A MESSAGE FROM CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTION, INC.:
CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTION, INC.
in cooperation with
THE PEEKSKILL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
PRESENTS THE PRO-AM ENSEMBLE
A Professional and Student Musician Collaboration
PHS Grauates, Recent Graduates & Students
OPEN-AIR CONCERT
DATE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008
LOCATION: N DIVISION STREET PEEKSKILL, NEW YORK
Stage by WCC
RAY BLUE - TENOR SAXOPHONE
DOUG SMITH - PIANO
OMARI DARCHEVILLE - DRUMS
TAREEK JACKSON - BASS
BRIANNE KANE - TENOR SAXOPHONE
DANIEL RIVERA - TRUMPET
CURRENTSPONSORS: (partial listing)
HOMESTYLE DESSERTS
PEEKSKILL TRAVEL BUREAU
CRYSTAL BAY
DIVISION STREET GRILL
12 GRAPES
PEEKSKILL YOUTH BUREAU
RUBENS CAFE
KATHLEENS TEA ROOM
C-TOWN
99 CENTS POWER & UP
HUDSON RIVER HEALTH CENTER
PARK STREET A.M.E. ZION CHURCH
B & D DELI
SIDE EFFECTS/NY
IN-HOUSE VIDEO
RENEE SMITH
SEABREW AND BESSIE FORD
JUDITH JOHNSON
DONALD BENNETT
ARNIE PAGLIA
DONALD DURAN
LAFERN JOSEPH
************************************************************************************
Dear Readers:
This was an e-mail from the Working Families Party. You will see how they rejoice in efforts to increase taxes on working families. Be wary of any official that touts the endorsemnt of this party.
Dear WFP Supporter,
Yesterday saw a major victory for public education and fair tax reform. It doesn't happen everyday:
Over the last few months, the WFP and its allies have pushed for a new approach to the property tax crisis. With the help of over 15,000 calls and emails from supporters like you, we got the message to Albany that New York needs real tax solutions.
It worked. In a rare bi-partisan vote, the State Assembly rejected the 'tax cap' gimmick and instead passed a groundbreaking bill that would give immediate property tax relief to working families without threatening our schools.
Now it's the Senate's turn. Send a message to your Senator:
http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/t/2775/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2280
The Assembly's bill would establish what's called the 'circuit breaker.' The Working Families Party - our Chapters, our State Committee, our canvassers, our organizers, our leaders - have been championing the idea for months. It delivers a targeted property tax cut based on family income, and pays for it by modestly rolling back income tax giveaways for the rich.
Now the fight moves to the State Senate, where Republicans like to talk big about property tax relief gimmicks, but haven't said whether they'll even bring the Assembly's bi-partisan "circuit breaker" bill up for a vote. It's a clear choice: tax relief for working families or tax breaks for millionaires.
Tell your Senator: Vote for real property tax relief!
http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/t/2775/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2280
It's not all good news out of Albany. The budget cuts announced late last night, though not huge, are very real and very painful. Once again, Albany balanced the budget by asking working people to sacrifice more than their fair share.
But the circuit breaker's passage in the Assembly is an important win. It's a fair, progressive way to give property tax relief to working families with unaffordable tax bills without denying public schools the funding they need to provide a sound education. It even includes a similar rebate for renters too.
To pay for the circuit breaker responsibly, the Assembly's bill asks the wealthiest New Yorkers, who've seen the lion's share of tax cuts, to contribute a little bit more. Those earning more than $1 million a year would see their income tax rate rise 1%. Make more than $5 million a year ($96,000 a week) and your tax bill would bump up 1.75%.
In exchange, in the midst of tough economic times, a lousy job market, and a foreclosure crisis, millions of working New Yorkers would see a tax break exactly when they need it most.
But this bill can't become law unless the State Senate brings the bill to a vote. Take a moment to tell your Senator: New York needs real tax solutions:
http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/t/2775/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2280
That's all for now,
Bertha Lewis, Bob Master, Sam Williams
WFP Co-Chairs
Dan Cantor
WFP Executive Director
Help Working Families fight for the little guy: We can't count on Wall Street. We rely on contributions from ordinary people like you to keep the WFP going. If you'd like to support our work, visit:
http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/contribute.php
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM COUNTY LEGISLATOR OROS:
Republican Legislators ask Ryan to act on staff abuse
Circulate letter to democratic legislators seeking support of action
Three Republican members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators are calling upon Board Chairman William Ryan to act immediately to put Ryan’s Senior Advisor, Gary Kriss, on an unpaid leave of absence. A letter addressed to Ryan requests he take the action in accordance with his power as Chairman.
“Ultimately the only ones who can provide answers or reimbursement to the taxpayer for the abusive spending by Chairman Ryan’s senior advisor, Gary Kriss are William Ryan and Gary Kriss,” said Board Republican leader George Oros (R/C Cortlandt). Oros noted that “as long the Chairman grants his Senior Advisor seemingly unlimited paid vacation” there is no incentive for Kriss to comply with the recommendations in a report issued by a Special Committee of the Board of Legislators. Oros repeated his contention that the Committee’s recommendations “did not go far enough to restore the public trust”.
As of the close of business yesterday, the request for Ryan to act was signed by Oros, James Maisano (R/C New Rochelle) and Gordon A. Burrows (R/C Yonkers). A letter to all legislators was circulated on Monday asking for them to join in the request. That letter cited a degree of urgency, stating “an issue of timing dictates that we seek your immediate support of at least one significant finding and proposed recommendation from the Special Committee on Internal Controls & Procedures (“ICP”).”
During the ICP investigation it was revealed that Kriss had accumulated over one hundred vacation days, all in circumvention of County policy. A letter from 1997 indicated to him that the vacation time accumulated at that time exceeded County policy and in effect he needed to “use it or lose it”. It appears from the record that at other times, either verbally or in writing, he was so advised.
The Journal News reported on June 3, 2008 through comments from Chairman Ryan that Kriss left on paid vacation. He has not reported to work since, and it is believed he is still taking vacation time and pay. “Soon, if not already, he will exceed the number of vacation days he is entitled to under current County policy,” said Oros.
In their letter to fellow legislators the Republican lawmakers also indicated that the ICP recommendations, however timid, would be ignored as long as Kriss was getting full pay for not showing up to work. “We believe pending such explanation and/or reimbursement, the Chief Advisor to the Chair should be placed on unpaid leave”, the letter states.
The letter addressed to “Dear Colleagues” continues noting that a “(F)ailure to act will compound this apparent violation of County personnel purchases regarding vacation time. We are concerned that our failure to act in this manner sets a poor example for all County employees who do not and cannot exceed the set vacation time.”
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
Hello!
As you may know, we are in the final stretch of this campaign, and I need your help!
Please consider donating online at www.supportgreg.com or by sending a check to “New Yorkers on the Ball” PO Box 607, Pawling NY 12564 !!
Or, please consider attending one, or all, of the following events:
Upcoming Fundraisers:
St. Patty’s Day in September
Thursday, September 4th
7:30 PM
Murphy’s Restaurant Yorktown
Celebrate Saint Patrick’ Day all over again in September.
Suggested Donation: $40
View more at www.gballevents.com
Sincerely,
Greg Ball
Member of Assembly
Cell Phone: (917) 681-9302
Greg isn’t accepting tens of thousands of dollars in illegal transfers from Albany insiders. That is why your donation is so important.
Please make checks payable to:
New Yorkers on the Ball
PO Box 607
Pawling NY 12564
You can also pay online at www.supportgreg.com
**********************
Ball & 9/11 families expose shocking breach in NYS homeland security
Unveils a comprehensive plan to protect New Yorkers and re-claim 23,000 licenses handed out during Spitzer’s illegal drivers’ license plan
Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) was joined today by members of 9/11 Families for a Secure America at a press conference held outside the Department of Motor Vehicles office in White Plains to expose a shocking breach in New York State’s homeland security where at least 23,000 New York State drivers’ licenses and identification cards were handed out to non-permanent residents. The licenses and ID cards were handed out as “phase one” of former Governor Spitzer’s illogical and unvetted plan to give state issued identification to illegal aliens.
Although Spitzer’s ill-conceived plan was widely opposed and ultimately withdrawn, somehow the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued 23,000 permanent drivers’ licenses to foreign visitors between the dates of September 24, 2007 and November 2, 2007.
**************************
YORKTOWN DEBATE
Sponsored by the North County News
August 27 at 7:00 PM
Yorktown Stage
CARMEL FORUM
Hosted at the Putnam Co. Fish & Game Association
September 5 at 8:00 PM
290 Drewville Road in Carmel
BREWSTER DEBATE
Hosted at Sheet Metals Workers Local Union 38 Hall
September 6 at 7:00 PM
38 Starr Ridge Road in Brewster
View more at www.gballevents.com
Need a ride to the polls or an absentee ballot?
Call us at (845) 279-0112!
http://www.ball4ny.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FRO CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY WILLIAM GOULDMAN:
BILL GOULDMAN Warns: Democrats Seeking To
Short Circuit Property Tax Relief for Overtaxed,
Overburden New Yorkers
Putnam Valley, New York: The only thing standing in the way of tax relief for overburdened, overtaxed homeowners in New York is Assemblywoman Sandra Galef and the New York State Assembly. They refuse to vote on a Property Tax Cap that has passed that the State Senate and Governor David Patterson has promised to sign," said Bill Gouldman, candidate for State Assembly in the 90th District.
"Albany Democrats have set the stage to short-circuit much needed property tax relief for overburdened New Yorkers", charged Mr. Gouldman. "They won't vote a property Tax Cap favored by 74% of all New Yorkers because their donors and special interests simply won't let them. The Democrats are feeling the heat, with little more than 80 days until Election Day; they have decided to change the subject. Turning to bait and switch tactics as they try to deceive New Yorkers, Democrats will bring a Circuit Breaker proposal instead of a Tax Cap to the Assembly floor for a vote. Just as they did in the spring, Albany Democrats will use every trick they can to stop a Tax Cap. For 2 weeks in May they delayed the report of The New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief. This let them skip town without voting on the Commission's proposal for a Tax Cap. They even allowed Sandra Galef the Chairwoman of the Assembly Committee on Real Property Taxes to hold a citizen's forum on a Tax Cap knowing it would never be scheduled for a vote".
"Look at the record and you will see what the Assembly Democrats are up to", said Mr. Gouldman. Referring to an August 15 article in the Journal News, Gouldman pointed out that Mrs. Galef admitted Westchester, Rockland and Putnam property owners bear the highest tax burdens in the state. Mrs. Galef specifically said, "This is a major problem, and we need to correct it. We don't want to be on top of the charts."
Gouldman stated what Mrs. Galef failed to say is that she is the gate keeper who decides what property tax legislation makes it to the floor of the
Assembly. Her decisions are responsible for the crushing property taxes that are driving New Yorkers from their homes.
He noted that holding up the Tax Cap hurts New Yorkers in many ways. The property Tax Cap is tied into a spending cap that limits the overall New York Budget to four percent yearly spending increases. . If this spending ceiling were in effect over the past 5 years, State taxpayers would have saved $13.1 billion, half of which would have been returned to taxpayers and the other half placed in a rainy day reserve fund.
This legislation also guarantees an additional $3.3 billion to local school districts over the next 3 years that will further reduce school taxes.
"'Pushing a Circuit Breaker at the expense of a tax cap is pandering of the worst kind," asserted Mr. Gouldman. "A Tax Cap limits the overall tax burden to a school district, a Circuit Breaker does not. A Circuit Breaker redistributes who pays what share of a tax burden that continues to climb higher and higher year after year."
Gouldman concluded "When it comes to bringing property taxes down talk is anything but cheap. The Assembly must act now. Its duty is to pass a Tax Cap that is long overdue and put politics aside".
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM DOMENIC VOLPE:
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the line up of guests for August. John Curran the City of Peekskill Historian will showcase the Urban Renewal projects of the 60's abd 70's and highlight the impact in the downtown district. Mr. Curran will be seen Thursday- August 7, 14, and 21 at 8:00pm, Channel 15 in the Peek/Cortlandt areas. The Yorktown area will see his show on Wednesday July 30, August 6, and 13 at 6:00pm on Channel 74.
