THE PERCEPTION OF NON-AGRESSION

Dear Readers:

There comes a time when it becomes apparent that a politician bent on self preservation no matter how nice a person or what they have done in the past must be retired into the private sector. They have hit the point where they believe any sacrifice of public and/or party good is necessary because in the big picture they are necessary. In fact they believe themselves to be indispensable. They get so use to the trappings of power, the ability to spend other peoples money on causes so they do not have to spend theirs, the ability to make laws that control the lives of others, they will not risk losing this. They have become entrenched. They will not take political risk as not to offend the friendships they have made within the ruling class. They form allegiances with each other.

Though not official, there is almost a perceived non-aggression pact where they won't endorse an a candidate of their party against a fellow member of this ruling class. You saw an example last year when Assemblywoman Galef would not endorse any Democrat ticket that had Dominec Volpe vs. George Oros for County Legislator. This friendship superceded party or people. This was at a time when the county Democrats desparately wanted that seat to cement a veto proof majority in the county legislature. Assemblywoman Sandra Galef sat this out on the sidelines, angering many, particularly in the Peekskill Democrat party. Another example was two years ago when Democrat County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz challenged Republican State Senator Vincent Leibell, she sat that one out also, again when the Democrats wanted that seat for party control of the state senate. This year they sent out a joint mailer together.

You see the perception of perceived non-aggression in the present race between Republican William Gouldman and Democrat Sandra Galef for the 90 assembly district. County Legislator George Oros is sitting this out on the sidelines. With the condition of our present state financial picture of which the Assemblywoman with her votes has been part and parcel, there are ample reasons to argue that a change is necessary. In any other situation, Republicans would unite behind their candidate campaigning, contributing and raising monies to defeat the incumbent Democrat. You have her inaction in helping keep the Workman's Compensation building in Peekskill. You have her yes vote on the present state budget that changed the star program formula where-bye people (many of them seniors) have found they have to pay higher school taxes then they were lead to believe. You have her yes vote on increasing taxes on people in the higher tax bracket, those people who create jobs and spur investment, as the assembly's answer to the downturn in the state's financial picture during last months emergency secession called by Governor Patterson.

These three issues alone, and we haven't even discussed the unfunded mandates she has voted for, should be fodder for a serious challenge to the assemblywoman by the Republicans. Speaking of unfunded mandates, these are the same "unfunded's" that our county legislature say are the reason their hands are tied when formulating the county budget. Yet the leading Republicans in this district (Legislator Oros and State Senator Leibell) sit this one out. So you see the perception of perceived non-aggression.

Also in interesting sideline is that in the fight for the 99 Assembly district between Republican Greg Ball and Democrat John Degnan, you have the same leading Republicans helping the Democrat. Senator Leibel's active support during the primary(Degnan had the Democrat endorsement also) and Legislator Oros' sitting on the sidelines. This is in spite of the overwhelming support for Assemblyman Ball by Republican voters in the recent primary. Two assembly districts that overlap the districts of leading elected Republican lawmakers and those lawmakers are not trying to help the Republican win.

Should the Democrats win the 90 and 99 assembly districts, I submit much blame can be laid at the feet of our leading elected Republicans. If this does become the year of the Democrats, and this includes our congressional race between Republican Kerian Lalor and incumbent Democrat John Hall, it is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Our leading elected Republicans should be a leading force in orchestrating fundraiser's to help their fellow Republicans get their message out to the public. On their records, on their votes, on the fiscal woes that face the state and federal government, this does not have to be the year of the Democrat.
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MESSAGE FROM THE HARRISON APAR FIELD OF DREAMS FOUNDATION:

Columbus Day Golf Classic at Mohansic ... $135
A Community 'Fun Raiser' Priced Just Right!

Harrison Apar Golf Classic Bulletin
:: Sign Up Now at YACsports.com
:: Travelers Rest Is the Best!
:: Student Players Welcome!
:: Total Community Support
SIGN UP NOW!
Yorktown Athletic Club website (YACsports.com)
HarrisonApar@optonline.net
For more information ... (914) 275-6887


Since 2003, the Harrison Apar YAC PBA Fund -- founded jointly by Yorktown Athletic Club and Yorktown's Police Benevolent Association in tribute to a little person everyone still looks up to for his indomitable spirit and courage -- has raised and donated funds to help fields of dreams come true in our community by helping improve town and school recreational facilities and supporting our student athletes both on and off the field with scholarship awards and other forms of financial endowment.


.........Total Community Support
YAC, PBA, Town, School Officials Are All On Board to Move the Ball Fore-ward

........Travelers Rest Is the Best!
Attend Awards Reception + Dinner Only for $50
Less than 10 minutes from Mohansic is the destination restaurant for the area's most festive celebrations, hosted by Dave & Nancy Paganelli. The $135 fee includes golf and dinner, or you can attend the dinner only for $50. Music, memorabilia, prizes, and more surprises are in store.

.........Co-chairs for the Golf Classic include Yorktown Supervisor Don Peters (pictured), YAC President Gordon Fine, PBA officer Skip Mackay, Yorktown Schools Athletic Director Fio Nardone, Travelers Rest impresario Dave Paganelli, and prominent businessman Tony Scaglione of DiReggio Advertising & Doc James Cigars and Golf of Katonah.

