and cell phones. But there still will be core requirements such as hard copy that the USPS will be needed for, he said.
Yet there are many unknowns about what the system will look like in the future, Del Polito said.
"Sooner or later we're probably going to have to make a decision as a nation as to whether or not the core services that are provided for free are going to be done the way that they are today or whether they're going to be offered in a more restricted capacity and in a more cost-efficient capacity," he said.
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Dear Readers:
I am removing the "copycat" The Peekskill Guardian" from my links. I was under the impression that this site would put forth a reasoned debate in response to the "original" Peekskill Guardian". I was wrong. Their first post is more suited to the LoHud blogs. If they reconsider the type of comments the ywish to post, I will revisit this decission.
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss the issues of lawn signs with emphasis on Yorktown. You can read my column on this topic exclusively in this weeks NORTH COUNTY NEWS on sale now. I am worth the seventy-five cents. Look for my column IN MY OPINION(page 10) in the editorial section. Better yet as this column is exclusive to the North County News on a regular basis and will be covering the local political scene, take out a subscription. Click on the North County News link below and go to Subscribe. Between this blog and The North County News you will have all the information to make a vote based on substance.
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FYI: ATOM TAXI INC. AIRPORT SERVICE:
Dear Readers:
This gives me a chance to plug my business ATOM TAXI INC. Instead of the headache of trying to find Airport parking, we do Airport Service to The Westchester County Airport(and ALL other airports) 24/7. Just call 1(914)879-6121 and my partner Tommy, will be glad to take you in our Airport Taxi. You will also be provided with a free copy of your local paper of record The North County News. If this is a business trip we also provide a professional receipt, just tell Tommy at the time of booking. The cost of a one-way trip to the Westchester County Airport is seventy dollars. To LaGuardia Airport the cost is Ninety-four dollars which includes all tolls. The cost to JFK and Newark Airports is one hundred-twenty-five dollars which also includes all tolls. We do not take credit cards, sorry.
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E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS:
Dear Readers:
It has come to my attention the difficulty in posting a comment on this blog. If you wish to comment, e-mail me at the link posted below, putting "Manifesto Reader" in the subject matter, and I will "cut and Paste" your comments myself. If you DO NOT wish your comments posted, but just wish to communicate with me, please make your wishes known in the e-mail.
LINKS: atom_taxi@yahoo.com
(as this a yahoo address make sure you put an underscore (-) between atom and taxi)
For immediate reply: atomtaxi@aol.com
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SITES TO LINK TO:
ON THE OTHER HAND W/ FORMER PEEKSKILL COUNCILMAN SCHMIDT: http://peekskillperspectives.blogspot.com/
YORKTOWN COUNCILMAN NICK BIANCO: http://www.electbianco.com/
PLAN PUTNAM: planputnam@googlegroups.com/
PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN: http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/
NORTH COUNTY NEWS: http://northcountynews.com/
THE JOURNAL NEWS: http://thejournalnews.com/
PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATS:http://www.peekskilldems.com/
PEEKSKILLREPUBLICANS:http://peekskillgop.com/
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CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH:
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM chanel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Every Tuesday at 10PM chanel 22
Hosted by: DON PETERS
UTY WATCHDOG: Fridays at 9:30 PM channel 22
Hosted by: ED CHIFFON
***********************************************************************************
EDITOR'S NOTE:
All articles re-printed in this blog from the North County News are with the permission of Bruce Apar Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
BAZZO 07/14/07
Dear readers of the Bazzomanifesto:
I read with interest the story in the North County News regarding Peekskill Mayoral Candidate Bill Schmidt’s suggestion to the local Democrats to forgo another ugly campaign sign war. As someone who had his front lawn run over by a car in order to ‘wipe out’ my yard sign, I know all too well just how ugly, both aesthetically and politically, this issue can get.
I commend Bill Schmidt for reaching out to his opponent at the very beginning of the campaign to set a tone of cooperation and civility. This would allow the candidates to focus on local issues without the distractions of juvenile yard sign squabbles. From what I understand, a similar dialogue seems to be working in Yorktown. Sadly, I am not surprised by the reaction of Schmidt’s local Democratic opposition. Rather than give a simple “we’ll think about it” or a “thanks, but no thanks” response, his opponent and the party chairman decided to do what they always do - forge a political and personal attack.
The council majority in Peekskill has repeatedly tried to reach out across party lines, but whether the issue is Waterfront Revitalization, Downtown Redevelopment, or a Target store, they want nothing to do with honest dialogue. Instead they prefer to distort the facts and accuse US of being the difficult ones.
Now that they’ve shown their inability to discuss this issue of forgoing campaign signs, the citizens of Peekskill have a better understanding of what we have been dealing with for the last few years. It’s another example of why Schmidt and his team are better suited for carrying Peekskill forward. Bill Schmidt will make a great mayor. With his team supporting him, Bill will continue our mantra of “Peekskill First” and base decisions solely on what is best for the entire city, something his opponents just can’t do.
As for debates, all I’ll say is I can’t wait. As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for.
John G. Testa, Mayor
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Look for my column IN MY OPINION in the NCN on sale Thusday (07/19/07) on the Peekskill response to politicla lawn signs.
A.B.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM COUNTY LEGISLATOR OROS:
George Oros
Legislator, 1st District
July 12, 2007 Contact: George Oros
Tel: (914) 995-2828
Goo6@westchestergov.com
Making a Splash in Peekskill
New “Sprayground” opens at Lepore Park as part of downtown revitalization Property tax exemption should be approved for volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel
Calling it “a refreshing addition to Peekskill,” Legislator George Oros (R-C/Cortlandt) was elated to take part in the grand opening of a new “sprayground” at Lepore Park in Peekskill on a steamy July 11 afternoon. Oros was joined by County Executive Andrew Spano and Peekskill Mayor John Testa.
Located on Main Street, the facility features several interactive water spray features to cool off as many as 50 youngsters during the summer months.
Most of the funding for the project was provided through a federal Community Development Block Grant in conjunction with the Westchester County Urban County Consortium
Oros pointed out 24 percent of the CDBG funding distributed among the 17 county districts this year was given to the 1st District, which covers Cortlandt, Peekskill, Buchanan and the northern end of Yorktown.
“The Community Development Block Grant program has really helped complete many projects that will directly benefit residents,” Oros said. “This water park in Peekskill will provide many days of fun for kids and give adults a much needed break during the dog days of summer. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
“We are pleased to work with Peekskill in making their revitalization happen”, said Spano. “It is great that Peekskill citizens can use this facility at no cost.”
“An important part of our city’s revitalization is making certain that we have superb recreational facilities, and the sprayground is a great example of just that,” said Peekskill Mayor John Testa.
The sprayground will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and will be manned at all times by Peekskill Parks and Recreation personnel.
************************************************************************************
A READERS COMMENTS ON THE PUTNAM VALLEY PRIMARY:
Dear Andy,
I thought you should know the the following:
Emerald Ridge - Marsh Hill Road - Val Santucci - VS Construction
(builder of Big Blue at Oregon Corners) David Steinmetz, attorney
the problems
3900 foot dead end when our law allows 1200 feet.
