Dear Readers:
It seems your humble writer has a "Svengali power" I was totally unaware of. On Tuesday (10/09/07) I was told that if I wanted to sit in during the candidate interview process to listen but not ask questions I would be welcome too. So I let it be known to those that inquired that if you wanted me there please make your appointment in the AM or weekend. To my knowledge some did. Now on Friday(10/12/07) I was told that offer was rescinded. It seems that because I have such strong opinions that I make no secret of, that the powers that be thought the interviewees would be put off by my mere presence. That my being there would be so persuasive as to invalidate the appearance of objectivity. That my presence would be so powerful as to sway the judgement of the entire editorial staff. I am flattered to think that there are those out there who think I have that much sway. I guess it is my record of correctly predicting winners that has to do with it. For the record, I am batting a thousand. I have gotten every one of my predictions wrong. So much for the power of persuasion. To those who made their appointment with the knowledge I would be there, I apologize. I was misinformed.
I like to think I have strong convictions that I am not afraid to opine on. As you readers of mine know, I look at an issue and then state my position on it. If an official is on the same side, great. If not, it is not because I like or dislike that official, it is the issue. It is why I have been welcomed at gatherings of both sides. The officials wish to persuade me that their position is the correct one. If we disagree there is nothing personal nor is it taken as such. Both side know that I come by my conclusion honestly. It is why I cannot be pegged as one party or another. I believe that elections should be decided in the arena of ideas and try to convince people with the best argument possible that my idea is correct.
I also do not believe that history starts when I wake up in the morning. I hold accountable the things officials said in the past and am not afraid to point out any inconsistency in position that may arise during an election cycle. I believe nothing operates in a vacuum and I have tried in my writings to bring a sense of history to the issue. I believe it is important to the voter to know both the history and inconsistency. It is important to the voter to know if an official is in pander mode.
It is because I spent many years in the nightclub business serving and hanging out with the rich and powerful, celebrities and politicians alike, that I am not intimidated by their presence. I have learned to gain their respect you must not be afraid to speak truth to power. They may not like it, but will respect it, as long as it is perceived to have been come by honestly. In the run-up to the election, I will continue to endeavor to do so.
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A MESSAGE FROM COUNTY LEGISLATOR OROS
THE 2007 ELECTION IS DOWN TO THE TWO MINUTE WARNING
PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT LEGISLATOR GEORGEOROS
AT THE
GO THE EXTRA YARD FUNDRAISER
TUESDAY OCTOBER 23, 2007
6:00 TO 8:00 PM
PIAZZA ROMA
CORTLANDT TOWN CENTER, ROUTE 6, MOHEGAN LAKE
CONTRIBUTION $65.00
HORS HOURVES, BEER WINE SOFT DRINKS
For more information call Lynne O’Connell at (914) 739-1965
______ I (we) would be delighted to support George, enclosed please find my
donation of $___________for _________ guests ($65.00 per person)
______ Unfortunately, I am unable to attend, but please find enclosed my
donation of $____________
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Email: _______________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________________________
· Make checks payable to: VOTE Committee
· Political contributions are not tax deductible
Return to: VOTE Committee c/o 26 Peachtree Drive Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567
Q & A WITH LEGISLATOR OROS
ED NOTE: SECIAL THANKS TO PEEKSILL FIRST .NET FOR PERMISSION TO RE-PRINT"
Q&A:
Q: you seem to be someone who is very comfortable reaching across party lines— to Democrats, and others— to get things done for Westchester and for Peekskill. How do you feel working with a movement like PEEKSKiLLFiRST, which began as a grassroots "Democrats for Schmidt" group?
GO: I am most comfortable working with PEEKSKiLLFiRST, just as I have worked with other grassroots organizations. When an issue confronts the County Legislative District, I seek support and help from anyone who is willing and don't ask about party affiliation. The seven year battle that successfully halted the ill conceived plan to divert sewage from eastern Yorktown to the County treatment plant in Peekskill was the result of working with grassroots organizations that had no political agenda, only a community agenda. As one of six republicans on a seventeen member Board of Legislators it is essential that I work with members of all political parties. The record shows I have done that quite well and I welcome the full support of PEEKSKiLLFiRST not only in this election campaign but in the term ahead whenever an issue that impacts Peekskill is on the table.
Q: How canWestchester and Peekskill work together to keep the City moving forward with the Peekskill GOP's ground plan for economic and cultural development?
GO: We need to continue the outstanding effort that the Mayor and Council have put forth over the past several years to work in cooperation with the County and to give me the tools to successfully get Peekskill's fair share of County funding. The results speak for themselves. Out of the seventeen legislative districts, ours received 24% of all Community Development Block Grant funding, tops among all districts. That is because the Peekskill government has skilled professionals at every level that make the case for these funds.
