Sunday, June 01, 2008

WESTCHESTER'S GARBAGE POLICE

Dear Readers:

Did you know that your garbage belongs to the government. In fact they will fine anyone who takes garbage put out for recycling $250.00. This is the intrusive type of government action that screams out for the abolishment of county government. You see people are taking cardboard left on the curb side for recycling and using it to send packages through the mail. Well county government does not want the people to recycle that way, by reusing cardboard. No, they want to collect it there-by the county can reap money by selling the cardboard to a recycling plant. Hell hath no fury like a county denied money.

Picture in your mind, some poor soul gathering cardboard so the can send a present to a relative in another state being wrestled to the ground by the garbage police. After being pummeled by the police for this crime against society, the perp is ticketed for this. Tom Lauro, Westchester's Commissioner of Environmental Facilities, another unelected bureaucrat actually thinks this is county business. This is taking recycling too far. If people can use someone else's garbage let them.

As long as there are lawmakers who wish to criminalize such behavior, that think there is nothing wrong with criminalizing people taking other peoples garbage, I will continue to advocate the elimination of county government. Bureaucrats such as Mr. Lauro must be fired. This idea is someone trying to justify their job. When it goes to this length, then that job is no longer necessary. I hope anyone who votes for this will never be re-elected. Come next years county election I will remind you of those who vote for this.

THIS WAS IN THE JOURNAL NEWS:

Westchester seeks to prevent curbside cardboard theft
By Glenn Blain
The Journal News • May 19, 2008

WHITE PLAINS - Think again before you take cardboard from somebody's curb. Westchester County is about to make it a crime.

As part of a general updating of Westchester's recycling law, legislators are expected to take up a measure today that, among other things, would impose criminal penalties on people found stealing cardboard and other to-be-recycled items left for municipalities to collect.



"Once it's on the curbside, it becomes the property of the municipality," said Tom Lauro, Westchester's Commissioner of Environmental Facilities.

Lauro said use of mail-order packages has increased the demand for corrugated cardboard and the market for recycled cardboard. As a result, municipalities are reporting increased cases of cardboard being taken from curbsides.

"They sell it to a recycling broker," Lauro said.

Under the proposed legislation, people could face fines of up to $250 for a first a offense if they are found taking the cardboard.

The Board of Legislators is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the legislation this morning and could vote on the measure immediately afterward.

Lauro and other county officials said the proposed changes are intended to bring Westchester's recycling laws - which were first adopted in the 1990s - more in tune with today's lifestyles and with the practices of surrounding counties.

The legislation would also require, for the first time, residential waste produces, such as businesses and schools, to recycle. They had been exempt under the previous law.

While many local municipalities already collect cardboard for recycling, the new legislation also expands the list of materials that must be recycled to include corrugated cardboard and lighter cardboard, such as cereal and tissue boxes.

"It's a tightening up of our laws," Lauro said. "We have seen some changes in the way people live and work and in the commodities that they have."

Legislator Thomas Abinanti, D-Greenburgh, chairman of the Board of Legislators' Energy and Environment Committee, said the upgrades are overdue. He expects them to be approved today with little debate.

"This is a good piece of legislation and I don't see any opposition to it," Abinanti said.

Reach Glenn Blain at gblain@lohud.com or 914-694-5066.
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A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY WILLIAM GOULDMAN:

Bill Gouldman Endosed by Putnam County Republican
Mahopac, NY / May 22, 2008

Bill Gouldman stood before the Putnam County Republican Convention and accepted its nomination for State Assembly.

"People are being financially squeezed, facing hardship that has been unseen since the Great Depression. Policies that have caused or contributed to today's hardships must be changed," asserted the Putnam Valley resident.

"We need a new era, a new philosophy for New York; one that achieves more, cuts taxes, and stops politicians from writing blank checks with our money. As your nominee and as your State Assemblyman I'll work hard every day to earn and keep your trust, Gouldman said.
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A MESSAGE FROM WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR GEORGE OROS:

Dear Friend,

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement over the last three months during my Congressional campaign.
Since last week’s convention results so many people - town leaders, county leaders, and good republicans everywhere - have encouraged me to stay in the race for the 19th Congressional District. From the information and data we have gathered, it is most likely that we would win a primary. However, my goal throughout this process was to defeat John Hall and return this seat to a republican; not to defeat a republican. If this were any other year, a primary might be in order, even healthy for our party – but clearly not in 2008. Since mid-February when I launched this campaign, three republicans running for the House lost in special elections. One was to fill the seat of former House Speaker Denny Hastert, the other two were in strong republican districts. Several of these candidates faced primaries and runoffs. Those extra challenges may have drained resources and cost the republicans a chance to hold some seats - I don’t know. But one thing I do know is I do not want to do anything that would hurt the chances of our party to take back a seat. Therefore, I have decided to suspend my Congressional campaign. We need to unite as a party and elect republicans every where we can. That is my pledge for 2008.
Rest assured I am not going away. I remain the minority leader in the Westchester Board of Legislators and will continue my best efforts to protect your tax dollar, fight the corruption that seems to have penetrated the Board and our County government, and elect more republicans. Next year brings another election.
For the time being, my headquarters will stay open and I will work from there a few days a week. Please keep in touch.
Again on behalf of Marianne and my children John and Christina, please accept our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your kindness, generosity and support. It is people like you that make all the long hours and hard work of public service so worthwhile.