Once again we thank all our viewers to look in and if there are any questions or comments regarding any of these shows please forward any responses to the Volpereport@aol.com
Domenic Volpe
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM JOHN TESTA:
RE: FROM HIS NEW WEB SITE: http://www.johngtesta.com/
Thank you for visiting my web site. Northern Westchester is an important historical area that contributed greatly to our nation's development. The City of Peekskill, the Town of Cortlandt and the Town of Yorktown have given so much to our country's history. I am honored to have served as Mayor for the City of Peekskill and look forward to further serving the the community through this site.
This site will be updated often to stop back from time to time. I would appreciate receiving comments and suggestions regarding the site. Thank you very much.
John G. Testa
*************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss some positive happenings. 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:
JOHN G. TESTA: www.johngtesta.com
ON TOPIC W/ JOHN TESTA: www.ontopicwithjt.com
THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE: http://www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR 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.) chanel 74 at 6pm (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
**********************************************************************************
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 08/25/08
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
THE UNEDITED EDITOR
Dear Readers:
Life is full of its little ironies. I met the publisher of the NCN because of an article written by Adriane Tillman on blogs. The story took issue with anonymous blogs and bloggers who would take others material and post without proper accreditation. I, not wanting to run afoul of the NCN"s re-print policy tried to obtain permission to re-print their stories on this blog. After trying unsuccessfully to reach Mr. Apar, I did a blog riff ( Archive:February 24, 2007 "More Information Designed To Mislead You") on these efforts. Soon afterwards I received a phone call from Mr. Apar and an appointment to meet with him. Using his description of that meeting, "He(your's truely) came in and sucked all the air out of the room", we met. We discussed the article with me defending anonymous blogs such as "The Peekskill Guardian". We actually hit it off, even though we disagreed on anonymous blogs, and have been friends since. We do agree on anonymous post(which seem at most times viscous and mean spirited ) which are different. I also received the permission to re-print articles (which after all was why I wanted to see him) and a regular column in the NCN, In My Opinion, which came as an unexpected surprise.
The irony I mentioned is Mr. Apar has a regular blog on the NCN web page (NCNLocal.com) , just go to the "Blogit" section on the right. Even though he has his "Talking Points" column in the paper, he regularly updates his blog. As good as his paper column is, his blog is better. There you can see the wit and wisdom that I saw in our first meeting. He has enjoyed the beauty of the electronic media in that there are no space constraints. I think he has also found how cathartic it is to let things off your chest (his post on the BMW taking up two spaces w/ picture is great). His last two posts regarding the Ball and Degnan race are a must read. I really think any reader of the NCN should visit it's on line sister and check out his blog. BYW: the online version now has a section on the left where you can access "Letters To The Editor". Just remember when you send yours to a friend to give credit to the NCN.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY WILLIAM GOULDMAN:
End of Summer B.B.Q./Fundraiser Supporting Bill Gouldman
Candidate for the NYS 90th Assembly District
Saturday, August 23, 2008
2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
578 Oscawana Lake Road
Putnam Valley, NY 10579
For more information call
Bill Bujarski (914) 841-4567 Bill Gouldman (914) 582-7290
…....Yes, I will attend the End of Summer BBQ honoring Bill Gouldman. Enclosed is my check for $ …...for …... people.
…….. No, sorry I cannot attend but enclosed is my donation of $ ……...
Name: ……………………………………………………
Address:………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………
Phone: …………………………………………
E-Mail: ………………………………................
Please make check payable to:
Friends of Bill Gouldman for State Assembly
PO Box 164 Putnam Valley, New York 10579
www.GouldmanAssemby.com
*************************
BILL GOULDMAN Says Follow The Money: Proposes Medicaid Whistle Blower Program To Preserve Benefits & Recover Billions
Deep Throat unraveled Watergate by advising: FOLLOW THE MONEY. If New York is going to escape its looming financial catastrophe it too must follow the money. Experts say that 20 % of New York's $46 billion Medicaid budget, that's more than $9 billion, is being ripped off by Medicaid criminals and cheats. The New York Times documented it in a series in 2005 and the New York Post acknowledged this in its Sunday August10th editorial. If 10% of the fraud were recovered New York's budget crisis would be solved and the people with the greatest need would have their benefits saved.
"How does wasting one out of every $5 of Medicaid money protect New Yorkers with the greatest need and ensure that they will receive the medical services they deserve," asked Bill Gouldman, candidate for the New York State Assembly in the 90th District. "State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli recently uncovered that 30,000 people have moved out of the state but are still collecting Medicaid checks from New York. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has recovered $250 million in Medicaid fraud, but more needs to be done," Mr. Gouldman declared.
Gouldman asserted, "Our goal should be to discover and eliminate 10% (which is half of the 20% estimate) of the Medicaid budget that is being wasted. Today I am proposing that New York State adopt a Medicaid Whistle Blower program because the people working within Medicaid know the system best. They are best equipped to root out the waste and corruption. If we use their experience and expertise we can make sure that nobody in need is deprived of services and stop those who are ripping of the system. We should encourage workers to identify Medicaid money that is being misspent. We should reward workers who save taxpayers money and preserve the services for those who should be receiving them. The Legislature should authorize a bounty to anyone who helps recover misspent Medicaid funds. Using the workers in the system would not add any cost to the recovery and produce immediate results."
Gouldman noted that Elizabeth Lynam the Deputy Director of the non partisan Citizens Budget Commission recently said "Everybody wants to protect their own interest, but the bottom line there are going to be sacrifices all the way around, and that means hard choices will need to be made."
As the time draws closer for the Legislature to return in special session and adopt a plan to save New York special interests are running TV ads trying to protect themselves. When people get caught up fighting for their own turf nothing ever gets done.
When I began my campaign last December I said that Albany must talk about the things people talk about around their kitchen tables.
It is just plain common sense that if you are going to serve the people you have to respond to what's on their minds. People talk about government waste and fraud all the time. They wonder why Albany politicians don't have the guts to do something about it.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ANDY POLAY:
Hi Folks,
I am pleased to congratulate my friend Nora on her latest release. Some of you may have seen and heard Nora as she played with my group several times in between making the scene in many venues all over the globe.
For those of you that were at the Jazz+ Blues Fest. over the weekend, you saw Nora try to battle through a bad case of Bronchitis. Like the true pro that she is, she tried to do the gig despite not being able to even talk that morning. Though the effort was valiant, she had to stop before truly hurting herself.
Below you will see information on her upcoming gig celebrating her 3rd disc. I intend to be there and hope to see you there too!
Enjoy,
Andy
In a message dated 8/13/2008 5:49:15 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, noraamccarthy@yahoo.com writes:
Dear Friends,
come celebrate the pre-release of my new CD 'Circle Completing' at The 12-Grapes! I look forward to singing for you and introducing this great band - Pablo is from Chile and is amazing on the piano. Jeffrey Carney is a world renowned bassist who plays with Barbara Streisand and Patti Austin...not bad company huh? I have been honored to share the stage with these great gents many times and delighted to call them friends..wait till you hear them. Then, as a special guest I will feature the incredible alto-saxophonist, Jorge Sylvester, who as many of you know, is my musical partner and mentor....Lots of great music and fun is on the agenda, please show your love and support for this upcoming special show. Blessings to all.
NORA McCARTHY
VOICE
PABLO VERGARA
PIANO
JEFFREY CARNEY
BASS
MUSIC POETICA
WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 20
7:30pm – 10:30pm
12-GRAPES MUSIC & WINE BAR
12 North Division Street
Peekskill, NY 10566
914-737-6624
1 block from the Paramount
"Outstanding food, amazing wine selection and friendly service."
“…McCarthy, who works in every setting from a bass and vocal duo to a twenty-piece orchestra, demonstrates that she is not one to simply serenade with the usual mix of standards.” Dan Bilawsky/Jazz Improv Magazine’s New York Jazz Guide, March 2007
“…A voice that is alternately liquid, breezy, and lustrous. Sophistication in the same vein as Chet Baker." Sound Views Magazine
“…She plays her tender voice like a musician trying to get the best out of some favored, old horn.” The Cleveland Plain Dealer
“...Yet another voice in the retro-cool school—almost at times, as cool as Julie London, but with a serpentine edge". Gary Giddins
“…Nora McCarthy delivers with the improvisational intuition of Betty Carter and the compassion of Billie Holiday.” Edward Hill
Signed copies of Circle Completing available for purchase at this performance.
**********************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
LARGEST 99th DEBATE TO DATE
Yet Somers Republican event draws only one candidate
Well over one hundred members of the Somers Republican Town Committee and the Somers Republican Club Inc. were joined by members of the media and several Democrats at their candidate forum last evening at the Somers Library. Those in attendance heard remarks from State Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I - Patterson) and a representative of Republican congressional candidate Kieran Lalor.
Many of those who turned out were disappointed when it was announced that John Degnan, an endorsed Democrat running in the Republican primary for the 99th Assembly district, refused to attend the forum.
“Two of the strongest Republican organizations in Westchester asked voters of the 99th Assembly district to come out and witness Mr. Ball and Mr. Degnan state their positions on the issues and discuss their records,” said Westchester GOP Chairman Douglas Coletly. “One of the candidates took that opportunity. It would seem to be common sense for any primary challenger to welcome an opportunity to debate an incumbent, but what Mr. Degnan does is his prerogative.”
According to Rey Solano, President of the Somers Republican Club, Degnan called ninety minutes before the event to say that he had a 'scheduling conflict' and would not be able to attend the forum.
“His call puzzled me,” Solano said. “We delivered a press release about the event two weeks ago, made phone calls, sent emails, and even made an overture through Senator Leibell's office last week which was acknowledged. We just spoke to Degnan's campaign consultant at the VFW debate on Tuesday, and he told us that Mr. Degnan was ‘making up his mind,’ not that there was any scheduling conflict.”
"What is it about John Degnan's record that has made him so afraid to appear before Westchester Republicans?'" asked Somers Republican Town Committee Chairman Jim Chisholm. "The only person who volunteered to speak for Mr. Degnan's record was the Putnam County Democratic Chairwoman."
Representing Degnan was Lynne Eckardt, head of the Putnam County Democrats, who was assiduously taking notes. She raised her hand several times to respond to questions that pertained to Degnan, and claimed she had no idea where he was, was contradicting a statement she made earlier in the day that he had a scheduling conflict.
In that same statement, Eckardt criticized a previous Westchester forum that Degnan also did not attend for having a moderator who carried petitions for Assemblyman Ball. In her remarks, she did not address the Carmel forum taking place April 19 that is moderated by a local resident who carried petitions for Degnan.
Chisholm added, "Yesterday, I stated if Mr. Degnan did not attend this event, it would prove yet again he does not respect Westchester Republicans. After hearing a Democratic County Chairwoman attempt to explain Degnan's record of laying out the welcome mat for illegal aliens and contractors, his ever-shifting party allegiances, and his opposition to a tax cap, I stand by my statement."
Ball took the opportunity to tout some of his legislative accomplishments, but also addressed the need for systemic reform in Albany and reminded everyone that he was the only candidate in the race to support a tax cap. He even fielded a statement from Eckardt and refuted her soporific canard, and was left with an open forum to connect directly with voters and excoriate county insiders and career state politicians for their huge tax increases and addiction to spending.
During the question and answer phase, Solano asked if Mr. Degnan's empty chair alluded to another empty seat rubber stamp for Sheldon Silver, were he to be elected. An impromptu straw poll conducted by the Assemblyman found that no one present thought Albany was working for them, and he vowed to redouble his efforts to challenge traditional Albany.
"For the life of me, I can't understand how Mr. Degnan thinks he has a prayer in the world of winning this primary if he believes Republicans in Westchester are not important enough to spend an evening with," Chisholm concluded. "It reminds me of 2006, you have John Degnan, the establishment backed candidate, who is basically a no-show no-name in Westchester, like Willis Stephens was. That is why Westchester delivered Assemblyman Ball his largest margin of victory during the 2006 primary race. Mr. Degnan seems to be setting himself up for a repeat of that scenario."
