SOME OF MY THOUGHTS BEFORE THE ELECTION

Dear Readers:

I sent an e-mail out last week to certain people engaged in the election process not on the ballot. These were people who have invested time, money and effort to get candidates they support elected. I asked them to e-mail me why they think you should vote for their candidate(s) they have worked so hard for. The ONLY responses I received were from Peekskill's Mayor John Testa and Peekskill Democratic Chairman Darren Rigger. Their posts will follow my musings. I believe the others offered this opportunity to reach voters free of charge and unedited made a mistake. I suppose they were too busy for you. In the same e-mail I have offered the actual candidates the same opportunity for next weeks blog(the last before the election) to do the same. It is my hope the candidates will avail themselves this final opportunity to reach voters before the election.

There are candidates who for some reason believe that if you do not support all of their positions you are not supporting them. Think about his for a minute, how many of you agree with your spouse all of the time. Why would you hold a candidate to a higher expectation? Thankfully Yorktown Councilman and candidate for re-election Nick Bianco understands this. Even though we have a huge disagreement regarding the Old Stone Church, he knows he has not lost my support. It bugs the heck out of me when a candidate gets their nose out of joint because a blog post or column positions me on the opposite side of an issue. I am not their press agent, if anything I try to be an agent of information for the voter.

Reasonable people can disagree yet in the bigger picture still support each other. Ask Nick if you don't believe me. Even though I wanted to refrain from making endorsements, when it comes to the re-election of Nick Bianco I will break from this and urge you to vote for his re-election. Nick is one of those rare breed of politician who judges issues on their merit, and makes his decision on that basis. For that reason it is imperative to keep him on the Town Board. The other reason is that since it looks like the Democrats have a good chance of having a super majority on the Board, keeping Nick there will keep the government open to scrutiny. As the selection of Alice Roker as acting Supervisor and the process in selecting candidates have shown, the Yorktown Democrats are willing to do what they want behind close doors . Nick will keep those doors open.

As for Supervisor, a couple of thoughts. Don is not afraid of having bright lights around him as advisors. He knows an executive is only as good as those that advise them. He knows how to delegate, yet knows the final decision rests with the executive and is not afraid to make that decision even if at odds with those advisors. I also believe that in finding tax savings he would return that savings to the tax payer and not think of new ways to spend that money. Rose Marie Panio's tenure as Yorktown and County Republican Chair cannot be discounted. On her watch the party is weaker than the party that existed when her tenure started. On her watch Don Peters and Domenic Volpe left the party for the chance to obtain elected office. Both were lifelong party members and their discontent is on her hands. I believe Don Peters would be the stronger Supervisor to lead Yorktown to the next level.

In watching both Peekskill debates (thank you NCN for providing me with the DVD'S), two things jump out. One is the issue of Target. Both candidates for Mayor say they support Target coming to Peekskill. One has been consistent in that position, the other disingenuous. Bill Schmidt is the former. Back in February 2006 when I first wrote about this issue, the Peekskill Council was debating whether to allow a site off Louisa Street to be purchased for that purpose. Mary Foster voted no on the grounds that 1) truck traffic would be a nuisance to the residents of Riverbend. 2) Even though you have a garbage disposal plant, and recycling plant near by, Target would not be a good neighbor 3) the quality of jobs disturbed her. The question must be asked that if you do not support the purchase of necessary land, how can you now say you support having Target come to Peekskill. No time during that debate was another location suggested. The question needing to be asked is whether Target is an issue or an election ploy? I believe the answer is lies in who is elected. I believe that the people involved are looking to see if the next council and Mayor are Target friendly or not. I do not think this will be sorted till they see who they will be dealing with.

On the issue of eminent domain, I believe Bill has been consistent and concise in his position. On the other hand Mary is trying to split the baby. I believe both are wrong on this, however, Bill at least keeps the playing field level. Both private and public entities are held to equal standards. Like Nick Bianco in Yorktown, Bill judges issues on merit. As there is a chance that the next Mayor whom ever it is, will likely be in the minority party, I believe it is imperative that the next Mayor show the ability to deal with reasoned argument as well as give reasoned argument to avoid stalemate. I believe Bill Schmidt is best qualified to do this and should be your next Mayor. It is also why I believe returning Don Bennett and Mel Bolden to the council is a must. Both have proven not to be a rubber stamp as they are willing to listen to reasoned argument.