Sincerely,
George Oros
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A MESSAGE FROM JOHN TESTA:

Former Mayor of Peekskill Announces New TV Show
Also Launches Accompanying Website With Shows Video Streamed
June 1, 2008

John G. Testa, former mayor of the City of Peekskill, has announced the launching of his new television show and website. On Topic with John Testa is a program designed to bring information to the residents of Northern Westchester who live in the Peekskill, Cortlandt and Yorktown communities. The show will feature important guests, cover timely issues and also promote the rich history of the region.

On Topic with John Testa will be shown on Cablevision’s Public Access channels. In Peekskill and Cortlandt it will air on Thursday nights at 9:30 PM. In Yorktown the show will be aired on Tuesday evenings at 8:30 PM. The shows can also be seen on the Internet through the show’s accompanying web site, www.ontopicwithjt.com . All shows are video streamed in their entirety. The web site will also offer additional information about the shows.

“Since leaving office many residents have asked me to keep them informed on the topics important to our area,” Testa said. “ A few years ago I had a history show that was very popular. People seem to miss that, “ said Testa. The history show was called Looking into Peekskill’s History and covered historical places, events and people that influenced Peekskill. “Because so many people have commented to me on how much they miss my shows I decided to develop a new show with a concept that covers all types of topics,” Testa said. “I thought that I would also expand the focus and cover neighboring areas since many topics reach across our communities,” said Testa.

“I hope people enjoy the shows and give me feedback on them as well as suggestions for future shows,” said Testa.

Contact: John Testa, 914-739-4861
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:

Following Property Tax Relief Commission’s Report, Assemblywoman
Sandy Galef Invites County Executive Tom Suozzi to Discuss Recommendations at Public Forum June 9th
Report to be released June 3rd

(May 30, 2008) The Suozzi Commission, set to deliver its initial recommendations on Property Tax Relief to Governor Paterson on June 3rd, will visit Sandy Galef’s assembly district to discuss the details with constituents and key interest groups. Galef has invited Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, who chairs the commission, to lead a discussion on the report’s findings and recommendations to help get the word out and inform the public about how New York State might effectively tackle its enormous and growing property tax burden. The forum will take place June 9th, from 7-9pm at Putnam Valley High School, 146 Peekskill Hollow Road, Putnam Valley.

“Property taxes are an extremely complex issue. I think the sooner we can start, as individuals, to understand the impact of changing our current system the better chance we have of implementing something that can really help us get out from under this burden,” states Galef. “I plan to have a questionnaire available at the forum to immediately start to get feedback about the commission’s recommendations and how they will impact taxpayers. Many interest groups will also have an opportunity to comment. It is a good chance to hear, be heard, and more importantly to be part of crafting the solution.”

County Executive Suozzi said: “I am confident that the recommendations contained in this report, once implemented, can make a tremendous difference for taxpayers across the state. I believe they offer a solution to slow the rate of growth of New York State's unsustainable property tax burden and bring much needed relief. I look forward to engaging the public in a positive discussion on how we can move forward with the Commission's recommendations.”

This forum will encourage the public to get a close up look at the process the Commission followed to develop its recommendations as well as suggested next steps. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers.

For more information or directions to Putnam Valley High School, contact Sandy Galef’s district office at (914) 941-1111 or e-mail Dana Levenberg at levenbergd@assembly.state.ny.us.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PEEKSKILL BID:

PEEKSKILL'S FIRST FRIDAYS, June 6

Come and enjoy free entertainment at the Gazebo with "The Swinging Set Jazz Collaborative" from 6:30 - 8:00pm.

Also a free concert at Ford Piano starring Connie Crothers and Kazzrie Jaxen, "2 Grands + 4 Hands = Great Jazz", 7:00 - 10:00pm.


Don't miss the big opportunity to see the world famous BUDWEISER CLYDESDALE HORSES parade in downtown Peekskill, starting at 6:30pm.

D. Bertoline & Sons Presents Michael Amante, at The Paramount Center for the Arts to celebrate their 75th Anniversary, right here in peekskill! Michael Amante the American Tenor will perform with a 14-piece orchestra and a repertoire of songs show-casing Mr. Amante's all-American exuberance and Italian soul.

That's not all:


The galleries, studios, shops and restaurants stay open late for your entertainment and shopping. Also, many of them are offering First Friday discounts or specials.

Stop by the "Relay For Life", American Cancer Society, table at the Gazebo for information. Relay will be in Depew Park in Peekskill, June 20 and 21.
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NEW CABLE SHOWS:
ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA


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. In Yorktown and Putnam Valley Tuesday's at 8:30 chanel 74 This week he covers the hot topic of the Centenial Fire House

NEW CABLE TV SHOWS:
THE VOLPE REPORT

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

John Sloan, Town Coucilman- Cortlandt
June 5, 12, and 19

NEW CABLE TV SHOW:
THE ISSUES WITH SAM DAVIS:

Thursday nights at 9PM on Cablevision Channel 74.

Tomorrow's guest is Darren Rigger, a political analyst working with John Hall and Charles Rangel, talking about local and national politics.

Next week's guest is David Gordon, an environmental attorney who worked for Riverkeeper for 14 years, and as Town Attorney for Putnam Valley for 2 years. He will be discussing watershed agreements, Riverkeeper, and the obstacles faced by municpalities in their planning process.

Both programs are lively conversation with interesting guests. Check them out.

Also the line-up of shows will be broadcast in the Peekskill Cablevision area, on Mondays at 8PM. When we know whether they will start broadcasting on this Monday holiday, we will let you know.

And coming soon, The Issues on ComCast. We'll keep you informed.
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:

Dear Readers:

This week I discuss how the passing of my father. 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)
Yorktown & Putnam Valley 8:30 chanel 74
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 06/01/08

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