***********************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GALEF PROPOSES NEW WAY TO CUT LOCAL SCHOOL TAXES AND SAVE HEALTH CARE COSTS
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, in response to New York’s current economic crisis and in consideration of the recommendations of the Suozzi Commission, has proposed a fundamentally new way to pay for certain education expenses in New York State. Galef recommended in a letter sent to Governor Paterson on July 31st that the New York State government should take over health care costs of school employees statewide by folding school employees into the Empire Plan used by other state civil servants. Galef’s bold plan represents the type of creative, cost-cutting solutions necessary for New York State to overcome its current property tax crisis. The plan would cut health care costs by creating a larger pool of health care participants; decrease school budgets as schools are facing a property tax cap; and substantially reduce the tax levy for New York State property taxpayers in this time of economic tumult.
Galef’s plan would be a significant relief to both property taxpayers and local school districts. The recently released Suozzi Report recommended the state reconsider several of the mandates it imposes on local school districts. Health care for school employees is a continually increasing nondiscretionary expense that takes up a large percent of a local school district’s budget. By taking health care costs out of the local property tax levy, school districts can avoid making critical programmatic cuts and property taxpayers will see a substantially reduced tax burden in New York’s current economic climate. School districts would also save money that would otherwise be spent determining health care plans and negotiating with teachers.
Additionally, by shifting health care costs to the state government, the overall health care cost would be reduced because the Empire Plan, which is currently used by other civil servants but not all teachers, would be drawing from a larger pool of healthcare participants. The cost of health care for school employees would also be distributed more equitably since it would be paid for by the statewide income tax.
Galef said, “This plan represents the innovative, cost-cutting measures that are absolutely necessary for New York State to tackle its current property tax crisis. The decrease in the property tax levy that would come from the state funding health care for school employees would be significant relief for property taxpayers, who are telling us across the state that property taxes have gotten out of control. This plan would benefit local school districts, which would no longer be responsible for perpetually increasing health care costs, and could decrease competition between districts trying to offer better health care. School districts would also save money that would otherwise be spent on negotiating health care contracts with teachers, who would be part of the same health care plan enjoyed by other state civil servants, including me.”
The New York State School Boards Association recognizes health care costs as one of the four highest non-discretionary costs that school districts face. In 2005-2006, New York State school districts paid an aggregate cost of $3,737,116,479 on health care for employees, which was 15.25% of the total amount spent on education. Health care costs are increasing every year but would be reduced and paid for more equitably by Galef’s innovative new plan.
************************************************************************************
CABLE T.V. UPDATE:
THE ISSUES WITH SAM DAVIS:
Posted By Dawn Powell:
The Issues, with host Sam Davis, airs this Thursday at 9 PM. Sam's guest this week is Robert Goldstein, General Counsel for Riverkeeper. The main topic for discussion is the Tappan Zee Bridge, a major project for this region. When the planning for this was started, It was supposed to include public participation. Sam went to one of the initial meetings while Putnam Valley Supervisor. As with Putnam Valley's Peekskill Hollow Road, the public has been shut out of the process. Watch this show for more information about this important project.
And next week, another terrific show with Fred Koontz of Teatown Lake Reservation. Hear more about conservation, environmental education, and hope for the future.
The Issues may be seen in Peekskill on Mondays at 8PM, Channel 15, and on ComCast, Channel 8. It is also available in the Mahopac Library.
*******************
THE VOLPE REPORT:
The Volpe Report
Host: Domenic Volpe
Upcoming Schedule
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the line up of guests for August. John Curran the City of Peekskill Historian will showcase the Urban Renewal projects of the 60's abd 70's and highlight the impact in the downtown district. Mr. Curran will be seen Thursday- August 7, 14, and 21 at 8:00pm, Channel 15 in the Peek/Cortlandt areas. The Yorktown area will see his show on Wednesday July 30, August 6, and 13 at 6:00pm on Channel 74.
Once again we thank all our viewers to look in and if there are any questions or comments regarding any of these shows please forward any responses to the Volpereport@aol.com
Domenic Volpe
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM JOHN TESTA:
RE: FROM HIS NEW WEB SITE: http://www.johngtesta.com/
Thank you for visiting my web site. Northern Westchester is an important historical area that contributed greatly to our nation's development. The City of Peekskill, the Town of Cortlandt and the Town of Yorktown have given so much to our country's history. I am honored to have served as Mayor for the City of Peekskill and look forward to further serving the the community through this site.
This site will be updated often to stop back from time to time. I would appreciate receiving comments and suggestions regarding the site. Thank you very much.
John G. Testa
*************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss Westchester County Governments misuse of tax dollars. 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:
JOHN G. TESTA: www.johngtesta.com
ON TOPIC W/ JOHN TESTA: www.ontopicwithjt.com
THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE: http://www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR 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.) chanel 74 at 6pm (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
**********************************************************************************
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 08/17/08
Life is full of its little ironies. I met the publisher of the NCN because of an article written by Adriane Tillman on blogs. The story took issue with anonymous blogs and bloggers who would take others material and post without proper accreditation. I, not wanting to run afoul of the NCN"s re-print policy tried to obtain permission to re-print their stories on this blog. After trying unsuccessfully to reach Mr. Apar, I did a blog riff ( Archive:February 24, 2007 "More Information Designed To Mislead You") on these efforts. Soon afterwards I received a phone call from Mr. Apar and an appointment to meet with him. Using his description of that meeting, "He(your's truely) came in and sucked all the air out of the room", we met. We discussed the article with me defending anonymous blogs such as "The Peekskill Guardian". We actually hit it off, even though we disagreed on anonymous blogs, and have been friends since. We do agree on anonymous post(which seem at most times viscous and mean spirited ) which are different. I also received the permission to re-print articles (which after all was why I wanted to see him) and a regular column in the NCN, In My Opinion, which came as an unexpected surprise.
The irony I mentioned is Mr. Apar has a regular blog on the NCN web page (NCNLocal.com) , just go to the "Blogit" section on the right. Even though he has his "Talking Points" column in the paper, he regularly updates his blog. As good as his paper column is, his blog is better. There you can see the wit and wisdom that I saw in our first meeting. He has enjoyed the beauty of the electronic media in that there are no space constraints. I think he has also found how cathartic it is to let things off your chest (his post on the BMW taking up two spaces w/ picture is great). His last two posts regarding the Ball and Degnan race are a must read. I really think any reader of the NCN should visit it's on line sister and check out his blog. BYW: the online version now has a section on the left where you can access "Letters To The Editor". Just remember when you send yours to a friend to give credit to the NCN.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY WILLIAM GOULDMAN:
End of Summer B.B.Q./Fundraiser Supporting Bill Gouldman
Candidate for the NYS 90th Assembly District
Saturday, August 23, 2008
2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
578 Oscawana Lake Road
Putnam Valley, NY 10579
For more information call
Bill Bujarski (914) 841-4567 Bill Gouldman (914) 582-7290
…....Yes, I will attend the End of Summer BBQ honoring Bill Gouldman. Enclosed is my check for $ …...for …... people.
…….. No, sorry I cannot attend but enclosed is my donation of $ ……...
Name: ……………………………………………………
Address:………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………
Phone: …………………………………………
E-Mail: ………………………………................
Please make check payable to:
Friends of Bill Gouldman for State Assembly
PO Box 164 Putnam Valley, New York 10579
www.GouldmanAssemby.com
*************************
BILL GOULDMAN Says Follow The Money: Proposes Medicaid Whistle Blower Program To Preserve Benefits & Recover Billions
Deep Throat unraveled Watergate by advising: FOLLOW THE MONEY. If New York is going to escape its looming financial catastrophe it too must follow the money. Experts say that 20 % of New York's $46 billion Medicaid budget, that's more than $9 billion, is being ripped off by Medicaid criminals and cheats. The New York Times documented it in a series in 2005 and the New York Post acknowledged this in its Sunday August10th editorial. If 10% of the fraud were recovered New York's budget crisis would be solved and the people with the greatest need would have their benefits saved.
"How does wasting one out of every $5 of Medicaid money protect New Yorkers with the greatest need and ensure that they will receive the medical services they deserve," asked Bill Gouldman, candidate for the New York State Assembly in the 90th District. "State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli recently uncovered that 30,000 people have moved out of the state but are still collecting Medicaid checks from New York. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has recovered $250 million in Medicaid fraud, but more needs to be done," Mr. Gouldman declared.
Gouldman asserted, "Our goal should be to discover and eliminate 10% (which is half of the 20% estimate) of the Medicaid budget that is being wasted. Today I am proposing that New York State adopt a Medicaid Whistle Blower program because the people working within Medicaid know the system best. They are best equipped to root out the waste and corruption. If we use their experience and expertise we can make sure that nobody in need is deprived of services and stop those who are ripping of the system. We should encourage workers to identify Medicaid money that is being misspent. We should reward workers who save taxpayers money and preserve the services for those who should be receiving them. The Legislature should authorize a bounty to anyone who helps recover misspent Medicaid funds. Using the workers in the system would not add any cost to the recovery and produce immediate results."
Gouldman noted that Elizabeth Lynam the Deputy Director of the non partisan Citizens Budget Commission recently said "Everybody wants to protect their own interest, but the bottom line there are going to be sacrifices all the way around, and that means hard choices will need to be made."
As the time draws closer for the Legislature to return in special session and adopt a plan to save New York special interests are running TV ads trying to protect themselves. When people get caught up fighting for their own turf nothing ever gets done.
When I began my campaign last December I said that Albany must talk about the things people talk about around their kitchen tables.
It is just plain common sense that if you are going to serve the people you have to respond to what's on their minds. People talk about government waste and fraud all the time. They wonder why Albany politicians don't have the guts to do something about it.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ANDY POLAY:
Hi Folks,
I am pleased to congratulate my friend Nora on her latest release. Some of you may have seen and heard Nora as she played with my group several times in between making the scene in many venues all over the globe.
For those of you that were at the Jazz+ Blues Fest. over the weekend, you saw Nora try to battle through a bad case of Bronchitis. Like the true pro that she is, she tried to do the gig despite not being able to even talk that morning. Though the effort was valiant, she had to stop before truly hurting herself.
Below you will see information on her upcoming gig celebrating her 3rd disc. I intend to be there and hope to see you there too!
Enjoy,
Andy
In a message dated 8/13/2008 5:49:15 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, noraamccarthy@yahoo.com writes:
Dear Friends,
come celebrate the pre-release of my new CD 'Circle Completing' at The 12-Grapes! I look forward to singing for you and introducing this great band - Pablo is from Chile and is amazing on the piano. Jeffrey Carney is a world renowned bassist who plays with Barbara Streisand and Patti Austin...not bad company huh? I have been honored to share the stage with these great gents many times and delighted to call them friends..wait till you hear them. Then, as a special guest I will feature the incredible alto-saxophonist, Jorge Sylvester, who as many of you know, is my musical partner and mentor....Lots of great music and fun is on the agenda, please show your love and support for this upcoming special show. Blessings to all.
NORA McCARTHY
VOICE
PABLO VERGARA
PIANO
JEFFREY CARNEY
BASS
MUSIC POETICA
WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 20
7:30pm – 10:30pm
12-GRAPES MUSIC & WINE BAR
12 North Division Street
Peekskill, NY 10566
914-737-6624
1 block from the Paramount
"Outstanding food, amazing wine selection and friendly service."
“…McCarthy, who works in every setting from a bass and vocal duo to a twenty-piece orchestra, demonstrates that she is not one to simply serenade with the usual mix of standards.” Dan Bilawsky/Jazz Improv Magazine’s New York Jazz Guide, March 2007
“…A voice that is alternately liquid, breezy, and lustrous. Sophistication in the same vein as Chet Baker." Sound Views Magazine
“…She plays her tender voice like a musician trying to get the best out of some favored, old horn.” The Cleveland Plain Dealer
“...Yet another voice in the retro-cool school—almost at times, as cool as Julie London, but with a serpentine edge". Gary Giddins
“…Nora McCarthy delivers with the improvisational intuition of Betty Carter and the compassion of Billie Holiday.” Edward Hill
Signed copies of Circle Completing available for purchase at this performance.