16% grade (steep road) when our law says 8% is safe
public comments were not considered in final environmental impact statement
financial cost to taxpayers
no trustee for conservation easement land
the problems after Councilwoman Wendy Whetsel's secret meetings with Mr. Santucci and her new solution
3900 foot dead end when our law says 1200 feet
16% grade (steep road) when our law says 8% is safe
public comments were not considered in the final environmental impact statement
financial cost to taxpayers
no trustee for conservation easement land
Come to the Putnam Valley Town Board meeting July 18, 2007 at 7PM
P.D.
************************************************************************************
PEEKSKILL DEMOCRAT'S AND REPUBLICAN'S TAKE ISSUE WITH EMINENT DOMAIN:
THE DEMOCRATS:
FOSTER PROPOSES LOCAL ORDINANCE TO BAN USE OF
EMINENT DOMAIN FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT
-Councilwoman presented draft legislation to staff in April-
-Calls on Council Colleagues to Support the Measure-
Peekskill Councilwoman Mary Foster, candidate for Mayor, is calling on her colleagues on the common council to support a local ordinance that would limit the city’s ability to use eminent domain for private development. The law would restrict the use of eminent domain by the City unless a clearly defined public use is identified. Directly addressing both the Kelo decision and the City’s Urban Renewal Plan for downtown Peekskill, Foster’s ordinance makes clear that economic development activity cannot be defined as a public use. The ordinance states,
When an economic development activity is designed or intended to increase tax base, tax revenues, employment or general economic health but does not result in the transfer of land to public possession, occupation and enjoyment, that economic development activity is not a public use. The public benefits of increased tax base, tax revenues, employment, or general economic health do not constitute a public use.
The Peekskill community was outraged last year, when the Republican-controlled council moved forward with a decision to conduct a blight study for a four block section of Peekskill’s downtown. In a contentious 4-3 vote in May 2006, the Republican majority moved forward with the first two steps necessary for the city’s possible use of eminent domain procedures.
“I believe strongly that the city needs to work to support our businesses, not threaten them with the prospect of taking their private property,” said Foster. “As mayor I intend to rebuild the trust that has been lost with local merchants and this ordinance is my commitment to do that. I hope the council will be willing to discuss the ordinance I drafted when we reconvene in August.”
Councilman Don Bennett, who voted to protect businesses against a prospective blight designation, said the Foster proposal will give members of the council an opportunity to go on record with their position of eminent domain. “My friends on the other side of the aisle have stated they have no intention of using eminent domain in Peekskill,” said Bennett. “This ordinance allows them the opportunity to backup that statement up. I hope they will support it.”
Councilwoman Drew Claxton has continually fought against the use of eminent domain in the Waterfront Development project. “The council majority declared the Waterfront an Urban Renewal area in 2004 and never informed the business owners that their properties had been blighted. If we didn’t have 3 members on the council in 2006 who oppose the use of eminent domain for private development, there would have been no protections for the businesses and homeowners in the Waterfront Development area.”
Foster and Bennett’s running mates in the 2007 election have promised that if the current city council fails to pass the ordinance, it will be at the top of their legislative agenda when elected to the council. “I’ve lived in Peekskill all my life,” said Salvate-Riley. “I have watched businesses come and go. The last thing we need to do is hold the threat of eminent domain over their heads of people.”
“Ultimately, if we want to have prosperous commercial districts, we need to make the City welcoming to prospective businesses,” said Joe Schuder. “The last thing a potential investor in our city wants to do is to set up shop in a place where city officials use eminent domain as a negotiating tool.”
THE PROPOSAL:Chapter XX, EMINENT DOMAIN:
Section 1. Restriction on use of eminent domain
The City of Peekskill shall not use eminent domain unless it is necessary for a public use as defined in Section 3 herein. The City shall not use eminent domain for economic development, as defined in Section 3 herein. The City of Peekskill shall not use eminent domain to take property to be used for private commercial, financial, retail or industrial enterprises, except that (a) property may be taken and transferred or leased to private entities that are public utilities or common carriers, (b) private enterprises may occupy an incidental area within a public project, like a retail establishment on the ground floor of a public building.
Whenever property is condemned and will be used by a private party, the condemner must establish by clear and convincing evidence that the use of eminent domain complies with this chapter and is reasonably necessary.
Section 2. Use of property acquired through eminent domain
Private property acquired through eminent domain shall be used for the public purposes stated and cannot be dedicated, sold, leased in substantial part, or otherwise transferred to a private person, partnership, corporation, or any other entity for a period of 20 years following the acquisition of the property by the City, except (a) property may be leased to private entities that are public utilities or common carriers and (b) private entities may occupy an incidental area in a public project.
Section 3. Definitions
For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The term economic development means (1) activity designed or intended to increase tax base, tax revenues, employment or general economic health, (2) the transfer of land to a private entity that is a public utility or common carrier; or (3) the transfer of property to a private entity when eminent domain will remove a harmful use of the land, such as removal of public nuisances, removal of structures that are beyond repair or that are unfit for human habitation or use, or acquisition of abandoned property.
PUBLIC USEThe term public use shall only mean (1) the possession, occupation, use and enjoyment of land by the general public or by public agencies, (2) the use of land for public roads, highways, bridges and similar infrastructure, (3) the use of land for open space, conservation or preservation purposes, (4) the use of land for the creation or functioning of public utilities or common carriers, (5) the acquisition of land in order to remove a public nuisance, however, only after all other remedies as provided by law and local
THE REPUBLICAN RESPONSE:
Foster's Eminent Domain Proposal Superficial and Ineffective
"Copying and pasting another community’s ordinance is not leadership," Schmidt responds
"We don't want to get into the habit of creating ordinances every time someone wants to express an opinion about a Supreme Court decision," Mayor Testa instructs
A unified Peekskill GOP responded to Mary Foster's proposed eminent domain ordinance, and criticized it as a superficial attempt to avoid the issues Peekskill faces as we make important decisions regarding carrying the City's Revitalization Plan forward.
Foster's Mayoral opponent Bill Schmidt said, "Foster is clearly trying to steal one of my campaign issues. And she's not doing a very good job of it. Copying and pasting an ordinance that some other community has passed is not good enough for Peekskill. The issue of eminent domain goes to the heart of what we want our City to look like, and any ordinance on the issue must address this fact."
"A lot of people disagree with the Kelo decision," Mayor John G. Testa added, referring to the landmark Supreme Court decision allowing the use of eminent domain to further economic development. "It's a hot button issue. But our community has been focused on what kind of City we want Peekskill to be. Foster always focuses on politics; we as a community always focus on governing. I do not believe that we should create ordinances simply to register an opinion on a Supreme Court decision."
"Bill Schmidt has a very sophisticated understanding of the issue, and some very good ideas," Councilwoman Milagros Martinez continued. "I think we should wait until he is Mayor before we address this issue. Foster's motivation is purely political. As Mayor Testa said, we should keep our focus on governing responsibly as we revitalize Peekskill."