I am going to let you decide after hearing from the candidates one last time next week which party should control the council. My advise it to elect who you think will best listen to reasoned argument, and not put party above the best interest of Peekskill.
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A MESSAGE FROM PEEKSKILL'S MAYOR JOHN TESTA:

I would like to begin by thanking the Peekskill community for their overwhelming support over the last six years. The people of Peekskill entrusted me to bring forward the vision of transforming our city into a shining example of progress and accomplishment. I accepted that trust with humility and a strong sense of responsibility to live up to that support. I hope I have done that.

We now face an important crossroads for what the future will be for us. The tremendous strides we have made are only the beginning what we can achieve. We have made a conscious effort to keep taxes down and bring projects and initiatives that were not tax generators but, rather, revenue generators and tax savers. We have put in place a plan of progress and advancement never before dreamed possible. A foundation has been laid and a plan is in place to carry the city with low taxes and high achievement for many years to come. However, that can only happen if those who control the government choose to continue that path. That, my friends, is what this election is all about.

Quite simply, only the candidates of the Schmidt Team wish to continue the momentum underway. They believe in low taxes, quality services, a safe and clean community and smart development. Bill Schmidt is running for mayor and has the experience, commitment and ability to continue the progress. After all, as a councilman he was a big part of making it happen. Running for reelection to the Common Council are Mel Bolden and Milagros Martinez. Both bring extensive experience and contributed directly to the successes we have had. The third council candidate this year is Selma Dias-Stewart. Selma has a long history of involvement in Peekskill and has served over 20 years as a counselor in the Peekskill City School District. She will be a positive addition to the council.

George Oros is an outstanding representative for Peekskill in the County Board of Legislature. Without George by our side we would not have been able to accomplish many of the key improvements to the City. He has brought us unprecedented funding that has been essential for our progress. He was also the main reason sewage diversion was prevented from coming to Peekskill! He deserves our support for reelection.

The bottom line is that if you want Target, the Waterfront Project and Downtown Redevelopment to happen, Bill Schmidt and his running mates must win this year’s election. Their opponents have already voted against these issues and only look to set the city back decades while increasing taxes at an alarming rate. Everyone must get out and vote for the Schmidt Team on Election Day and bring friends and neighbors with them. If the Schmidt Team doesn’t win this election, the City of Peekskill will lose all the momentum of the last 6 years and may never recover.

JT
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A MESSAGE FROM PEEKSILL DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN RIGGER:

Hello Andy -

Thank you for allowing me to post a last message to the voters. In lieu of a statement - I thought it would be helpful for voters to see exactly what they will get when we have a new Democratic Mayor and a Democratic Majority on the Common Council.

Thank you! -
Darren Rigger


CAMPAIGN 2007
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM
VALUES:
Not use eminent domain for private development
No sole source developers
Develop for the long-term benefit of our residents
Properly maintain and care for our existing neighborhoods
Promote residential development that does not negatively affect existing neighborhoods and attracts the middle class
Promote commercial development that provides recreation, entertainment and educational opportunities for youth and young adults
Promote industrial development that creates 21st century jobs, technology based businesses and environmental green businesses
Emphasize tourism, retail and live/work spaces in developing the downtown and riverfront
Keep taxes stable for the long-term
Appreciate and protect the diversity of our existing residents
Maintain our commitment to care for Peekskill’s most vulnerable residents
Embrace community-driven, consensus-building processes for planning our growth
Open and civil government


