Andy--here is the info
Domenic Volpe, your host for The Volpe Report is once again inviting all to view our next two shows. For the next 3 weeks Candidate for the 90th Assembly William Gouldman is the guest and answers many questions pertaining to issues affecting the area and his race. Airtimes and dates are as follows- Peekskill/Cortlandt area -Channel 15 -Thursdays October 16, 23 and 30 at 8:00pm. Yorktown/Putnam Valley area- Channel 74 Wednesdays October 15, 22 and 29 at 6:00pm.
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the that the next guest for Domenic's upcoming show is none other than this blog's and political commentator for the North County News- Anthony Bazzo. Come watch and listen to some back and forth commentary on many topics and get an insight into Anthony's political thinking. Airtimes and dates are as follows: Peekskill/Cortlandt area- November 6, 13 and 20 Thursdays at 8:00pm. Yorktown/Putnam Valley area- November 5, 12 and 19 Wednesdays at 6:00pm.
Domenic Volpe
*************************************************************************************
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE DIVISION STREET GRILL, N. DIVISION STREET PEEKSKILL:
Jazz Legends at the Division Street Grill
Bucky Pizzarelli - Guitar
Carmen Leggio - Sax
Gerry Bruno - Bass
Saturday November 1st
Two Seatings
6:30 & 9:00
Call 739-6380 for reservations
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM YORKTOWN COUNCILMAN NICK BIANCO:
RE: SCHOOL TAX REBATE UPDATE:
Began to hit Yorktown Saturday. On the back of the check: "By signing your endorsement certifies that you are eligible resident property owner and the school taxes are not delinguent for the property for which this rebate was issued"
This in my opinion throws out Galef's argument that the check is not for school taxes; Eligibility has to do for people who owe school taxes,rebate means taxes paid, not for taxes not paid.
Nick Bianco
THIS WAS IN THE NORTH COUNTY NEWS:
RE: SCHOLL TAX RTEBATES:
State looking at STAR rebate problems
By Mary Dempsey
As part of the school tax relief (STAR) program, the state of New York sends out about $70 million in rebate checks to residents who do not even pay school taxes.
Geoff Gloak, director of public information for the state Office of Real Property Services, confirmed that about 160,000 state residents do not pay school taxes but still receive the rebate check. That’s a total of about $70 million, Gloak said.
“A lot of places where this is happening are in rural areas where people own small houses or mobile homes,” Gloak said.
Gloak said he did not realize that 2,130 basic STAR and 672 enhanced STAR recipients in Yorktown do not pay school taxes.
“It surprises me,” he said. “The average home sales price in Westchester is $650,000 and the full value of property in Yorktown is $120,000. I’d be surprised if you could buy property in Yorktown for $120,000.”
Under-assessed properties have contributed to the problem with STAR rebate checks.
“It has been a long time since there has been a reassessment down there (Yorktown),” he said.
Many of the rebate recipients are receiving other tax exemptions in addition to STAR and that reduces their school tax burden to zero, he said.
The exact amount is unknown because the state does not have the technology to retrieve the information needed to determine the dollar figure.
The state Office of Real Property Services administers the STAR tax exemption to residents, based on limited information provided by municipal assessors. The state Office of Taxation and Finance is responsible for sending out the rebate checks, based on information provided by the Office of Real Property Services.
Residents who receive rebate checks but do not pay school taxes should not be cashing the checks, Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, D-90, said. However, the state has no system in place to track the checks that should not be cashed, she said. She added that there is writing on the backs of the checks that instructs the recipient whether or not they are entitled to the money.
The problem with the program’s system of distributing checks to residents who do not pay school taxes is something state legislators are looking into, Gloak said.
“We’re in a time of fiscal constraint and all programs are being examined,” he said. “The STAR funding is being looked at and perhaps a circuit breaker program is an option.”
Galef introduced a circuit breaker bill two years ago in the assembly. The circuit breaker program would total all of the taxes, property and income, a resident pays and provide state tax breaks, depending on income, she said.
The proposed circuit breaker plan is not a way to get rid of the STAR program but fine tuning an existing program, Galef said.
The STAR program was established to provide property tax exemptions for eligible homeowners, leading to a lower local school tax burden for property owners.
The program does not reflect its initial intent and the name should be changed to reflect its real purpose, Galef said.
“It has nothing to do with school tax,” she said. “It’s a check that residents are getting off (tax) season. It’s just really a check based on your income. We should just rename it.”
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE PEEKSILL GOP:
THIS WAS IN THE NORTH COUNTY NEWS: GUEST COMMENTARY
Peekskill Faces Bleak Scenario
by John Testa
History is being made in Peekskill during 2008. Other municipalities have braced for troubling economic times by finding creative ways to ease the burden on taxpayers, but Mayor Foster and the council majority have instead increased taxes, oblivious to the challenges faced by the middle class.
In February, it became the first council in Peekskill history to change an adopted budget, turning a zero percent hold-the-line budget into a 5.3 percent increase. This vote, which violated the city charter, funded new city positions that were unnecessary in any fiscal climate, and reckless in ours.
