ET-TU BRUTUS......GETTING STABBED IN THE BACK

Dear Readers:

There is a move afoot in the State Legislature to insure that no matter how severe a recession we might face, our local governments and its residents no matter how high taxed they are will continue to face higher taxes. This bill, known as a "study bill" will lock in present health care benefits for public sector unions. As there contracts come up for re-negotiation our local governments will not be able to try and get cost saving concessions from these unions. It is suppose to be a one year moratorium while these benefits are studied.

In Albany speak, these moratoriums are forever. In 1994 the New York State United Teachers got the state legislature to enact a temporary moratorium on their health-care benefits. This has been renewed every year since, hence your school taxes continue to go up as those benefit costs continue to climb as they cannot be cut back to recognize the changing economics of the region.

These unfunded future benefits are projected to cost local governments across the state 75 million of our tax dollars. As the 1994 bill has continued to be renewed, expect this to be also. When you pay your school taxes this year, you can thank Assemblywoman Galef and State Senator Leibell for the continued renewal of the 1994 measure that prevents tax relief. You who must struggle to provide health care for your family are paying locked in benefits to these public sector unions who unlike private insurances are not subject to revisions. So you pay to maintain yours at an affordable level and pay taxes at an unaffordable level.

You home owners and seniors who just love re-electing our present incumbents(Assemblyman Ball is excluded from this argument as he has not been part of this dilemma) , yet at the same time complain about how taxes are forcing you to either move of postpone retirement must face the reality that no matter how nice and friendly these incumbents are when you meet them, they have not been your friends. They are the reasons why you must now face these difficult choices on whether you can continue to afford to live here.

At a recent meeting with Assemblyman Ball, he stated he will not vote for this bill. Assemblywoman Galef was kind enough not to mention this bill to Peekskill Mayor Foster at recent fundraiser they both attended, so the Mayor thoughts on this could not be ascertained by the Assemblywoman. As for State Senator Leibel he said he was not familiar with this bill. No matter that all the major daily papers have had numerous stories and editorials on this bill all week except the Journal News. So either the Senator only reads the JN or he was shining me on. As this bill affects what our Mayors and Supervisors can and cannot do in future negotiations, I would suggest they contact our state representatives and make their feeling known. On top of that they should not endorse or campaign for any representative that votes for this bill.
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THIS WAS IN THE NORTH COUNTY NEWS:

Committee recommends town administrator for Yorktown
By Art Cusano


A committee appointed by the town board has recommended that Yorktown create a town administrator position.The committee presented its findings at Tuesday night’s board meeting.The committee – comprised of members Susan Siegel, Marie Panella, Gerald Knapp, Jared Feinberg, Tricy Cushner, John R. Kibbe, Anthony Grasso and Chairman Aaron Brock – said it felt a city administrator, a fulltime professional, would bring stability and experience to local government.

Siegel explained the recommendation by noting that town supervisors and board members come and go, and many of them have little experience in government when they enter office. A town administrator would give the town an experienced professional who can handle the complexities of government.

Under the policy advocated by the committee, the town would still elect a supervisor for a two-year term and councilmen for four-year terms. However, the town supervisor would become a part-time position. The committee recommended that the administrator’s position should be established in 2010, allowing time to educate the public about the move.

The committee lists the initial expense between $50,000 and $80,000, but felt that the costs would pay for themselves over time due to “increased productivity” and “cost effective measures” that the position would yield. The annual salary of the administrator was estimated by the committee to be between $125,000 and $150,000, including benefits.

Councilman Lou Campisi expressed doubt over the need of a new administrative position.
“Is there something wrong with Yorktown that I don’t know about?” Campisi asked.
Campisi insinuated that the position is similar to one held by former Yorktown Supervisor Linda Cooper in Ossining, and wondered aloud if Cooper was behind the movement to create the position for Yorktown.

Committee member Siegel said that wasn’t the case. “I was the one who brought this up at a work session last October when there was talk of changing the supervisor’s terms from two to four years,”she said.

The town said it needed time to read through the committee’s report, but felt that action needed to be taken.“We need to decide on this soon” said Councilman Matt Metz. The board will said it will likely make a decision on the matter some time in June.

MY COMMENTS ON THIS:

No matter the denial, this was a Linda Cooper inspired committee. This is a direct attack on Supervisor Peters to allow the powers that be to put one of their own in charge of the town and neuter the position of supervisor. In fact if this administrator becomes reality, calling the supervisor a supervisor would be like calling an ox a bull, a nice honor, but the ox would rather have restored what rightfully his.

In my life time the town has survived with the present form of government that I see no need to change it now. On top of that it would put another layer of govenment between the elected representatives and the people. As now constituted, our government allows direct redress to elected officials by the voters for the actions the council takes. A town administrator would shield those officials from accountability to the voters.

In talking to former Supervisor Aaron Bock, who favors a town administrator now that he is out of office, he told me of his accopmlishment of getting neighboring towns to cooperate in sharing certian sevices. It seems he did not need an administrator to handle these complcated discussions. He smile when I pointed this out to him.

As I said, this is a political hit on Don Peters who is a businessman, not a good old boy politician. He is a loose cannon with pricipals which is despised by the powers that be where control is the name of the game. His independence is an anthama to the establishment, but an asset to the voters. Leave this present form of government alone.
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A CONCLUSION TO THE COUNTY TAXI TICKETING ISSUE:

FROM THE OFFICE OF LEGISLATOR KAPLOWITZ:

Attached Message
From: Bernard, Tara
To: Atomtaxi@aol.com
Cc: kaplowitz1@earthlink.net
Subject: Bandito Taxi - Airport Tkt
Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 08:22:47 -0400

Hi Andy,

Hope all is well with you. I spoke with Barbara Monahan (Executive Director, TLC) on Michael's behalf, and she advised me that the ticket was indeed issued in error and that it has been dismissed by the court.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,

Tara Bernard
Aide to Mr. Kaplowitz

FROM THE OFFICE OF LEGILSLATOR OROS:

Andy,
Spoke with Mike this morning and he told me this was taken care of and at this point did not think we needed to introduce any particular legislation. It is clearly though an example of a government out of control, seeking to squeeze every last dollar out of the hard working citizens.

Hope this takes care of the ariport situation. Thanks to you, this got nipped in the bud! Otherwise, who kows how many honest hard working stiffs would have gotten snagged and had to pay these unjust and outragous fines.

George

FROM PEEKSKILL MAYOR FOSTER:

Andy,

This is the resolution of the Taxi and Limousine issue at the airports. I hope this helps other taxi companies that are licensed in Peekskill.

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.

mary

FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN GALEF:

Andy,

Looks like the problem is resolved. Thanks for keeping me in the loop.

Sandy
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THIS WAS IN THE NORTH COUNTY NEWS:
RE: GUEST COMENTARY BY FORMER MAYOR JOHN TESTA
RE: CENTENIAL FIREHOUSE ISSUE:

GUEST COMMENTARY: Don’t change firehouse plan

By John Testa

There has been considerable discussion about the new location for the Centennial Firehouse in Peekskill. Inexplicably, the majority of the present City Council has taken it upon themselves to radically change the course of the multi-year process that has been in place to relocate and restore the historic firehouse and create the Lincoln Depot Museum and Plaza.

This concept was a major focus of the city’s waterfront revitalization efforts over the past six years and because I was closely involved in its conception and development, many have asked me to set the facts straight related to the firehouse and the plans to use it as part of a larger Lincoln Depot Historic Site.

1. The Route 9 bridge project forced us to develop a plan to preserve the firehouse. We accepted this challenge as a unique opportunity. Most important was to preserve a building that has been part of Peekskill’s history for over a century and to adaptively reuse the structure as part of a historic complex.

2. The location for the firehouse was chosen two years ago with a specific site plan developed by Jan Hird Pokorny Associates, the architects who were hired for the Lincoln Depot restoration and the Lincoln Plaza design. In order to gain Department of Transportation (DOT) approval and an agreement to pay to move the building, we were required to have a commitment that the building would be restored and used. The DOT would not pay a substantial amount of money to move a building that would sit vacant and deteriorate further.

3. In 2006 we were able to obtain the commitment of Governor Pataki for $8.3 million in grant funding to complete Lincoln Depot Project. One million dollars of the funding was dedicated to the preservation of the firehouse to fulfill the DOT requirement.

4. As required by the grant, SHPO (N.Y. State Office of Historic Preservation) approved the location across the street (Lincoln Plaza) after careful review and assurance of its reuse as part of the Lincoln Depot Historic Site. Both archeological and environmental studies were conducted as required by law, taking considerable city time and expense to complete.
5. N.Y. State DOT obtained possession of the privately owned firehouse in late fall 2007. The city was ready to move forward with the relocation in 2008 as agreed. Inexplicably, the new administration delayed contacting the utility companies and movers, thus jeopardizing the project. The building could and should already be in its new location on the Lincoln Plaza.
6. The present administration has created a smokescreen by manipulating the grant language, saying other locations must be considered, a process that was completed two years ago! The grant states that the building must remain within 500 feet of its original location. The Lincoln Depot Plaza site falls within that requirement. The buildings compliment each other; they were built close to the same time and from similar materials. All sight line issues were also addressed at that time. The firehouse would contain the required visitors’ center and administrative offices for the Depot Foundation. It would include historic Peekskill firemanic memorabilia, especially from the Centennial Company. Utilizing the firehouse was an obvious choice because it prevents the need for constructing a new building on the site. There is a $350,000 NYS EPF Grant in place for this.

7. Four members of the present council were also members of the previous council who unanimously approved the present plan. Of the four, only Councilwoman Pisani continues to support the plan that took four to five years to develop. No one raised any concerns about the plaza relocation site during that entire time.

8. It is clear that the plan is to thwart the hard work of many individuals who developed this project. Changing the plan will mean the destruction of the building and the loss of millions of dollars in funding. These funds are project and site-specific and cannot be reassigned.
9. SHPO and DOT recently stated they were not informed about the change of plans and expressed the folly in such an action. SHPO will not approve another location and will not allow the grant funds to be used. Also, a new site would mean at least three years of warehousing the building on cribbing and a second move to whatever location is selected. Experts laugh at this idea and emphatically state that the building will not survive. Importantly, the costs incurred with this ridiculous plan will not be covered by the grant and will rest on the shoulders of the local taxpayer. The city would need to purchase property with local taxpayer funds, removing it from the tax rolls.

10. Time is running out. The building must be moved across the street now and restoration must begin. There is no other honest course of action that has any hope for success. To begin the discussion as if the previous planning never happened is disingenuous. To say that other locations need to be considered is foolish!

11. It is obvious what the community wants. Many individuals have expressed their desire to see the firehouse restored on the Lincoln Depot site. Major community groups such as the Lincoln Society and Historic Peekskill Inc. have publically expressed the same support. In fact, Historic Peekskill, Inc. has taken extraordinary steps to point out the facts, and had outreach to officials in the N.Y. State DOT and SHPO offices to confirm that the plans are in place and why they must be followed. Unfortunately, this input has been completely ignored by the mayor and council majority.