PRIORITY ACTIONS:
Adopt policies that create beautiful neighborhoods and preserve property values
Create jobs and hire economic development staff
Increase law enforcement and code enforcement staff
Pick up trash from streets and highways
Create 3-hour free parking zones downtown
Increase the commercial tax base downtown to stabilize city and school taxes
Create an international artist exchange program
Provide medical transportation to seniors in need
Clean up the City Garage on Lower South Street
Redevelop the entire Karta Recycling site
Move forward with Waterfront development that emphasizes commercial, recreational, tourism development
Complete the: relocation of White Plains Linen; failed CPC, Gateway and Lincoln Terrace projects; restoration of Penelope Pond; and preservation of Tompkins park gorge
Fund a sanitary and storm water pipe replacement program and a water main replacement program
Fund a comprehensive sidewalk and street maintenance program
Replace the unsafe James Street garage as part of a downtown community-driven renewal plan
Upgrade Route 6, Route 202 and Lower South Street entrances to Peekskill
Televise all City meetings
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A MESSAGE FROM PUTNAM VALLEY SUPERVISOR DAVIS:

Dear Andy,

This is a response to the letter from Bob Tendy posted in your Blog. I hope you will post this response as well.

Bob Tendy, in his message entitled Stop The Tax Nightmare, made many mistakes and misrepresentations.

First, he wrote “Town Board members have had one approach to lowering your taxes: Ask the State Government for Grant Money.” Mr. Tendy knows that that is untrue. It is true that we should get as much grant money as possible because it does lower expenses which would otherwise have to be paid by our residents. It is also true that the other four Board members, including Mr. Tendy have prevented us from applying for grant money that could have helped us purchase open space which is the best way to keep taxes from rising. But Mr. Tendy has been present many times when I have discussed my efforts with groups from all over the state to get the state to take over school funding instead of relying on property taxes. The current system is horribly unfair and onerous to our residents. A state takeover would mean that we would rely on income taxes which are based on ability to pay, rather than on property taxes which aren’t. I must also point out that in his years on the Town Board Mr. Tendy (as well as the other members of the Board during their tenure) has done nothing to help the problem of soaring taxes. In fact, they have all added to the problem. Recently, all four of the current councilpeople voted to essentially approve the Emerald Ridge (AKA Meadow Ridge) subdivision which will cost our tax payers hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Mr. Tendy, along with the rest of the board, has also prevented the modernization of Town Hall technology, which would allow for a decreased number of employees through attrition. This would save money while at the same time vastly enhancing service to our residents.

Second, Mr. Tendy’s assertion that what we need is more commercial development is patently false. Look around us at towns with lots of commercial. You’ll find that they are paying taxes that are no lower than ours, and often significantly higher. Further, most of the areas of our Town where we could put substantive commercial development are not in the Putnam Valley School District. The entire character of the Town would be changed if we built enough commercial to have any real impact on our taxes. Think White Plains. Additionally, any tax benefit would be temporary, as the commercial development would also spur more residential development which would drive taxes up still further. Finally, Mr. Tendy is ignoring other consequences of more commercial development, including costly infrastructure expenses and the increased demand for emergency services.

“Stop spending so much.” It is interesting that Mr. Tendy said this but voted to not only restore the videographer position that cost us about $67,000 in 2007, but actually voted for an increase. He also voted to give the new Town Clerk about a $6,500 increase over my recommendation. At the same meeting he voted to reduce the blacktop budget by $150,000 which will end up costing us much more in the future, and the $23,800 for photovoltaic cells to help power Town Hall which after 2008 would save our residents money.

It is also important to point out that the reason for the large increases of the past two years is largely the result of bad decisions on the part of the past administration of which Mr. Tendy was a part, and bad budget decisions last year that were made against my advice. My guess is that next year will not see a large increase other than the possible consequence of cutting the blacktop budget so much this year.

Andy, here are the changes made prior to Friday(10/19/07) by the board on my tentative 2008 budget.

1. Reinstate the videographer position with a $2000 increase.
2. Cut the Blacktop budget by $150,000.
3. Add about $6500 to the salary for the new Town Clerk.
4. Remove the photovoltaics.
5. Reduce budget to lease summer camp from $65k to $55k.
6. Reduced Town Day expenses by $4000.
7. Reduced museum building maintenance by $1.5k.