Q:What have been your greatest successes over the past few years for Peekskill? What are the critical issues for the next two or three years?
GO: By far, the greatest success was halting sewage diversion. Had diversion been allowed to happen, Peekskill's watershed would have been seriously jeopardized. The Peekskill community should never forget that it was Andy Spano and Michael Kaplowitz that pushed for sewage diversion. They should also remember that my opponent (who also ran in 2005) called for a "compromise on diversion." Some issues are fundamental. When you have a broad coalition united and ready to defeat such a devastating proposal compromise is not an option.
Q: The critical issue now for Peekskill is progress and orderly growth. Peekskill is at a crossroads and the 2007 election will determine if the renaissance continues or the City turns back to the days of boarded up store fronts and plunging property values. Bill Schmidt, Milagros Martinez, Mel Bolden and Selma Dias-Stewart have stood for progress and growth while their opponents have repeatedly voted no for any economic development.
GO: Of course, too, there is the issue of taxes. I have voted against the past four County budgets due to the steep tax increases and have introduced millions of dollars in budget cuts. This year, through a re-organization, we were able to cut the County Sewer tax by 40% in Peekskill.
Q: How is your working relationship with your fellow legislators who are Democrats?
GO: Since my first years on the County Legislature I have had strong relationships with my colleagues. Without the support of key Democratic legislators I could not have stopped sewage diversion. That in and of itself should let folks know that the key to getting results or getting the job done for the City rests in the ability to lead. Leadership is the key, especially when it comes to cutting unnecessary spending.
Q: Where will be the most important areas of cooperation between you and Bill Schmidt and his slate of Bolden, Martinez and Dias-Stewart?
GO: Topic one will be the soon to expire operating agreement the County has with RESCO for the garbage burning plant on Charles Point. The agreement expires in October 2009, but the County must award a new contract on or before the middle of 2008. In that agreement it is important that Peekskill, as the host community, receives tangible benefits. We need to be certain that whatever operation is placed there is safe, and environmentally sound. Cooperation is essential if Peekskill is to continue to receive the lion's share of Community Development Block Grant funds as well as funding for the Youth Bureau.
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A MESSAGE FROM REPUBLICAN PEESKILL COUNCILMAN BOLDEN
RE: SCHOOL TAXES
Darren Rigger criticized me yesterday for my answer to the question, What can the City do to reduce the School District tax burden? at Wednesday night's debate. It was more of a cheap shot than thoughtful criticism. I paused at the question, considered what I could appropriately say as a District employee, then admitted frankly that the answer to the question was more complicated than a sound bite answer. That same press release applauded the superficial responses of my opponents."
"Let me explain the real deal. Ever since I have been in office, I have supported adding millions of dollars to the tax base, through both commercial and residential development. The greatest beneficiary of that increased tax revenue has been the Peekskill School District. They get nearly 70 cents of every tax dollar people pay."
"As a Councilman, I have done everything I can to increase the tax base because I know that it flows through to the schools. The residential developments I've supported have put very few children in the District. When you combine that with the new commercial buildings in the Beach and elsewhere, the development I have supported has added a lot of surplus revenue to the School District each year."
"But School taxes have continued to increase. It's just a fact. Since 2005, City taxes have gone up 0%. During that same time, School taxes have gone up 30%. Go back a little further. If you look at taxes since 2000, School taxes are up more than 80%. City taxes have grown by much less. So I can tell you from experience that increased revenue generated from development in the City, whether commercial or residential, does not flow through to the School District in a straight line. Other issues are at play."
"As a teacher in the Peekskill Middle School, I can see some of the challenges the School District faces, especially the increased enrollment that isn't coming from new residential development."
"Even the School District has acknowledged this. The changing demographics of Peekskill is putting a growing strain on our schools. Which is why I believe it is important to counter that demographic trend by attracting people with higher disposable incomes to the City. That is why it is so important that we complete our plans for Target, Downtown Revitalization, and Waterfront Redevelopment."
"These three projects combined will add nearly $4 million in additional revenue to the School District each year. And the good news is, the residential units we plan to build will attract a demographic that will consume less than half the additional revenue that goes to the Schools."
"My running mates and I are advancing concrete plans that will add real dollars to the School District. Our opponents have nothing concrete to offer. Rigger quotes my opponents' sound bites. Which is more real? Our proposals or theirs? You can't buy books or pay teachers with sound bites."