"If anyone wants to talk about restricting the use of eminent domain, then there are a lot of other things that must be put on the table," stated Deputy Mayor Catherine Pisani. "Foster's first definition of 'public use' is a Trojan Horse for everything we as a community do not want for Peekskill."
Indeed, any ordinance that attempts to define what constitutes an acceptable "public use" for the purpose of seizing property by eminent domain must also directly address:
1. Housing for transients. Most people in Peekskill believe that the government should not seize private property to create homeless shelters, boarding houses, flop houses, and any other sort of residential living facility for transients, which would be an acceptable public use under Foster's proposal.
2. Income-preferenced housing. Most people in Peekskill believe that the government should not seize private property to create income-based housing of any kind, including Section 8 and affordable housing, which also would be an acceptable public use under Foster's proposal.
Schmidt added, "I certainly don't favor any faux reform like Foster's which allows a governmental entity to use eminent domain for noxious purposes that we wouldn't allow a private developer to get away with."
Councilman Mel Bolden said that he felt no new law should protect past beneficiaries of eminent domain who have let our City down, especially those who have received aid from our community and returned the favor with blight. “In the 1970s, past City leaders gave prime Peekskill real estate to new developers with great hope,” Bolden commented. “They let us down. Now Mary Foster wants to reward them. I disagree.”
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FYI:
Save The Date! Friday, July 20, 2007
First-of-its-Kind Fundraiser & Bargain of the Year!
A Full-Course Dinner Cabaret to Benefit
Harrison Apar Field Of Dreams Foundation
Jenna's Dream Performing Arts Scholarship Fund
_______________________
In Cooperation with
North County News, First Nighters of Yorktown and Travelers Rest Restaurant
(Proceeds Donated to Support Local Performing Arts)
_______________________
COME TO THE CABARET!
Headlined by Yorktown’s Own Broadway Star (Les Miz for 1000 performances, Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll & Hyde)CRAIG SCHULMAN www.craigschulman.comMusical Appearances by:
New Middle Class (Contemporary Folk) www.newmiddleclass.com
Christy Baron (Jazz) www.christybaron.com
Travis Eaione (Classical Piano)
Marc Eliot (Pop Standards) www.marceliot.com
Larry Stevens (Rock) http://www.larrystevensband.com/Art Halperin (Pop) http://www.swordinthestonerecords.com/
_______________________
Friday, July 20, 2007
7:00p > Pre-Show Reception with Hor D’ouveres (in Waterfall Garden)8:00p > Full-Course Menu Dinner + Cabaret All for only $50 per person*(cash bar)
Travelers Rest
Route 100, Ossining, NY 10562(914) 941-7744 www.thetravelersrest.com
_______________________
*$50 per person includes cabaret, reception, full-course dinner with choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert, beverages; cash bar throughout evening)
Reserve Seats Now by Calling (914) 275-6887 and Pay at the Door -- or Mail Check to:
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation,
P.O. Box 1383, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
For More Info: Harrisonapar@Optonline.net
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FYI: THIS WAS IN THE JOURNAL NEWS:
Mailing it in: What's the future of the U.S. post office - and your mail?
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMIDTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS
(Original publication: July 7, 2007)
WASHINGTON - Could mail one day go the way of many pizza chains, where customers can pick it up or pay extra for home delivery?
Will the mail still arrive six days a week? Will the government still be involved?
The U.S. Postal Service faces big questions as it copes with rising costs and major changes in the way people communicate.
Nations' mail systems vary. Britain's Royal Mail, for example, is a government-owned business while Germany's Deutsche Post is a publicly traded stock company. All are much smaller operations than the USPS, which handles 40 percent of the world's mail.
Few doubt adjustments will occur, but what those will be remain to be seen. In 1993, then-Postmaster General Marvin Runyon drew a barrage of criticism for suggesting mail delivery might be cut to four days a week. That was a bombshell then, but postal experts say it may still be a possibility.
"If you have hard-copy delivery, you might have it six days a week or three days a week or one day a week," William Burrus, American Postal Workers Union president, said in an interview. And it may not even be delivered, he said. The recipient may have to go retrieve it.
Already, hiring private delivery contractors is an issue, prompting informational picketing by letter carriers in Florida to protest contracting out new routes in developing areas.
"I think within the next six to eight months the Congress of the United States is going to decide an issue that's going to determine whether or not we have a reliable, efficient postal service in the future," said William H. Young, National Association of Letter Carriers president. "What I'm referring to is the decision that's been made at the highest levels of the postal service to give all the new growth, and the new deliveries that are springing up, to private contractors."
But the postal service may need to outsource more of its activities to survive, said Gene Del Polito, president of the American Association for Postal Commerce, which represents advertising mailers.
It's conceivable, Del Polito said, "that a postal system in the future could evolve into something which I would call the master contractor, where it maintains its government identity by the government being the master contractor but that it puts things out competitively on bid...."
Burrus said he eventually expects pressure for privatization to increase, perhaps with legislators calling for limited privatization. But if private companies are allowed to skim the easiest, cheapest routes, the government cannot subsidize delivery only to the expensive places to reach, he said.
Tony Conway, a longtime postal manager who now heads the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers, said he expects the USPS to "evolve, probably into more of a focus on the strength of the organization, which is its delivery network. That's the heart and soul of the organization: No current private carrier can compete with it."
"The $64,000 question is how to keep the delivery network affordable," Conway said, noting the decline of First Class Mail. The only significant growth area is Standard Mail, which is mainly advertising, he said, and as the cost of postage rises, "at what point do you start losing that volume growth?"
"The days of reckoning are coming sooner than people probably now appreciate," Conway said. The USPS gets 2 million new delivery points every year, raising costs on a declining revenue base. "That's not a pretty financial model."
The USPS and mailers also fret about "do not mail" bills proposed in several states. Designed to mimic the "do not call" rules, the bills would let people opt out of receiving what many call "junk mail."
As that mail, advertising and solicitations, is the main postal growth area, passage of such bills would hurt the USPS financially, perhaps forcing it to raise rates again. That worries Del Polito.
"We're already seeing signs that ... people are seriously measuring the effectiveness of mail against alternative mechanisms, such as e-mailing or retailing or telemarketing to your known customer base, shifting to direct response TV or any of the other channels that previously one would have looked at and said, 'God, these are expensive venues.' Now, all of a sudden, they're looking at them and they're saying, 'Well, the cost of those venues are coming down but the cost of mail is going up,"' he said.
Rep. John McHugh, R-N.Y., a longtime congressional leader on postal issues, thinks hard-copy mail always will have a place.
"Clearly, the way Americans communicate on a day-by-day basis is changing," he said, citing computers and cell phones. But there still will be core requirements such as hard copy that the USPS will be needed for, he said.
Yet there are many unknowns about what the system will look like in the future, Del Polito said.
"Sooner or later we're probably going to have to make a decision as a nation as to whether or not the core services that are provided for free are going to be done the way that they are today or whether they're going to be offered in a more restricted capacity and in a more cost-efficient capacity," he said.
