Dear Readers:
Freedom of speech was the first right protected in the constitution because our founding fathers new if you control what people hear you control people. It is designed to protect speech that is unpopular, for the popular does not need protection. It important to distinguish that only government can censor. Private business can set standards for employees as they represent said business, and they are allowed a uniform message. The exception is, and it voluntary, is the for profit media, whether it be t.v., radio or print. They must allow dissent within the editorial ranks because they are the last bastion of free speech.
I bring this up now because House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been pushing for the "fairness doctrine". When there was limited outlets for news, this doctrine was put in place so dissenting opinion could be heard. Now in this new age of cable, talk radio and Internet media there are more that enough outlets for all opinion to be seen, heard of read. You no longer need individual outlet balance because there is easily accessed total balance. So in effect, the "fairness doctrine" is being pushed as a form of government censorship, where these for profit outlets must spend time or space on unprofitable information. Also this new "fairness doctrine" push is to be only for talk radio. To single out one form of media is government censorship that the constitution right was specifically designed to protect.
Now when it comes to private for profit media censorship, I say this is an exception to the rule that business has a right to limit what its employees may say while they are on business' time, is because most fro profit media is now corporate owned and part of a media subsidiary. So there will be times when the editorial or news section of that media group must cover or opine about another part of the corporate structure. So the fear of the suits in corporate headquarters is the loss of customers or advertising. So the temptation is to meddle so that there are no unflattering stories or editorials that might affect another part of the corporate subsidiary. You see to the suits it is all about the bottom line.
However when it come to corporate ownership of news media outlets, the bottom line really cannot be part of the equation. One of the reasons corporations buy media outlets is to have a loss leader to write off the profits for their other enterprises. Sometimes the corporate heads forget this. This is especially true for local media as they seek advertising from local business, yet at the same time must either cover news about those businesses, review their products or editorialize about their product or performance. Sometimes in the course of the news outlet doing what they must do, they may lose advertising revenue. That is the risk they must take. There will be a lot of pressure directed at the top to curtail the news stories or editorials. They must resist the temptation to temper the news. It will be at that time they must realize why they have a news outlet and must stand as one with the news outlet, bottom line be damned.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE HARRISON APAR FIELD OF DREAMS FOUNDATION:
Come to the Cabaret!
7:00 p.m. July 11, 2008
2nd Annual Dinner Show Benefit at Travelers Rest
SEE! Yorktown's own Broadway Star Craig Schulman
(Les Miz, Jekyll & Hyde, Phantom)
SEE! Yorktown World-class Sensation New Middle Class --
Barbara & Mike Borok
SEE! Spyro Gyra's Jeremy Wall
SEE! Not Fade Away -- '60s Revival Band Led by Original
Vocalist with 'Dion' (Runaround Sue, Teenager in Love)
SUMMER'S COOLEST VALUE !
All this PLUS Reception + Full Dinner
$75 per person
To benefit students in the performing arts through
Jenna's Dream
First Nighters of Yorktown Schools
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation
____________________________________________________
Seating is limited and going fast,
so make your reservations now by calling
(914) 275-6887
or emailing either of the
addresses listed at bottom of this invitation.
Please make check payable (and mail) to ...
Harrison Apar Field Of Dreams Foundation
P.O. Box 1383, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
or call above number for other arrangements.
__________________________
2nd Annual 'Come to the Cabaret'
Dinner Show Benefit
DATE: Friday July 11, 2008
TIME: Reception starts 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Travelers Rest
Route 100
Ossining, NY 10562
(914) 941-7744
www.thetravelersrest.com
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Produced by:
Dave & Nancy Paganelli
(Travelers Rest)
Craig Schulman
(Jenna's Dream)
Bruce Apar
(Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation)
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation
www.yacsports.com
(Click 'Harrison Apar' tab at top of home page)
HarrisonApar@optonline.net
(914) 275-6887
Jenna's Dream
www.JennasDream.org
JennasDreamInfo@aol.com
(914) 962-5667
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UPDATE ON NEW CABLE T.V.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 show is on the Peekskill Robins
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THE VOLPE REPORT
Andy- here is the line-up for the next 4 weeks:
The Volpe Report is glad to announce the upcoming guests and dates are as follows:
Peekskill City Councilman Joe Schuder will air June 19, 26, and July 3. Joe brings his perspectives as a councilman for the last six months and commercial development is one of the topics he approaches.
Then on July 10, 17, and 24 Karen Gordon and Lynne Nayman, two representatives of the Preservation Co., are the guests and they bring their professional background as to home improvement through grants and talk about the process residents should know of.