It is not truthful for anyone to portray that the choice was not officially made for the relocation of the firehouse. There is no legitimate reason for changing the plan. When asked why they will not follow the approved plan, the mayor and council members give no answer. The question remains, if the plan for the firehouse is changed at the 11th hour, what is the future for the entire project? There is a $1.135 million Empire State Development Grant in place for the plaza. Are those plans going to be allowed to continue, or is the real plan to prevent the entire project from being completed?

The approved project should be implemented immediately. The plan and money are in place but it seems the Foster Administration’s will is not.

John Testa is the former mayor of Peekskill
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A MESSAGE FROM COUNTY LEGISLATOR OROS:

News from
Oros for Congress

OROS DENOUNCES OBAMA COMMENT ON APPEASEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Angela Flesland
Friday, May 16, 2008
914-402-4708

PEEKSKILL, NY- Republican Congressional Candidate George Oros on Barack
Obama’s statement that the United States should reason with terrorist
states.

“America should not and will not negotiate with state sponsored
terrorists. This is not a matter of politics; it’s a matter of national
security. Obama needs to explain to the American people why he feels we
should reason with a terrorist organization that denies the Holocaust
and wants to obliterate Israel. The people of the 19th Congressional
District need to hear John Hall stand up and denounce Senator Obama for
these statements,” Oros said.

George Oros is the Minority Leader of the Westchester County
Legislature and is seeking the Republican nomination for Congress in
New York’s 19th Congressional District
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NEW CABLE TV SHOWS:

Former Peekskill Mayor John Testa has started his cable show "On Topic with John Testa". It airs Thursdays 9:30PM on chanel 15 in Peekskill and Cortlandt. This week he covers the hot topic of the Centenial Fire House

NEW CABLE TV SHOWS:

Andy-

here is the upcoming schedule of guests and when the shows will air.
Volpe Report- hosted by Domenic Volpe
Public Accces Channel 15
Thursdays 8:00pm

Mary Foster, Mayor-City of Peekskill
May 15, 22, and 29

John Sloan, Town Coucilman- Cortlandt
June 5, 12, and 19
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THIS WAS IN THE JOURNAL NEWS:
RE; PEEKSKILL SCHOOL BOARD ENDORSEMENTS:

Our recommendations for Peekskill school board
• May 15, 2008

Three candidates are vying for two open seats on the Peekskill school board; that ensures that district residents will get new voices and new ideas on the board. What they won't get is education novices.

The candidates are John "Sean" McGuinness, a longtime former board member; Joseph Urbanowicz, an Ardsley school district official with a quarter-century of school-administration experience; and Douglas Glickert, a veteran public school teacher in the Bronx who has a long history of Peekskill youth and civic service, to go along with a pair of advanced degrees in education.



All three have deep personal and family ties to the district. While McGuinness' past service has been commendable -it was on his watch that Judith Johnson was hired as superintendent - our backing goes to Urbanowicz and Glickert, for the out-of-district vision and perspective they would be able to provide the Peekskill district.

Glickert hails from a New York City school system that has seen monumental change. He wants to continue to look for ways to help teachers integrate technology into the classroom; exploit alternative energy sources, for benefit of the environment and the cost-savings; develop better character-education programs; and build on the district's academic gains. He told the Editorial Board that he was proceeding with no specific agenda, but wanted to listen to parents to discover what their needs are. He has served on parent committees, the Peekskill Education Foundation and directed other youth-centered initiatives for Peekskill youth.

Urbanowicz is the Ardsley school district's director of facilities and construction. His wife is a former teacher in the Peekskill district. Over the years, he has served on a number of Peekskill district and board committees, including the long-range planning, facilities, reorganization and athletics, and a search committee for facilities director. In the Ardsley district, he supervises large capital projects without the assistance of outside project managers; he thinks his talents would serve Peekskill on its outstanding building projects. He has also has coached Peekskill sports.

McGuinness served on the Peekskill board from 1994-2002; he was board vice president in 1995 and president from 1996-97. He helped hire Johnson, easily one of the most dynamic school chiefs in Westchester, and the purveyor of a $60 million facilities-improvement initiative that included a new middle school - a project on which work continues. His top issues: integrating the sixth grade into the middle school; getting the most utility out of the remaining grammar schools, and closing the achievement gap.

There is no question that McGuinness has much to offer the district; he has remained active in school circles since leaving the board, serving as a director of the Lower Hudson Valley Education Commission, which lobbies on behalf of Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Dutchess school boards. But we think Peekskill voters should jump at the opportunity to bring the talented new voices of Urbanowicz and Glickert, and their new ideas, into the fold.

A Journal News editorial
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:

Dear Readers:

This week I discuss how Legislators' Oros and Kaplowitz fought for us. You can read my column on this topic exclusively on line(see link below)or 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. As you are planning your holiday or business or vacation travel? 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 LaGuardia Airport the cost is Ninety dollars plus tolls. The cost to JFK and Newark Airports is one hundred-twenty-five dollars plus tolls. The tolls are $10.00 Westchester County Airport and Stewart cost $75.00. 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:

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 SUPERVISOR DON PETERS: http://www.donpetersforyorktown.com/

PUTNAM VALLEY SUPERVISOR BOB TENDY:http://www.bobtendyforsupervisor.com/

THE PEEKSILL NEWS:http://thepeekskillnews.blogspot.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 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

THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) 74 (York.)
Hosted By: Dominec Volpe

THE ISSUES: Thursdays at 9:PM chanel 74
Hosted by; Sam Davis

ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA: Thursdays at 9:30PM chanel 15 (Peekskill & Cortlant)
Hosted by: John Testa

CARS & US: Fridays 10 PM chanel 15(Peek. & Cortlant) 74(York. & Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dennis Tate
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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 05/18/08

AS I WAS SAYING...UPDATES ON LATEST POSTS

Dear Readers:

I would like to update my past posts on Westchester County ticketing local incensed taxis and energy independence starts with you.

TAXIS: After talking with County Legislator George Oros, I have found out he is on the job and has not forgotten my concerns (my apologies for stating otherwise). He has been in e-mail contact with Peekskill Mayor Foster and is awaiting a reply. He is also readying a proposal to protect local licensed taxis. He is looking for democratic co-sponsors to make this bi-partisan. It is my hope Legislator Kaplowitz will sign on(his office is also on the job), The big stumbling block will be County Executive Andrew Spano as it his branch of government that has initiated this assault on local licensed taxi. I urge you whether you use taxis or not to contact the County executive and demand he support Legislator Oros as he protects local licensed taxis.


ENERGY:

I would like to add to my eight points on energy independence the following: According to the latest figures from the federal government, there is in untapped reserves off the west coast 121 billion barrels of oil. To put that into context, it would fuel 60 million cars for sixty years. In the Gulf of Mexico there are untapped enough natural gas(a by-product) to heat 10 million homes for 160 years. These are not to be taken separately, but added to the whole reserves in the western hemisphere in proving we would no longer need middle east oil. There is no shortage of oil only a shortage of political will.

As for our esteemed Congressman John Hall, he insults his base by denying the building of refineries, pipelines and new drilling. These would be union jobs. Good paying union jobs with benefits. He is saying to district 19, screw you, you must suffer till we come up with an alternative no matter how long it takes! You must suffer high heating costs, gas costs, food costs, have no job, no insurance because there is smog in Los Angeles. Let Los Angeles representatives worry about Los Angeles, John Hall should worry about district 19.

I believe the first republican candidate to articulate my eight points and these others I have just mentioned will win the primary and general election. I believe the first candidate to stand for something that will stabilize food and fuel prices will take 19. I believe the majority of the people in this district could not give a rats butt about Los Angeles, they care about heating their homes, fueling their cars and feeding their families.
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NEW RESTAURANT IN PEEKSKILL:

Trattoria Valentia on 911 South Street (ph# (914)831-3301 is now open Chef Louie (formerly of Leonardo's in Mohegan Lake) is in full control of the kitchen. I highly recommend you make this a must stop!!!!!
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E-MAIL RESPONSE FROM PATTY V.
RE: MY NEW COLUMN IN THE NCN:

Andy:

I read your piece in this week's NCN and couldn't agree more with your sentiments. It is truly amazing that most of our neighbors here in Westchester and Putnam are so brainwashed by the looney leftwing media that they honestly believe there's not enough oil to go around. Irwin Seltzer of the Hudson Institute had a great Op Ed piece about this, and the information he shared is worth repeating:

1. The myth that we're running out of oil- Oil production is constrained by several forces, none of them due to God's failure to put enough of the black gold under our feet. Several important sources of supply are in turmoil (not "term oil"). In Nigeria, security problems have shut down 20% of the nation's capacity; in Irag, political paralysis and terrorists have kept production at less than half its potential, and Russian oil output has dropped significantly because of Vladimir Putin's policies.
2. Mexico's President Calderon has trying to introduce modern methods of extracting more oil from existing fields and finding new ones. His opponents have already delayed enabling legislation and promise riots in the streets if this is done. Mexico is the world's 3rd largest oil producer.
3. Our so called "friends" in Saudi Arabia, the royal family, has announced that they won't expand capacity. Why should they when oil is now at $120/ barrel? New production would drive down prices as demand drops from our slowing US economy.
4. There's a lot more oil to be found in Kuwait that could be produced at less than $10/ barrel! But the royal family who hid out in swank London hotels while our soldiers saved their nation from Saddam, is reluctant to allow Westerners to explor for oil there.
5. Here in America, Congress and the 3 presidential candidates alternate between calls for "energy independence" and refusals to allow drilling in what they consider "environmentally sensitive" areas in Alaska and offshore California and Florida.

Conclusion: There's a lot of oil out there to be found and produced. We might have reached the age of peak panic about oil supplies, but NOT PEAK OIL. As you too pointed out,this is a massive hoax being perpetrated on all of us. It is destroying our economy and affects every single person in this area. WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO NEXT WINTER WHEN IT COSTS $10 GRAND TO HEAT YOUR HOME? IF YOU CAN GET THE OIL THAT IS? WHAT ABOUT THE PRICE OF GAS? How much more can we cut down? What about people like you that drive for a living.

We have been cutting down dead trees on our property and stockpiling wood to help heat our home next November. Too bad we can't figure out a way to use it to drive our cars.

best regards,

Patty V.
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A SPECIAL INVITE:

THE CIRCOLO da VINCI invites you to their twenty-sixth Annual Awards Dinner.

It is to honor David and Nancy Paganelli owners of the Traveler's Rest on Rt.100 in Ossining for their community service and the Circolo da Vinci 2008 scholarship winners. The date is 05/22/08 a Thursday. The time is 6:30PM. the place is Sinapi's Ceola Manor in Jefferson Valley, Yorktown. The tickets are only $55.00 per person with a cash bar.