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Dear Readers:
I am removing the "copycat" The Peekskill Guardian" from my links. I was under the impression that this site would put forth a reasoned debate in response to the "original" Peekskill Guardian". I was wrong. Their first post is more suited to the LoHud blogs. If they reconsider the type of comments the ywish to post, I will revisit this decission.
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss the issues of lawn signs with emphasis on Yorktown. You can read my column on this topic exclusively in this weeks NORTH COUNTY NEWS on sale now. I am worth the seventy-five cents. Look for my column IN MY OPINION(page 10) in the editorial section. Better yet as this column is exclusive to the North County News on a regular basis and will be covering the local political scene, take out a subscription. Click on the North County News link below and go to Subscribe. Between this blog and The North County News you will have all the information to make a vote based on substance.
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FYI: ATOM TAXI INC. AIRPORT SERVICE:
Dear Readers:
This gives me a chance to plug my business ATOM TAXI INC. Instead of the headache of trying to find Airport parking, we do Airport Service to The Westchester County Airport(and ALL other airports) 24/7. Just call 1(914)879-6121 and my partner Tommy, will be glad to take you in our Airport Taxi. You will also be provided with a free copy of your local paper of record The North County News. If this is a business trip we also provide a professional receipt, just tell Tommy at the time of booking. The cost of a one-way trip to the Westchester County Airport is seventy dollars. To LaGuardia Airport the cost is Ninety-four dollars which includes all tolls. The cost to JFK and Newark Airports is one hundred-twenty-five dollars which also includes all tolls. We do not take credit cards, sorry.
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E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS:
Dear Readers:
It has come to my attention the difficulty in posting a comment on this blog. If you wish to comment, e-mail me at the link posted below, putting "Manifesto Reader" in the subject matter, and I will "cut and Paste" your comments myself. If you DO NOT wish your comments posted, but just wish to communicate with me, please make your wishes known in the e-mail.
LINKS: atom_taxi@yahoo.com
(as this a yahoo address make sure you put an underscore (-) between atom and taxi)
For immediate reply: atomtaxi@aol.com
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SITES TO LINK TO:
ON THE OTHER HAND W/ FORMER PEEKSKILL COUNCILMAN SCHMIDT: http://peekskillperspectives.blogspot.com/
YORKTOWN COUNCILMAN NICK BIANCO: http://www.electbianco.com/
PLAN PUTNAM: planputnam@googlegroups.com/
PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN: http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/
NORTH COUNTY NEWS: http://northcountynews.com/
THE JOURNAL NEWS: http://thejournalnews.com/
PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATS:http://www.peekskilldems.com/
PEEKSKILLREPUBLICANS:http://peekskillgop.com/
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CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH:
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM chanel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Every Tuesday at 10PM chanel 22
Hosted by: DON PETERS
UTY WATCHDOG: Fridays at 9:30 PM channel 22
Hosted by: ED CHIFFON
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EDITOR'S NOTE:
All articles re-printed in this blog from the North County News are with the permission of Bruce Apar Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
BAZZO 07/14/07
Saturday, July 07, 2007
CLEANING OUT MY FILES FOR THE SUMMER
FYI:
Save The Date! Friday, July 20, 2007First-of-its-Kind Fundraiser & Bargain of the Year!
A Full-Course Dinner Cabaret to BenefitHarrison Apar Field Of Dreams Foundation &
Jenna's Dream Performing Arts Scholarship Fund
In Cooperation withNorth County News, First Nighters of Yorktown and Travelers Rest Restaurant(Proceeds Donated to Support Local Performing Arts)
COME TO THE CABARET!
Headlined by Yorktown’s Own Broadway Star (Les Miz for 1000 performances, Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll & Hyde)CRAIG SCHULMAN www.craigschulman.com
Musical Appearances by:New Middle Class (Contemporary Folk) www.newmiddleclass.com
Christy Baron (Jazz) www.christybaron.com
Travis Eaione (Classical Piano)Marc Eliot (Pop Standards) www.marceliot.com
Larry Stevens (Rock) http://www.larrystevensband.com/
Art Halperin (Pop) http://www.swordinthestonerecords.com/
Friday, July 20, 20077:00p > Pre-Show Reception with Hor D’ouveres (in Waterfall Garden)8:00p > Full-Course Menu Dinner + Cabaret All for only $50 per person*(cash bar)Travelers RestRoute 100, Ossining, NY 10562(914) 941-7744 www.thetravelersrest.com
*$50 per person includes cabaret, reception, full-course dinner with choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert, beverages; cash bar throughout evening)Reserve Seats Now by Calling (914) 275-6887 and Pay at the Door -- or Mail Check to:Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation,P.O. Box 1383, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598For
More Info: Harrisonapar@Optonline.net
************************************************************************************
FYI:
UPCOMINGATTHE DIVISION STREET GRILL26 N. DIVISION STREET, DOWNTOWN PEEKSKILLhttp://www.divisionstreetgrill.com/:
FRIDAY JULY 27th RESERVATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED JAZZ GREATSBUCKY PIZZARELLI& CARMEN LEGGIORESERVATIONS REQUESTED914.739.6380
FRIDAY, 7/13 TBD
SATURDAY, 7/14 GLENDA DAVENPORT TRIO
FRIDAY,7/20 TBD
SATURDAY, 7/21 BRIAN CONIGLIARO TRIO
FRIDAY, 7/27 BUCKY PIZZARELLI & CARMEN LEGGIO
SATURDAY, 7/28 VINCE COROZINE TRIO
FOR MORE INFORMATION, INCLUDING MENUS AND DIRECTIONS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE http://www.divsionstreetgrill.com/
************************************************************************************A MESSAGE FROM PUTNAM VALLEY SUPERVISOR SAM DAVIS:
Dear Readers of the Bazzo Manifesto:
Last weeks Letter To The Editor(in the NCN) from Councilwoman Whetsel was illuminating in a number of ways. First, even though she admitted the accuracy of Mr. Bazzo's column regarding her votes, she called the column "personal attacks". The truthful reporting of votes as an "attack? " How novel. Second, is her belief that voting with the Republicans against the platform she ran on is a different way of supporting the platform. Simply put, it isn’t. Third, is her continued disregard for the safety of the residents in the proposed 10 new houses on Marsh Hill Rd. Is she saying that the safety of the residents of the proposed 10 new houses is less important than if the proposal stayed at 13? She also continually ignores the impact of the development on our school system, taxes, highway department, traffic, etc.
Now, in time for the primary, she believes my proposal for photovoltaic panels is a good idea. You should remember that when I first proposed applying for a grant for this, Councilwoman Whetsel voted yes. Then, last November, after the Town was awarded the grant, she voted to remove the item from the budget. She maintained that she was looking after the tax payers, even though the photovoltaics would save the taxpayers money. While Ms. Whetsel continues to do the two-step over issues that affect the residents of Putnam Valley, I have stayed true to the platform I was elected to enact. It is my hope that come primary day, the voters will remember that.