As always the Volpe Report airs on Thursday nights, 8:00pm on Public access channnel 15 in the Peekskill/ Cortlandt area. As a reminder we will be airing in Yorktown and Putnam Valley very soon.
Domenic Volpe
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THE ISSUES WITH SAM DAVIS:
Sam's guest is Mary Foster, the Mayor of the City of Peekskill. Mayor Foster is a savvy and personable public representative, and the show is informative and entertaining.
Check it out.
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A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY WILLIAM GOULDMAN:
New York Assembly Fails to Make the Grade
Fails to Ease Financial Burdens Facing New Yorkers
Earns F's in almost every category
Peekskill, New York
Bill Gouldman, Republican Candidate for the 90th Assembly District, issued an end of term report card for the New York State Assembly.
"Report cards measure the progress and mark the achievements that occur during a term," said Mr. Gouldman.
"This week our children will be bringing home their final report cards for the year. As the State Assembly is wrapping up its session, we ought to measure the things they have done and the things they have failed to do this year. Has the Assembly added to or eased the financial pain that people are currently facing? What has it done to help us keep more of our money where it belongs: In OUR pockets! Has the Assembly made it easier for us to keep our homes, fill our gas tanks, see a doctor when we're sick and give our children the quality education they deserve?" asked Mr. Gouldman.
"The 2008 New York Assembly failed to make the grade. It ignored the worst economic hardship since the Great Depression, continuing to pile on new taxes and more spending," stated Mr. Gouldman.
In 2008 the New York State Assembly did nothing to help New Yorkers keep more of their money in their pockets. It earned F's nearly across the board because it failed to enact legislation that would ease their financial burden." Mr. Gouldman maintained. "The only area in which it excelled was in maintaining the status quo."
A copy of the 2008 New York Legislative Report Card:
As a former school teacher and educator Sandra Galef knows that report cards measure the progress and mark the achievements that occur for a term.
Has Albany added to or eased the financial pain that people are currently facing?
What has the Assembly done to help us to keep more of our money where it belongs: In OUR Pockets? Has it made it easier for us to keep our homes, fill our gas tanks, see a doctor when we're sick and give our children the quality education they deserve?
Once again, the New York State Legislature failed to make the grade.
New York Legislature’s Report Card:
Helping New Yorkers Make Ends Meet
• Pass Property Tax Cap
• Reduce unfunded mandates that increase local property taxes
• Suspend State Taxes on gas and other energy sources
• Provide financial incentives for users of mass transit
• Decrease New York's long term debt
F
Making New Yorkers Safe
• Pass Granny’s Law
• Enact Gang laws
F
Protecting Children and Families
• New protection against Internet Sex Crimes
• Reform Rockefeller Drug Laws
• Protect Schools as No Gang Zone
F
Accountability
• Close the loop hole that gave $353 in tax rebates to people who did not pay their property taxes in 2007
• Remain in session to vote on the issues that mattered most to people
F
Maintaining the Status Quo
• NO campaign reform
• NO term limits on legislative leadership
• Serve special interest groups
A+
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A MESSAGE FROM THE OWNER OF ST. GEORGE'S WINERY
To the Editor: In response to your story “Yorktown Gets Served”
My decision to file a federal discrimination lawsuit against Yorktown and some town officials was a last resort, a decision I pondered carefully and seriously after all other options were exhausted. Contrary to comments made by some parties named in the action, my allegations in the lawsuit are all true and include substantiating evidence. In the coming week, I will post the entire federal complaint, together with supporting exhibits, on the internet. This will give residents of Yorktown an opportunity to judge for themselves.
Anyone driving on Route 6 in Mohegan Lake can clearly see the town has a bias against one specific property owner (Old Stone Church). They hide behind the guise of public opposition, traffic and environmental issues. These are sound bites used by the town board to intimidate property owners. None of these issues are supported with scientific data, reports or engineering studies. If they were true, none of the existing businesses on Route 6 would have opened.
As Independence Day approaches, I am inspired by our forefathers who fought and died to free our great country from an oppressive & corrupt government. We can not afford to become complacent. With a complete understanding of the legal issues, I hope my efforts will inspire others to stand with me.
I can be reached at (914) 455-4272 or tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
Sincerely yours
Thomas DeChiaro
Owner, The Winery at St. George.
Thomas DeChiaro
The Winery at St. George
PO Box 32
Baldwin Place, NY 10505
(914) 455-4272
(914) 455-4273 - fax
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
BALL & LOCAL OFFICIALS CALL ON STATE:
“STAY IN ALBANY TO ENACT PROPERTY TAX CAP”
Press Conference Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/AssemblymanBall/PropertyTaxCapPressConference02
Assemblyman Greg Ball (R – Patterson) was joined by Putnam County Legislator Anthony Fusco (R-Mahopac), Southeast Town Supervisor Michael Rights, Members of the United Taxpayers of Yorktown, and various members of Assemblyman Ball’s School Tax Reform Task Force at a series of press conferences today in Yorktown, Carmel and Pawling calling on the State Legislature and Governor to stay in Albany and immediately enact a cap on property taxes.