**********************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
LARGEST 99th DEBATE TO DATE
Yet Somers Republican event draws only one candidate
Well over one hundred members of the Somers Republican Town Committee and the Somers Republican Club Inc. were joined by members of the media and several Democrats at their candidate forum last evening at the Somers Library. Those in attendance heard remarks from State Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I - Patterson) and a representative of Republican congressional candidate Kieran Lalor.
Many of those who turned out were disappointed when it was announced that John Degnan, an endorsed Democrat running in the Republican primary for the 99th Assembly district, refused to attend the forum.
“Two of the strongest Republican organizations in Westchester asked voters of the 99th Assembly district to come out and witness Mr. Ball and Mr. Degnan state their positions on the issues and discuss their records,” said Westchester GOP Chairman Douglas Coletly. “One of the candidates took that opportunity. It would seem to be common sense for any primary challenger to welcome an opportunity to debate an incumbent, but what Mr. Degnan does is his prerogative.”
According to Rey Solano, President of the Somers Republican Club, Degnan called ninety minutes before the event to say that he had a 'scheduling conflict' and would not be able to attend the forum.
“His call puzzled me,” Solano said. “We delivered a press release about the event two weeks ago, made phone calls, sent emails, and even made an overture through Senator Leibell's office last week which was acknowledged. We just spoke to Degnan's campaign consultant at the VFW debate on Tuesday, and he told us that Mr. Degnan was ‘making up his mind,’ not that there was any scheduling conflict.”
"What is it about John Degnan's record that has made him so afraid to appear before Westchester Republicans?'" asked Somers Republican Town Committee Chairman Jim Chisholm. "The only person who volunteered to speak for Mr. Degnan's record was the Putnam County Democratic Chairwoman."
Representing Degnan was Lynne Eckardt, head of the Putnam County Democrats, who was assiduously taking notes. She raised her hand several times to respond to questions that pertained to Degnan, and claimed she had no idea where he was, was contradicting a statement she made earlier in the day that he had a scheduling conflict.
In that same statement, Eckardt criticized a previous Westchester forum that Degnan also did not attend for having a moderator who carried petitions for Assemblyman Ball. In her remarks, she did not address the Carmel forum taking place April 19 that is moderated by a local resident who carried petitions for Degnan.
Chisholm added, "Yesterday, I stated if Mr. Degnan did not attend this event, it would prove yet again he does not respect Westchester Republicans. After hearing a Democratic County Chairwoman attempt to explain Degnan's record of laying out the welcome mat for illegal aliens and contractors, his ever-shifting party allegiances, and his opposition to a tax cap, I stand by my statement."
Ball took the opportunity to tout some of his legislative accomplishments, but also addressed the need for systemic reform in Albany and reminded everyone that he was the only candidate in the race to support a tax cap. He even fielded a statement from Eckardt and refuted her soporific canard, and was left with an open forum to connect directly with voters and excoriate county insiders and career state politicians for their huge tax increases and addiction to spending.
During the question and answer phase, Solano asked if Mr. Degnan's empty chair alluded to another empty seat rubber stamp for Sheldon Silver, were he to be elected. An impromptu straw poll conducted by the Assemblyman found that no one present thought Albany was working for them, and he vowed to redouble his efforts to challenge traditional Albany.
"For the life of me, I can't understand how Mr. Degnan thinks he has a prayer in the world of winning this primary if he believes Republicans in Westchester are not important enough to spend an evening with," Chisholm concluded. "It reminds me of 2006, you have John Degnan, the establishment backed candidate, who is basically a no-show no-name in Westchester, like Willis Stephens was. That is why Westchester delivered Assemblyman Ball his largest margin of victory during the 2006 primary race. Mr. Degnan seems to be setting himself up for a repeat of that scenario."
***********************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GALEF PROPOSES NEW WAY TO CUT LOCAL SCHOOL TAXES AND SAVE HEALTH CARE COSTS
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, in response to New York’s current economic crisis and in consideration of the recommendations of the Suozzi Commission, has proposed a fundamentally new way to pay for certain education expenses in New York State. Galef recommended in a letter sent to Governor Paterson on July 31st that the New York State government should take over health care costs of school employees statewide by folding school employees into the Empire Plan used by other state civil servants. Galef’s bold plan represents the type of creative, cost-cutting solutions necessary for New York State to overcome its current property tax crisis. The plan would cut health care costs by creating a larger pool of health care participants; decrease school budgets as schools are facing a property tax cap; and substantially reduce the tax levy for New York State property taxpayers in this time of economic tumult.
Galef’s plan would be a significant relief to both property taxpayers and local school districts. The recently released Suozzi Report recommended the state reconsider several of the mandates it imposes on local school districts. Health care for school employees is a continually increasing nondiscretionary expense that takes up a large percent of a local school district’s budget. By taking health care costs out of the local property tax levy, school districts can avoid making critical programmatic cuts and property taxpayers will see a substantially reduced tax burden in New York’s current economic climate. School districts would also save money that would otherwise be spent determining health care plans and negotiating with teachers.
Additionally, by shifting health care costs to the state government, the overall health care cost would be reduced because the Empire Plan, which is currently used by other civil servants but not all teachers, would be drawing from a larger pool of healthcare participants. The cost of health care for school employees would also be distributed more equitably since it would be paid for by the statewide income tax.
Galef said, “This plan represents the innovative, cost-cutting measures that are absolutely necessary for New York State to tackle its current property tax crisis. The decrease in the property tax levy that would come from the state funding health care for school employees would be significant relief for property taxpayers, who are telling us across the state that property taxes have gotten out of control. This plan would benefit local school districts, which would no longer be responsible for perpetually increasing health care costs, and could decrease competition between districts trying to offer better health care. School districts would also save money that would otherwise be spent on negotiating health care contracts with teachers, who would be part of the same health care plan enjoyed by other state civil servants, including me.”
The New York State School Boards Association recognizes health care costs as one of the four highest non-discretionary costs that school districts face. In 2005-2006, New York State school districts paid an aggregate cost of $3,737,116,479 on health care for employees, which was 15.25% of the total amount spent on education. Health care costs are increasing every year but would be reduced and paid for more equitably by Galef’s innovative new plan.
************************************************************************************
CABLE T.V. UPDATE:
THE ISSUES WITH SAM DAVIS:
Posted By Dawn Powell:
The Issues, with host Sam Davis, airs this Thursday at 9 PM. Sam's guest this week is Robert Goldstein, General Counsel for Riverkeeper. The main topic for discussion is the Tappan Zee Bridge, a major project for this region. When the planning for this was started, It was supposed to include public participation. Sam went to one of the initial meetings while Putnam Valley Supervisor. As with Putnam Valley's Peekskill Hollow Road, the public has been shut out of the process. Watch this show for more information about this important project.
And next week, another terrific show with Fred Koontz of Teatown Lake Reservation. Hear more about conservation, environmental education, and hope for the future.
The Issues may be seen in Peekskill on Mondays at 8PM, Channel 15, and on ComCast, Channel 8. It is also available in the Mahopac Library.
*******************
THE VOLPE REPORT:
The Volpe Report
Host: Domenic Volpe
Upcoming Schedule
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the line up of guests for August. John Curran the City of Peekskill Historian will showcase the Urban Renewal projects of the 60's abd 70's and highlight the impact in the downtown district. Mr. Curran will be seen Thursday- August 7, 14, and 21 at 8:00pm, Channel 15 in the Peek/Cortlandt areas. The Yorktown area will see his show on Wednesday July 30, August 6, and 13 at 6:00pm on Channel 74.
Once again we thank all our viewers to look in and if there are any questions or comments regarding any of these shows please forward any responses to the Volpereport@aol.com
Domenic Volpe
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM JOHN TESTA:
RE: FROM HIS NEW WEB SITE: http://www.johngtesta.com/
Thank you for visiting my web site. Northern Westchester is an important historical area that contributed greatly to our nation's development. The City of Peekskill, the Town of Cortlandt and the Town of Yorktown have given so much to our country's history. I am honored to have served as Mayor for the City of Peekskill and look forward to further serving the the community through this site.
This site will be updated often to stop back from time to time. I would appreciate receiving comments and suggestions regarding the site. Thank you very much.
John G. Testa
*************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss Westchester County Governments misuse of tax dollars. 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:
JOHN G. TESTA: www.johngtesta.com
ON TOPIC W/ JOHN TESTA: www.ontopicwithjt.com
THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE: http://www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR 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.) chanel 74 at 6pm (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
**********************************************************************************
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 08/17/08
Sunday, August 03, 2008
COUNTY GOVERMENT...STOP ME BEFORE I ABUSE THE SYSTEM AGAIN
Dear Readers:
In an interesting irony, it seems the county nannies are in need of a nanny themselves. The Special Committee On Controls and Procedures, a committee formed by County Board Chairman Bill Ryan in the wake of Ryan's chief advisor Gary Kriss' questionable spending of taxpayer dollars(you can get yourself up to snuff by archiving Journal News columnist Phil Reisman's columns regarding this topic on LoHud.com) has spoken. Simply put the report says stop me before I abuse the taxpayers again. Two of the recommendations, 1) Name a chief of staff within the existing budget to oversee day-to-day duties, employee evaluations, human resource matters, 2) Provide employee handbook, with organizational chart, policies, code of conduct, prove my point. By recommending this hand book, the committee is saying that our legislators and their aides are too stupid to differentiate between tax dollars and their own money. As many of these legislators are entrenched, this is understandable. The aides, seeing how their bosses treat tax money can also be forgiven for not knowing the difference. This also explains why we are one of the most taxed counties in the nation. The need for this handbook also explains the need to abolish county government. This book I might also point out would be paid with our tax dollars.
Simply put, if this handbook is so necessary, then it is time to vote out these legislators and they can take their aides with them. The problem is that Mr. Kriss' expenditures were authorized, it may be difficult to prove that his taxpayer-funded purchases were improper. So reimbursement would be questionable. So if Chairman Ryan authorized the purchase of a Rolls-Royce, under the existing practice, this would not be deemed improper. So in essence no crime has been committed because the legislator legalized the crime. This practice, which has been going on for years is noxious. It is an insult to the hard working taxpayer. To giver yourself the right to do something does not make it right to do.
The naming of a chief of staff is to add to an already over bloated government another layer of taxpayer funded bureaucracy. We will have to now pay somebody to tell our legislators the difference from right and wrong. You can't make this stuff up. It would be funny if it weren't so serious. I think the committee has done a decent job under the circumstances. However the premise they went into this with, that our county government is basically an instrument for good is flawed. This incident of questionable use of taxpayer money is not isolated.
In a recently related incident, the county government has or is purchasing new voting machines. These are optic scanners w/ paper. I have not heard we had any problem with the old machines other than their age. In fact Peekskill Councilman Don Bennett has voiced concerns with me about these new machines. We should have just gotten newer ones. However new federal laws in the wake of the false accusation that the 2000 election was stolen makes this not possible. In this age of motor voter, even these new machines will not stop voter fraud. What these new machines will make possible though is the need to purchase for 13.6 million dollars(this price includes the costs of referbishing) a building in Ardsley to store them. In the past the old machines were stored by the local municipalities. How ever this building is owned by a major contributor to the County Executive. They say there is no quid-pro-quo, yet this building at 450 Sawmill River Road is not easily accessible, up a hill and hard to find. Seems no one else wants this building and even in this market place the county is willing to pay top dollar. Also in a cynical ploy, our legislators have separated the cost of purchasing and upgrading to keep the matter from becomming a public referendum by keeping the individual costs below ten million dollars. By doing it this way, they avoid having to account to the tax payers why this building is necessary and not one of the many buildings the county already owns or rents. It seems to me there is no price to great to pay to help a friend as long as it's our tax dollars being used, after all they can always raise our taxes.