This is an honorable organization honoring honorable people. Anybody who has had the pleasure of attending or having a party, or just dinner at the Traveler's Rest knows that. I urge you to attend. For additional information call 1(914)245-2316
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NEW CABLE TV SHOWS:

Former Peekskill Mayor John Testa has started his cable show "On Topic with John Testa". It airs Thursdays 9:30PM on chanel 15 in Peekskill and Cortlandt. This week he covers the hot topic of the Centenial Fire House

NEW CABLE TV SHOWS:

Domenic Volpe has started a new public access show called the Volpe Report. Viewers will be able to see this program on community Channel 15 in the Peekskill/ Cortlandt area and on Channel 74 in Yorktown. The next shows have as guest Cortlant Councilman John Sloan and Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster

NEW CABLE TV SHOW: FROM A POST ON THE LoHud FORUM BY DR. POWELL:

The Issues with Sam Davis:

Airs on Thursdays at 9PM on Channel 74 (Public Access)in Putnam Valley and Yorktown. Sam Davis hosts. The show features a wide range of guests including artists, activists, attorneys, business owners, and politicians, talking about topics that are timely, relevant, and important. Tomorrow night is the premiere show with guest Jeff Green, local activist, business owner, and moderator of the renowned Plan Putnam blog. Jeff is also known for the work he has done for the environment and governmental integrity. The main topic of conversation for The Issues is property school taxes.

Next week’s show features local artist, musician, photographer, filmmaker John Cohen. John is a Putnam Valley character who helps to give this Town its unique flavor.Then, Domenic Volpe, businessman and former candidate will discuss involvement in local government, and impacts on business in the region.On the fourth week’s show, David Wright, Yorktown attorney and former Putnam Valley Town Attorney, discusses what local residents can do to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of local government.It is a varied and dynamic line-up, with the promise of more local issues of consequence in the weeks to come.
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A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR PEEKSKILL SCHOOL BOARD DOUG GLICKERT:

Doug Glickert Announces Campaign for Peekskill School Board
Peekskill, NY (April 30, 2008)

Doug Glickert a father, NYC public school teacher and active community leader officially turned in his petitions to run for the City of Peekskill School Board. Doug actively started gathering signatures last month and exceeded by two-fold number of signatures required to be on the ballot. As a parent with four children all going to different schools in the Peekskill City School District, Doug said “I feel compelled to serve the community as a school board member, where I can use my experience in education and school leadership to make a difference”.
The Peekskill City School Board needs a new voice and Doug’s goals are to work smartly and efficiently and to use tax money wisely for the benefit of every child. He added that “We must have teamwork from the top down and build unity to meet the challenges of our school district. I plan to build on the previous success of the board to ensure a strong foundation for our children’s futures.”
Doug gathered signatures in a number of different and diverse neighborhoods and has been struck by the strong support he has been given.

The School Board Election is May 20, 2008 at the Peekskill High School.
Contact Doug Glickert 914.737.3215 email evodoug@gmail.com
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN GALEF:


GALEF/LEIBELL PROPOSE NEW TEENAGE DRIVING LAWS



Assemblywoman Sandy Galef and Senator Vincent Leibell have introduced two teenage driving bills in the New York Legislature. These bills would make the roads safer by encouraging teenagers to be safer drivers.

“These bills are vital to help further protect new drivers, as well as everyone else on the road,” Galef stated. “Too many inexperienced drivers are on the road without having had enough practice, putting themselves and others at risk. There are numerous teenagers, passengers of teen drivers, and innocent bystanders who are hurt due to careless driving that could have been prevented with more practice and stricter rules regarding passengers with teen drivers.”

The first, bill A.2220/S.4698, would increase the number of required supervised driving hours from twenty to fifty hours prior to the issuance of a class DJ or class MJ license, or a limited class DJ or MJ. In addition, at least fifteen of those required hours would be during the period of sunset to nine o’clock in the evening. In 2004, 78% of the fatal crashes involving sixteen year olds behind the wheel occurred because of a driver error. These errors could be reduced with more supervised driving time.

The second bill, A.2221/S.4701, would prohibit inexperienced drivers from having other teenagers in the car unless accompanied by a licensed driver twenty-one years old or older. New York State law now limits teen drivers to two passengers under 21 per car unless supervised by someone over 21. But AAA is recommending that this be strengthened by prohibiting teen drivers from transporting other teen passengers for at least six months of their intermediate/probationary stage. This legislation puts that recommendation into action. This is a necessary step to protect the passengers, as well as the driver. Many teenage drivers become distracted with friends in the car, and lose their focus on the road.

Senator Leibell stated, “Tragically, each year, there are hundreds of lives lost on the road due to inexperience. Our young drivers have not been required by law to put in the amount of practice that they truly need to protect themselves and others from careless mistakes. The intention behind this legislation is simply to increase supervised driving hours and limit the amount of passengers in a car until these young drivers have proven themselves responsible enough to handle various situations.”

Galef has also introduced an additional bill, A.9496, which would further add to teenage driving safety. This bill requires a holder of a class DJ or class MJ learner’s permit, while operating a vehicle, to display a sign indicating that such vehicle is being driven by a new driver. This is a common practice in Ireland, as well as other places around the world such as parts of Australia, British Columbia, Sweden, India, and Hong Kong.

“These bills will provide extra steps for new drivers to keep the roads and our children, friends, and family safe. Requiring extra hours to get more experience behind the wheel, keeping teenage friends from distracting the driver, and putting a sign in a car window are tiny prices to pay when taking into account that the reward is safer roads for all drivers,” Galef concluded.
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A MESSAGE FROM PEEKSKILL DEMOCTATIC CHAIRMAN DARREN RIGGER:

MEET PEEKSKILL'S NEW DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY

at the Peekskill Democratic City Committee's

SPRING FUNDRAISER

Thursday, May 15th, 2008
7:00 - 10:00 PM

Join us at the

CORTLANDT COLONIAL
RESTAURANT
with Hon. Mary F. Foster, Mayor
Hon. Don Bennett Jr., Deputy Mayor
Hon. Drew Claxton, Common Council
Hon. Patricia Riley, Common Council
Hon. Joseph V. Schuder, Common Council
Hon. Andrew Torres, Common Council

714 Albany Post Rd.
Cortlandt Manor, NY

For an evening of
DINNER and MUSIC
wine and beer included
cash bar available

$65 Per person, $120 per couple
www.peekskilldems.com

Kindly R.S.V.P. to: Ruth Wells
at 914-736-3740 or email rwells48@aol.com
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TWO MESSAGES FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:

Ball ready to roll, faces illegal immigrant activist
Independent Media Center | May 9, 2008

SOUTHEAST, NEW YORK. New York State Assemblyman Greg Ball, an Air Force Captain and former business executive, says he "welcomes the challenge" after acquiring his first challenger for reelection yesterday. John Degnan, former Mayor of the Village of Brewster, New York, received the ceremonial endorsement of a group led by former Assemblyman Willis Stephens Jr., whom Ball ousted in 2006.

Degnan is remembered for his failed 2007 sanctuary city initiative to grant ID cards to illegal aliens, when he invited the Guatemalan consulate to come to the village to offer its mobile ID card service to distribute identification cards to illegal aliens. Assemblyman Ball, who opposed the measure, also orchestrated the defeat of a similar plan by ex-Governor Eliot Spitzer to grant driver's licenses illegal immigrants.

In his 2006 state of the village address, Degnan promised that the village would construct a hiring site for Brewster's day laborers, which was defeated by a protest led by Assemblyman Ball that included agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement agency and hundreds of residents of the tiny village. Former Mayor Degnan told The Journal News that he had felt "enthusiastic" about playing an "integral role" in the failed sacntuary measure to secure a work shelter site for undocumented residents of Northern Westchester and Putnam Counties.

During an unsuccessful 2007 campaign for office, Degnan left the Republican party to run as a Democrat. Hispanic residents of Brewster complained of a decline in their quality of life during Degnan's mayoralty, citing overcrowding and joblessness. The ex-Mayor's opponents labeled Degnan a "slumlord", a charge which he rejected. Although he later hired a worker to fight the overcrowding, even Degnan's own supporters concede he did little to tackle the immigration issue.

Ball, fresh off a recent legislative victory to provide free college tuition to veterans of the Armed Forces, is known as "Albany's most ardent supporter of legal immigration". He is a state chairman of Lawmakers for Legal Immigration, an immigration reform group, and achieved prominence for his work with 9/11 Families for a Secure America, enacting the 287(g) program to empower state law enforcement officers to act as ICE agents to crack down on crime and deport incarcerated illegal aliens, as well as a series of immigration bills that passed in the State Assembly to crack down on contractors breaking state labor laws. Illegal immigration costs New Yorkers more than $5.1 billion per year for education, medical care, and incarceration.


GET INVOLVED TODAY!!!

DONATE TODAY!!

www.SupportGreg.com

www.Ball4NY.com

MESSAGE TWO:
Calendar of Events

Annual Sinatra Soiree

Guest Speaker: Curtis Sliwa

Sponsorships Available! Call 917 681 9302

Wednesday, May 28th, 6PM Cocktails, 7PM Dinner

Traveler’s Rest, Ossining, NY 10562

Pay at the door or Online at www.GballEvents.com



Pictures from last Soiree!

http://picasaweb.google.com/AssemblymanBall/AnnualNewYearSEveBash

---------------

“New Yorkers on the Ball”

The Best Golf Outing Around

Annual Golf Tournament at Salem Golf Club

Visit Salem Golf Club in North Salem at: http://www.salemgolfclub.org/home.asp

Monday, June 16th, 11AM Registration, 1PM Shotgun, 6PM Dinner

$250 Per Player: Includes Lunch, 18 Holes, Cart, Open Bar, Raffles and Prizes, and Dinner

$100 Dinner Only: Dinner and Open Bar

Register for Golf or Dinner Only at http://www.ball4ny.com/events/golftickets.htm

Purchase an ad in the Journal at http://www.ball4ny.com/events/golfcalendar.htm

Purchase a Sponsorship at http://www.ball4ny.com/events/golfsponsor.htm



Pictures from Last Year!

http://picasaweb.google.com/AssemblymanBall/GolfOutingJune2006

----------------------

Annual Country BBQ and Country Music

Live Country Music Famous David Akin Band!