Sam
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TWO MESSAGES FROM WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR OROS:

October 17, 2007 Contact: George Oros
Tel: (914) 995-2828
Oros@westchesterlegislators.com

Emergency workers have earned a tax break
County motor vehicle use tax should be waived for qualified EMS workers and volunteer firefighters
Property tax exemption should be approved for volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel

Westchester County Legislator George Oros (R-C/Cortlandt) is calling on the rest of the Board of Legislators to waive the county’s motor vehicle use tax for volunteer firefighters and other emergency workers who provide invaluable service by protecting residents throughout the county.

The tax exemption would apply to any volunteer emergency services individual who uses his or her personal vehicle to respond to fires, accidents or any other emergency calls.

“There is no way we can ever fully repay the men and women who always answer the call when emergencies arise,” Oros said. “This tax exemption would be just another way for us to say thank you.”

Exempting volunteers from the motor vehicle use tax would save them between $15-$30 whenever they register a vehicle.

Earlier this year, Oros and fellow Legislator Ursula LaMotte (R-C/Bedford) proposed a property tax exemption for emergency services workers.

In 2002, New York State authorized municipalities in several counties to provide a retention and recruitment incentive for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers through a partial real property tax exemption.

There are approximately 130,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel in New York.

The amount of the exemption for certain counties is limited to 10% of the assessed value of the property, up to a maximum of $3,000, multiplied by the latest state equalization rate. If adopted in Westchester, the exemption would reduce the county tax bill for qualified volunteers by as much as $100.

“With all taxes on the rise, any savings for property owners would be welcomed,” Oros said.

Oros and LaMotte maintained the property tax exemption could help attract new volunteers in town and villages in Westchester and retain existing skilled emergency workers who sacrifice countless hours for their communities.

MESSAGE TWO:
October 25, 2007 Contact: George Oros
Tel: (914) 995-2828
Goo6@westchestergov.com
Computers Benefit Youth in Need
Legislator teams up with Peekskill NAACP to distribute computers.

Legislator George Oros (R-C/Cortlandt) recently teamed up with Peekskill NAACP President Bob Spencer to donate six used computers for economically challenged youngsters in the Peekskill area.

It's the second time in the last few years that Oros has been able to collaborate with Spencer to take advantage of a county program he and County Executive Andrew Spano supported to make use of no longer needed computer equipment.

The computers will be used to help train youngsters and develop skills that they can utilize throughout their lifetime.

"Any program that can help educate our youth is a marvelous thing," Oros said. "Not everyone has the luxury of having a computer at home so it's important that those that don't are able to learn in school or in after-school programs. Hopefully in the near future we can donate many more computers to those in need."
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A MESSAGE FROM PEEKSILL PBA:

From the City of Peekskill Police Benevolent Association:

It is with great interest and concern for the City of Peekskill and our Officers that I write this letter. We are watching and indeed, proud to be part of the progress that has been made and proposed for the City. We also share the concerns of City Council candidates and incumbents. Nonetheless, we are currently forced to also turn our attention to a problem that could effect the Officers, residents, and business owners of Peekskill. The problem I am referring to is that of a proposed Police budget for 2008 that currently appears to reduce our ranks by attrition. These are the very ranks that Chief Tumolo has been able to turn into a modern, pro active Police force. This budget is being studied right now, and due to be to be voted on by the City Council in December. So, while candidates for office speak, this work is going on in parallel.
Under the Chief's leadership, we now have a very vital and successful Community Policing initiative, an extremely proactive Anticrime Unit, a modern Detective Bureau that sports an extremely high case closure rate, and a Tactical Response Unit that through modernization and excellent training and leadership is ready to respond to any high level emergency or threat level to protect our City. We also have an available Bicycle Patrol Unit and Marine Unit that can be more available in the future. Most of these units are staffed by dedicated professionals who wear multiple hats to get the job done. At the same time, our Patrol staff is manned by 31 Police Officers to cover all three shifts. When you factor in the amount working at one time, regular days off, vacation, illness or injury, that number obviously drops. With that number, not only the work, but the Officers can be adversely affected. Any further loss of staffing could jeopardize the very pro-activity that this City deserves and has come to expect -- and has been talked about in the current elections. Of course, it could also affect safety for both Officer and citizen alike.
As we witness campaigns of both major parties for the upcoming elections, it is clear that no matter which side you are on, each side has vision and one glaring commonality: that Peekskill must keep growing, progressing, and continue to be a shining example of what a small city can offer. Whether you have a major chain store, many smaller stores, a high rise or smaller new residences, more venues, or all the above, I offer another commonality: you need cops to serve this progress.
Just a few years ago your Police Department was faced with a similar budget cut. Mayor Testa and Governor Pataki worked with us, ultimately producing a grant that temporarily recovered 3 lost Police Officers (constituting almost 10% of our total Patrol staff). This grant is expiring and leaves us exposed to losing Officer's positions, thus diluting the high caliber of service that Peekskill deserves. We do not want to risk losing any ground in the progress we have made and need a more long term solution.
The year 2000 census showed the City to have 20,000 residents. The latest projected census from 2006 shows 23,000 residents and a 7% growth pattern. Common wisdom predicts that we might even have in excess of 30,000 people living in this city. A basic formula used to plan staffing for Police requires 2.5 Officers per 1,000. That would equate to approximately 75 Officers. This number far exceeds the amount of "feet on the ground" we currently have available to help maintain Peekskill as the flourishing destination that everyone wants it to be. While we cannot reasonably expect that much bigger a portion of the current City budget proposal, we believe that anyone concerned would want to at least maintain or add to our Chief's staff.
It has been well chronicled that through talent and diligence we now have a surplus of approximately 6 million dollars, and an improved bond rating. This city is going places! But how far can it go without enough cops?
We pledge our support and loyalty to whomever is on the City Council in 2008, and wish all the candidates, whether on the current Council or running for the first time, the best of luck. But even before then, the current Council will have an all important vote for next year's budget. We urge you to take a hard look at the Police Department, how we can help and provide safety for this city, and with more the staff, maintain the highest level of proactive, modern Policing.

Thank you,
Andy Polay
President, City of Peekskill Police Benevolent Association
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MESSAGE FROM ASSEBLYMAN GREG BALL:

ED NOTE: Thanks to PutnamValley Supervisor Davis for forwarding this:

News from Assemblyman Gregory R. Ball
District Office: Donald B. Smith Government Office Building 2 110 Old Route 6 Carmel, New York 10512 845-255-5038
October 22, 2007 CONTACT: (917) 681-9302
BALL CALLS IN THE FEDS: “STOP SPITZER”