If this committee really wanted to address the core issues, it would have said county leadership has lost their moral compass. They have convinced themselves they are the ruling class. They are no longer public servants, we are the servant public. Our money is theirs to do with as they please. This county government redundant in many cases, with law makers and bureaucrats trying to justify their existence and is already over bloated. They would say it is time to abolish this layer of government. Their recommendations would seem to suggest that.
*************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKEND AT THE DIVISION STREET GRILL N.DIVISION STREET PEEKSILL:
Appearing this weekend at
The Division Street Grill
26 North Division Street
Downtown Peekskill
739-6380
Friday August 8
The John Basile Trio
Cece Hankins on Vocals
8:30 - 11:30
Saturday August 9th
in the streets
The Peekskill Jazz & Blues Festival
5 - 10 PM
Inside
The Carmen Leggio Quartet
9:30 - 12:30
For Reservations call
739-6380
info@divisionstreetgrill.com
************************************************************************************
CABLE T.V. UPDATE:
THE ISSUES WITH SAM DAVIS:
Posted By Dawn Powell:
The Issues, with host Sam Davis, airs this Thursday at 9 PM. Sam's guest this week is Robert Goldstein, General Counsel for Riverkeeper. The main topic for discussion is the Tappan Zee Bridge, a major project for this region. When the planning for this was started, It was supposed to include public participation. Sam went to one of the initial meetings while Putnam Valley Supervisor. As with Putnam Valley's Peekskill Hollow Road, the public has been shut out of the process. Watch this show for more information about this important project.
And next week, another terrific show with Fred Koontz of Teatown Lake Reservation. Hear more about conservation, environmental education, and hope for the future.
The Issues may be seen in Peekskill on Mondays at 8PM, Channel 15, and on ComCast, Channel 8. It is also available in the Mahopac Library.
*******************
THE VOLPE REPORT:
The Volpe Report
Host: Domenic Volpe
Upcoming Schedule
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the line up of guests for August. John Curran the City of Peekskill Historian will showcase the Urban Renewal projects of the 60's abd 70's and highlight the impact in the downtown district. Mr. Curran will be seen Thursday- August 7, 14, and 21 at 8:00pm, Channel 15 in the Peek/Cortlandt areas. The Yorktown area will see his show on Wednesday July 30, August 6, and 13 at 6:00pm on Channel 74.
Once again we thank all our viewers to look in and if there are any questions or comments regarding any of these shows please forward any responses to the Volpereport@aol.com
Domenic Volpe
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR KAPLOWITZ:
KAPLOWITZ INTRODUCES “REAL REFORM” PACKAGE
“Times are very tough. We simply have no choice but to cut spending and get some money back to the taxpayers. Anything else is just not ‘real reform’.” -- Kaplowitz
Vice Chairman of the County Board of Legislators Michael B. Kaplowitz (D-I-WF, Somers), today stood up for the taxpayers and introduced what Kaplowitz is referring to as “real reform”.
According to Kaplowitz, the immediate past chair of the Legislature’s Budget & Appropriations Committee, a more comprehensive reform initiative should be delivered by the Board’s Special Committee on Internal Controls & Procedures (ICP), a committee that was created and its members appointed by Board Chair Bill Ryan back in June. County Legislator Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers) was appointed by Ryan to chair the committee. It was at this afternoon’s ICP meeting that Kaplowitz released his proposal.
Kaplowitz, an attorney and certified financial planner, said that in light of these difficult economic times, it is critical that this Board make some tough decisions now in order to protect the taxpayers interest. “This must be done in an honest and open fashion,” he continued.
Kaplowitz noted that he is hoping to ultimately convince his fellow lawmakers to support
his “Real Reform” proposal.
(more)
“Although I appreciate the work my colleagues on this special committee have done, they simply are not going far enough,” Kaplowitz continued.
“Times are very tough. We simply have no choice but to cut spending and get some money back to the taxpayers. Anything else is just not ‘real reform’.”
Included in Kaplowitz’ proposal, among other things, are:
• An immediate hiring freeze at the Board of Legislators
• At least a 5% reduction in staff and a staff restructuring
• The elimination of county cars for the Board Chair, any legislator and/or staff use
• A three-term limit for the position of Board Chair
Kaplowitz is urging the public to review the proposal and they support it to contact their legislator to ask them to support it as well. Kaplowitz’ “Real Reform” proposal can be found on his home page on the Board’s website: www.westchesterlegislators.com.
A copy can also be obtained by calling Kaplowitz’ office at (914) 995-2848 or by emailing him at: Kaplowitz@westchesterlegislators.com
THE PROPOSAL:
Four Part Plan to Restore the Public’s Trust in
the Westchester County Board of Legislators
presented by
Michael Kaplowitz, Vice Chair
(914) 924-3404 cell
July 30, 2008
Public confidence in the Westchester County Board of Legislators has recently begun to fade after a series of disclosures of poor fiscal oversight, a lack of internal controls and excessive spending.
In order to restore public confidence, to recognize the extraordinarily difficult economic times and the positive role the County Board can play in providing critically important public services we must assure the public that the Board of Legislators is serious about reforming the way it conducts the public business.
In addition, to assure that all Board purchases and expense reimbursements from 2003 to the present have been appropriate and that any steps necessary to recover misappropriated public funds are established, the following Four Part Plan is recommended for adoption by the Board of Legislators.
The “Plan” sets out specific action steps that will help restore the public’s confidence and demonstrate that the Board of Legislators is effectively and appropriately discharging its fiduciary responsibility and oversight role under the County Charter.
1. Operational Reform:
A. Reorganizational Changes:
• The Chief of Staff role shall be restored and united with the responsibilities of the Board Clerk. The responsibilities of this position shall include all staff oversight and administrative procedures for the day- to- day operation of Board activities. There shall be a Deputy Chief of Staff/Board Clerk who assists the Board Clerk and assures continuity in the absence of the Board Clerk. All hiring, firing and disciplinary procedures of staff shall be made upon the recommendation of the Chief of Staff/Board Clerk and shall be acted upon by the full Board of Legislators.
• The Chief of Legislative Matters / Legislative Counsel shall oversee the substantive and legislative side of Board operations. Counsel shall oversee committee operations, substantive legislative items and shall coordinate with legislative leaders and individual legislators.
• The Chief of Fiscal Affairs shall be responsible for the budgetary and fiscal internal operations of the department as well as guiding the fiscal/budget oversight role of the Board of Legislators.
• The Communications Director shall direct public communications through all mediums including the Board’s website.
• All above individuals shall directly report to the Chairperson.
• This reorganization will increase accountability, streamline operations, enhance transparency and provide significant budgetary savings.
B. Role of Chairperson Changes:
• The Chairperson of the Board of Legislators is selected by the full Board to run Board operations as a County Department Head. The Chair is the Chief Executive Officer of the Department and shall be directly accountable to the Legislature.
• The Chairperson shall not serve more than three (3) terms.
• There shall be no advisors reporting directly to the Chairperson other than the positions enumerated above, as well as support staff.
• The Chairperson in the role of Department Head shall prepare and defend the Board of Legislators annual budget before the Budget & Appropriations Committee.
• The Chairperson on an annual basis shall present a State of the Board of Legislators report to the full Board of Legislators.
• The Chairperson shall on a semi-annual basis report all Board expenditures to the Budget & Appropriations Committee.
• The Chairperson shall not have a county provided car but may receive appropriate reimbursement for legitimate governmental travel other than normal commuting expenses.
C. Legislator/Staff Changes:
• There shall be provision for one telephonic device per legislator as well as one for Chief of Staff/Board Clerk, Deputy Chief of Staff/Board Clerk, Chief of Legislative Matters, Chief of Fiscal Affairs and Communications Director. These devices shall be used for official Board business only. Private use shall be reimbursed by user. No telephonic device for other individuals, advisors and staff shall be provided at the public’s expense.
• There shall be provision for one computer per legislator and one computer per staff. No computer for non-legislators and non-staff.
• No County-owned car shall be assigned to any legislator or staff.
• Legislators may receive appropriate reimbursement for legitimate governmental travel other than normal commuting expenses.
• If approved in the annual Board of Legislators’ budget, a Travel policy shall allow for either a lump sum dollar amount for each of two annual conferences (NYSAC and NACO) divided by number of legislators attending, or full reimbursement for the Chairperson and one other attending legislator.
2. Budgetary Reform:
• Full Board operations shall be detailed in the annual department budget.
• Special Items shall not be used for legislative earmarks, but instead reserved for unexpected budgetary needs.
• Legislator additions shall be added to miscellaneous or departmental budget as separate expenditure lines and defended/voted upon with full disclosure.
• The County Board shall immediately institute a hiring freeze.
• The County Board shall cut staff by at least 5% this year and at least 10% in 2009 from 2007 levels.
• The County Board shall immediately reduce 2008 expenses by at least 5% this year and at least 10% in 2009 from 2007 levels.
• Legislation shall be promulgated to recognize no more than cost of living increases in legislative salaries from 2010 and beyond.
• Salary levels shall be set for all leadership and committee assignments and additional committee stipends will not be provided.
• There shall be no retroactive increases for legislators for the years 2007 through 2009.
• All Board purchases shall follow the existing County purchasing policy.
• All Board hires shall be in conformity to County hiring practices.
• Institution of above measures will save taxpayers at least $250,000 in 2008 and at least $500,000 in 2009.
3. Full Accounting and Reimbursement of any Misappropriated or Misspent Funds:
• Establishment of three member Committee to conduct accounting of purchases and expense reimbursements for years 2003 through present. The members shall be the Chief of Fiscal Affairs for the Board, the County’s Budget Director or representative, and the County’s Finance director or representative. They shall examine all purchases and expense reimbursements for 2003 through the present, determine the location of said items, study the stated and real purpose of said items and determine if any purchases or expense reimbursements were made outside the legitimate scope of the county government.
• This Committee shall provide a report to the full Board of Legislators that includes findings of whether any purchases or expense reimbursement were or were not related to County business and suggest any recommendations of action.
• The full Board of Legislators shall then take action or demand reimbursement of taxpayer monies where appropriate.
• The committee shall act independently of any ongoing investigation by the Westchester County District Attorney or other investigative body and shall fully cooperate with authorities by providing records or information that may be requested.
4. Establishment of a County Office of Inspector General:
• Appointed jointly by County Executive and Board of Legislators, an independent Inspector General shall be appointed with a fixed five year term to investigate internal complaints from employees or the public regarding Westchester County governmental operations. This revives an earlier County Executive Spano legislative idea submitted years ago to the Board of Legislators but never acted upon.
• The Inspector General will enable whistleblowers to come forward with specific knowledge of malfeasance or misfeasance with sufficient protection for the whistleblowers.
• The Inspector General will as appropriate issue findings and recommendations and/or refer alleged criminality to the appropriate legal authorities.
• The purpose of this office is to root out any possible existing wrongdoing and to deter inappropriate future behavior on the part of all County Employees and Elected Officials.
************************************************************************************
E-MAIL RESPONSE FROM PALN-PUTNAM PUBLISHER JEFF GREEN
Good Monday Morning,
My apologies for being late this morning but an NtM fan took me out for breakfast this morning. My schedule is open for those also inclined.
If you've noticed, gasoline prices have dropped a bit now that all this attention is focused on speculators and oil company profits (read: government encouraged price gouging). Congress is tied up in knots over offshore drilling and pretty much every politician from Albany, NY to Xenia, Ohio is pushing for increased domestic petro-production but notably few are calling for conservation and fewer still for an immediate improvement in energy efficiency. Oh, we'll get to that, once the oceans are spoiled, mountains are leveled and the future bankrupt but, as the Vice President once said, the American lifestyle is non-negotiable and thus we're not going to have to make any sacrifices. Somehow, some magical, mystical force will keep your SUV's running and your homes heated.