Saturday, July 12th, 11AM-4PM, RT311 Patterson, NY, 12563

Gun, Archery, Bait and Tackle Vendors in Attendance

Food and Drink, Chicken, Sausage, Hamburgers, Sides

Sponsorships Available! Call 917 681 9302

$75 Per Person

NRA Membership Discount: $50PP

Send checks to “New Yorkers on the Ball” PO Box 607, Pawling, NY 12564



Pictures from Last Year!

http://picasaweb.google.com/AssemblymanBall/AmishOutlawsSteakfestAnAnnualCountryBBQ

www.Ball4NY.com
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TWO MESSAGES FROM THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY REPUBLICANS:

Westchester GOP Convention Update

Dear Fellow Republicans:

We are currently in the process of scheduling our county convention for later this month. If you are interested in running for office this year and have yet to step forward, please contact me as soon as possible.

We are fortunate to have a number of qualified individuals who have announced or are getting ready to announce their candidacies, and I am confident that with Senator John McCain at the top of the ticket, 2008 is shaping up to be a great year for Westchester Republicans.

Please see the list below of offices that we will be nominating candidates for.

It is not too late to join the process if you are interested in running. Please contact me at (914) 497-2876 or send an e-mail to Chairman@WestchesterGOP.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,
Douglas A. Colety, Chairman

2008 Races:
Westchester County Court

Congressional District 17 – Greenburgh (part), Mount Vernon, Yonkers (part), Rockland County (part), Bronx County (part)

Congressional District 18 – Greenburgh (part), Eastchester, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Mount Pleasant, New Castle, North Castle, Ossining, Pelham, Rye Town, Scarsdale, New Rochelle, Rye City, White Plains, Yonkers (part), Rockland County (part)

Congressional District 19 – Bedford, Cortlandt, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Peekskill, Pound Ridge, Somers, Yorktown, Dutchess County, Orange County (part), Putnam County, Rockland County (part)

Senate District 34 – Eastchester, Pelham, Mount Vernon (part), New Rochelle (part), Yonkers (part), Bronx County (part)

Senate District 35 – Greenburgh (part), Mount Pleasant, Yonkers (part)

Senate District 36 – Mount Vernon (part), Bronx County (part)

Senate District 37 – Harrison, Mamaroneck, New Castle, New Rochelle, North Castle, Ossining, Rye Town, Rye City, Scarsdale, White Plains

Senate District 40 – Bedford, Cortlandt, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Peekskill, Pound Ridge, Somers, Yorktown, Putnam County

Assembly District 87 – Mount Vernon (part), Yonkers (part)

Assembly District 88 – Eastchester, New Rochelle (part), Pelham, Scarsdale, White Plains (part)

Assembly District 89 – Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, Pound Ridge, White Plains (part)

Assembly District 90 – Cortlandt, Ossining, Peekskill, Putnam County (part)

Assembly District 91 – Mamaroneck, New Rochelle (part), Rye City, Rye Town

Assembly District 92 – Greenburgh, Mount Pleasant, Yonkers (part)

Assembly District 93 – Yonkers (part)

Assembly District 99 – Somers, Yorktown, North Salem, Dutchess County (part), Putnam County (



MESSAGE TWO:




MEMO: To all District Leaders, Elected Officials, Candidates, Committee Chairs and Club Presidents



FROM: Doug Colety, Chairman



We have set up a political events calendar for fundraisers, community events, local committee meetings and other events of interest to our candidates, party officials, elected officials, supporters and volunteers.



The link to view the calendar is as follows:



http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=214events%40gmail.com&pvttk=35a9c317a5ce5f9eb255e8f484808d11



Please cut and paste this link into your web browser for future reference.



In order to have your event posted to the calendar, it is recommended that you supply the event information by one of the following methods:



(1): e-mail to 214events@gmail.com

(2): fax to 914 949-2275

(3): call Margaret Soter, 914 949-3020



County Committee will post all events with the information provided. However, you should provide at least the following basic information:



(1): Candidate, committee or organization name

(2): Date, starting time and ending time if available

(3): Location, town/city, address

(4): Cost (if any), phone number RSVP (if available)
************************************************************************************
BEACH PARTY IN PUTNAM VALLEY:
A MESSAGE FROM PUTNAM VALLEY SUPERVISOR BOB TENDY:

Good morning, everyone.

Last night's meeting of the Lake Peekskill Civic
Association dealt with a
number of issues, but the two that I will discuss
here are "skateboarders"
and the Lake Peekskill Summer Barbecue/Beach
Party.

A.

BEACH PARTY/BARBECUE: The date is Saturday,
August 2, with a rain date of
Sunday, August 3. ANYONE WHO WANTS TO HELP PLEASE
EMAIL ME OR CALL ME AT
845-526-2121. This party won't take a ton of
work, but it will take a crew
of 10 - 15 dedicated volunteers to plan and
implement.

The Plan:

FUNDING:
All $$ needed for this event will be by donation
and fund raising. If the
LPCA wants to contribute, that would be a good
thing, but certainly not a
requirement.

INSURANCE:
I believe there may not be any insurance
necessary. This isn't a private
association party, it's a district event and as
such should fall under the
town's policy. I will check on this, but that's
the early information.

FOOD/REFRESHMENTS:
Soda/water/juice--no alcoholic beverages. Several
coolers. Each drink will
be $1 dollar. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be $1
or $2? Maybe $1.50?

Hopefully we can get people to contribute a tray
of food or snacks (cookies,
cake, salad, cheese, grapes, brownies, sausage
and peppers, etc.) We can
also sell this and raise money for next year's
party.

We will have one area where a large barbecue will
be set up for hamburgers
and hot dogs. Probably not far from the dumpster.
We can have some coolers
set aside for ice cream/frozen snacks.

We will need to make simple signs for the food
stations.

ACTIVITIES:
Greased watermelon contest; cardboard boat race
(real boats made by the kids
that they race in); peanut butter and jelly
sandwich swim race; raffles,
prizes, 50/50; DJ and/or band; Skateboarding
demonstrations if possible;
maybe we could heire a magician for an hour for
the kids, a juggler, face
painter, henna tattoos, etc.

Anyone wanting to be part of this activities
committee please let me know!

TIME:
Probably from 1 pm to whenever.

Please contact me with any suggestions or offers
of assistance

B.

Skateboarding:

We have no property right now for skateboarding.
It is my opinion that we
should try to get a spot in Lake Peekskill AND in
the town park so that we
can cover both areas of town.

I sent an earlier email to some of the people who
signed their names to a
list, but I haven't had any responses yet. Please
contact me if you are
interested in moving forward with a discussion
and, hopefully,
implementation of this idea.

Thank you!

Bob Tendy
Putnm Valley Town Supervisor
*************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:

Dear Readers:

This week I discuss how to achieve energy independence. You can read my column on this topic exclusively on line(see link below)or 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. As you are planning your holiday or business or vacation travel? 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 LaGuardia Airport the cost is Ninety dollars plus tolls. The cost to JFK and Newark Airports is one hundred-twenty-five dollars plus tolls. The tolls are $10.00 Westchester County Airport and Stewart cost $75.00. 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:

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 SUPERVISOR DON PETERS: http://www.donpetersforyorktown.com/

PUTNAM VALLEY SUPERVISOR BOB TENDY:http://www.bobtendyforsupervisor.com/

THE PEEKSILL NEWS:http://thepeekskillnews.blogspot.com/
***********************************************************************************
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

THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) 74 (York.)
Hosted By: Dominec Volpe

THE ISSUES: Thursdays at 9:PM chanel 74
Hosted by; Sam Davis

ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA: Thursdays at 9:30PM chanel 15 (Peekskill & Cortlant)
Hosted by: John Testa

CARS & US: Fridays 10 PM chanel 15(Peek. & Cortlant) 74(York. & Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dennis Tate
**********************************************************************************
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 05/11/08

WESTCHESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT GOES TO WAR AGAINST LOCAL LICENCED TAXIS

Dear Readers:

There have been news stories and repeated commercials featuring County Executive Andrew Spano imploring people going to Westchester County Airport to use taxis and car services as there is insufficient parking in the long term lot. People have listened and been using alternative means of transportation. It has come to my attention that The Westchester County Police have started issuing tickets to taxis licensed by local municipalities within Westchester who make scheduled pick-ups at the airport if the are not part of the Westchester TLC. At present a local licenced taxi company does not have to be part of the Westchester TLC to drop-off at the airport or continue to do local business. I believe the Westchester TLC wishes to ultimatly change that also.

In full discloser, I am part owner of a taxi company licensed out of Peekskill. I have not received one of those tickets. I have been in the taxi business for twelve years and never, never has this happened. There has always been a"home - rule" respect regarding the taxis licensed by the local municipalities. In fact the Westchester TLC has concentrated their oversight on limousines leaving local taxis to their licensing jurisdictions. This was proper, a "one - size - fits - all" approach would not work, as each area has there own quirks of geography(including train access) that was better addressed locally. In Peekskill, the safety inspections which are done twice a year are more stringent than the Westchester TLC and N.Y.S. motor vehicle. Also each driver must have a yearly fingerprint and background check.

What I believe this is about is the County licenses a company to run pick - ups out of the airport. What I believe the county is trying to do, is make travelers use, with the help of police enforcement, that company, or only services licensed by the TLC. The County is trying to force local taxis into paying the TLC for a redundant licence. I was told by a county official who wishes to remain anonymous, that the county wishes to pick the pockets of local taxis because the county needs money. That the County wishes to usurp "home - rule" and take control of all taxis. People who use local taxis' would rather use that service they are comfortable with, and the county with police enforcement wishes to deny them that choice. In fact they are forcing the consumer to use a more expensive service. On top of that, a couple of local taxis companies now have the required TLC plates on a designated car. Those cars are no longer able to use the taxi stands on the streets in the localities that licence them. The rules are very specific, you must have taxi plates to use a taxi stand. This also includes the train stations. Metro-North owns the property at the train stations and there rules are also specific regarding taxi stands. The companies who have registered a car with the Westchester TLC have that luxury as they are fleet companies and so have other cars to do just local taxi pick-ups. . The owner /operators who have only one car do not. Are they now going to have to buy another car just to go to the county airport? You see now why the "one - size - fits - all" approach can not work.

I receive the following e-mail from Lawrence C. Salley the Commissioner Westchester County Department of Transportation which runs the airport.

There is absolutely no truth to the statement that taxis are fined
$1,000.00 for either dropping off or picking up passengers at the
Airport. The driver may have been fined for some other infraction of
the Taxi and Limousine Commission, but it had nothing to do with his
ability to serve customers at the Airport. I will follow up on the
contact at Hampton.


Lawrence C. Salley, AICP
Commissioner
Westchester County Department of Transportation
100 East First Street
Mount Vernon, New York 10550
Tel:(914)813-7715 * Fax:(914)813-7712

However Barbara Z. Monohan who runs the TLC has stated that local taxis must have TLC stickers make scheduled pick-ups at the airport. I have a copy of a ticket issued to a local cab to prove they are being ticketed. The question is who actually makes the rules regarding the airport? I have been told by another member of county government who wishes to remain anonymous that Barbara Z. Monohan has over stepped her authority. I have also been told by a local official who is involved in this at another level, that the courts do not prosecute these kinds of tickets against local taxis. How ever I have the court adjudication of that ticket where that driver was found guilty by that same official.