.........Sponsors + Donors
Always Welcome!
Sponsor a Hole for 100 Bucks
Even our sponsorships are more affordable than usual. A donation of $100 or more, either in addition to a golfer registration or just as a non-playing donor, gets you a hole sign with your name on it. We priced the golf and the dinner as low as possible, and will rely on donations to make up the difference in our fundraising bottom line. We think that's fairer for everybody.

........Student Players Welcome!
The Family that Plays Together Helps the Community Together
We priced this community charity golf fundraiser at $135 -- and always have it on Columbus Day -- to include as many people as possible, including students. We'll even have a Longest Drive awardd for high school and student players.

........Join us Columbus Day, Monday, October 13 for a Community Charity Golf Event you'll never forget. In Harrison's own words, "Dreams do not come easily, but if you stretch enough, nothing is out of reach." Let's dream as big as Harrison did and help our kids enjoy the best recreational facilities we can provide. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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A MESSAGE FROM DOMINEC VOLPE:
Andy- here is the info

The American Legion Post 274- Peekskill is proud to announce the 4th Annual Golf outing. Honorary Chairman Domenic Volpe has scheduled the outing for September 29, 2008 at the McCann golf course in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. A donation of $115.00 will support a full day of golf which includes green fees, lunch, cart and dinner and prizes at The Reef in Cortlandt later that night.

If you wish to donate any gifts or would llike to register for a day of golf please contact Domenic Volpe at 914-737-9184 or email DC9184@aol.com.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE ANDY POLAY QUARTET:

Hello Folks,
For those who came out to the Piazza Roma show last week- thank you! What a nice place huh? We hope to be back there soon and I'll let you know.
This Sunday, we'll be playing outdoors at Charles Point/China Pier off Louisa St. (at John Walsh Blvd.) in Peekskill. On that day, Peekskill will be one of the river towns participating in the annual Ferry Go Round event that brings visitors via ferry from town to town to enjoy the venues they offer (don't forget the "Taste of Peekskill" event, and come hungry!).
For your entertainment we'll be playing jazz at the Pier while you wait for the next ferry. This Sunday, I'll once again feature Rahn Burton on the keys, Lester Harper on bass, and Jeff Whalen on sax. We'll be playing many of your favorite standards, and, as always some surprises.
Thanks!

As always, I respect your right to privacy and although I hope you are interested in my music, will understand if you want to be taken off this mailing list. If you would like to be taken off this list, please just let me know by replying to my email.
Thank you very much for your support and hope to see you at the shows!
Andy
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A MESSAGE FROM PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN DARREN RIGGER:

The American Council of Young Political Leaders

Contact

For ACYPL: Mike Garretson, Communications Coordinator

202-857-0999 x 27, mgarretson@acypl.org

Or Darren Rigger, 845-598-3971, djrigg@aol.com

Darren Rigger Selected to Participate in International Exchange to Venezuela
Political Study Program to Focus on Citizen Diplomacy

WASHINGTON, September 4, 2008 – Darren Rigger has been selected by The American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) as a delegate to Venezuela for a 10 day political exchange program beginning on September 19, 2008. He will join 6 other young political and policy leaders from across the United States to study Venezuela’s political system, engage in dialogue on international issues, and forge professional relationships and friendships.



“ACYPL has the unique mission of proving select young leaders with an opportunity to travel internationally and engage firsthand in public diplomacy”, said ACYPL Chief Executive Officer Linda Rotunno. “Our delegates have access to key leaders in the nations they visit. They engage in dialogue on sensitive issues, gain a unique perspective on the country’s politics and its relations with the US, and, most importantly, forge professional relationships and friendships that can last a lifetime.”



Darren Rigger is the Chairman of the Peekskill Democratic City Committee, serves on the Westchester County Democratic Committee and works for both Congressman Charles Rangel and Hudson Valley Congressman John Hall. He will join other delegates, each between the age of 25 and 40, in Washington, D.C. for briefings by the U.S. Department of State and other Venezuela experts before flying to Caracas. The program will provide the delegates opportunities to travel within the country, and to interact with key national and local leaders, business representatives, and civic and community groups. Rigger also has a degree in International Diplomacy from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.



“I am honored to have been selected to participate in this ACYPL exchange to Venezuela,” said Rigger. “This will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn about the current political and social dynamics there and help the Venezuelan people better understand the United States.”



Recognized by the U.S. Congress as a pre-eminent catalyst for introducing rising political leaders and policy makers to international affairs and to each other, ACYPL is a bi-partisan, not-for-profit international exchange organization based in Washington, D.C. Since its founding in 1966, ACYPL has, with generous support from the U.S. Department of State, corporations, foundations and individuals, conducted programs and exchanges with more than 90 nations, producing a global network of over 7,000 alumni. Former ACYPL participants include 38 sitting members of the U.S. Congress, 6 sitting U.S. Governors and Ambassadors, Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentarians around the globe. For more information on the ACYPL, please visit http://www.acypl.org
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FROM THE JOHN G. TESTA WEB SITE:

A Look into Peekskill Area History...