Here's the truth: what's going to save this nation is sacrifice on our part as individuals and as communities. Even if we were to allow drilling on our coasts tomorrow morning and drilled right into the bottom of Lake Gleneida, you won't see any benefits and the sh*t will still hit the energy fan. And by that time the politicians you voted for today, those who promise an oil-rich future, will have garnered their wealth and power and retired safely able to blame someone else.
Both candidates for the 19th Congressional district have taken the wrong position on this issue. Mr. Lalor following the national Republican mantra, believes we can drill our way out of the energy crunch and Mr. Hall, following the Democrat line, wants additional flows of national reserves to help stabilize prices. But as I wrote the other day, you can flow all the oil you want but we do not have the refining capacity to put additional supplies into the distribution network and so the only people who will benefit from either approach will be the oil companies.
There are manufactured goods we depend on which make our lives livable and comfortable, items that with current technology cannot be made using any other source but petroleum products. Do we empty the earth to move our cars today or do we keep that oil in the ground for the future to use? In other words, do we satisfy an immediate political need or can we be mature enough as a society to resist temptation and look to the future instead? If we use that oil today to lower the cost of gasoline a dime or so - 4 years from now assuming consumption stays the same - what will our children be left with?
If you want to see a reduction in the cost of fuel, use less of it. It's that simple.
We have a choice to make:
Should national energy policy be to enrich the oil companies and garner votes with the promise of continuing a non-sustainable lifestyle or should we push the nation into a crash program of energy independence and make some sacrifices along the way?
If you remember back to the oil crisis of the 1970's we took the latter approach and built the economy while using less - dramatically less - fossil fuels. That should serve as a model for where we need to be today.
There are things we can do right here at home to help. The county, rather than looking for developers to build shopping malls, should be designating land and encouraging investors to build wind turbines on county, municipal and private lands. Local zoning and planning boards should create regulations to allow and encourage the use of personal wind turbines and require that all new construction provide a minimum of %75 of its energy needs from on-site sources. This can be as simple as using passive solar to heat homes and hot water, green-roofing or requiring super-insulation (18" thick outside walls) as part of local building codes. While there are some added costs to initial construction, those costs are recovered the very first time you realize you heated your home for the winter on 50 gallons - or less - of oil. You might have to forgo the "bonus room" or that 4th bathroom, but the benefits for you - and for the community - would be more than measurable and continue on year after year.
None of this is rocket science and all is available as proven, affordable technology that keeps getting better with each iteration.
We should be looking to the Hudson River as a source of power generated by its twice a day tides. We should be expanding the availability of mass transit by scheduling PART buses to run at convenient times to deliver - and pick up - commuters to and from our several Metro North stations. And the cost of mass transit into and out of NYC should be affordable - it is not so now. It should be cheaper to take the train than to drive. In fact, several European capitols are experimenting with free or near free mass transit.
As a matter of regional policy, we should be encouraging what's left of our local farms to grow consumer crops and make monies available for hydroponics and other advances in local agriculture rather than giving those dollars to out-of-county developers to build housing, hotels and shopping malls. When properties in the Ag District come up for renewal, we should require they be growing produce for local delivery for continued inclusion. Previously cleared open space lands should be producing food.
And I've said it before but will again, the county should be working Tilly Foster Farm to provide both cellulosic ethanol and bio-diesel to power the county trucking fleet. Solar panels should cover the Putnam National and Centennial golf courses to take those facilities off the grid and the open space in front of the Kent Town Center should likewise be used. There is no logical reason not to do this. If the county and towns cry "we don't have the money!" let them take a look at their electricity bills and do the math. We cannot afford NOT to do this.
Why we cannot get elected officials nor their competitor-hopefuls to take any of this seriously is not their fault, it's ours. We have become energy fat and lazy and complacent and expect government to give us what we want when we want it even if we know it's not practical. Feed me today and we'll worry about tomorrow... tomorrow. We will vote for the guy that promises us no pain - even though we know he cannot deliver - and then complain when it hurts anyway.
The rest of the industrialized world is taking all of this pretty seriously. In Germany and Spain any new construction needs to meet energy efficiency standards that are unknown in the United States. Both Sweden and Norway are working towards the removal of fossil fuels from their lives. Even Arab nations are light-years ahead of the United States on weaning themselves off fossil fuels. And, if they're doing it don't you think there's something we're not completely understanding? Yes, they are running out of oil and are preparing themselves for the near future and they're doing it on *your* petro-dollars. Why aren't we doing it on our petro-dollars?
We need to make a dramatic change in the way we think, work, build our communities and live our lives and we cannot look to Washington for help. The National government will only assist the oil industry in consolidating profits and will not work to see us through the coming energy crunch. This is something we're going to have to do without their help and will have to, (as federal policies keep changing to thwart alternative energy competition), fight against our own government to ensure a successful future.
Get active today. Call your Town Hall, call the County Legislature and pressure Albany to do the right thing energy-wise. And please, don't fall for the charlatans who tell you that we can drill our way out of this for they're lying to you and you know it. Deep down inside you know it to be the truth. Be brave for the future is scarier than you think and there's no one in Washington who is going to help us.
This is something we need to do on our own. Let's get to it.
Jeff Green
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
BALL COMMENTS ON GOVERNOR’S ECONOMIC SPEECH
Less than a month after calling on the State Legislature to “enact property tax relief or stay in Albany,” Assemblyman Greg Ball (R – Patterson) responded to Governor Paterson’s speech on the state of New York State’s economy tonight.
“What the Governor told us tonight is not anything new – especially for those of us living in Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties, where we are already paying the highest property taxes in the nation. Taxation of all forms has skyrocketed because Albany’s three men in a room have refused to cut their addiction to spending for far too long. We know that taxes are driving us out of our homes, losing jobs, and forcing businesses to close. Seniors are struggling with the choice of paying for heat or medications or their property tax bill. Our young residents are fleeing the state as soon as they can for greener pastures. This is no surprise to the people of New York State,” stated Ball.
The Assemblyman continued, “Throughout my first term, I have been dedicated to holding the line on spending. I voted against both the 2007 and 2008 State Budgets because they flat out spent too much. I voted against every proposed tax increase. Unlike many of my colleagues, I have held true to my principles and I have kept my word to the people I represent. I have been adamant about this session’s lackluster achievements and was the first to call on my colleagues to stay in Albany so that we can, for once and for all, address the concerns of our state and set out what we promised to do – build a brighter, more affordable, more secure future for all New Yorkers.”
“As I have been, I am ready to get back to Albany and hope that now that Governor Paterson is on board, we can finally address the urgent concerns facing our state. I look forward to partnering with him to bring to the forefront property tax reform, economic development, and a huge reduction in government spending,” concluded Ball.
******************
Folks:
This is an email directly from me, and I am asking for your help.
Today, we have discovered that Albany insiders, including our State Senator, have funneled over $100k (we believe illegally) to my opponent.They have admitted to over $50k in what seems to be illegal transfers to a ghost campaign committee (read more here: http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807260364 ). They are shifting much more through another, third party organization.
Sadly, the failed Brewster Mayor is nothing more than a puppet for those who seek to maintain the status quo. They will stop at nothing to keep their house of cards together.
Folks, if you care, as I do, about this community and about this state. If you are tired of the shenanigans and the good ole boys, if you want to see Brewster truly revitalized and if you are tired of liberal Republicans who give away the store in Albany– please – please take a moment a make a donation today at www.Ball4NY.com.
Your Friend!
Greg Ball
www.Ball4NY.com
**************************
My opponent is pro-abort, pro-illegal alien, against the property tax cap and…
…running as a Democrat in a Republican Primary.But do not take our word for it…watch him for yourself:
Watch my opponent attack my military service (he never served):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t77Gh_Cn6H4&feature=related
Watch my opponent attack a senior citizen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tac1HFbMX6g&feature=related
Watch my opponent stand against my property tax cap:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIMpdZss8gQ
Watch my opponent defend the “alleged” sexual predator living in one of his many Brewster properties:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgoWzdSR9nI&feature=related
Watch my opponent explain his pro-abort position:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4QNgfvfXas
Please, make a donation large or small. Or send a check to “New Yorkers on the Ball” PO Box 607 Pawling NY 12564
We need every penny just to keep up! We will win. We are winning. We are going to win big on September 9th! But we need every bit of grassroots help we can get! Send this message to everyone you know!
Thank You
Greg Ball
(917) 681-9302
***********************
TV Commercial:
JOHN DEGNAN: NATIONAL SECURITY NIGHTMARE
View The 30 Second Commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmErZFBOraY
Donate $100, right now…and we will be able to place this commercial on TV
(FOX News, News 12, MSNBC, etc.) this week, at least once!!!
Donate $100, or more, and help…get the word out about the Failed Brewster Mayor!!
Click Here to Donate:
http://www.ball4ny.com/contribute.aspx
SHAKING UP ALBANY
Click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-rl-DJbmdY&feature=related
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS ILLEGAL SPOT
Click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfqDgwx1FXw&feature=related
www.Ball4NY.com
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef’s “Roundtable on Shared Services with NYS Comptroller Thomas Di Napoli, Alfred DelBello, James Langlois and Linda Puglisi”
Airs on Cable Television
Galef’s Forum Offers Viewers Concrete Solutions to Cutting Local Costs Without Giving Up Services
(August 1, 2008) Assemblywoman Sandy Galef takes a deep look at the property tax crisis in New York in a series of TV shows focusing on the topic. The series, which kicked off in March, continues to appear on cable television through October. The next show to air, in two parts, highlights the forum Galef hosted in the spring on sharing services to save taxpayer dollars. Starting at the end of August, Part One, featuring New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Westchester County Association Chairman Alfred DelBello, Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES District Superintendent Dr. James Langlois, and Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi, will air. Part Two of this roundtable will be featured in October.
“We must find a solution to out-of-control property taxes in New York,” says Galef. “This involves looking for ways to reduce costs without compromising services. At this roundtable, we had experts from business, municipal government, schools and state government talking about successes they have had which saved money through sharing services. I’m so glad my constituents will have an opportunity to hear what these officials have to say so they can help advocate for cost cutting measures in their own communities.” Galef also serves as Chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Real Property Taxation.
Tune into 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.
“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, 10 & 17.
“Roundtable… Part 2” airs 9/24, 10/1, 8 & 15.
*************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss the death by suicide of the local Republican parties. 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:
JOHN G. TESTA: www.johngtesta.com
ON TOPIC W/ JOHN TESTA: www.ontopicwithjt.com
THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE: http://www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR 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
**********************************************************************************
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 08/04/08
In an interesting irony, it seems the county nannies are in need of a nanny themselves. The Special Committee On Controls and Procedures, a committee formed by County Board Chairman Bill Ryan in the wake of Ryan's chief advisor Gary Kriss' questionable spending of taxpayer dollars(you can get yourself up to snuff by archiving Journal News columnist Phil Reisman's columns regarding this topic on LoHud.com) has spoken. Simply put the report says stop me before I abuse the taxpayers again. Two of the recommendations, 1) Name a chief of staff within the existing budget to oversee day-to-day duties, employee evaluations, human resource matters, 2) Provide employee handbook, with organizational chart, policies, code of conduct, prove my point. By recommending this hand book, the committee is saying that our legislators and their aides are too stupid to differentiate between tax dollars and their own money. As many of these legislators are entrenched, this is understandable. The aides, seeing how their bosses treat tax money can also be forgiven for not knowing the difference. This also explains why we are one of the most taxed counties in the nation. The need for this handbook also explains the need to abolish county government. This book I might also point out would be paid with our tax dollars.
Simply put, if this handbook is so necessary, then it is time to vote out these legislators and they can take their aides with them. The problem is that Mr. Kriss' expenditures were authorized, it may be difficult to prove that his taxpayer-funded purchases were improper. So reimbursement would be questionable. So if Chairman Ryan authorized the purchase of a Rolls-Royce, under the existing practice, this would not be deemed improper. So in essence no crime has been committed because the legislator legalized the crime. This practice, which has been going on for years is noxious. It is an insult to the hard working taxpayer. To giver yourself the right to do something does not make it right to do.