Sincerely,Sam DavisPutnam Valley Supervisor
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TWO ARTICLES AND AN EDITORIAL RELATING TO LAWN SIGNS:
THIS WAS IN THE NORTH COUNTY NEWS:
PeekskillPols squabble over campaign signs
By Sam Barron
GOP mayoral candidate Bill Schmidt wants Democrats to join him in not planting political signs this year to cut down on cluttering thecity but Democratic Party chief Darren Rigger has no intentions on complying.
Peekskill mayoral candidate Bill Schmidt doesn’t want to see your support.Schmidt, the Republican pick to succeed Mayor John Testa, has come out against plastering the city with signs, pledging to refrain from affixing signs to utility poles.He would even like homeowners to keep their property free of signs.“We are pledging unilaterally to not post any of our campaign signs or other election paraphernalia on any utility poles, streetscapes or other public places in the City of Peekskill,” said Schmidt. “We are also challenging our opponents to join us in pledging together to eliminate all lawn signs on private homes as well.”“I’ve noticed the environment has often been sullied by signs,” Schmidt said. Putting signs on public property in Peekskill is against the law, and Schmidt has vowed that his campaign will comply with those laws.“I ask the Democrats to join us in not putting signs on private property. It’s visual pollution,” he said. “The signs get vandalized and it leads to finger pointing. I don’t think a sign wins an election. I don’t think it’s productive.”Schmidt also said he would be watching to make sure the Democrats did not put up signs on public places.Democratic Party Chairman Darren Rigger was skeptical about Schmidt’s plan, given his Republican background.“He can’t go from being a delegate to George Bush and then claim to be green. It’s popular now, it’s vogue right now,” Rigger said. Schmidt denied being a delegate to Bush in 2000 and claimed to have not voted for him. But Rigger sees Schmidt’s motivation as a way for the GOP to silence the citizens.“The Republicans are trying to squelch freedom of speech, (by saying) ‘We don’t care about your opinion,’” he said. “I look forward to seeing yard signs. I think it’d be great if we had more people voting, more signs. We should encourage more, not less.” Mary Foster, who will oppose Schmidt in November, also disagreed with Schmidt’s sign pledge. “I do not agree with taking away the residents’ rights to express themselves,” she said. “When it comes to politics one of the most fundamental ways that people express themselves is by putting up signs.”“Now I’m concerned that my challenger would put limits on the residents who live there. If we’re going to talk about campaign season, I was hoping my challenger would commit to holding a debate,” Foster later added.Schmidt conceded that if the Democrats begin planting signs, then the Republicans would be forced to also put up some signs. The issue is vaguely reminiscent of the 2005 Yorktown Town Board elections when a debate raged regarding signs on private property. Town Republicans argued that even if campaign signs were on private land, if it was within the town’s right of way it could be removed.
THIS WAS THE RELATED EDITORIAL ON THE SAME TOPIC IN THE NCN:
Stop signs
When local election campaigns are starting to be waged in earnest, the subject of signs can’t be far behind. You won’t hear us complain much, though, if candidates reached mutual agreement to leave those omnipresent “Vote for Me!” signs behind. According to both a news story on the Peekskill mayoral campaign, and a letter to the editor from a Yorktowner in this issue, there are politicians willing to give the high sign to avoiding signs. That’s an idea we can sign off on. Are we. or those candidates, party poopers? Not really. It doesn’t take a dyed-in-the-grass environmentalist to wince at the thought of the visual pollution, as Peekskill mayoral candidate Bill Schmidt rightly calls it, caused by all those cheesy signs that are no friends of bucolic Northern Westchester. Freedom of speech?Arguing that signs are a freedom of speech right is neither convincing nor valid. Towns have zoning ordinances to limit what you can put on your own private property. Does that also violate freedom of speech?It’s a bit premature to talk of endorsements. It’s tempting, though, to consider a policy of not endorsing any candidate who runs amok with signs.
THIS WAS IN THE JOURNAL NEWS:
No-sign pact shaping up in YorktownBy BRIAN J. HOWARDTHE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: July 6, 2007)
YORKTOWN - All four Town Board hopefuls and a supervisor candidate this fall are reviving a bipartisan pact not to post campaign signs.The once longstanding no-sign pledge fell by the wayside as recent elections have been dogged by sign-related controversies. But the subject arose at a candidates' forum last week."It's not about free speech," said Councilman Nick Bianco, who is seeking a fourth term. "I, as the candidate, decided I don't want them."Councilman James Martorano said he did without signs in his previous four campaigns but added that it was up to individual candidates to decide."It's not my style," he said. "I personally don't like the visual pollution all kinds of different signs bring."Democratic supervisor candidate Don Peters, however, thinks signs pique awareness and get people involved. Given poor voter turnout, particularly in off-year elections, he figures anything that creates interest is a worthy goal."I just think it's the democratic way," said Peters, who spent $400 on 250 signs when he ran unsuccessfully two years ago."I know when I see political signs out, I start reading about the people I see on the signs and what their platforms are," he said. "I think it incites people to get out there and vote."He said he'll post signs again, even though last time 200 of his placards turned up missing. He said he gets property owners' permission and documents the locations so he can remove them the day after the election. And he vows not to put them up until the last month of the campaign.His opponent, Republican RoseMarie Panio, said she won't post signs even if Peters does."Like I said, I'm going to stick to my standards," Panio said. "Most people are very resentful of them, I've found."Town Clerk Alice Roker, the town's longest-serving elected official, said a no-sign pact predated her entry into town politics 18 years ago, but she has seen both sides violate it.Councilman Louis Campisi, who is not running this year, decided to forgo signs when he first ran in 2001 but not in 2005. He won both times. Newcomers need signs for name recognition, he said.And while adding to the unsightly clusters of signs that crop up at major intersections can turn off voters, Campisi said supporters' front yards are fair game.The town has strict laws on sign placement. In 2006, police confiscated hundreds of illegally posted signs, not all political. Public property is off-limits. So are utility poles, public roads - which typically include a 10-foot strip off either shoulder - and curbside easements on private lawns.In 2005, an aide to Supervisor Linda Cooper was charged with stealing rival party signs. Cooper suggested then that her aide may have mistakenly believed they were on public property. The case was later dismissed.If eschewing signs puts candidates at a disadvantage if their opponents renege, not even the two first-time candidates are worried."I feel the only way for the voters to get to know you is to meet you," said Republican Mark Drexel. "I don't really think signs sway an election."Democrat Vishnu Patel agreed."I would rather go shake hands with people," he said.Reach Brian Howard at bjhoward@lohud.com or 914-666-6177.
MY COMMENTS ON THIS:
Dear Readers:This will be the topic I discuss in next weeks North County News( on sale o7/12/07) in my column IN MY OPINION.