With the recent budget proposal, the mayor and council majority will earn the dubious distinction of being the first to raise taxes twice in the same calendar year! With a proposed 12 percent increase for 2009, the total taxes they will have voted on and approved in 2008 could be a whopping 17-plus percent increase.
Looking closely, we can see that the devil is in the details.
The proposed 17 percent is really a 27 percent tax increase, masked by Foster's depleting $2 million from the city's fund balance, including $1.5 million from the water/sewer fund balance (while simultaneously increasing water rates by five percent). In February, she told this newspaper that raiding $1 million from any fund balance was "a very dangerous thing to do." Are we to believe she now thinks that drawing double that amount makes it "safe?" Our city's infrastructure is a century old, making it essential to have reserve funds on hand for emergencies.
In 10 short months, despite inheriting the most fiscally sound city in history, the council majority has created a direct threat to the continued economic health of Peekskill by reducing revenue, indiscriminate spending, and massive borrowing.
Some have said the council majority has been "spending like drunken sailors." But even drunk sailors sober up eventually. They have spent with reckless abandon, without caring who will have to pay for it. With Westchester County recently being identified as the highest-taxed county in the country, elected officials must heed the concerns of middle-class taxpayers.
But this council majority is oblivious to economic reality. They voted to spend over $200,000 on various "consultants" to "advise" them on such unnecessary matters as how to make the mayor's office three times larger, replace free public hearings on development with a process that adds no value and creating a new Web site when the city already has one. At every meeting they literally feed themselves on the taxpayer's dime and have taken votes to spend taxpayer money via e-mail, contrary to law.
Even more disturbing are its plans to buy a substantial amount of commercial property, even if it must seize it by eminent domain. They want to purchase at least seven properties in the downtown and Lower South/Louisa Street areas at an estimated cost of $11 million. But they haven't disclosed that the city will also be responsible for buying out the many small businesses they will eliminate - an action likely to require costly litigation to determine fair value.
The three Lower South Street properties (1001, 1009, and 1005), 31 Louisa St. property and the Main Street properties (1101, 1137, and 1141) pay approximately $600,000 a year in taxes, which includes $380,000 for the school district. Taxpayers will have to make up this deficiency as well. But the burden goes beyond lost tax revenue. By becoming the owner of industrial property, the city will now be responsible for environmental clean up. These additional expenses, and lost revenue, could have easily been avoided by allowing the Target/Lowe's project to move forward. Plans are also in place to purchase properties on North Water Street that will cost millions of dollars and cause more lost tax revenue.
The council majority has justified their profligacy, saying it will use "borrowed" money. Foster recently told this paper the city could borrow money "at three percent." But the current rate for a 20-year bond for AA municipalities is now 6.59 percent. Moreover, her perspective is flawed. No rational leader would borrow money to decrease revenue in this economic climate - especially when other alternatives on the table benefited taxpayers more. Foster's rejection of done deals and advocacy for escalating the city's debt service is a threat to Peekskill's solvency.
The challenges we face today were well known on Jan.1: Soaring gasoline costs, skyrocketing heating bills, declining mortgage tax revenue, softening sales tax revenue, increasing insurance costs. Rather than face these economic realities squarely and do right by taxpayers, Foster and the council majority decided to put politics above the public. The record they have created is not a good one. Rejecting viable commercial development like Target/Lowe's in favor of reducing tax revenue is pure folly. And pursuing wish lists and cosmetic improvements by raiding fund balances without any plan in place to rebuild them, and increasing the city's debt service, is a recipe for disaster.
Not in 30 years has so bleak a scenario been created for Peekskill. As the 1970s came to an end, the City of Peekskill went into a dramatic decline. The downtown lost businesses, crime was on the increase, city finances were out of control, and people moved out of town in droves. It took over two decades to climb out of that situation. If things don't change soon, it will be at least that long for the next generation to do the same.
Go Peekskill
Contact Tim Warn, (914) 737-3448
http://www.peekskillgop.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
ETHICS COMMITTEE DROPS FRIVOLOUS CHARGES AGAINST GREG BALL
Assembly Ethics Committee today throws out
trumped-up charges against Assemblyman Ball
The New York State Assembly Committee on Ethics and Guidance today discarded the trumped-up and frivolous sexual harassment allegations made against Assemblyman Greg Ball (R-Patterson) by a former employee.
The committee found that a violation of the Assembly's sexual harassment/retaliation policy "was not established." It also determined that "prohibited conduct under the policy has not been established, and thus, no action is recommended."
"This sound decision by the Ethics Committee vindicates Assemblyman Ball who has been the victim of a vicious smear campaign to tarnish his reputation because he's been an outspoken and fearless advocate for taxpayers," said Adam D. Kramer, spokesman for the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee.
"This is a tremendous victory for not only Greg Ball, but also for anyone who cares about justice being served," said Kramer.
"I think this decision is the final nail in John Degnan's coffin as the failed former Brewster Mayor has waged a truly reprehensible and ultimately losing battle against Assemblyman Ball," said Kramer.