The naming of a chief of staff is to add to an already over bloated government another layer of taxpayer funded bureaucracy. We will have to now pay somebody to tell our legislators the difference from right and wrong. You can't make this stuff up. It would be funny if it weren't so serious. I think the committee has done a decent job under the circumstances. However the premise they went into this with, that our county government is basically an instrument for good is flawed. This incident of questionable use of taxpayer money is not isolated.
In a recently related incident, the county government has or is purchasing new voting machines. These are optic scanners w/ paper. I have not heard we had any problem with the old machines other than their age. In fact Peekskill Councilman Don Bennett has voiced concerns with me about these new machines. We should have just gotten newer ones. However new federal laws in the wake of the false accusation that the 2000 election was stolen makes this not possible. In this age of motor voter, even these new machines will not stop voter fraud. What these new machines will make possible though is the need to purchase for 13.6 million dollars(this price includes the costs of referbishing) a building in Ardsley to store them. In the past the old machines were stored by the local municipalities. How ever this building is owned by a major contributor to the County Executive. They say there is no quid-pro-quo, yet this building at 450 Sawmill River Road is not easily accessible, up a hill and hard to find. Seems no one else wants this building and even in this market place the county is willing to pay top dollar. Also in a cynical ploy, our legislators have separated the cost of purchasing and upgrading to keep the matter from becomming a public referendum by keeping the individual costs below ten million dollars. By doing it this way, they avoid having to account to the tax payers why this building is necessary and not one of the many buildings the county already owns or rents. It seems to me there is no price to great to pay to help a friend as long as it's our tax dollars being used, after all they can always raise our taxes.
If this committee really wanted to address the core issues, it would have said county leadership has lost their moral compass. They have convinced themselves they are the ruling class. They are no longer public servants, we are the servant public. Our money is theirs to do with as they please. This county government redundant in many cases, with law makers and bureaucrats trying to justify their existence and is already over bloated. They would say it is time to abolish this layer of government. Their recommendations would seem to suggest that.
*************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKEND AT THE DIVISION STREET GRILL N.DIVISION STREET PEEKSILL:
Appearing this weekend at
The Division Street Grill
26 North Division Street
Downtown Peekskill
739-6380
Friday August 8
The John Basile Trio
Cece Hankins on Vocals
8:30 - 11:30
Saturday August 9th
in the streets
The Peekskill Jazz & Blues Festival
5 - 10 PM
Inside
The Carmen Leggio Quartet
9:30 - 12:30
For Reservations call
739-6380
info@divisionstreetgrill.com
************************************************************************************
CABLE T.V. UPDATE:
THE ISSUES WITH SAM DAVIS:
Posted By Dawn Powell:
The Issues, with host Sam Davis, airs this Thursday at 9 PM. Sam's guest this week is Robert Goldstein, General Counsel for Riverkeeper. The main topic for discussion is the Tappan Zee Bridge, a major project for this region. When the planning for this was started, It was supposed to include public participation. Sam went to one of the initial meetings while Putnam Valley Supervisor. As with Putnam Valley's Peekskill Hollow Road, the public has been shut out of the process. Watch this show for more information about this important project.
And next week, another terrific show with Fred Koontz of Teatown Lake Reservation. Hear more about conservation, environmental education, and hope for the future.
The Issues may be seen in Peekskill on Mondays at 8PM, Channel 15, and on ComCast, Channel 8. It is also available in the Mahopac Library.
*******************
THE VOLPE REPORT:
The Volpe Report
Host: Domenic Volpe
Upcoming Schedule
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the line up of guests for August. John Curran the City of Peekskill Historian will showcase the Urban Renewal projects of the 60's abd 70's and highlight the impact in the downtown district. Mr. Curran will be seen Thursday- August 7, 14, and 21 at 8:00pm, Channel 15 in the Peek/Cortlandt areas. The Yorktown area will see his show on Wednesday July 30, August 6, and 13 at 6:00pm on Channel 74.
Once again we thank all our viewers to look in and if there are any questions or comments regarding any of these shows please forward any responses to the Volpereport@aol.com
Domenic Volpe
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR KAPLOWITZ:
KAPLOWITZ INTRODUCES “REAL REFORM” PACKAGE
“Times are very tough. We simply have no choice but to cut spending and get some money back to the taxpayers. Anything else is just not ‘real reform’.” -- Kaplowitz
Vice Chairman of the County Board of Legislators Michael B. Kaplowitz (D-I-WF, Somers), today stood up for the taxpayers and introduced what Kaplowitz is referring to as “real reform”.
According to Kaplowitz, the immediate past chair of the Legislature’s Budget & Appropriations Committee, a more comprehensive reform initiative should be delivered by the Board’s Special Committee on Internal Controls & Procedures (ICP), a committee that was created and its members appointed by Board Chair Bill Ryan back in June. County Legislator Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers) was appointed by Ryan to chair the committee. It was at this afternoon’s ICP meeting that Kaplowitz released his proposal.
Kaplowitz, an attorney and certified financial planner, said that in light of these difficult economic times, it is critical that this Board make some tough decisions now in order to protect the taxpayers interest. “This must be done in an honest and open fashion,” he continued.
Kaplowitz noted that he is hoping to ultimately convince his fellow lawmakers to support
his “Real Reform” proposal.
(more)
“Although I appreciate the work my colleagues on this special committee have done, they simply are not going far enough,” Kaplowitz continued.
“Times are very tough. We simply have no choice but to cut spending and get some money back to the taxpayers. Anything else is just not ‘real reform’.”
Included in Kaplowitz’ proposal, among other things, are:
• An immediate hiring freeze at the Board of Legislators
• At least a 5% reduction in staff and a staff restructuring
• The elimination of county cars for the Board Chair, any legislator and/or staff use
• A three-term limit for the position of Board Chair
Kaplowitz is urging the public to review the proposal and they support it to contact their legislator to ask them to support it as well. Kaplowitz’ “Real Reform” proposal can be found on his home page on the Board’s website: www.westchesterlegislators.com.
A copy can also be obtained by calling Kaplowitz’ office at (914) 995-2848 or by emailing him at: Kaplowitz@westchesterlegislators.com
THE PROPOSAL:
Four Part Plan to Restore the Public’s Trust in
the Westchester County Board of Legislators
presented by
Michael Kaplowitz, Vice Chair
(914) 924-3404 cell
July 30, 2008
Public confidence in the Westchester County Board of Legislators has recently begun to fade after a series of disclosures of poor fiscal oversight, a lack of internal controls and excessive spending.
In order to restore public confidence, to recognize the extraordinarily difficult economic times and the positive role the County Board can play in providing critically important public services we must assure the public that the Board of Legislators is serious about reforming the way it conducts the public business.
In addition, to assure that all Board purchases and expense reimbursements from 2003 to the present have been appropriate and that any steps necessary to recover misappropriated public funds are established, the following Four Part Plan is recommended for adoption by the Board of Legislators.
The “Plan” sets out specific action steps that will help restore the public’s confidence and demonstrate that the Board of Legislators is effectively and appropriately discharging its fiduciary responsibility and oversight role under the County Charter.
1. Operational Reform:
A. Reorganizational Changes:
• The Chief of Staff role shall be restored and united with the responsibilities of the Board Clerk. The responsibilities of this position shall include all staff oversight and administrative procedures for the day- to- day operation of Board activities. There shall be a Deputy Chief of Staff/Board Clerk who assists the Board Clerk and assures continuity in the absence of the Board Clerk. All hiring, firing and disciplinary procedures of staff shall be made upon the recommendation of the Chief of Staff/Board Clerk and shall be acted upon by the full Board of Legislators.
• The Chief of Legislative Matters / Legislative Counsel shall oversee the substantive and legislative side of Board operations. Counsel shall oversee committee operations, substantive legislative items and shall coordinate with legislative leaders and individual legislators.
• The Chief of Fiscal Affairs shall be responsible for the budgetary and fiscal internal operations of the department as well as guiding the fiscal/budget oversight role of the Board of Legislators.
• The Communications Director shall direct public communications through all mediums including the Board’s website.
• All above individuals shall directly report to the Chairperson.
• This reorganization will increase accountability, streamline operations, enhance transparency and provide significant budgetary savings.
B. Role of Chairperson Changes:
• The Chairperson of the Board of Legislators is selected by the full Board to run Board operations as a County Department Head. The Chair is the Chief Executive Officer of the Department and shall be directly accountable to the Legislature.
• The Chairperson shall not serve more than three (3) terms.
• There shall be no advisors reporting directly to the Chairperson other than the positions enumerated above, as well as support staff.
• The Chairperson in the role of Department Head shall prepare and defend the Board of Legislators annual budget before the Budget & Appropriations Committee.
• The Chairperson on an annual basis shall present a State of the Board of Legislators report to the full Board of Legislators.
• The Chairperson shall on a semi-annual basis report all Board expenditures to the Budget & Appropriations Committee.
• The Chairperson shall not have a county provided car but may receive appropriate reimbursement for legitimate governmental travel other than normal commuting expenses.
C. Legislator/Staff Changes:
• There shall be provision for one telephonic device per legislator as well as one for Chief of Staff/Board Clerk, Deputy Chief of Staff/Board Clerk, Chief of Legislative Matters, Chief of Fiscal Affairs and Communications Director. These devices shall be used for official Board business only. Private use shall be reimbursed by user. No telephonic device for other individuals, advisors and staff shall be provided at the public’s expense.
• There shall be provision for one computer per legislator and one computer per staff. No computer for non-legislators and non-staff.
• No County-owned car shall be assigned to any legislator or staff.
• Legislators may receive appropriate reimbursement for legitimate governmental travel other than normal commuting expenses.
• If approved in the annual Board of Legislators’ budget, a Travel policy shall allow for either a lump sum dollar amount for each of two annual conferences (NYSAC and NACO) divided by number of legislators attending, or full reimbursement for the Chairperson and one other attending legislator.
2. Budgetary Reform:
• Full Board operations shall be detailed in the annual department budget.
• Special Items shall not be used for legislative earmarks, but instead reserved for unexpected budgetary needs.
• Legislator additions shall be added to miscellaneous or departmental budget as separate expenditure lines and defended/voted upon with full disclosure.
• The County Board shall immediately institute a hiring freeze.
• The County Board shall cut staff by at least 5% this year and at least 10% in 2009 from 2007 levels.
• The County Board shall immediately reduce 2008 expenses by at least 5% this year and at least 10% in 2009 from 2007 levels.
• Legislation shall be promulgated to recognize no more than cost of living increases in legislative salaries from 2010 and beyond.
• Salary levels shall be set for all leadership and committee assignments and additional committee stipends will not be provided.
• There shall be no retroactive increases for legislators for the years 2007 through 2009.
• All Board purchases shall follow the existing County purchasing policy.
• All Board hires shall be in conformity to County hiring practices.
• Institution of above measures will save taxpayers at least $250,000 in 2008 and at least $500,000 in 2009.
3. Full Accounting and Reimbursement of any Misappropriated or Misspent Funds:
• Establishment of three member Committee to conduct accounting of purchases and expense reimbursements for years 2003 through present. The members shall be the Chief of Fiscal Affairs for the Board, the County’s Budget Director or representative, and the County’s Finance director or representative. They shall examine all purchases and expense reimbursements for 2003 through the present, determine the location of said items, study the stated and real purpose of said items and determine if any purchases or expense reimbursements were made outside the legitimate scope of the county government.
• This Committee shall provide a report to the full Board of Legislators that includes findings of whether any purchases or expense reimbursement were or were not related to County business and suggest any recommendations of action.
• The full Board of Legislators shall then take action or demand reimbursement of taxpayer monies where appropriate.
• The committee shall act independently of any ongoing investigation by the Westchester County District Attorney or other investigative body and shall fully cooperate with authorities by providing records or information that may be requested.