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A NEW POLITICAL BLOG COME TO PEEKSKILL:
Dear Readers:
I wish to call your attention to a new Peekskill political blog "The" Peekskill Guardian(linked below). You will notice the rip off of the already existing Peekskill Guardian(linked below). This is an example of the politics of confusion. That a counter point to the Peekskill Guardian in the view of some might be warranted, the copying of the title (in a effort to confuse) will take away from their goals. I have linked to them anyway in my effort not to censor opinion. However if this titling is any indication of how they will be writing, I put them on notice here and now that they are on a short leash.
FYI: It is interesting to note that as they are willing to try to "out" the writers of Peekskill Guardian(names I know are incorrect), they remain anonymous.
FYI: I have already received e-mails encouraging me to censor this new blog(to protect my credibility???), you should know that Peekskill Guardian is not among them. In fact their quote is that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery". I was heartened to know that Peekskill Guardian is also against censorship.
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MY ARTICLE ON THE PEEKSKILL CITY WIDE TAG SALE IN THE NCN:
Tag (sale), you’re it!
By Anthony J. Bazzo
On June 23, a sunny summer Saturday, Peekskill held its first of three city wide tag sales. With more than 30 residents participating, it was a great day to spend a summer afternoon. People from the community and surrounding towns came to Peekskill looking for that special bargain. Peekskill's Parks and Recreation Department did a fine job in putting the community event together. The next two Saturdays for the Peekskill City Wide Tag sale are July 28 and August 25, both from 10 am until dusk. Hope to see you there.
According to a City of Peekskill spokesperson, “Goods were on sale at close to three dozen registered sites, and many homeowners participated without registering.”In a statement released to the press, the City of Peekskill quoted one shopper: “ ‘I definitely loved the tag sale,’ says Jennifer von Molnar, a Peekskill resident who lives in a condo in the historic Beecher House and shopped at several sites during the day. “Everything was beautiful. The neighborhoods seem to be improving and people seem to be working on their houses,” Molnar says. She also succeeded at her shopping goal—locating fireplace equipment that perfectly suited her needs.” The City says that “showing off Peekskill was one of the primary goals of the tag sale. Another was to give homeowners a chance to earn some extra cash and shoppers and dealers opportunities to see what treasures might be lurking in the attics of one of the region’s oldest and most historic places. Founded more than 350 years ago, Peekskill has entire neighborhoods made up of historic homes.”
To register as a vendor, call 734-7275. Your tag sale will be placed on a master list available at locations including City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, and Field Library. Maps with the locations of each sale pinpointed will also be provided. For more information, contact Mayor John Testa at 914-734-4105
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss Yorktown Department heads and employess use of town owned cars. You can read my column on this topic exclusively in this weeks NORTH COUNTY NEWS on sale now. I am worth the seventy-five cents. Look for my column IN MY OPINION(page 10) in the editorial section. Better yet as this column is exclusive to the North County News on a regular basis and will be covering the local political scene, take out a subscription. Click on the North County News link below and go to Subscribe. Between this blog and The North County News you will have all the information to make a vote based on substance.
************************************************************************************
FYI: ATOM TAXI INC. AIRPORT SERVICE:
Dear Readers:
This gives me a chance to plug my business ATOM TAXI INC. Instead of the headache of trying to find Airport parking, we do Airport Service to The Westchester County Airport(and ALL other airports) 24/7. Just call 1(914)879-6121 and my partner Tommy, will be glad to take you in our Airport Taxi. You will also be provided with a free copy of your local paper of record The North County News. If this is a business trip we also provide a professional receipt, just tell Tommy at the time of booking. The cost of a one-way trip to the Westchester County Airport is seventy dollars. To LaGuardia Airport the cost is Ninety-four dollars which includes all tolls. The cost to JFK and Newark Airports is one hundred-twenty-five dollars which also includes all tolls. We do not take credit cards, sorry.
************************************************************************************
E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS:
Dear Readers:
It has come to my attention the difficulty in posting a comment on this blog. If you wish to comment, e-mail me at the link posted below, putting "Manifesto Reader" in the subject matter, and I will "cut and Paste" your comments myself. If you DO NOT wish your comments posted, but just wish to communicate with me, please make your wishes known in the e-mail.
LINKS: atom_taxi@yahoo.com(as this a yahoo address make sure you put an underscore (-) between atom and taxi)
For immediate reply: atomtaxi@aol.com
***********************************************************************************
SITES TO LINK TO:
ON THE OTHER HAND W/ FORMER PEEKSKILL COUNCILMAN SCHMIDT: http://peekskillperspectives.blogspot.com/
YORKTOWN COUNCILMAN NICK BIANCO: http://www.electbianco.com/
PLAN PUTNAM: planputnam@googlegroups.com/
PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN(ORIGINAL): http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/
NORTH COUNTY NEWS: http://northcountynews.com/
THE JOURNAL NEWS: http://thejournalnews.com/
PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATS: http://www.peekskilldems.com/
PEEKSKILLREPUBLICANS:http://peekskillgop.com/
THE PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN(COPYCAT): http://thepeekskillguardian.blogspot.com/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH:
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM chanel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Every Tuesday at 10PM chanel 22
Hosted by: DON PETERS
***********************************************************************************
EDITOR'S NOTE:All articles re-printed in this blog from the North County News are with the permission of Bruce Apar Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
BAZZO 07/07/07
Save The Date! Friday, July 20, 2007First-of-its-Kind Fundraiser & Bargain of the Year!
A Full-Course Dinner Cabaret to BenefitHarrison Apar Field Of Dreams Foundation &
Jenna's Dream Performing Arts Scholarship Fund
In Cooperation withNorth County News, First Nighters of Yorktown and Travelers Rest Restaurant(Proceeds Donated to Support Local Performing Arts)
COME TO THE CABARET!
Headlined by Yorktown’s Own Broadway Star (Les Miz for 1000 performances, Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll & Hyde)CRAIG SCHULMAN www.craigschulman.com
Musical Appearances by:New Middle Class (Contemporary Folk) www.newmiddleclass.com
Christy Baron (Jazz) www.christybaron.com
Travis Eaione (Classical Piano)Marc Eliot (Pop Standards) www.marceliot.com
Larry Stevens (Rock) http://www.larrystevensband.com/
Art Halperin (Pop) http://www.swordinthestonerecords.com/
Friday, July 20, 20077:00p > Pre-Show Reception with Hor D’ouveres (in Waterfall Garden)8:00p > Full-Course Menu Dinner + Cabaret All for only $50 per person*(cash bar)Travelers RestRoute 100, Ossining, NY 10562(914) 941-7744 www.thetravelersrest.com
*$50 per person includes cabaret, reception, full-course dinner with choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert, beverages; cash bar throughout evening)Reserve Seats Now by Calling (914) 275-6887 and Pay at the Door -- or Mail Check to:Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation,P.O. Box 1383, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598For
More Info: Harrisonapar@Optonline.net
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FYI:
UPCOMINGATTHE DIVISION STREET GRILL26 N. DIVISION STREET, DOWNTOWN PEEKSKILLhttp://www.divisionstreetgrill.com/:
FRIDAY JULY 27th RESERVATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED JAZZ GREATSBUCKY PIZZARELLI& CARMEN LEGGIORESERVATIONS REQUESTED914.739.6380
FRIDAY, 7/13 TBD
SATURDAY, 7/14 GLENDA DAVENPORT TRIO
FRIDAY,7/20 TBD
SATURDAY, 7/21 BRIAN CONIGLIARO TRIO
FRIDAY, 7/27 BUCKY PIZZARELLI & CARMEN LEGGIO
SATURDAY, 7/28 VINCE COROZINE TRIO
FOR MORE INFORMATION, INCLUDING MENUS AND DIRECTIONS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE http://www.divsionstreetgrill.com/
************************************************************************************A MESSAGE FROM PUTNAM VALLEY SUPERVISOR SAM DAVIS:
Dear Readers of the Bazzo Manifesto:
Last weeks Letter To The Editor(in the NCN) from Councilwoman Whetsel was illuminating in a number of ways. First, even though she admitted the accuracy of Mr. Bazzo's column regarding her votes, she called the column "personal attacks". The truthful reporting of votes as an "attack? " How novel. Second, is her belief that voting with the Republicans against the platform she ran on is a different way of supporting the platform. Simply put, it isn’t. Third, is her continued disregard for the safety of the residents in the proposed 10 new houses on Marsh Hill Rd. Is she saying that the safety of the residents of the proposed 10 new houses is less important than if the proposal stayed at 13? She also continually ignores the impact of the development on our school system, taxes, highway department, traffic, etc.