Respectfully,
Mel Bolden
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A MESSAGE FROM REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR PUTNAM VALLEY SUPERVISOR
BOB TENDY
STOP THE TAX NIGHTMARE
For almost two years the “new” Town Board members have had one approach to lowering your taxes: Ask the State Government for Grant Money. Over the past 20 months, I have repeatedly warned that holding out your hand and saying “please give us some money” is not a real municipal economic plan, nor is it a responsible municipal approach to reigning in taxes. Those of us who just received our tax bill know that the only thing accomplished in the past two years is that taxes have increased---and so has spending.Town and School Taxes will be reigned in only by these methods:1. Stop Spending So Much.2. Realize that 3,500 or so tax paying residents can’t possibly pay for a 39 million dollar school budget by themselves. Understand that a full K – 12 school system is not affordable without a long term economic plan to bring in tax dollars from a source other than our wallets.3. Commit to create beautiful and commercially successful business districts of shops, cafes, etc. by implementing a long term economic plan by working with business entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and developers—as a team of allies, not as enemies. Incorporate and safeguard our beautiful natural surroundings to attract businesses that fit in with the town’s character and heritage. Create small park areas; plan for some sidewalks, walkways, attractive lamp posts; investigate funding for a covered bridge, etc. 4. Demand a fairer State property taxation method and end unfunded mandates.5. All of this can be done over time, but it takes planning and a desire to do it. We need to take steps now if we are to have any hope of stopping our taxes from driving out of our town all but the extremely wealthy. The fact is that we have an absurdly small commercial base. No reasonable community would create a full service school system without implementing an economic plan to fund it. TO DO THIS IS FISCAL INSANITY. We can work together to put this plan into place, bringing in much needed tax dollars and commerce to our town--while preserving our town's character and safeguarding the environment. Many other towns have done it, and we can, too. It just takes experience and a knowledge of municipal law and environmentally sound planning.MAKE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT WORK FOR YOU, NOT FOR YOUR MONEY. Don't forget to vote on November 6. This is a critical election.
Bob Tendy
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A MESSAGE FROM PUTNAM COUNTY LEGISLATOR OLIVERIO
RE: FINAL VOTE ON COUNTY TAXES
Hi Andy,
Well the long and the short of it is that our 23.47% tax increase budget was adopted last night with a 6 to 3 majority vote. Regina Morini, MaryEllen O'Dell and I voted not to adopt the budget. My reasoning for voting "no" was very simple. Even at a 23% increase it is still too high but more importantly, I could not and would not go with a budget that once again does the very thing I have been protesting for years... using make believe revenue sources to keep taxes artificially low. This budget uses $500,000 from our surplus and another $500,000 from our contingency fund to reduce the tax burden about 4% more than it would have been. I told my fellow legislators that I would vote "yes" on a 27.5% increase if they would only remove the 4% in fake revenue (the surplus and contingency hit). They refused, so I voted NO. We did restore the recycling program though, and my Health Committee will be discussing some new approaches to recycling at the next Health meeting (10/16 at 6:30at the County Building).
Thanks Andy and I'm already gearing up for another tough budget season next year.
Sam O.
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A MESSAGE FROM STATE SENATOR LEIBELL:
CONTACT: John McArdle, Mark Hansen (518) 455-2264 Kris Thompson (518) 455-3191 Marianne Reilly (518) 455-3111 (Leibell) Bijoy Datta (607) 773-8771 (Libous) Bryan Gorman (518) 455-3381 (Padavan) Rob Caroppoli (631) 361-2154 (Flanagan)
Http://www.senate.state.ny.us
SENATE TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON GOVERNOR'S PLAN TO ISSUE DRIVERS LICENSES TO ILLEGAL ALIENS
The Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and MilitaryAffairs, Chaired by Senator Vincent Leibell (R-C-I, Patterson), and theTransportation Committee, Chaired by Senator Thomas Libous (R-C,Binghamton), will hold a joint public hearing in Albany to discuss theGovernor's plan to issue drivers licenses to illegal aliens. The hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 15 inHearing Room A of the Legislative Office Building in Albany.Participants expected to speak at the hearing include experts onnational security and terrorism, representatives of law enforcementagencies, family members of victims of the 9/11 attacks, county clerksand other elected officials. "As the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Veterans,Homeland Security and Military Affairs, I take the security of thepeople of the State of New York very seriously," Senator Leibell said."In the dangerous world in which we live, we cannot afford to be silentwhile an ill-conceived policy places all New Yorkers at risk. This isone of the most critical issues to come before the Legislature. As aresult, my colleagues and I have decided to hold public hearings inorder to examine the security issues and potential impact, andinvestigate possible alternatives to