I have contacted the Mayor and City Council of Peekskill in hopes they would protect their constituents and "home - rule". Recently I met with Mayor Foster and Police Chief Tumolo and they are working to protect the local taxis. I have contacted Legislator Mike Kaplowitz who is looking at the matter. Legislator George Oros, who's district is involved, was suppose to meet with Mayor Foster about this, but is to busy running for congress and forgot. As of this writing I still have not heard from him about adding an exception to TLC code to exempt local licensed taxis. I contacted Legislator Bill Burton who passed the buck. I contacted Legislator Bill Ryan Chairman of the Board of Legislators in hopes he would help, those e-mails have been ignored. I have contacted Assemblywoman Galef to help, she said she would. The Airport is owned by the county, and you are the county, not the TLC. These taxi companies and drivers who have received these tickets, (the drivers, if they work hard enough may earn about $500.00 a week) pay taxes to the county indirectly through their rent or direly through property taxes and so have every right to access county property. They are legally licensed to conduct business. I feel if there is a rule that allows the county to promote one business over another, that rule must be changed. People have a right to choose their means of transportation. I would also like to remind these legislators that it was only five or six years ago that the county had this same fight with N.Y.C. over pick-ups at their airports and local towing. At the time the county argued that the people have a right to choose their means of transportation and towing. So I believe the county doing this to their own residents smacks of hypocrisy. I agree this is a naked grab for money and power by the county, to force taxis into a licence that is both redundant, adds nothing to the table, yet takes away more than it gives.
************************************************************************************
A SPECIAL INVITE:

THE CIRCOLO da VINCI invites you to their twenty-sixth Annual Awards Dinner.

It is to honor David and Nancy Paganelli owners of the Traveler's Rest on Rt.100 in Ossining for their community service and the Circolo da Vinci 2008 scholarship winners. The date is 05/22/08 a Thursday. The time is 6:30PM. the place is Sinapi's Ceola Manor in Jefferson Valley, Yorktown. The tickets are only $55.00 per person with a cash bar.

This is an honorable organization honoring honorable people. Anybody who has had the pleasure of attending or having a party, or just dinner at the Traveler's Rest knows that. I urge you to attend. For additional information call 1(914)245-2316
*************************************************************************************
NEW CABLE TV SHOWS:

Former Peekskill Mayor John Testa has started his cable show "On Topic with John Testa". It airs Thursdays 9:30PM on chanel 15 in Peekskill and Cortlandt. This week he covers the hot topic of the Centenial Fire House

NEW CABLE TV SHOWS:

Domenic Volpe has started a new public access show called the Volpe Report. Viewers will be able to see this program on community Channel 15 in the Peekskill/ Cortlandt area and on Channel 74 in Yorktown. The second guest on Domenic's program are members of Peeksill's BID.

NEW CABLE TV SHOW: FROM A POST ON THE LoHud FORUM BY DR. POWELL:

The Issues with Sam Davis:

Airs on Thursdays at 9PM on Channel 74 (Public Access)in Putnam Valley and Yorktown. Sam Davis hosts. The show features a wide range of guests including artists, activists, attorneys, business owners, and politicians, talking about topics that are timely, relevant, and important. Tomorrow night is the premiere show with guest Jeff Green, local activist, business owner, and moderator of the renowned Plan Putnam blog. Jeff is also known for the work he has done for the environment and governmental integrity. The main topic of conversation for The Issues is property school taxes.

Next week’s show features local artist, musician, photographer, filmmaker John Cohen. John is a Putnam Valley character who helps to give this Town its unique flavor.Then, Domenic Volpe, businessman and former candidate will discuss involvement in local government, and impacts on business in the region.On the fourth week’s show, David Wright, Yorktown attorney and former Putnam Valley Town Attorney, discusses what local residents can do to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of local government.It is a varied and dynamic line-up, with the promise of more local issues of consequence in the weeks to come.
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM MY FRIEND MARTY:
RE: A NEW RESTAURANT OPENS IN PEEKSKILL:

Andy:

Marty here, hope you guys are doing well. Finally our favorite, Louie the Chef(formally of Leonardo's in Mohegan Lake) is coming to Peekskill. He asked me to let you know. The opening is Tuesday 5/6 and you are invited to Trattoria Valentia at 911 South Street. Pamela & I will be there hope to see you both.

Marty
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS TALKING POINTS IN THE NORTH COUNTY NEWS BY PUBLISHER APAR:

TALKING POINTS: Happy anniversary to The Amazing Bazzo

By Bruce Apar

Column names can be laughably lofty (I should know, because none was worse, or funnier, than my college newspaper column, “Latent Afterthoughts”). When the inimitable Anthony “Andy” Bazzo started penning a regular commentary for this paper (he resides on page 10), we wanted the column name to reflect Andy’s signature style: forthright, earthy, and incisive, spiced with a zesty “I am right, you are wrong” expansive charm.
Regular readers of Bazzo’s “In My Opinion” can appreciate why we did not settle on “In My Humble Opinion,” known in the world of e-bbreviation as IMHO. Just call him Mr. IMO, and smile when you say it. That’s only because he always maintains the equilibrium to smile at himself, even while he’s debating hot-button issues with a passion that could power a nuclear plant.
Humble? Andy, who can turn a phrase as deftly as he turns corners in his cab, advises, “Modesty is a false virtue.”
The reason for all this reflection is nothing less, or more, than the 1st Anniversary (next week) of his column for this newspaper. Since paper is the traditional symbol of first anniversaries, what better gift to give Andy than writing about him on this piece of paper. What a coincidence.
Less of a coincidence is how, over the past 52 weeks, he has shown an uncanny abililty to stay ahead of the curve on a variety of newsworthy nuggets.
Maybe he’s psychic – The Amazing Bazzo – or maybe just canny. Unlike cliched ivory tower columnists who keep their feet planted firmly under their desks while handing down pronouncements from Mount Olympus, Bazzo keeps his ear to the ground. His is one of three professions – along with barbers and bartenders – who can lay claim to being better public opinion pollsters than Louis Harris or John Zogby.
Here are some samples of his clairvoyance:
Bazzo foresaw a congressional effort to tax the internet, which died in committee.
Bazzo has made a refrain of his disdain for county government. He beams now that a formal group has been created by two Westchester Democrats, a supervisor and assemblywoman, that is called, “Task Force for the Elimination of County Government.”
Bazzo worried aloud about various Governor Spitzer initiatives, such as how removing the fingerprint ID requirement for Medicaid eligibility would encourage fraud (by non-citizens). The ID is no longer required. He called to our readers’ attention aborning efforts by the ex-Guv to issue licenses to illegal aliens, which was quickly defeated.
Still under discussion, however, is another thorn in Bazzo’s side that he clued us in on: the “Family Leave Act,” which would require employers to pay up to $575 a week to workers on maternity leave, whereas now the first 12 weeks are unpaid. He pointed out that such mandatory compensation might in fact impel employers to favor a male hire over a female candidate to avoid paying for the same position twice if the worker takes leave of the workplace under that act.
Bazzo also was a first mover in correctly surmising in our pages that County Legislator George Oros (R-Peekskill) would challenge U.S. Representative John Hall (D-19th District) for his Congressional seat.
Bazzo is proud for standing apart from cookie-cutter columnists on such topics as how the rush to corn-based ethanol fuel is a scam that has created high food prices and food shortages because corn subsidies have disuaded farmers from harvesting sufficient crops of wheat; and in his defiant defense of dirty campaigning, Indian Point and Scrooge.
Has all this gone to Bazzo’s head one year after he started columnizing? Here’s what he has to say: "Elected officials answer my phone calls and e-mails. People stop me on the street, at the store and when I go out to dinner to discuss my columns. I had hoped this column would be relevant. I really do not think anyone thought it would last this long. I’m surprised it has.” Do I detect a kinder, gentler, humble Bazzo? Nah. Say it ain’t so, Andy. Thanks for being you. Here’s to more of you in Year Two.
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THE ABOLITION OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT:

Please find enclosed a copy of the petition we are circulating re: abolishment of county government. We plan a follow up meeting with Connecticut officials (they don’t have county government) in late May or early June).

PAUL FEINER
Geenburgh Supervisor


TO: NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE – WESTCHESTER DELEGATION

We, the undersigned, call upon the New York State Legislature to commission an independent study to examine the State of Connecticut’s experiences in managing government services without county government. This study should explore transferring Westchester County responsibilities to local or state governments, eliminating an extra layer of government. This inquiry should in no way mitigate necessary county services.

NAME ADDRESS DATE





CC: Westchester County Executive and Westchester County Board of Legislators

TO PETITION CARRIERS: PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED PETITION TO EITHER:
Paul Feiner, Greenburgh Town Supervisor, 177 Hillside Ave., White Plains, NY 10607 OR
Joan Gronowski, City Councilmember, City Hall, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701
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A MESSAGE FOR CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY WILLIAM GOULDMAN:
RE: THE UNFUNDED MANDATES ASSEMBLYWOMAN GALEF VOTED FOR:

$7,118,600,000 Total Fiscal Impact Vote

Reduced reimbursement to local probation departments, with the cap on such reimbursements lowered from a 50 percent match to 46.5 percent of expenditures, subject to the availability of funds. $90,000,000 120-23
The allocation for Medicaid spending, though the local share is not outlined in the Budget.* $6,680,000,000 115-25
The allocation for Early Intervention Services, however, the local share is not detailed in the Budget. $188,000,000 115-25
Mandated Performance Based Contracting for Preventive Services (penalty). 125-16
New Requirements for Public Vessels
Performance of Duty Death Presumption for World Trade Center PFRS and ERS Members
Leave for Breast Cancer/Prostate Cancer
Binding Arbitration Extension
OSHA-Approved Training on Public Works Projects
Reporting Requirements for Municipalities on Contracts
Swimming Pool Enclosures
Free Police Reports for Identity Theft Victims
Signage for External Defibrillators
Requires HIV-Related Testing for Certain Defendants


Makes permanent the existing sales tax exemption of 75 percent of admission on "all-in" passes to amusement parks. $1,000,000 141-1
Senior Citizens' Property Tax Exemptions
Child Protective and Foster Care Services (35 percent county MOE).
Automated External Defibrillators at places of Public Assembly
Accidental Disability Presumption for WTC Rescue and Recovery Workers
Leave for Breast Cancer
Creates Sheriff Mileage Reimbursement Rate
Requires Public Employers to create Programs to Prevent Workplace Violence
Weapons Destruction Procedure required for Police Departments
Megan's Law Registration Extension - Requires Localities to Notify Vulnerable Populations
DNA Data Bank Expansion - Local Probation Officers have to track down & swab the individuals
Disaster Planning for Domestic Animals
Military Decorations are Made Tax Exempt
Sales in Veterans Home Gift Shops made Tax Exempt