Now, in time for the primary, she believes my proposal for photovoltaic panels is a good idea. You should remember that when I first proposed applying for a grant for this, Councilwoman Whetsel voted yes. Then, last November, after the Town was awarded the grant, she voted to remove the item from the budget. She maintained that she was looking after the tax payers, even though the photovoltaics would save the taxpayers money. While Ms. Whetsel continues to do the two-step over issues that affect the residents of Putnam Valley, I have stayed true to the platform I was elected to enact. It is my hope that come primary day, the voters will remember that.
Sincerely,Sam DavisPutnam Valley Supervisor
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TWO ARTICLES AND AN EDITORIAL RELATING TO LAWN SIGNS:
THIS WAS IN THE NORTH COUNTY NEWS:
PeekskillPols squabble over campaign signs
By Sam Barron
GOP mayoral candidate Bill Schmidt wants Democrats to join him in not planting political signs this year to cut down on cluttering thecity but Democratic Party chief Darren Rigger has no intentions on complying.
Peekskill mayoral candidate Bill Schmidt doesn’t want to see your support.Schmidt, the Republican pick to succeed Mayor John Testa, has come out against plastering the city with signs, pledging to refrain from affixing signs to utility poles.He would even like homeowners to keep their property free of signs.“We are pledging unilaterally to not post any of our campaign signs or other election paraphernalia on any utility poles, streetscapes or other public places in the City of Peekskill,” said Schmidt. “We are also challenging our opponents to join us in pledging together to eliminate all lawn signs on private homes as well.”“I’ve noticed the environment has often been sullied by signs,” Schmidt said. Putting signs on public property in Peekskill is against the law, and Schmidt has vowed that his campaign will comply with those laws.“I ask the Democrats to join us in not putting signs on private property. It’s visual pollution,” he said. “The signs get vandalized and it leads to finger pointing. I don’t think a sign wins an election. I don’t think it’s productive.”Schmidt also said he would be watching to make sure the Democrats did not put up signs on public places.Democratic Party Chairman Darren Rigger was skeptical about Schmidt’s plan, given his Republican background.“He can’t go from being a delegate to George Bush and then claim to be green. It’s popular now, it’s vogue right now,” Rigger said. Schmidt denied being a delegate to Bush in 2000 and claimed to have not voted for him. But Rigger sees Schmidt’s motivation as a way for the GOP to silence the citizens.“The Republicans are trying to squelch freedom of speech, (by saying) ‘We don’t care about your opinion,’” he said. “I look forward to seeing yard signs. I think it’d be great if we had more people voting, more signs. We should encourage more, not less.” Mary Foster, who will oppose Schmidt in November, also disagreed with Schmidt’s sign pledge. “I do not agree with taking away the residents’ rights to express themselves,” she said. “When it comes to politics one of the most fundamental ways that people express themselves is by putting up signs.”“Now I’m concerned that my challenger would put limits on the residents who live there. If we’re going to talk about campaign season, I was hoping my challenger would commit to holding a debate,” Foster later added.Schmidt conceded that if the Democrats begin planting signs, then the Republicans would be forced to also put up some signs. The issue is vaguely reminiscent of the 2005 Yorktown Town Board elections when a debate raged regarding signs on private property. Town Republicans argued that even if campaign signs were on private land, if it was within the town’s right of way it could be removed.
THIS WAS THE RELATED EDITORIAL ON THE SAME TOPIC IN THE NCN:
Stop signs
When local election campaigns are starting to be waged in earnest, the subject of signs can’t be far behind. You won’t hear us complain much, though, if candidates reached mutual agreement to leave those omnipresent “Vote for Me!” signs behind. According to both a news story on the Peekskill mayoral campaign, and a letter to the editor from a Yorktowner in this issue, there are politicians willing to give the high sign to avoiding signs. That’s an idea we can sign off on. Are we. or those candidates, party poopers? Not really. It doesn’t take a dyed-in-the-grass environmentalist to wince at the thought of the visual pollution, as Peekskill mayoral candidate Bill Schmidt rightly calls it, caused by all those cheesy signs that are no friends of bucolic Northern Westchester. Freedom of speech?Arguing that signs are a freedom of speech right is neither convincing nor valid. Towns have zoning ordinances to limit what you can put on your own private property. Does that also violate freedom of speech?It’s a bit premature to talk of endorsements. It’s tempting, though, to consider a policy of not endorsing any candidate who runs amok with signs.