the Governor's proposal." "This proposal concerns me on many different levels, but none moreimportant than the safety and security of our families. Giving illegalimmigrants drivers licenses is ill-advised and wrong and it's a majorsecurity threat to New York and the entire nation," Senator Libous said. The Senate will act on legislation later this month to prohibitthe state from issuing drivers licenses to illegal aliens. Thelegislation would continue the provision already in law that requiresapplicants for a drivers license to submit their social security numberto obtain a New York State drivers license, or proof of authorizedpresence in the United States if a social security number cannot beprovided. "The policy adopted by the Spitzer administration that grantsdrivers licenses to illegal aliens is deeply troubling and has sparkedconcern and vocal public outcry throughout the entire state and nation,"Senator Frank Padavan (Queens), sponsor of the legislation, said. "Thishearing is imperative so that we can assess the full ramifications andimpact that this dangerous and unprecedented policy will have on thesecurity, safety and well-being of all New Yorkers." "The Governor developed this ill-advised plan in secret, withoutany input from the Legislature or comment from the public and we areseeing a great deal of concern and opposition," Senate Majority LeaderJoseph L.Bruno said. "At this hearing, the Senate will give his drivers licenseplan a public airing and discuss the potential impact it could have onpublic safety." "New York State has a very clear responsibility to protect ourcitizens and to ensure that one of the most trusted forms ofidentification is held to a very high standard," Senator John Flanagan(R-C-I, EastNorthport) said. "This major policy change was implemented by theSpitzer administration without the public input it deserves and that issomething that must be corrected. This will allow the open discussionthat the Spitzer administration avoided and will allow needed questionsto be answered."
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A COMMUNICATION FROM TOM DE CHAIRO, OWNER OF PROPOSED ST. GEORGE WINERY:
Dear Mr. Bazzo,
I am the owner of the Old Stone Church, "The Winery at St. George", and I am aware of Mr. Oros's letter. I have made several attempts to contact him so I can discuss his concerns. Attached is the letter I sent to him on Sept. 24th. To date, he still has not responded. A politician's responsibility is to hear both sides of an issue before making a stand. Mr. Oros did not offer me that courtesy and that is unacceptable behavior.
If you would like to discuss, please contact me.
Thanks
Tom
Tom DeChiaroThe Winery at St. George1715 E. Main Street - Mohegan Lake NY 10547http://www.thewineryatstgeorge.com/914-455-4272 - Voice914-455-4273 - Fax
----- Original Message -----
From: WineJobs
To: goo6@westchestergov.com
Cc: tomde@thewineryatstgeorge.com
Sent: Monday, September 24, 2007 12:41 PM
Subject: RE: The Winery at St. George
September 24st, 2007
Dear Legislator Oros:
It has come to my attention that you have the wrong impression of my winery project which consists of a vineyard at Hilltop Hanover Farm and the winery at the former church located in Mohegan Lake. Both are in the town of Yorktown.
This response is made in the hope that I can persuade you to come by and visit the winery. I think that you will be impressed with my venture, and perhaps I can put your concerns to rest. I would hope that you would reserve judgment until you had a chance to see for yourself that your concerns are somewhat misguided.
In the past two weeks, I have received upwards of one thousand written endorsements, from local residents. They are extremely supportive of the winery, and have made me feel welcomed into the neighborhood. At least, please view the winery before you reach any negative conclusions.
Some of my strongest supporters are the parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, the former owners of my building. I am having a special reception at the winery for them on Sunday, September 30 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. I would appreciate your coming by and seeing, first hand, that my use of the St. George Church is being universally embraced by your constituents.
Alternatively, it would be my pleasure to give you a personal tour at your convenience. I can be reached by cell at (914)---- -----. Thank you for your kind attention.
Sincerely yours,
Thomas DeChiaro
Tom DeChiaroThe Winery at St. George
PO Box 32 - Baldwin Place NY 10505
http://www.thewineryatstgeorge.com/
845-621-0798 - Voice914-455-4273
Fax914-262-7313
MY COMMENTS ON THIS:
I visited Winery at St. George Saturday 10/13/07. You can see my opinion on this in the next issue of the NCN on sale Wednesday 10/17/07
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I adress the issue of County Government trying to mandate fast food restaurants putting calorie counts on their menues. 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/
YORTOWN CANDIDATE FOR SUPERVISOR ROSE MARIE PANIO: http://www.rosemariepanio.com/
PUTNAM VALLEY CANDIDATE FOR SUPERVISOR BOBTENDY:http://www.bobtendyforsupervisor.com/
PEEKSKILL FIRST: http://www.peekskillfirst.net/
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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 74
Hosted by: DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CHIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
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 10/14/07
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