Exempts sales and use taxes for the removal of waste material from a waste transfer station or construction and demolition processing facility. $3,400,000 116-16
Exempts sales and use taxes for coin-operated or fully automated car washing, waxing or vacuuming facilities. 145-0
Work Zone Safety Act - Police Presence required at all major active work zones
Medical Care for Public Employees Exposed to Transmissible Diseases
Accidental Disability Presumption for World Trade Center Rescue and Recovery Workers
Requires Localities to compile a list of Vulnerable Organizational Entities
Foil Requests to be Compiled within Reasonable Times
Increases Exemptions for Individuals with Disabilities for the Senior Citizen Rent Exemption Program
Increase Income Eligibility Limits for the Senior Citizen Rent Exemption Program
Qualifies Indoor Exercise Arenas for Training and Exercising Horses for Real Property Tax Exemption


Eliminates the Property Tax Exemption Cap for Volunteer Firefighters or Ambulance workers in Nassau County
Eliminates the Property Tax Exemption Cap for Volunteer Firefighters or Ambulance workers in Suffolk County
Eliminates the Property Tax Exemption Cap for Volunteer Firefighters or Ambulance workers in Westchester County
Provides Local Tax Exemption Procedures for New Multiple Dwellings



Increase in 18-B (indigent legal services) fees required to be paid by counties to lawyers representing indigent criminal defendants. Some offsetting funds, but does not fully cover most counties' costs. 104-45
Extends Binding Arbitration to Sheriffs
Smoking Ban
Provides a Real Property Tax Exemption for Low Income First Time Home Buyers
Expands a Real Property Tax Exemption for Non-Profits to include all their leased Property


Caps per diem reimbursement of local jails for state ready inmates and alleged parole violators at $34 (from $40), and $17 (from $20) for coram nobis prisoners. 138-6
Early Retirement Program 25/55
Grants Tier 1 and 2 Members a Pension Benefit Enhancement for out of work time
Reasonable Accommodation of Religious Practices
Exempts Disable Veterans for Special District Charges and AD Valorem Levies (Property Taxes)
Exempts Farm or Food Processor Labor Camp/Commissary Owners from property taxation
Exempts earned income of a dependent child who is a part or full time student from being considered for calculating the amount of public assistance to be granted to that individuals family


Authorizes Public Safety workers who have been exposed to blood or other bodily fluids during the course of their duties to obtain necessary care and treatment
Paid Leave for Emergency Workers
Agricultural/Horticultural Exemption Expansion
Requires Municipalities to limit the assessment of property owned or leased for non-residential water dependent activities (marinas)


Exempts vessels from payments of sales tax when sold to non-residents. $500,000 149-0
Expands the telecommunications sales tax exemption provided in the 1999-00 Budget. $15,000,000 147-0
Exempts sales and use taxes for equipment and services related to web hosting facilities. $9,000,000 147-0
Exempts sales and use taxes for equipment and services related to broadcasting over the air, through cable or via satellite. $4,700,000 147-0
Exempts sales and use taxes for all equipment used in the daily operations of a farm. $7,000,000 147-0
Exempts sales and use taxes for food and drinks sold through vending machines priced at $.75 or less per item. $5,500,000 147-0
Accelerates the exemption of sales and use taxes for small beer brewers. $1,000,000 147-0
Permanent Cost Of Living Adjustment for Public Retirees
Service Credit for Previous Public Employment
Elimination of Tier 3 and Tier 4 Contributions for Public Employees
Establishes an Alternative Formula for Determining Unemployment Benefits
Requires Criminal Background Checks for all teaching or supervisory licenses and of all prospective employees of school districts
Grants New York City Corrections Officers Additional Death Benefits
Expands the Disabled Persons' Exemption
Increases the Disabled Exemption Income Eligibility Level
Increases the Senior Citizens Real Property Tax Exemption



Exempts from sales tax food or drink purchases by a senior citizen independent housing community.
Eliminated State reimbursement to local jails for the cost of felony inmates serving definite sentences. $12,500,000 141-5
Medicaid saving efforts were advanced by the Senate and Governor, however, the Assembly Majority failed to extend existing cost containment measures prior to June 30, resulting in local government losing substantial savings. $56,600,000
Tier Reinstatement
DNA Expansion
Interim Probation Supervision Expansion
Grants the Alternative Real Property Tax Exemption to Recipients of the Expeditionary Medal
Expands Low-Income Housing in NYC



Exempts sales and use taxes for coin operated phones costing $.25 or less per call. $8,000,000 94-53
Exempts sales and use taxes for office equipment used by telecommunication providers to initiate, receive, amplify, process, retransmit and switch telephone communication. $4,000,000 94-53
Exempts sales and use taxes for textbooks purchased by full or part time college students. $24,000,000 94-53
Creates a Heart Disease Presumption for Correction Officers



Exempts sales and use taxes for private bus lines. $3,000,000 135-13
Exempts sales and use taxes for coin-operated self-service car washes. $1,500,000 135-13
Exempts sales and use taxes for self dispensed luggage carts at airports and bus stations. $1,000,000 135-13
Exempts sales and use taxes for parking service fees paid to homeowners associations. $2,700,000 135-13
Exempts sales and use taxes for admission to certain circuses. $100,000 135-13
Exempts sales and use taxes for wine used in wine tasting. $100,000 135-13
increases the Assessment on Public Work Contracts for a fund that is used solely for the enforcement of the Labor Law
Requires every Chief of Police and Sheriff to submit semi-annual reports to DCJS concerning incidents involving reported cases of missing children
Expands the 489 Exemption to include structures which were developed as part of a planned community
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FOUR MESSAGES FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN GALEF:

To the Editor: April 28, 2008

With our work on the state budget for 2008-09 complete, I am aware that our sluggish economy still challenges state and local governments to be able to continue offering the same level of services we have come to expect. I remain committed to making sure that is possible. As chairperson of the Assembly Real Property Taxation Committee, I also understand the complexities of property taxes and how much of a burden they have come to represent for our state. That is why, in 2006 I called for a Blue Ribbon Commission to conduct an in-depth study of property taxation in the state. I was very pleased that in January, Executive Order #22 set up the Commission on Property Tax Relief to serve in the same way.

This Commission will issue its first set of recommendations to the governor on May 22nd. I have invited chairman of the commission, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, to present these recommendations to interest groups and the public on Monday, June 9th, from 7-9pm at Putnam Valley High School, 146 Peekskill Hollow Road, Putnam Valley. This is a terrific opportunity to hear first hand how the Commission came up with its recommendations and suggested next steps. The recommendations will focus on three areas: property tax caps, a circuit breaker, and mandate relief. These are all areas I have been working on in Albany.

I have also introduced a number of bills in the Assembly to provide relief. My unfunded mandate bill (A2508/S3084) requires state funding be provided for any new mandates the state imposes on local governments. My circuit breaker bill (A1575-A/S1053-A) would replace the Middle Income STAR rebate check with a tax break that takes into account the relationship of a person’s income to the property taxes he/she pays. I’ve received a lot of support for this bill from taxpayer groups as well as the Fiscal Policy Institute. My Medicaid reform bill (A5816) requires the state to take over the total funding of medical assistance for those in need, relieving the county tax burden. WICKS reform has finally been approved which allows local governments and school districts to use a single general contractor on jobs that cost up to $1.5 million, saving taxpayers money.

We have many challenges ahead of us to continue to provide a high level of service with a minimal impact on our wallets. I will continue to work hard for necessary changes.


Sincerely,

Sandy Galef,
Assemblywoman 90AD, (914) 941-1111

MESSAGE TWO:

Contact:SandraGalef (914) 941-1111
(518) 455-5348

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef “Speak Out” TV Series on Property Taxes Continues Featuring Former Mayor of Croton-on-Hudson Bob Elliott

(April 29, 2008) Assemblywoman Sandy Galef’s practical approach to the bleak economic forecast includes this interactive series of interviews with experts that offer a wide range of perspectives on the current property tax crisis facing Westchester and Putnam County. The shows, which kicked off in March, will continue to appear on cable TV through October. In May, Robert Elliott, Deputy Secretary of State for Local Governments and former Mayor of Croton discusses how school districts and municipalities can share services to cut overhead and increase efficiencies.

In June, Galef speaks with Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Jim Langlois about BOCES role in sharing services and how it might be expanded to help cut costs on a larger scale. In July, Lee Kyriacou from the Office of Real Property Services shares his perspective on how to address property tax relief. In August, “Speak Out” features Deputy County Executive of Putnam County John Tully and Village Manager of Ossining Linda Cooper who discuss consolidation of assessment and other duplicative services, as well as best practices for sharing.

“Our economy necessitates that we take an in-depth look at offering comprehensive property tax relief throughout the state,” says Galef. “I hope these shows will help my constituents understand all the different perspectives on tax relief and ways that we can start working on now to cut costs.” Galef also serves as Chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Real Property Taxation.


Tune in to Cablevision at the dates and times listed below to become part of the conversation and to gain understanding about this complex and challenging topic.


“Speak Out” with Sandy Galef airs as follows:
Ossining/Peekskill Channel 15 – Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.,
Wappingers Falls Channel 21 and Yorktown Channel 74- Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

“Sharing Services to Save Taxpayer Dollars” with Bob Elliott airs May 7, 14, 21 & 28.
“School District Sharing to Save Tax Dollars,” with Dr. Jim Langlois airs June 4, 11, 18 & June 25.
“Options for Property Tax Savings,” with Lee Kyriacou airs July 2, 9, 16 & 23
“County & Municipal Efficiencies to Save Tax Dollars,”
with Linda Cooper and John Tully airs 7/30, 8/6, 13 & 20,
“Roundtable on Shared Services with NYS Comptroller DiNapoli Part 1,” with panelists Thomas DiNapoli, Alfred DelBello, James Langlois and Linda Puglisi
airs 8/27, 9/3, 9/10 and 9/17,
and “Roundtable… Part 2” airs 9/24, 10/1, 10/8 & 10/15.

MESSAGE THREE:

DISTRICT OFFICE: 2 Church Street, Ossining, NY 10562
ALBANY OFFICE: Room 641, Legislative Office Building


Shared Services Forum Tackles Tough Solutions to Tax Problems
By Assemblywoman Sandy R. Galef


Last Thursday, April 11th, school district business officials, municipal leaders, municipal officials, school board trustees and local constituents were all talking together. And sharing ideas. Before a packed audience, I moderated a forum that addressed sharing services between school districts, local governments and the state in order to cut costs. New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Westchester County Association Chairman Alfred DelBello, Putnam Northern Westchester District Superintendent Dr. James Langlois, and Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi joined me. Each highlighted their own involvement with shared services and discussed the potential for increasing the ability to allow for even more. At the state level we are also committed to sharing. Our recently passed budget includes $29.4 million, an increase of $5.4 million from last year’s budget, earmarked for state grants to underwrite shared services and consolidation.

