Dear Readers:
Like most of you, I am having my taxes prepared. I received this e-mail from the accounting firm I use, Dewey-Cheetum & Howe:
"Andy,
Here is the tax sales and use tax. New York residents are liable for this tax as long as they bought
something from television, the Internet, or while on vacation outside of NewYork State (see actual example from the New York State web site below). If you did pay a tax to another jurisdiction, you can claim a credit.
I've recreated the charts, from this year and last year:
2008 CHART:
If your federal adjusted
gross income is: Enter
up to $15,000 *.................... $ 6
$ 15,001 - $ 30,000................. 16
30,001 - 50,000..................... 22
50,001 - 75,000..................... 29
75,001 - 100,000.................... 42
100,001 - 150,000................... 59
150,001 - 200,000................... 75
200,001 and greater............... .0377% (.000377) of income, or $ 200,
whichever amount is smaller.
* This may be any amount up to $15,000,
including 0 or a negative amount.
2007 CHART:
If your federal adjusted
gross income is: Enter
up to $15,000 *..................... $ 5
$ 15,001 - $ 30,000.................. 15
30,001 - 50,000...................... 21
50,001 - 75,000...................... 27
75,001 - 100,000..................... 40
100,001 - 150,000.................... 56
150,001 - 200,000.................... 75
200,001 and greater................ .0361% (.000361)of income, or $ 200,
whichever amount is smaller
* This may be any amount up to $15,000,
including 0 or a negative amount.
So, even if you have no taxable income, you owe this tax.
Now, you may say "It's only one dollar". I say that if 2 million New York
State filers made less than $15,000, than New York collected an additional
$2 million from the poorest of the poor. If you made $250,000, the tax
increases from $90.25 to $94.25.
The example straight from the New York State tax instructions right from the
web site will make you laugh:
You purchased a book on a trip to New Hampshire that you brought back to
your residence in Nassau County, New York, for use there.
No kidding. Buy a book on vacation, read it when you get back, and pay New
York State tax on it. Why? You purchased something outside of New York and
had the audacity to use it in New York!"
I have not purchased anything outside of N.Y. in years. I have not purchased anything over the Internet. Yet this year, my tax return will note I paid this tax anyway. Why? Because the State of New York will not believe you have not purchased anything out of state. I urged my accountant to err on the side of caution and have me pay this tax. See in New York, you have to prove you did not buy anything, the State does not have to prove you did. As with most tax regulation, you are guilty till proven innocent.
When I wrote about this tax "Hypocrisy....or the N.Y. State Government" ( BAZZOMANIFESTO 04/06/05) I pointed out that even though you are paying this tax, the following elected leaders did not as listed on their 2003 returns: Attorney General Elliot Spitzer, Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver, State Senate Leader Joe Bruno, Lt. Governor Mary Donohue, and Governor Pataki. We were then asked to believe that even though they all made numerous trips out of state, they purchased nothing to bring back and use in N.Y. Possible? Yes. Probable? No.
Maybe Leona Hemsley was right when she said only "little people" pay taxes. This is another case of the State nickel and dimming you to death. I have this year written three columns on Governor Patterson's proposed budget with it's 137 new or increased taxes, surcharges and fees. Of these, the most obnoxious is the three new taxes just to pay your taxes. Saturday's Daily News (02/21/09) editorial page finally acknowledged these taxes. Your humble writer was weeks ahead of the curve again, but I digress.
You would think that some of our elected leaders would show some anger, you would be wrong, they just shrug. You would think you the tax payer would show anger, again you would be wrong. Have we as residents of New York been so emasculated as not to be angered at being shafted? Do we really believe we are not paying enough in taxes to run this state? Where is the anger of our elected official or wanna be officials? If they won't lead the charge, who will? The state of New York is going to pass a "millionaire's tax" on income. Except they are defineing millionaire income as those making $250,000.00. If the leaders of the supposed loyal opposition won't lead, then I guess it's up to us. Or will you as these budget talks progress rollover and play dead?