"The voters have seen through Degnan's lies and now so to have the Assembly's Ethics Committee. Chalk this up as yet another big win for Assemblyman Greg Ball," concluded Kramer.
###**************
Hello!
If you are still on the fence, I hope these clips from a recently televised
debate will help you make your decision:
NEWSMAKERS Part I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-o2jkiJKgs
NEWSMAKERS Part II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8l376KtqRc
If you are a supporter, I am asking that you consider making a donation
today to help me achieve my fundraising goal.
This re-election is crucial and I look forward to returning to Albany to
fight to:
A) Reform our dysfunctional state legislature;
B) Continue my campaign to cap school property taxes, eliminate unfunded
mandates and freeze school taxes for seniors;
C) Pass a statewide autism insurance bill; and
D) Lead New York to adopt a sensible, green and renewable energy policy!
As a supporter, your contribution of $25, $50, $100 or more will help me
continue to run a strong campaign!!
You can donate online at www.SupportGreg.com
or come visit and meet with me personally at my next event.
Join Us This Fall at the
Fall Ball Bash
benefiting State Assemblyman Greg Ball
Sunday, November 2nd
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
at the Steak House 22
$95.00 per person
Children are Free
Great Fall Menu
Pumpkin & Face Painting for the Kids!!
2693 Route 22
Patterson, NY 12563
INFO : 914-471-7080
Please take a moment to make a donation online or mail in a donation today.
For more information on how to make a donation or attend any of our events
call (845) 582-0112 for more information!
Rest assured that as long as I remain in public life you will have a friend
and advocate for your goals, issues and concerns. If I can ever help you, or
be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call me on my cellular phone
(917) 681-9302.
Thank you!
Greg Ball
Member of Assembly
PS - Every donation counts, please make a donation today, no matter how big
or small!
DONATE ONLINE:
www.SupportGreg.com
NEW & UPDATED WEBSITE
www.BALL4NY.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY WILLIAM GOULDMAN:
Peekskill Pit Fight Has Gouldman Going Home Winner
Assembly candidate debates rival in Wednesday night contest
at Paramount theater
Peekskill, New York Bill Gouldman, Assembly candidate for the 90th District, participated in a debate with 14-year incumbent assemblywoman Sandy Galef Wednesday evening at Peekskill's historic Paramount Center for the Arts. The Brown Street event was organized by the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the North County News and lasted approximately 90 minutes.
Moderating this one-time-only debate was a representative from the League of Women Voters, who drew on questions submitted by constituents living in the 90th Assembly District as well as the editorial board of the North County News. A total of 17 questions were asked of the two participants, with two-minute time limits imposed on each response. The majority of the questions - from the Legislature's failure to pass a property tax cap to a broken Medicaid system which recently allowed 30,000 people who had fled the state to collect benefits - spoke to Galef's lack of effectiveness in the New York State Assembly since taking office in 1994. Galef was often evasive in her answers, touting vague accomplishments and attaching herself to unanimous Assembly votes as a sign of her unconvincing "experience." Gouldman, meanwhile, laid out a fresh agenda for change and established himself as a can-do antidote to the culture of corruption in Sheldon Silver's Albany.
"Sandra Galef failed to demonstrate to the Paramount's audience her record of accomplishment in the Assembly after 14 years in office," said Gouldman. "The people of the 90th District want proof, not promises. Her lackluster performance ought to indicate the true weakness of her candidacy: a career politician running on a "record" which doesn't exist. What we heard from Mrs. Galef tonight was more excuses, more evasions, and more examples of her failed leadership.
"I want to change this. That's why I'm running for office, and that's why I'm confident the Peekskill audience came away from this debate concluding I was the winner," said Gouldman.
The full, 90-minute debate will be available for viewing on the North County News Web site Friday. To watch Bill Gouldman take on incumbent Sandy Galef, please visit www.northcountynews.com and click on the "NCN-TV" icon on the right.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE WESHCHESTER GOP:
Please see how the Presidential race is tightening and consider joining us on the buses going to Pennsylvania to help Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin lock up this critical battleground state!
Details below:
AP presidential poll: Race tightens in final weeks
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20081022/D93VPI9O0.html
Westchester will be organizing buses to Pennsylvania to campaign for Senator McCain and Governor Palin on each of the following days:
Saturday, October 25 - 8:00 a.m.
Sunday, October 26 - 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, November 1 - 8:00 a.m.
Sunday, November 2 - 9:00 a.m.
Buses will depart from the Westchester GOP, 214 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains and return at around 10:00 p.m.
To confirm your participation or if you have any questions, please e-mail Chairman@WestchesterGOP.com.
Thank you for your efforts on behalf of Senator McCain and Governor Palin!
Doug Colety
Chairman
Westchester GOP
914 497-2876
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss Indian Point. 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
CARS & US: www.doverracing.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.& Put. Valley)
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)
Tuesdays in Yorktown & Putnam Valley 9:30 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
10/27/08
No comments:
Post a Comment