This new feature of johngtesta.com will show rare historic photos of people, places and events. I will mostly be using photos from my personal collection. Photos submitted to johngtesta.com are welcome for this feature and if used will be given full credit. Enjoy! (click on photo for a larger view)

In honor of the beginning of football season and the 'renewed' NY Jets under Brett Favre I thought this photo would be appropriate. The NY Titans became the NY Jets in 1963 when owner David "Sonny" Werblin moved the team's training facility to Peekskill Military Academy. They remained in Peekskill until 1968 leaving just months before winning the Super Bowl. This photo was taken on what is now Torpy Field. Notice Hudson Avenue and the Administration Building in the background. This was a World Wide Photo taken in July of 1966. The original caption read:

"New York Jets' football star Joe Namath gets powdered by actress Phyllis Newman as Richard Adler watches the operation. Namath is making his acting debut in the ABC-TV musical called "Olympus7-0000." Some of the scenes for the show were filmed at the Jets' training camp in Peekskill, N.Y."
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On Sunday August 24, 2008 the members of the Centennial Hose Fire Company in Peekskill gathered for a short memorial service to honor the history, memories and accomplishments of the Centennial Hose Company. Just a few days earlier, on August 21st, the original Centennial Hose Firehouse collapsed as it was being readied for its move to a new location with plans for its restoration. I was proud to be a part of the memorial service and want to thank the members of Centennial Hose both past and present (including my Grandfather Louis Testa, a member of the company until his death in 1918) for including me in this tribute and for their unselfish dedication to Peekskill.
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A MESSAGE FROM ROB PADAVANO ARTIST'S WEB SITE:

I invite you to visit the re-launch of Padovanofineart.com. The are many new paintings as well as new sections including "Works on Paper", "Small Works" and a brand new website design to make navigating through the new features much more user friendly. I have also added PayPal for easier payment options. Hope to see you at the Snug Harbor Fence Show in Staten Island on September 14.

Rob
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A MESSAGE FROM THE HEIGHTS BAKERY:

Heights Bakery Back To School Savings!

Heights Bakery & Cafe is offering 10% off any breakfast and lunch orders for students. Come in and see why Heights Bakery is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing eateries in the area.

Breakfast sandwiches, Bagels, Muffins, Crumb Cakes, Coffee, Hot Chocolate.

Lunch specials include turkey, roast beef, ham sandwiches, philly cheesesteak, tuna, chicken salad, chicken cutlet, grilled cheese, BLT, peanut butter & jelly and more.

Breakfast and lunch is available daily (closed on Mondays). We are open Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 am, Saturdays and Sundays at 9 am.

Save time and call in your order (914) 962-0190
2013 Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY (Located Next To Optimumonline And Yorktown Pizza & Pasta At The Parking Lot Before The Traffic Light Where 118/35 and 202 Meet)
Stop in today and discover Heights Bakery and Cafe, a delicious new edition to Yorktown!
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:

Dear Readers:

This week I present an overview of this years presidential race. You can read my column on this topic exclusively on line(see link below)or in this weeks NORTH COUNTY NEWS on sale now. I am worth the seventy-five cents. Look for my column IN MY OPINION(page 10) in the editorial section. Better yet as this column is exclusive to the North County News on a regular basis and will be covering the local political scene, take out a subscription. Click on the North County News link below and go to Subscribe. Between this blog and The North County News you will have all the information to make a vote based on substance.
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FYI:ATOM TAXI INC. AIRPORT SERVICE:

Dear Readers:

This gives me a chance to plug my business ATOM TAXI INC. As you are planning your holiday or business or vacation travel? Instead of the headache of trying to find Airport parking, we do Airport Service to The Westchester County Airport(and ALL other airports) 24/7. Just call 1(914)879-6121 and my partner Tommy, will be glad to take you in our Airport Taxi. You will also be provided with a free copy of your local paper of record The North County News. If this is a business trip we also provide a professional receipt, just tell Tommy at the time of booking. The cost of a one-way trip to LaGuardia Airport the cost is Ninety dollars plus tolls. The cost to JFK and Newark Airports is one hundred-twenty-five dollars plus tolls. The tolls are $10.00 Westchester County Airport and Stewart cost $75.00. We do not take credit cards, sorry.
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E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS:

Dear Readers:

It has come to my attention the difficulty in posting a comment on this blog. If you wish to comment, e-mail me at the link posted below, putting "Manifesto Reader" in the subject matter, and I will "cut and Paste" your comments myself. If you DO NOT wish your comments posted, but just wish to communicate with me, please make your wishes known in the e-mail.

LINKS: atom_taxi@yahoo.com(as this a yahoo address make sure you put an underscore (-) between atom and taxi)

For immediate reply: atomtaxi@aol.com
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SITES TO LINK TO:

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/
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CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH

ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER

DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: 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
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EDITOR'S NOTE:
All articles re-printed in this blog from the North County News are with the permission of Bruce Apar Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

BAZZO 09/13/08