*************************************************************************************
Dear Readers:
As promised, below is the reply to my last post from the Peekskill Guardian. I must point out first and foremost, at no time do they resort to personal attack against me. For that I am grateful and appreciative.
I wish to point out, being that the writers are not known, they can and do say that there is criminal activity in Peekskill's elected circles. No one can sue them for libel or slander. It is like a drive by shooting. A newspaper can not act in the same irrisposible manner. What you the reader must take into account is that the Peekskill Guardian is only giving their opinion. What they say is a crime, is not necessarily so. I would argue that the spirit and intent of the charter has not been followed. This year Peekskill's elected officials are up for election. They must answer to the public for their actions. It is up to the loyal opposition to hold them accoutable.
a.b.
HERE IS THE PEESKKILL GUARDIAN'S REPLY TO MY LAST POST:
Sunday, February 15, 2009
An Open Letter to Andy Bazzo
Dear Mr. Bazzo,
We are writing in response to your post, “The Enemy of My Friend is My Enemy.”
You mischaracterized what we wrote.
We did not ask the NCN to silence Mary Foster. We took them to task for allowing Foster to lie about things she voted on in the past. She denied that the City had invested ten of millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements since she’s been on the Common Council. And she’s been purging the City website of information that contradicts the alternative view of reality she is trying to create, with the considerable help of the NCN.
One gets the sense that no one at the NCN has ever stepped foot in Peekskill, or if they have, they haven’t paid attention to all the infrastructure improvements that have been made over the years. The flower garden on Central Avenue is an enduring monument to millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements. But the NCN has no institutional memory of anything that happens in Peekskill.
The issue goes much deeper than this single lie by Mary Foster.
The NCN treats Mary Foster differently than it treats other public officials.
We believe newspapers have an obligation to report when elected officials break the law. Every week, the NCN runs a crime blotter. But the same editorial board that publishes the crimes of unelected people, gives Peekskill’s elected officials a free pass.
You can’t tell us that Bruce Apar and Kathleen Fitzgerald haven’t been informed about them. We have received the same press releases the NCN has gotten, detailing Foster’s law-breaking. But the NCN continues to look the other way.
When we saw the video of Bishop Williamson saying, “I’m not going by emotion, I’m going by the evidence…”, we immediately saw a parallel to what can be the only thing going through Bruce Apar’s mind when he decides not to report Foster’s law-breaking.
By law, Peekskill has a City Manager form of government. No elected official can act as the City Manager. But Mary Foster has usurped the role of the City Manager, contrary to law.
The consequences have been disastrous.
Most recently, Foster illegally awarded a no-bid contract for the repair of the steps of City Hall. The job has been mishandled terribly, and will cost taxpayers more than had the project been put out to bid. It has already cost the citizens of Peekskill access to City Hall. Foster has used this as an excuse to move Council Meetings around the City, depriving people of the consistency of the public process. Imagine if Congress had held the recent “stimulus” vote in the basement of a school in North Dakota, and you can see the lunacy of vesting all power in a single official who has been given a free pass by the local media.
Also recently, Foster suspended winter parking rules, creating chaos. It appears to be a ruse on her part to create new revenue. Parking tickets have increased significantly, due to Foster’s inability to communicate the new parking rules to citizens. It is having a negative effect on business in the downtown. But you won’t read about it in the official paper of “Go, Mary, go!”
You try to dismiss our concerns as mere policy disagreements.
Since when is obeying the law and rules of ethics a policy choice?
The NCN is effectively telling the children of Peekskill that it is okay to break the law and that ethics are meaningless.
Most disturbing of all, Mr. Bazzo, is your insinuation that you will reject any fact that is presented in colorful language you dislike. In this, I take it you are agreeing with Bruce Apar’s view of the world, the reductio ad absurdum of which is complicity with genocide.