“Property taxes are making the dream of homeownership a nightmare for thousands of working families, seniors and taxpayers. School tax reform is the single most important issue facing this state and even before coming into office and every-day since, I have been calling on the state leaders to enact a meaningful, long-term, and comprehensive solution. For the first time in a long time real property tax reform is gaining traction and the legislature must stay in session until we pass a bill,” said Ball.
The idea of a property tax cap originated in the Assembly Republicans’ Property Taxpayer Protection Act, of which Ball is a sponsor. Specifically, the bill would put in place a cap on property tax annual growth at 4 percent, or the rate of inflation (whichever is less). The bill also allows local communities to exceed the cap with a 2/3 majority public vote. The omnibus legislation also includes mandate relief for local governments and school districts, including requiring the state to pay for certain exams, currently paid for by school districts. The estimated taxpayer savings of this plan is expected to be $16 billion over a 5-year period.
Recently, the idea to create a cap on property taxes has gained steam with some leaders in Albany, including Governor Paterson and some members of the State Senate. A 4 percent cap was recommended by the independent Commission on Property Tax Relief and is supported by over 70 local governments statewide. Additionally, according to a June 16, 2008 poll by the Siena Research Institute, at least 74 percent of New Yorkers support this plan. However, despite this support, the legislation was shelved by Assembly Democrats.
In order to help bring both sides of the aisle together on this issue and deliver meaningful property tax relief, Assemblyman Ball, working with members of his local Task Force on School Property Tax Reform, have put together a series of important amendments and suggestions regarding a property tax cap. It is the Assemblyman’s hope that these amendments and suggestions will help sway the Assembly Democrats into considering the bill before this year’s regular legislative session ends on Monday.
Assemblyman Ball’s Property Tax Relief Plan addresses a property tax cap, mandate relief, and other measures, including:
Ensuring school districts receive an increase in state Foundation Aid, not to be less than the rate of inflation, while limiting the amount a school district can increase their tax levies to 2.5 percent annually, with an exception for energy and capital costs incurred by the school district. The cap may be increased in proportion to the net percentage increase in enrollment, annually, and voters would have the ability to override the cap with a 55 percent majority vote, or a 60 percent majority vote, if the school district’s state aid increase is greater than 5 percent.
Providing 100 percent reimbursement for any state mandate that is imposed on a school district by the state, including the 4th and 8th grade Math and English tests. Creates the Office of State Inspector General for Education to investigate financial abuse and misconduct in schools, while helping consolidate school district paperwork requirements and allowing municipalities and school districts the option to pool insurance costs, all of which would save taxpayer dollars.
Providing for all newly hired teachers to be employees of the state, therefore, reducing a school district’s cost for salaries, health insurance and retirement benefits, repealing Wicks law requirements imposed on construction projects, requiring that school districts prepare a zero based budget each year, therefore, eliminating unnecessary spending.
Provide Enhanced STAR recipients with a property tax freeze for Seniors.
Provides parents of special needs students with a voucher worth 90 percent of what the estimated cost to educate their child at a public school would be, to be used at their choice of education setting for their child.
“The bottom line is that property taxes are driving residents and jobs from our state at an alarming rate. A tax cap will stop the hemorrhaging and correct the system over time and neighboring states like Massachusetts have done the same thing and their schools have not suffered. I am calling on the Governor and the State Legislature to not leave Albany until our taxpayers have the relief that they desperately need,” stated Ball.
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ANNUAL SPORTSMAN’S COUNTRY BBQ
Last Year’s Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/AssemblymanBall/AmishOutlawsSteakfestAnAnnualCountryBBQ
Set atop a gorgeous lush green hillside overlooking the bucolic Town of Patterson, this is a fun summer afternoon you just will not want to miss! With Sportsman and Hunting Groups throughout New York State sponsoring to support NY Rifle and Pistol Association, Legislator of the Year, Assemblyman Greg Ball! All the finger licking Country BBQ you can handle and some of the best Old Style Country Music in the area!! Good people and Great times!! Saturday, July 12th in Patterson NY at Northridge Farm at 683 Route 311.SPORTSMAN. 11AM -4PM…or whenever the cows come home. Find out more: www.GballEvents.com
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SHOE LEATHER EXPRESS KEEPS ROLLING!!!