Comptroller DiNapoli said that as a school board member on Long Island, he came to realize that any effort to share or consolidate services needed to be more of a bottom-up than a top-down approach that addressed real needs of local communities. He also cited distrust of government as something that works against consolidation and sharing. The Comptroller emphasized that “the time is now for a conversation on shared services,” particularly given our current fiscal challenges. He also offered his office and other state offices as the go-to place for expertise and a knowledge base to guide local governments on best practices to follow when working jointly across municipal lines.

Al DelBello, who sits on the Commission for Local Government Competitiveness and Efficiency, also mentioned the need for grass-roots efforts to effectively chip away at the layers of government that are duplicative. “Big business can’t remain competitive if Westchester County continues to be the first, second or third highest taxed county in the nation,” he said. Legislatures are not necessarily the place to start for sharing, he suggested, but local sharing can take place if historical barriers can be broken down. He commented that just because a level of government exists, doesn’t mean it has to exist for a service to be offered. “One computer in a county office could effectively assess the entire county,” stated DelBello, “…every place but government has used technology to be more productive using fewer resources. Some areas of government still require a more personalized approach, but many do not. The time is now to start consolidating back- office services across all government lines.” DelBello pointed out that New York has more taxing districts than any other state. “We need to be bold and change state law and the constitution to truly and effectively change New York,” he claimed. Better utilization of BOCES might be one way to start, DelBello suggested. Adding a tier five for new public employees that would phase out early retirement was another suggestion.

Linda Puglisi focused her remarks on the importance of getting a groundswell of community support for any shared service that represents a significant change. For example, Cortlandt does not have its own police force, but relies on county and state police for law enforcement. Under Puglisi’s leadership, Cortlandt also passed a referendum to eliminate the elected highway superintendent and replace him/her with an appointed superintendent. She was also instrumental in building a water filtration plant, when the state mandated higher standards for water. To do this, she partnered with several neighboring communities, and she did something similar for recycling. When unfunded mandates come to her, she looks for communities to share. “To gain community support for such initiatives,” she said, “you need to run it almost like a campaign.”

Jim Langlois said the time was right for: “…the grand conversation to begin. We need to sit down with state legislators, and it is critical that powerful lobby groups be part of the conversation.” He also emphasized the need to take great care when analyzing how to streamline services related to schools. “We have the best school districts in the nation here. We want to be careful not to dismantle something so great.” Langlois cited research which showed that up to 3,000 students in one school district does help with efficiencies, but once the district grows beyond that, administrative additions need to be made. BOCES currently offers school district sharing for such back office services as printing, health insurance, contract negotiations, technology, legal services, investment pooling, and more. BOCES is also self-regulated. A service cannot be offered if fewer than two member school districts demand it. Transportation management, centralized maintenance, and energy were areas Langlois suggested BOCES’ role could grow into. He mentioned that BOCES in other regions do support services beyond school districts, which could be a direction for this BOCES to go as well.

Audience concerns focused on the need for a “clearinghouse” of sorts to help disseminate information about what kind of sharing exists already, what’s available, and how to proceed. DelBello offered up the possibility of the Commission on Local Government Competitiveness and Efficiency, after it releases its recommendations, to become that sort of clearinghouse. Puglisi suggested that to entice more sharing, incentives need to be offered. Some questioned the efficiency of BOCES, or if there were better deals available to taxpayers, even if they weren’t better deals for school districts. Westchester County government suggested they offer possibilities for pooling resources, especially with information services, public works services, and purchasing (through their finance department.) Putnam County has already embarked on a study to look at sharing of assessment services among the municipalities in Putnam.

We are at a critical juncture, which I like to think of as an incredible opportunity. Together, I believe we can address our service needs, limit our costs, and increase the efficiency of local governments. At the end of the forum, I solicited suggestions from the audience in the form of a hand-out. I welcome additional input from constituents and public officials regarding sharing services and reducing costs, which you can send to me at sgalef@assembly.state.ny.us, or 2 Church Street, Ossining, NY 10562, or call my district office at (914) 941-1111.

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef represents the 90th Assembly District, which comprises the towns of Ossining, Cortlandt, Philipstown, Putnam Valley and Kent, and the City of Peekskill.

MESSAGE FOUR:

Assemblywoman Galef Invites Entrepreneurs to Small Business Forum

Aimed at Helping the Economy in Westchester and Putnam Counties


(April 30, 2008) In these tough economic times, Assemblywoman Sandy Galef offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to learn more about local resources that can help them to start up or grow a business and gain economic self-sufficiency. The forum takes place on Thursday, May 8th, 2008 from 7:30-9:30 A.M. at Cortlandt Town Hall, 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor.

Panelists will discuss resources their organizations can offer to help with such topics as financial planning and business organization, how to do work with New York State, how to find financing alternatives, and more. There will also be resources and information available at booths following the discussion, with a special focus on women and minorities.

Galef will be joined by Anne Janiak, Executive Director of the Women’s Enterprise Development Center Inc., Michael Jones-Bey, Executive Director of the Division of Minority and Women Business Development for the Empire State Development Corp., Jerry Klein, CEO of Mahopac National Bank, Marjorie Finer from the Alliance of Hudson Valley Women Business Owners, Mildred Polite Smith, Compliance Officer for the New York State Comptroller’s Office, Paul Quintero, CFO and COO of ACCION, a micro finance institution, and representatives from local business support groups.

Representatives from SCORE-Counselors to America’s Small Business, an adjunct of SBA, as well as Community Capital Resources, a local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), will also be available for questions and to explain their services.

The event is sponsored by the following organizations: Women’s Enterprise Development Center, Inc. (WEDC), Alliance of Hudson Valley Women Business Owners (A division of WEDC), Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Business Council of Westchester, Westchester County Association (WCA), Putnam Valley Business Association, Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce, Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Carmel, SCORE-Counselors to America’s Small Business, an adjunct of SBA, Community Capital Resources.

For more information on the forum, contact Assemblywoman Galef at 914-941-1111, or e-mail Dana Levenberg at levenbergd@assembly.state.ny.us
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MESSAGE FROM COUNTY LEGISLATOR GEORGE OROS:

News from Oros for Congress
CONTACT:(914) 402-4709


GEORGE OROS TO MEET WITH AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Republican George Oros will visit Washington tomorrow to advocate for tax reform

Peekskill, NY- Republican Congressional Candidate George Oros announced he is meeting with Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) tomorrow in Washington, DC. ATR was founded in the 1980’s by Grover Norquist at the request of President Ronald Reagan and seeks to prevent the American people from having to withstand an increase in taxes levied by the Government.


“The increasing burden of taxes is killing small businesses in America and hurting middle class families who simply can’t keep up with the excessive spending in Congress. We have to be serious about cutting taxes or things will continue to spiral out of control,” Oros stated.
As a Legislator, Oros has a proven record of cutting taxes and has been an outspoken advocate for fiscal responsibility. George Oros signed a Pledge with the Americans for Tax Reform promising not to support any new taxes, believing strongly that Washington must begin cutting taxes instead of ushering in the largest tax increase in American history as this Congress voted to do.


“I’ve fought this battle for the last 15 years and am proud to say that it is possible to cut spending. I never forget that the taxpayers fund government. This Congress has proven again and again how out of touch they are with the needs of the American people. We don’t need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars studying flies in Paris, we need to be concerned how seniors can keep up with the cost of prescription drugs and the cost of energy,” Oros said.


In addition to his meeting with the American for Tax Reform, George Oros will be meeting with several Members of Congress to discuss his plan to return this Congressional District to the Republican Party.


George Oros is a Westchester County Legislator with over 15 years experience as a lawmaker with a proven record of cutting taxes. He is seeking the Republican nomination for Congress in New York’s 19th Congressional District.
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TWO MESSAGES FROM THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY REPUBLICANS:

News from New York Republican State Committee

For more information contact: Matthew Walter, 518-462-2601

New York State Republicans Act to Provide Gas Price Relief, NYGOP.ORG Starts E-Petition

Statement by Chairman Joseph N. Mondello, New York Republican State Committee

ALBANY, NY (04/30/2008; 1447)(readMedia)-- Republicans in New York State today took another positive step forward in our efforts to deliver real tax relief and allow more people to keep more of their hard-earned money instead of turning it back over to the government in taxes at the pump. Both the Senate and Assembly Republicans announced solid plans, and the State Party has created an online petition at www.nygop.org to give people an opportunity to voice their opposition against gas taxes.

The actions of Republicans in the State Senate and Assembly, along with Senator John McCain’s proposals at the federal level, demonstrate a responsive and accountable approach to serving the people of this state—the way government is supposed to work.

These sensible Republican plans will provide immediate relief for the problems people are facing every day, while longer-term solutions are proposed, researched and enacted.

Unfortunately, Democrats from Senator Obama down to the state level are refusing to join with Republicans to provide the help hard working overtaxed families and businesses desperately need, especially as we head into the busy summer driving season. Unfortunately, Senator Obama has flatly opposed the plan as a bad idea, even though he supported suspending the gas tax as a State Senator in Illinois.

This issue continues to underscore that the Democrats are out of touch with the everyday problems that New Yorkers and Americans face.

It’s time for the Democrats to come to the table and get things accomplished on this critical issue.

In order to make certain everyone hears the growing call of hard working New York families and businesses for gas tax relief, we are creating an online petition. I encourage everyone to make their voice heard by signing the petition at www.nygop.org.


MESSAGE TWO:

Westchester County Conservative Committee

Cordially invites you to attend a

Cocktail Reception

With

Guest Speaker

Mike Long
State Conservative Party Chairman

Thursday, May 15, 2008
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

BOE
324 Central Park Avenue
White Plains, New York

$300 per person

RSVP/Info:
gailb927@yahoo.com
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FOUR MESSAGES FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:

BALL STANDS UP FOR NY COMMUTERS, TAXPAYERS

Calls on State to Remove Its Taxes on Gasoline During Summer Months

Assemblyman Greg Ball (R – Carmel) held a press conference today in Albany to call on the State Legislature to immediately enact a comprehensive plan to embrace renewable energy technologies, expand the use of nuclear power and create an immediate plan to cut taxes on New York State motorists this summer to spur the local economies. Specifically, the plan would provide motorists with a savings of at least 32 cents per gallon on gasoline (35 cents on diesel fuel).