Bruce Apar has taken the public position that he will deny any fact presented in a way he doesn’t like. So long as he continues to take this position, so long as he is unwilling to separate facts from rhetoric and independently corroborate those facts, he will never be a newspaperman, but merely a marketing tool masquerading as one.
We applaud your friendship with Mr. Apar and Ms. Fitzpatrick. But your friends have been terribly mistaken by choosing to ignore Mary Foster’s legal and ethical violations, and failing to report her overall bad judgment.
Sincerely,
The Peekskill Guardian
************************************************************************************
CABLE T.V. UPDATE:
ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA:
My new show starts this week. The topic is below:
Paul R. Martin III is a resident of Yorktown Heights, NY and has become one of the foremost historical artists in the United States. Paul has an extensive background in Civil War and WWII era history, which translates to very detailed and historically accurate artwork. His background as a high school art instructor and living history participant has contributed to Paul’s impact as a lecturer for schools, Round Tables and historical societies. Paul is a member of many historical organizations and is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of local and national history.
*********************
THE VOLPE REPORT:
Andy- here is the schedule:
Domenic Volpe the host of The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the next guest is Michael Kaplowitz- County Legislator District 4. Michael talks about the County Budget, State issues affecting county residents, state of the county with respect to the enviromment.
The Volpe Report can be seen on Public Access Channel 15, Thursday Feb.26, March 5 and 12 at 8:00pm in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area. In the Yorktown/Putnam Valley area access Channel 74 Wednesdays Feb.25, March 4 and 11 at 6:00pm.
The Volpe Report-- Hosted by Domenic Volpe
*******************
THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG:
Please watch my show " The Watchdog Report"
Wednesday on channel #74 at 4:30 P.M.
My guest is Joy Brighton from Act for America.The
tpoic is Redicle Islam in the USA. Please attend our next UTY meeting
on Feb. 25, 2008 at the Yorktown Town Hall at 7:30 P.M.
Ed Ciffone
************************************************************************************
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT 12 GRAPES, N. DIVISION STREET, PEEKSKILL:
SPECIAL EVENTS IN MARCH:
Storm Front, a Billy Joel Tribute Band
Friday, March 6, 9:30 - 12:30
Mark your calendars, and make your reservations early. This show will sell out.
Guitar Prodigy Showcase
Friday, March 27, 9:30 - 11:30
Three young guitarists with incredible talent take the stage in 30 minute sets.
Check 12grapes.com for full details and weekly updates.
All the best,
Rich & Jeannie
COMING UP:
Wed, Feb 25, 8:00-10:30 - Greg Aulden (Acoustic, solo; Originals & Covers)
Thu, Feb 26, 8:00-10:30 - Petey Hop (Acoustic, duo; Originals & Covers)
Petey's unique singing voice, his repertoir of hundreds of songs and guitar skills
that will knock you out, all make for one great evening of great entertainment.
Fri, Feb 27, 9:30-12:30 - Teri Lamar & New Company (Pop, Motown, R&B)
Voted "Westchester's Friendliest Band" by More Sugar! Magazine. We say they're just plain fun.
Sun, Mar 1, 6:00 - 9:00, Marc Von Em
Marc Von Em has been described as soulful, funky, sometimes bluesy sometimes haunting,
always sincere. One reviewer writes "I can genuinely say if you haven't heard or seen him live, you're only cheating yourself." Join us as we welcome this uniquely talented artist to our stage.
Wed, Mar 4, 8:00 - 10:30, Jon Cobert
Five-time Grammy Nominee. All-time knockout keyboard player.
Thu, Mar 5, 8:30 - 11:30, Johnny Feds & da Bluez Boyz Jam
Enuf said.
Sat, March 6, 9:30-12:30
"Storm Front" A Billy Joel Tribute Band
Last June, they took 12 Grapes by storm...the place was packed, and everyone was dancing all night long. Storm Front tours around the country, including BB King's in NYC.