4. Establishment of a County Office of Inspector General:
• Appointed jointly by County Executive and Board of Legislators, an independent Inspector General shall be appointed with a fixed five year term to investigate internal complaints from employees or the public regarding Westchester County governmental operations. This revives an earlier County Executive Spano legislative idea submitted years ago to the Board of Legislators but never acted upon.
• The Inspector General will enable whistleblowers to come forward with specific knowledge of malfeasance or misfeasance with sufficient protection for the whistleblowers.
• The Inspector General will as appropriate issue findings and recommendations and/or refer alleged criminality to the appropriate legal authorities.
• The purpose of this office is to root out any possible existing wrongdoing and to deter inappropriate future behavior on the part of all County Employees and Elected Officials.
************************************************************************************
E-MAIL RESPONSE FROM PALN-PUTNAM PUBLISHER JEFF GREEN
Good Monday Morning,
My apologies for being late this morning but an NtM fan took me out for breakfast this morning. My schedule is open for those also inclined.
If you've noticed, gasoline prices have dropped a bit now that all this attention is focused on speculators and oil company profits (read: government encouraged price gouging). Congress is tied up in knots over offshore drilling and pretty much every politician from Albany, NY to Xenia, Ohio is pushing for increased domestic petro-production but notably few are calling for conservation and fewer still for an immediate improvement in energy efficiency. Oh, we'll get to that, once the oceans are spoiled, mountains are leveled and the future bankrupt but, as the Vice President once said, the American lifestyle is non-negotiable and thus we're not going to have to make any sacrifices. Somehow, some magical, mystical force will keep your SUV's running and your homes heated.
Here's the truth: what's going to save this nation is sacrifice on our part as individuals and as communities. Even if we were to allow drilling on our coasts tomorrow morning and drilled right into the bottom of Lake Gleneida, you won't see any benefits and the sh*t will still hit the energy fan. And by that time the politicians you voted for today, those who promise an oil-rich future, will have garnered their wealth and power and retired safely able to blame someone else.
Both candidates for the 19th Congressional district have taken the wrong position on this issue. Mr. Lalor following the national Republican mantra, believes we can drill our way out of the energy crunch and Mr. Hall, following the Democrat line, wants additional flows of national reserves to help stabilize prices. But as I wrote the other day, you can flow all the oil you want but we do not have the refining capacity to put additional supplies into the distribution network and so the only people who will benefit from either approach will be the oil companies.
There are manufactured goods we depend on which make our lives livable and comfortable, items that with current technology cannot be made using any other source but petroleum products. Do we empty the earth to move our cars today or do we keep that oil in the ground for the future to use? In other words, do we satisfy an immediate political need or can we be mature enough as a society to resist temptation and look to the future instead? If we use that oil today to lower the cost of gasoline a dime or so - 4 years from now assuming consumption stays the same - what will our children be left with?
If you want to see a reduction in the cost of fuel, use less of it. It's that simple.
We have a choice to make:
Should national energy policy be to enrich the oil companies and garner votes with the promise of continuing a non-sustainable lifestyle or should we push the nation into a crash program of energy independence and make some sacrifices along the way?
If you remember back to the oil crisis of the 1970's we took the latter approach and built the economy while using less - dramatically less - fossil fuels. That should serve as a model for where we need to be today.
There are things we can do right here at home to help. The county, rather than looking for developers to build shopping malls, should be designating land and encouraging investors to build wind turbines on county, municipal and private lands. Local zoning and planning boards should create regulations to allow and encourage the use of personal wind turbines and require that all new construction provide a minimum of %75 of its energy needs from on-site sources. This can be as simple as using passive solar to heat homes and hot water, green-roofing or requiring super-insulation (18" thick outside walls) as part of local building codes. While there are some added costs to initial construction, those costs are recovered the very first time you realize you heated your home for the winter on 50 gallons - or less - of oil. You might have to forgo the "bonus room" or that 4th bathroom, but the benefits for you - and for the community - would be more than measurable and continue on year after year.
None of this is rocket science and all is available as proven, affordable technology that keeps getting better with each iteration.
We should be looking to the Hudson River as a source of power generated by its twice a day tides. We should be expanding the availability of mass transit by scheduling PART buses to run at convenient times to deliver - and pick up - commuters to and from our several Metro North stations. And the cost of mass transit into and out of NYC should be affordable - it is not so now. It should be cheaper to take the train than to drive. In fact, several European capitols are experimenting with free or near free mass transit.
As a matter of regional policy, we should be encouraging what's left of our local farms to grow consumer crops and make monies available for hydroponics and other advances in local agriculture rather than giving those dollars to out-of-county developers to build housing, hotels and shopping malls. When properties in the Ag District come up for renewal, we should require they be growing produce for local delivery for continued inclusion. Previously cleared open space lands should be producing food.
And I've said it before but will again, the county should be working Tilly Foster Farm to provide both cellulosic ethanol and bio-diesel to power the county trucking fleet. Solar panels should cover the Putnam National and Centennial golf courses to take those facilities off the grid and the open space in front of the Kent Town Center should likewise be used. There is no logical reason not to do this. If the county and towns cry "we don't have the money!" let them take a look at their electricity bills and do the math. We cannot afford NOT to do this.
Why we cannot get elected officials nor their competitor-hopefuls to take any of this seriously is not their fault, it's ours. We have become energy fat and lazy and complacent and expect government to give us what we want when we want it even if we know it's not practical. Feed me today and we'll worry about tomorrow... tomorrow. We will vote for the guy that promises us no pain - even though we know he cannot deliver - and then complain when it hurts anyway.
The rest of the industrialized world is taking all of this pretty seriously. In Germany and Spain any new construction needs to meet energy efficiency standards that are unknown in the United States. Both Sweden and Norway are working towards the removal of fossil fuels from their lives. Even Arab nations are light-years ahead of the United States on weaning themselves off fossil fuels. And, if they're doing it don't you think there's something we're not completely understanding? Yes, they are running out of oil and are preparing themselves for the near future and they're doing it on *your* petro-dollars. Why aren't we doing it on our petro-dollars?
We need to make a dramatic change in the way we think, work, build our communities and live our lives and we cannot look to Washington for help. The National government will only assist the oil industry in consolidating profits and will not work to see us through the coming energy crunch. This is something we're going to have to do without their help and will have to, (as federal policies keep changing to thwart alternative energy competition), fight against our own government to ensure a successful future.
Get active today. Call your Town Hall, call the County Legislature and pressure Albany to do the right thing energy-wise. And please, don't fall for the charlatans who tell you that we can drill our way out of this for they're lying to you and you know it. Deep down inside you know it to be the truth. Be brave for the future is scarier than you think and there's no one in Washington who is going to help us.
This is something we need to do on our own. Let's get to it.
Jeff Green
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
BALL COMMENTS ON GOVERNOR’S ECONOMIC SPEECH
Less than a month after calling on the State Legislature to “enact property tax relief or stay in Albany,” Assemblyman Greg Ball (R – Patterson) responded to Governor Paterson’s speech on the state of New York State’s economy tonight.
“What the Governor told us tonight is not anything new – especially for those of us living in Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties, where we are already paying the highest property taxes in the nation. Taxation of all forms has skyrocketed because Albany’s three men in a room have refused to cut their addiction to spending for far too long. We know that taxes are driving us out of our homes, losing jobs, and forcing businesses to close. Seniors are struggling with the choice of paying for heat or medications or their property tax bill. Our young residents are fleeing the state as soon as they can for greener pastures. This is no surprise to the people of New York State,” stated Ball.
The Assemblyman continued, “Throughout my first term, I have been dedicated to holding the line on spending. I voted against both the 2007 and 2008 State Budgets because they flat out spent too much. I voted against every proposed tax increase. Unlike many of my colleagues, I have held true to my principles and I have kept my word to the people I represent. I have been adamant about this session’s lackluster achievements and was the first to call on my colleagues to stay in Albany so that we can, for once and for all, address the concerns of our state and set out what we promised to do – build a brighter, more affordable, more secure future for all New Yorkers.”
“As I have been, I am ready to get back to Albany and hope that now that Governor Paterson is on board, we can finally address the urgent concerns facing our state. I look forward to partnering with him to bring to the forefront property tax reform, economic development, and a huge reduction in government spending,” concluded Ball.
******************
Folks:
This is an email directly from me, and I am asking for your help.
Today, we have discovered that Albany insiders, including our State Senator, have funneled over $100k (we believe illegally) to my opponent.They have admitted to over $50k in what seems to be illegal transfers to a ghost campaign committee (read more here: http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807260364 ). They are shifting much more through another, third party organization.
Sadly, the failed Brewster Mayor is nothing more than a puppet for those who seek to maintain the status quo. They will stop at nothing to keep their house of cards together.
Folks, if you care, as I do, about this community and about this state. If you are tired of the shenanigans and the good ole boys, if you want to see Brewster truly revitalized and if you are tired of liberal Republicans who give away the store in Albany– please – please take a moment a make a donation today at www.Ball4NY.com.
Your Friend!
Greg Ball
www.Ball4NY.com
**************************
My opponent is pro-abort, pro-illegal alien, against the property tax cap and…
…running as a Democrat in a Republican Primary.But do not take our word for it…watch him for yourself:
Watch my opponent attack my military service (he never served):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t77Gh_Cn6H4&feature=related
Watch my opponent attack a senior citizen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tac1HFbMX6g&feature=related
Watch my opponent stand against my property tax cap:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIMpdZss8gQ
Watch my opponent defend the “alleged” sexual predator living in one of his many Brewster properties:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgoWzdSR9nI&feature=related
Watch my opponent explain his pro-abort position:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4QNgfvfXas
Please, make a donation large or small. Or send a check to “New Yorkers on the Ball” PO Box 607 Pawling NY 12564
We need every penny just to keep up! We will win. We are winning. We are going to win big on September 9th! But we need every bit of grassroots help we can get! Send this message to everyone you know!
Thank You
Greg Ball
(917) 681-9302
***********************
TV Commercial:
JOHN DEGNAN: NATIONAL SECURITY NIGHTMARE
View The 30 Second Commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmErZFBOraY
Donate $100, right now…and we will be able to place this commercial on TV
(FOX News, News 12, MSNBC, etc.) this week, at least once!!!
Donate $100, or more, and help…get the word out about the Failed Brewster Mayor!!
Click Here to Donate:
http://www.ball4ny.com/contribute.aspx
SHAKING UP ALBANY
Click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-rl-DJbmdY&feature=related
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS ILLEGAL SPOT
Click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfqDgwx1FXw&feature=related
www.Ball4NY.com
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef’s “Roundtable on Shared Services with NYS Comptroller Thomas Di Napoli, Alfred DelBello, James Langlois and Linda Puglisi”
Airs on Cable Television
Galef’s Forum Offers Viewers Concrete Solutions to Cutting Local Costs Without Giving Up Services
(August 1, 2008) Assemblywoman Sandy Galef takes a deep look at the property tax crisis in New York in a series of TV shows focusing on the topic. The series, which kicked off in March, continues to appear on cable television through October. The next show to air, in two parts, highlights the forum Galef hosted in the spring on sharing services to save taxpayer dollars. Starting at the end of August, Part One, featuring New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Westchester County Association Chairman Alfred DelBello, Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES District Superintendent Dr. James Langlois, and Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi, will air. Part Two of this roundtable will be featured in October.
“We must find a solution to out-of-control property taxes in New York,” says Galef. “This involves looking for ways to reduce costs without compromising services. At this roundtable, we had experts from business, municipal government, schools and state government talking about successes they have had which saved money through sharing services. I’m so glad my constituents will have an opportunity to hear what these officials have to say so they can help advocate for cost cutting measures in their own communities.” Galef also serves as Chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Real Property Taxation.
Tune into 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.
“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, 10 & 17.
“Roundtable… Part 2” airs 9/24, 10/1, 8 & 15.
*************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss the death by suicide of the local Republican parties. 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:
JOHN G. TESTA: www.johngtesta.com
ON TOPIC W/ JOHN TESTA: www.ontopicwithjt.com
THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE: http://www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR 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
**********************************************************************************
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 08/04/08
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)