“The state government should not benefit from our misery. We better wake up as a state and as a nation and realize that our global enemies have us over a barrel, literally. It is within our strategic national interest to begin developing and using renewable resources and technologies for our energy consumption. If developing nations like Brazil can become energy independent and liberal nations like France can become net exporters of energy via nuclear technology, than the United States of America, the greatest nation in the world can get it’s act together and throw off the chains we bear that have been built and weighted by the powerful oil companies and all associated interests, economic and political. I have never been comfortable with the current Administration’s connection to the wealthiest of Middle Eastern oil barrens. Middle class New Yorkers are being squeezed from absolutely every angle and now our food and oil costs are presenting a double squeeze! Every New Yorker should get on the phone and send letters to their representatives at all levels because it is predicted that gasoline prices may raise to as much as $5 per gallon this summer. New Yorkers need relief from these ridiculous taxes. Corporate oil companies are pulling in record profits and so is New York State. New York’s government should not benefit from our gas tax misery!” said Ball.

New York State is the most expensive state in the Northeast to purchase motor fuels. Already the cost of gasoline in the state has exceeded $4 per gallon. This is due to, in large part, the numerous taxes that the State collects. At a minimum, Ball feels that these tax revenues should be lockboxed and utilized directly to develop alternative means of renewable energy and technologies. Ball’s plan would temporarily stop the collection of three of these taxes between Memorial and Labor Days -- the sales tax (8 cents), the motor fuel tax (8 cents) and the Petroleum Business Tax (16 cents) – for a combined savings of 32 cents per gallon.

The plan is supported by the entire Assembly Republican Conference as well as the National Federation of Independent Business, our state’s leading small business advocacy organization. The organization’s New York State Director joined Ball and the Assembly Republicans at today’s press conference and joined their call that the state immediately enacts this important tax-saving plan

MESSAGE TWO;


BALL CALLS FOR LEGISLATURE TO PASS

NYS CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIEN DEPORTATION & LEGAL HIRING ACT

Online Petition Now Available For Members of Public to Sign

www.OperationSecureNY.com

Assemblyman Greg Ball is our State’s leading advocate for legal immigration and legal hiring practices. As such, he has recently created an online petition calling on the State Legislature to enact his New York State Criminal Illegal Alien Deportation and Legal Hiring Act. The petition is now available through his official Operation Secure NY website.

The act, Assembly Bill 10593, would create the most comprehensive 287G Criminal Illegal Alien Deportation law in the nation. Specifically, the bill increases public safety through enactment of a 287(G) measure to give law enforcement the ability to arrest, detain and deport criminal illegal aliens convicted of crimes. The act also helps local, state and federal law enforcement work seamlessly together in regards to the growing problem of illegal alien crime. Finally, the act protects taxpayers and union workers who are currently funding $4 billion annually toward the affects of an illegal and black market economy rooted in the exploitation of illegal aliens, by requiring that all businesses that contract with the state hire their employees and laborers legally.


Ball’s legislation is currently awaiting consideration by the Assembly Codes Committee, chaired by Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol (D-North Brooklyn). “Unfortunately, in Albany oftentimes good legislation is gridlocked by the special interests. This bill should not get bogged down in the national conversation about illegal immigration – this bill focuses like a laser on criminal illegal aliens. We need the Senate to step up to the plate and adopt a 287G bill of their own, similar to my measure. In the Assembly, I am hopeful that New York residents concerned with public safety will personally call Assemblyman Lentol and demand that he show the courage to bring this bill before the full Assembly for a vote,” stated Ball.

To show Albany your support of this initiative, please visit Ball’s official website at www.OperationSecureNY.com and join the online petition today to bring this bill to a vote!

MESSAGE THREE:

Sinatra & SliwaMark your calendar!Curtis Sliwa & Frank Sinatra“Coming to Westchester!!”

What: Sinatra Soiree
Where: Traveler’s Rest Ossining NYWhen: May 28th, 6-9PM
How Much: $100pp
Pay Online: http://www.gballevents.com/

A bold spirit with a lust for life and amazing energy, Curtis Sliwa is a New Yorker in the truest and best sense of the word. Republicans throughout Westchester and Putnam County are looking forward to a great night of live Sinatra music and lively speaking by Sliwa. Our famous Sinatra impersonator, Ernie Barry, has done events all around the world and performs live in Little Italy every month. Nobody is better than Ernie Barry when it comes to Sinatra!Sliwa, born and raised in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, recognized early on the advantages of growing up in a close knit community. Curtis spearheads countless public service programs, including food and clothing distribution for the needy and anti-drug speakers bureaus. In 1994, Curtis Sliwa founded Cyberangels, the largest online safety and educational program in cyberspace. Sliwa has also authored several books on self-defense and safety, making his vision of community service and fighting crime a reality. Known all over the world as the founder and leader of the Guardian Angels, a non-profit, all volunteer crime fighting organization with 40 chapters throughout the United States and 7 countries overseas, Curtis Sliwa's scope is vast and intensive. His worldwide connections keep him in touch with major breaking news stories across the globe and a few steps ahead of most journalists. However, Sliwa's passion for "the city that never sleeps" remains a constant fixation. Featured frequently as a guest lecturer at colleges and universities and making regular appearances on TV news-oriented programs, Sliwa's message is one of hope, combined with a healthy dose of common sense. Join hundreds of fellow Republicans at ‘Traveler’s Rest’ in Ossining NY for a great night!Space is limited.

Purchase your ticket today at http://www.gballevents.com/ !!http://www.ball4ny.com/

MESSAGE FOUR:
Calendar of Events

Annual Sinatra Soiree

Guest Speaker: Curtis Sliwa

Sponsorships Available! Call 917 681 9302

Wednesday, May 28th, 6PM Cocktails, 7PM Dinner

Traveler’s Rest, Ossining, NY 10562

Pay at the door or Online at www.GballEvents.com



Pictures from last Soiree!

http://picasaweb.google.com/AssemblymanBall/AnnualNewYearSEveBash

---------------

“New Yorkers on the Ball”

The Best Golf Outing Around

Annual Golf Tournament at Salem Golf Club

Visit Salem Golf Club in North Salem at: http://www.salemgolfclub.org/home.asp

Monday, June 16th, 11AM Registration, 1PM Shotgun, 6PM Dinner

$250 Per Player: Includes Lunch, 18 Holes, Cart, Open Bar, Raffles and Prizes, and Dinner

$100 Dinner Only: Dinner and Open Bar

Register for Golf or Dinner Only at http://www.ball4ny.com/events/golftickets.htm

Purchase an ad in the Journal at http://www.ball4ny.com/events/golfcalendar.htm

Purchase a Sponsorship at http://www.ball4ny.com/events/golfsponsor.htm



Pictures from Last Year!

http://picasaweb.google.com/AssemblymanBall/GolfOutingJune2006

----------------------

Annual Country BBQ and Country Music

Live Country Music Famous David Akin Band!

Saturday, July 12th, 11AM-4PM, RT311 Patterson, NY, 12563

Gun, Archery, Bait and Tackle Vendors in Attendance

Food and Drink, Chicken, Sausage, Hamburgers, Sides

Sponsorships Available! Call 917 681 9302

$75 Per Person

NRA Membership Discount: $50PP

Send checks to “New Yorkers on the Ball” PO Box 607, Pawling, NY 12564



Pictures from Last Year!

http://picasaweb.google.com/AssemblymanBall/AmishOutlawsSteakfestAnAnnualCountryBBQ

www.Ball4NY.com
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BEACH PARTY IN PUTNAM VALLEY:
A MESSAGE FROM PUTNAM VALLEY SUPERVISOR BOB TENDY:

Good morning, everyone.

Last night's meeting of the Lake Peekskill Civic
Association dealt with a
number of issues, but the two that I will discuss
here are "skateboarders"
and the Lake Peekskill Summer Barbecue/Beach
Party.

A.

BEACH PARTY/BARBECUE: The date is Saturday,
August 2, with a rain date of
Sunday, August 3. ANYONE WHO WANTS TO HELP PLEASE
EMAIL ME OR CALL ME AT
845-526-2121. This party won't take a ton of
work, but it will take a crew
of 10 - 15 dedicated volunteers to plan and
implement.

The Plan:

FUNDING:
All $$ needed for this event will be by donation
and fund raising. If the
LPCA wants to contribute, that would be a good
thing, but certainly not a
requirement.

INSURANCE:
I believe there may not be any insurance
necessary. This isn't a private
association party, it's a district event and as
such should fall under the
town's policy. I will check on this, but that's
the early information.

FOOD/REFRESHMENTS:
Soda/water/juice--no alcoholic beverages. Several
coolers. Each drink will
be $1 dollar. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be $1
or $2? Maybe $1.50?

Hopefully we can get people to contribute a tray
of food or snacks (cookies,
cake, salad, cheese, grapes, brownies, sausage
and peppers, etc.) We can
also sell this and raise money for next year's
party.

We will have one area where a large barbecue will
be set up for hamburgers
and hot dogs. Probably not far from the dumpster.
We can have some coolers
set aside for ice cream/frozen snacks.

We will need to make simple signs for the food
stations.

ACTIVITIES:
Greased watermelon contest; cardboard boat race
(real boats made by the kids
that they race in); peanut butter and jelly
sandwich swim race; raffles,
prizes, 50/50; DJ and/or band; Skateboarding
demonstrations if possible;
maybe we could heire a magician for an hour for
the kids, a juggler, face
painter, henna tattoos, etc.

Anyone wanting to be part of this activities
committee please let me know!

TIME:
Probably from 1 pm to whenever.

Please contact me with any suggestions or offers
of assistance

B.

Skateboarding:

We have no property right now for skateboarding.
It is my opinion that we
should try to get a spot in Lake Peekskill AND in
the town park so that we
can cover both areas of town.

I sent an earlier email to some of the people who
signed their names to a
list, but I haven't had any responses yet. Please
contact me if you are
interested in moving forward with a discussion
and, hopefully,
implementation of this idea.

Thank you!

Bob Tendy
Putnm Valley Town Supervisor
*************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:

Dear Readers:

This week I discuss MY FIRST YEAR ANIIVERSARY. You can read my column on this topic exclusively on line(see link below)or 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. As you are planning your holiday or business or vacation travel? 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 LaGuardia Airport the cost is Ninety dollars plus tolls. The cost to JFK and Newark Airports is one hundred-twenty-five dollars plus tolls. The tolls are $10.00 Westchester County Airport and Stewart cost $75.00. 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:

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 SUPERVISOR DON PETERS: http://www.donpetersforyorktown.com/

PUTNAM VALLEY SUPERVISOR BOB TENDY:http://www.bobtendyforsupervisor.com/

THE PEEKSILL NEWS:http://thepeekskillnews.blogspot.com/
***********************************************************************************
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

THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) 74 (York.)
Hosted By: Dominec Volpe

THE ISSUES: Thursdays at 9:PM chanel 74
Hosted by; Sam Davis

ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA: Thursdays at 9:30PM chanel 15 (Peekskill & Cortlant)
Hosted by: John Testa

CARS & US: Fridays 10 PM chanel 15(Peek. & Cortlant) 74(York. & Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dennis Tate
**********************************************************************************
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 05/03/08