Featuring five amazing musicians--the piano, sax and vocals are outstanding.
Join us at 12 Grapes for A Bottle of Red, A Bottle of White and a Billy Joel Tribute Night!
$10 Entertainment Fee for all, including diners
Fri, March 27, 9:30-11:30
Guitar Prodigy Showcase
Ranging in age from 12 to 14, these three guitar players will amaze you. They are:
Myles Mancuso, who was a guest musician last July with Roxy Perry, and recently featured in an article in More Sugar! Magazine; Paul Beladino of Peekskill, who's been seen onstage with The Straight Up Dirties, and... Alex Sciglio, who performed here last year with world touring blues guitarist Melvin Taylor. Each guitarist will perform a set with his own adult back-up band.
The evening will culminate with all three players performing together in a jam session.
Dinner reservations begin at 8pm. $5 Entertainment Fee.
Click here for 12grapes.com
to see our full calendar of events
Visit hvmusic.com to see photos and descriptions of our bands.
The good news is winter's almost over. Before you know it, our French Doors will be open to the Spring air. In the meantime, come join us Tuesday through Sunday for Lunch or Dinner, and don't forget we have a terrific Sunday Brunch. And, of course, great live music Wednesday through Sunday.
Once again, thank you for your patronage and friendship. We look forward to seeing you at 12 Grapes soon.
Sincerely,
Rich & Jeannie Credidio
12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar
12 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY
(914) 737-6624
12grapes.com
***********************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:
Andy:
FYI – This is the general feeling of Yorktown residents….
Tom
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 2:37 PM
To: tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
Subject: Lakeside Colony II - Residents
We stand behind you and I will notify the residents to vote the incumbents off the Town Board this November. The residents of Lakeside Colony II welcome your establishment and are hoping for a favorable resolution.
Don’t give up.
****************
Thomas DeChiaro
The Winery at St. George
PO Box 32
Baldwin Place, NY 10505
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
(914) 455-4272
(914) 455-4273 - fax
The town continues to ignore my requests for a meeting to resolve the open issues & the lawsuit with the winery. They have hired four (4) outside law firms to defend this lawsuit, all at the taxpayer’s (our) expense.
How can we trust the current leadership to guide us through these challenging economic times when they can’t even solve a simple problem with one local business owner?
In November, we need to change the leadership in Yorktown. Vote out the incumbents!
tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
The Winery at St. George
1715 E. Main Street
Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
(914) 455-4272
Thomas DeChiaro
The Winery at St. George
PO Box 32
Baldwin Place, NY 10505
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
(914) 455-4272
(914) 455-4273 - fax
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
New York: Ball Raising Money to Take on Hall
February 17, 2009
By Josh Kurtz
Roll Call Staff
State Assemblyman Greg Ball (R), who announced last week that he is setting up an exploratory committee as a prelude to a possible challenge to Rep. John Hall (D), said in an interview that he’ll take "a few months" before making a final decision on the race. By opening an account so early in the cycle, "we’re going to be able to have a real exploratory phase of the campaign," Ball said.
Ball, whose Assembly district covers about 20 percent of Hall’s Hudson Valley Congressional district, said he is confident that he can raise the money and attract the grass-roots support to run a solid campaign. But he said he would take the next few months to gauge voters’ reaction to Hall’s performance and the Democratic-controlled government in Washington, D.C.
Ball, riffing on Hall’s former life as a popular singer-songwriter, said the Congressman is no "rock star," and he said he believes he can make the case that Hall is ignoring the "kitchen-table issues" that voters care most about. A Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesman disputed that.
"John Hall is successfully fighting for Hudson Valley families and veterans with a steady focus on creating jobs and jump-starting our economy," Shripal Shah said. "We’re confident Congressman John Hall’s constituents are proud of his record and will appreciate his efforts come November 2010."