In the past three weeks Assemblyman Ball and dozens of volunteers have knocked on over 6,000 doors! Leaving literature and winning over voters, one door, one neighborhood, one town at a time, the Assemblyman’s Grassroots Shoe Leather Express is rolling over the competition. Over 2,000 signatures have now been collected to get Greg Ball on the ballot! The grassroots support is overwhelming!! Once again, Ball’s army of volunteers is poised to beat back and roll over the Putnam County Political Machine!
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR CAMPAIGN
Please consider volunteering to write a letter to the editor. It’s an easy way to help Greg and set the record straight or get a point across. If you would like to write a letter to the editor, please reply to this email.
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NRA ENDORSES BALL
NYSRPA NAMES BALL “LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR”
Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/AssemblymanBall/NRABBQLEGISLATOROFTHEYEARPRESENTATION
Last week, Ball was awarded an “A+” rating for his legislative efforts in support of the Second Amendment and officially endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA). “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent and support thousands of New York State hunters and sportsmen that have not had a voice on the Assembly for, for a long time. We are finally holding the opposition accountable for their horribly flawed and dangerous bills.” said Ball. The NYSRPA is the state’s second largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York. Yesterday, NY State Rifle and Pistol Association President Ton King and NRA President John Sigler awarded Greg Ball with the statewide honor of their “Legislator of the Year” at the Wallkill Rod and Gun Club Annual BBQ.
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200 Friends to Donate $100
Greg is in an uphill battle for re-election and he needs your support. Greg is personally calling hundreds to supporters hoping to get 200 close supporters to each donate $100. Please go online today and donate $100 or more at www.supportgreg.com !! For Greg to win he must get his message out…he needs your help. Every little bit helps. You can also send a donation to NY’ers on the Ball, PO Box 607, Pawling NY 12564
www.Ball4NY.com
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A MESSAGE FROM STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN GALEF:
Assemblywoman Galef Hosts Senior Forum with Focus on New State Laws Protecting Seniors & Consumer Scams that Target Older Citizens
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Chair of Assembly Committee on Aging, Kicks Off Discussion
(June 23, 2008) Seniors are more vulnerable than ever to consumer fraud scams, especially now when federal rebate checks start to flow putting more available cash in their hands. In an effort to protect some of the most vulnerable citizens in our population, Assemblywoman Sandy Galef has a panel of experts coming to speak to seniors in the area to help them understand why they are targeted, how they can protect themselves against becoming a victim and what to do if, in fact they do become a victim of consumer fraud. The forum, with breakfast provided by Hudson Valley Hospital Center, will take place Thursday, July 17th, 2008 from 9-12noon, at Cortlandt Town Hall, 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor.
Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Aging, will begin the day with an overview of new legislation and laws which passed to protect seniors against violent crimes. He will also discuss some of the new efforts in place to protect seniors financially and physically.
Gary Brown, Director of Consumer Protection in Westchester County will discuss the many ways seniors are often preyed upon and how they become victims of identity theft. He offers a wide range of protective actions seniors can take to avoid many of the most popular scams.
Suzanne Miles, a Westchester Assistant District Attorney and the Director of Community Affairs for Westchester County, will discuss issues of elder abuse and neglect which can take many forms, including physical, emotional as well as financial. She will also address internet safety which the DAs office has been focusing on for seniors specifically.
Dr. Craig Moskowitz, a board certified comprehensive ophthalmologist at Hudson Valley Hospital Center, will discuss precautions seniors can take to help their eye health including slowing the progression of glaucoma and macular degeneration, and how to treat cataracts.
The forum is sponsored by Hudson Valley Hospital Center, and co-sponosored by: NorCort Senior Club, Cortlandt Senior Club, Village of Croton Senior Club, Putnam Valley Seniors, Ossining Golden Age Club #1, Ossining, Seniors, Ossining Senior Center, Briarcliff Manor Seniors, Peekskill Seniors, Buchanan Senior Citizens, Putnam County Office on Aging, Putnam County AARP, Putnam Valley Senior Nutrition Center, and Drum Hill Senior Living.
For more information or directions, contact Dana Levenberg in Sandy Galef’s district office at (914) 941-1111 or e-mail levenbergd@assembly.state.ny.us.
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss THE OLD STONE CHURCH. 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:
ON TOPIC W/ JOHN TESTA: www.ontopicwithjt.com
PLAN PUTNAM: planputnam@googlegroups.com/
PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN: "http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/
NORTH COUNTY NEWS:"http://northcountynews.com/
THE JOURNAL NEWS:http://thejournalnews.com/
PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATS:http://www.peekskilldems.com/"
PEEKSKILLREPUBLICANS:http://peekskillgop.com/
YORKTOWN 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 Peekskill Mondays at 8PM chanel 15
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 06/30/08
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