Today Assemblyman Ball (R-Carmel), charging that, “Governor Spitzer is in direct violation and shows reckless disregard for the law as determined by Section 1324 of the Immigration and Nationality Act” has called upon the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Justice to stop Governor Spitzer as a matter of national security. Assemblyman Ball’s Recent Testimony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i46GgiPxu-g Secondly, the Assemblyman’s office has reached out to the offices of nearly every member of Congress and has demanded that the U.S. Congress withhold federal monies for infrastructure and transportation to the State of New York to stop this Governor from following through with his plan to not comply with the National Real ID Act. Next, the Assemblyman has introduced Assembly Bill A08560 allowing the director of homeland security to coordinate agencies to perform immigration law enforcement functions and administer and distribute grants for appropriate training. Finally, upon returning to Albany today Assemblyman Ball called upon the Assembly to address, in tomorrow’s special session, legislation that would ultimately block the Governor’s new driver’s license plan and to protect county clerks, as well as legislation that would reduce property taxes for seniors. More than 200 Democrat, Republican and independent elected officials, security experts and members of law enforcement believe Governor Spitzer's proposal would make us less safe, less secure. Additionally, in the opinion of 72 percent of New Yorkers surveyed in a Siena Research Institute poll, it is just plain wrong. Specifically, Ball plans on introducing a number of amendments to the bills that will come to the floor tomorrow. The amendments would mandate strict minimum requirements for obtaining licenses and identification cards, specifically in regards to presenting proof that an applicant’s presence is authorized in compliance with federal law (Assembly Bill 6474) and in regards to providing a social security number or proof of ineligibility (Assembly Bill 6502) and a valid photo (Assembly Bill 9457). These measures would also remove the Department of Motor Vehicles’ Commissioner’s discretion in approving license applications that do not meet this criteria as well as strengthen measures to inform applicants the consequences of providing false information – which includes the charge of perjury. These requirements would help alleviate the inevitable problems under the Governor’s plan, which include voter fraud and identity theft. Ball also supports an amendment to protect our state’s county clerks, who may be forced to implement the Governor’s plan, despite an overwhelming majority of clerks voting against the proposal. The Assembly Republican “County Clerk Protection Act” would protect those county clerks who chose to follow their oaths of office and federal law (requiring a valid social security number to obtain a driver’s license), thereby not enacting the Governor’s new plan in their counties. The act would also protect any county clerks who do enact the Governor’s plan, which, pending litigation, may violate our state’s own laws. “I hope that the Assembly Democrats will represent their constituents, the 72 percent of New Yorkers, who adamantly oppose this plan. I also hope that once we have voted against the Governor’s plan, we can get back to the business we were elected to do – cutting taxes, improving education, and ensuring the security of every New Yorker,” concluded Ball. Assemblyman Ball, an Air Force Academy graduate and former Air Force Captain, is no stranger to the issues of illegal immigration or homeland security. Indeed, Assemblyman Ball has been featured in several articles, publications and interviews due to his strong and consistent position on these issues. Long before the Governor’s foolhardy plan to issue driver’s licenses to illegal aliens, Assemblyman Ball had introduced several pieces of legislation to crack down on illegal aliens statewide. Earlier this month, in response to the Governor’s announcement, Assemblyman Ball quickly rallied his colleagues to hear the concerns of nearly a dozen experts to testify against the Governor’s new drivers’ license plan in downtown Manhattan. Experts on homeland security, terrorism and immigration led the discussion and pointed out the flaws in the Governor’s plan. This week, Assemblyman Ball intends to take this debate to the next level and do everything he can to stop this Governor on this issue. “This is a national security nightmare. This Governor must be stopped. This illegal policy represents a clear and present danger to the security of the United States. If a future terrorist harms or kills innocent New Yorkers by using identification afforded by this Governor’s loophole, the blood will be on his hands. This is not doom and gloom, this is the reality of a post 9-11 world and this Governor needs to wake up. I am not going to stand by and allow this to happen” said Ball. Under Governor Spitzer’s controversial plan the Department will accept foreign passports and other forms of identification, in lieu of a social security number and irrespective of people’s legal standing. “To accept the identification documents of foreign governments like Iran and El Salvador as a means of certifying the legitimacy of an illegal alien’s identification is ludicrous. This Governor is outsourcing our homeland security and is gambling with millions of innocent lives” said Ball. The problem with the Governor’s plan is three-fold: it does not distinguish between aliens who are here legally and illegally; it encourages illegal immigration to continue; and, finally, while the United States does not issue a national identity document, in most instances the driver’s license serves that purpose. Driver’s licenses are used in cashing or writing checks, required to board airplane or trains and to enter government building. The driver’s license serves as the de facto “national identity card” of choice. “Among the September 11th terrorists, 19 of them had over 300 aliases and identifications. They went to other states with lax identification laws and that’s why the U.S. Congress enacted the Real ID Act; to save lives. Now this Governor wants to forget all that and is playing racially charged politics with our national security. New York’s security is America’s security and this Governor must be stopped. These driver’s licenses in other states have undoubtedly helped the terrorists in obtaining layman’s “official” status in opening bank accounts, renting cars and trucks, and gaining pilot’s certifications. This Governor must wake up.” Section 1324 of the Immigration and Nationality Act states: “Any person who - (i) knowing that a person is an alien, brings to or attempts to bring to the United States in any manner whatsoever such person at a place other than a designated port of entry or place other than as designated by the Commissioner, regardless of whether such alien has received prior official authorization to come to, enter, or reside in the United States and regardless of any future official action which may be taken with respect to such alien; (ii) knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien has come to, entered, or remains in the United States in violation of law, transports, or moves or attempts to transport or move such alien within the United States by means of transportation or otherwise, in furtherance of such violation of law; (iii) knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien has come to, entered, or remains in the United States in violation of law, conceals, harbors, or shields from detection, or attempts to conceal, harbor, or shield from detection, such alien in any place, including any building or any means of transportation; (iv) encourages or induces an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the United States, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, or residence is or will be in violation of law; or (v)(I) engages in any conspiracy to commit any of the preceding acts, or (II) aids or abets the commission of any of the preceding acts, shall be punished as provided in subparagraph (B). (B) A person who violates subparagraph (A) shall, for each alien in respect to whom such a violation occurs - (i) in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(i) or (v)(I) or in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(ii), (iii), or (iv) in which the offense was done for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain, be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both; (ii) in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(ii), (iii), (iv), or (v)(II), be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both; (iii) in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v) during and in relation to which the person causes serious bodily injury (as defined in section 1365 of title 1 to, or places in jeopardy the life of, any person, be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both; and (iv) in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v) resulting in the death of any person, be punished by death or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, fined under title 18, or both.” Considering this section of law, it would certainly appear that this plan violates the immigration and act. “The gist of this whole fiasco is that the Governor is clearly aiding and abetting people to violate this law by failing to draw a distinction between who is here legally and who is here illegally,” commented national security expert and close friend of Assemblyman Ball, Michael Cutler, who was en route from an appearance discussing the Governor’s plan on MSNBC.
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MESSAGE FROM TOM DE CHAIRO OWNER OF WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:

Tom DeChiaroThe Winery at St. GeorgePO Box 32 - Baldwin Place NY 10505
http://www.thewineryatstgeorge.com/
914-455-4272 -
Voice914-455-4273 -
Fax914-262-7313 -


COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY

Monday, October 29, 2007, 3:00 pm


AGENDA


Items for Discussion:

Ø E&E Item No. 131 – Westchester County Agricultural District: Proposed resolution recommending the inclusion of additional parcels of land within the Westchester County Agricultural District. (County Executive, 8/6/07)
Ø Approval of Minutes
Ø Any other business before the Committee
_________________________

Location: Michaelian Office Building
148 Martine Avenue, 8th Floor
White Plains, NY 10601

Contact: Christopher Crane
T: (914) 995-2104
E: cmc1@westchestergov.com
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AN EVENT AT RUBEN'S CAFE ON N. DIVISION STREET PEEKSKILL

Hello Folks,

The "Swingin' Set" is a jazz band and more. Led by Christine Sotmary on bass and featuring top notch jazz musicians, we play standards and originals from CD's that our members have recorded.
On November 8 at 7:00PM, we will be playing as a quartet at Ruben's Restaurant on North Division Street in Peekskill. So, enjoy some great Mexican food, amazing Margarita's and some great jazz.
We hope to see you there. Save the date and come on out!

Thanks,
Andy Polay
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MESSAGE FROM DANNY LOPIORE:
RE; BOOK SIGNING

Friends, acquaintances and others.

I will be signing books at the Barnes & Noble book Store -- 2614 Central Park Avenue in Yonkers -- November 8, 2007 at 7 p.m. -- other local authors will also be there. Hope some of you can come.

To those who have purchased my book "Seasons in Sanctuary" -- thanks so much. To those who have not found a copy -- it's available on Amazon.com -- Barnes&Noble.com or through Borders.com. Those who may want an autographed copy -- email me at dannylope@aol.com and I will forward one signed for the cover price of $14.95 plus mailing.
Best
Danny
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:

This week I a possible new tax on the internet. 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 20) 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 BOB TENDY: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 10/27/07