THIS WAS IN THE JOURNAL NEWS:
No-sign pact shaping up in YorktownBy BRIAN J. HOWARDTHE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: July 6, 2007)
YORKTOWN - All four Town Board hopefuls and a supervisor candidate this fall are reviving a bipartisan pact not to post campaign signs.The once longstanding no-sign pledge fell by the wayside as recent elections have been dogged by sign-related controversies. But the subject arose at a candidates' forum last week."It's not about free speech," said Councilman Nick Bianco, who is seeking a fourth term. "I, as the candidate, decided I don't want them."Councilman James Martorano said he did without signs in his previous four campaigns but added that it was up to individual candidates to decide."It's not my style," he said. "I personally don't like the visual pollution all kinds of different signs bring."Democratic supervisor candidate Don Peters, however, thinks signs pique awareness and get people involved. Given poor voter turnout, particularly in off-year elections, he figures anything that creates interest is a worthy goal."I just think it's the democratic way," said Peters, who spent $400 on 250 signs when he ran unsuccessfully two years ago."I know when I see political signs out, I start reading about the people I see on the signs and what their platforms are," he said. "I think it incites people to get out there and vote."He said he'll post signs again, even though last time 200 of his placards turned up missing. He said he gets property owners' permission and documents the locations so he can remove them the day after the election. And he vows not to put them up until the last month of the campaign.His opponent, Republican RoseMarie Panio, said she won't post signs even if Peters does."Like I said, I'm going to stick to my standards," Panio said. "Most people are very resentful of them, I've found."Town Clerk Alice Roker, the town's longest-serving elected official, said a no-sign pact predated her entry into town politics 18 years ago, but she has seen both sides violate it.Councilman Louis Campisi, who is not running this year, decided to forgo signs when he first ran in 2001 but not in 2005. He won both times. Newcomers need signs for name recognition, he said.And while adding to the unsightly clusters of signs that crop up at major intersections can turn off voters, Campisi said supporters' front yards are fair game.The town has strict laws on sign placement. In 2006, police confiscated hundreds of illegally posted signs, not all political. Public property is off-limits. So are utility poles, public roads - which typically include a 10-foot strip off either shoulder - and curbside easements on private lawns.In 2005, an aide to Supervisor Linda Cooper was charged with stealing rival party signs. Cooper suggested then that her aide may have mistakenly believed they were on public property. The case was later dismissed.If eschewing signs puts candidates at a disadvantage if their opponents renege, not even the two first-time candidates are worried."I feel the only way for the voters to get to know you is to meet you," said Republican Mark Drexel. "I don't really think signs sway an election."Democrat Vishnu Patel agreed."I would rather go shake hands with people," he said.Reach Brian Howard at bjhoward@lohud.com or 914-666-6177.
MY COMMENTS ON THIS:
Dear Readers:This will be the topic I discuss in next weeks North County News( on sale o7/12/07) in my column IN MY OPINION.
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A NEW POLITICAL BLOG COME TO PEEKSKILL:
Dear Readers:
I wish to call your attention to a new Peekskill political blog "The" Peekskill Guardian(linked below). You will notice the rip off of the already existing Peekskill Guardian(linked below). This is an example of the politics of confusion. That a counter point to the Peekskill Guardian in the view of some might be warranted, the copying of the title (in a effort to confuse) will take away from their goals. I have linked to them anyway in my effort not to censor opinion. However if this titling is any indication of how they will be writing, I put them on notice here and now that they are on a short leash.
FYI: It is interesting to note that as they are willing to try to "out" the writers of Peekskill Guardian(names I know are incorrect), they remain anonymous.
FYI: I have already received e-mails encouraging me to censor this new blog(to protect my credibility???), you should know that Peekskill Guardian is not among them. In fact their quote is that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery". I was heartened to know that Peekskill Guardian is also against censorship.
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MY ARTICLE ON THE PEEKSKILL CITY WIDE TAG SALE IN THE NCN:
Tag (sale), you’re it!
By Anthony J. Bazzo
On June 23, a sunny summer Saturday, Peekskill held its first of three city wide tag sales. With more than 30 residents participating, it was a great day to spend a summer afternoon. People from the community and surrounding towns came to Peekskill looking for that special bargain. Peekskill's Parks and Recreation Department did a fine job in putting the community event together. The next two Saturdays for the Peekskill City Wide Tag sale are July 28 and August 25, both from 10 am until dusk. Hope to see you there.
According to a City of Peekskill spokesperson, “Goods were on sale at close to three dozen registered sites, and many homeowners participated without registering.”In a statement released to the press, the City of Peekskill quoted one shopper: “ ‘I definitely loved the tag sale,’ says Jennifer von Molnar, a Peekskill resident who lives in a condo in the historic Beecher House and shopped at several sites during the day. “Everything was beautiful. The neighborhoods seem to be improving and people seem to be working on their houses,” Molnar says. She also succeeded at her shopping goal—locating fireplace equipment that perfectly suited her needs.” The City says that “showing off Peekskill was one of the primary goals of the tag sale. Another was to give homeowners a chance to earn some extra cash and shoppers and dealers opportunities to see what treasures might be lurking in the attics of one of the region’s oldest and most historic places. Founded more than 350 years ago, Peekskill has entire neighborhoods made up of historic homes.”
To register as a vendor, call 734-7275. Your tag sale will be placed on a master list available at locations including City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, and Field Library. Maps with the locations of each sale pinpointed will also be provided. For more information, contact Mayor John Testa at 914-734-4105
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss Yorktown Department heads and employess use of town owned cars. You can read my column on this topic exclusively in this weeks NORTH COUNTY NEWS on sale now. I am worth the seventy-five cents. Look for my column IN MY OPINION(page 10) in the editorial section. Better yet as this column is exclusive to the North County News on a regular basis and will be covering the local political scene, take out a subscription. Click on the North County News link below and go to Subscribe. Between this blog and The North County News you will have all the information to make a vote based on substance.
************************************************************************************
FYI: ATOM TAXI INC. AIRPORT SERVICE:
Dear Readers:
This gives me a chance to plug my business ATOM TAXI INC. Instead of the headache of trying to find Airport parking, we do Airport Service to The Westchester County Airport(and ALL other airports) 24/7. Just call 1(914)879-6121 and my partner Tommy, will be glad to take you in our Airport Taxi. You will also be provided with a free copy of your local paper of record The North County News. If this is a business trip we also provide a professional receipt, just tell Tommy at the time of booking. The cost of a one-way trip to the Westchester County Airport is seventy dollars. To LaGuardia Airport the cost is Ninety-four dollars which includes all tolls. The cost to JFK and Newark Airports is one hundred-twenty-five dollars which also includes all tolls. We do not take credit cards, sorry.
************************************************************************************
E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS:
Dear Readers:
It has come to my attention the difficulty in posting a comment on this blog. If you wish to comment, e-mail me at the link posted below, putting "Manifesto Reader" in the subject matter, and I will "cut and Paste" your comments myself. If you DO NOT wish your comments posted, but just wish to communicate with me, please make your wishes known in the e-mail.
LINKS: atom_taxi@yahoo.com(as this a yahoo address make sure you put an underscore (-) between atom and taxi)
For immediate reply: atomtaxi@aol.com
***********************************************************************************
SITES TO LINK TO:
ON THE OTHER HAND W/ FORMER PEEKSKILL COUNCILMAN SCHMIDT: http://peekskillperspectives.blogspot.com/
YORKTOWN COUNCILMAN NICK BIANCO: http://www.electbianco.com/
PLAN PUTNAM: planputnam@googlegroups.com/
PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN(ORIGINAL): http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/
NORTH COUNTY NEWS: http://northcountynews.com/
THE JOURNAL NEWS: http://thejournalnews.com/
PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATS: http://www.peekskilldems.com/
PEEKSKILLREPUBLICANS:http://peekskillgop.com/
THE PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN(COPYCAT): http://thepeekskillguardian.blogspot.com/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH:
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM chanel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Every Tuesday at 10PM chanel 22
Hosted by: DON PETERS
***********************************************************************************
EDITOR'S NOTE:All articles re-printed in this blog from the North County News are with the permission of Bruce Apar Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
BAZZO 07/07/07
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