Ball, who is just 31, ousted an incumbent Republican Assemblyman in a contentious 2006 primary and faced opposition from some GOP leaders in his 2008 re-election race. But all five county GOP chairmen in the district attended his fundraiser last week, and Ball expressed confidence that he’ll have their full support if he runs.
"I have bent over backwards to extend an olive branch" to the GOP establishment, he said. Ball said last week’s fundraiser benefited his state political action committee but that any fundraisers he schedules in the next few months will be for his new federal campaign account.
Make a Donation Today!
"Ball4NY" Exploratory Committee, PO Box 135, Patterson, NY 12563
www.Ball4Ny.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG:
Dear members:
Check out our new website at www.yorktownopengov.org. Please come to the next meeting of the UTY on Wednesday Feb. 25, 2009 at the Yorktown Town Hall at 7:30 P.M. Just a reminder to you that every last Wednesday of each month we meet at the same time and place.
As President of the UTY I am declaring war on the school districts and the New York State government. At the last Yorktown school board meeting the board did away with the finance committee; I am a member. No resident on the steering committee on the bond issue projects, I was removed by a police officer the day I tried to enter their meeting. The school board refused to reinstate the legislative committee where I was also a member. The abolishment of the finance committee was the last straw for me. Where is the transparency they claim they use? With the Governor of New York asking for another 137 new tax laws and his steadily reduction of the STAR exemptions program we must go to war. This is the start of the taxpayer’s revolution. Forget about the politicians they are useless. They can’t agree on anything especially on how to help us reduce our property taxes. They just spend more and more of our money. We need to form a new battle plan immediately and take back control of our lives before it’s too late. We have used some weapons in the past like rallies, demonstrations, petitions, letters, signs, phone calls, running candidates (we need school board candidates now) please call me if interested in running at 245-1018.
Have you seen our local newspapers with articles from our school district’s Superintendents? They want to cut jobs not salaries or benefits. What hypocrisy from two men who make outrageous salaries. Here are their salaries, for the Lakeland Superintendent he at $260,000 per year with benefits and Yorktown’s Superintendent is at $233,000 plus benefits. Those hypocrites want to cut jobs and staff in their districts before they give up a dime. We need to have one Superintendent for both school districts. The governor of New York makes $175,000 per year and he runs a whole state.
Please take advantage of our few benefits that the UTY offers our members. Besides saving on oil and at BJ’s we have something new to offer you. At our meeting on Wednesday March 25, we will have representatives from Rethinking County Government. Their goal is to abolish County Government. Also in attendance there will be a lawyer named Bobbie Anne Cox that will tell anyone that is interested in how to file for a lower assessment of their home. She will offer her services at a lower cost to UTY members. If you have any questions call her now at (914) 779-6299 tell her you’re a member of the UTY for your free consultation and the discounted cost saving.
Lastly when you file your income taxes get IRS form 5695 a new tax credit reduction on residential energy saving . If you for example installed new windows, a new boiler or if you made any changes to your home in any way to make it more energy efficient get the form.
See you on Feb. 25th; please send in your dues of $10.00 for 2009 if you haven’t yet done so. Please mail dues to United Taxpayers of Yorktown, at BOX 180 Yorktown Heights NY 10598.
Thank you.
Ed Ciffone
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss the expaned SCHIP program and the new stimulous legislation. 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/
CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION: www.cortlandtcivic.com
GOPAC: gohudblogs.com
PEEKSILL NEWS: http://peekskillnews.blogspot.com/
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: www.yorktownopengov.org
DAILY DOSE OF DUMB: http://www.dailydoseofdumb.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 & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
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: Domenic 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
SPEAK OUT WITH SANDY GALEF: Yorktown chanel 74 Wednesdays at 7:30PM..Ossining/Peekskill chanel 15 Wednesdays at 8PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
DEAR SANDY: Yorktown chanel 74 Fridays 7:30PM...Ossining/Peeksill chanel 15 Fridays
9PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
**********************************************************************************
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
02/22/09
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
THE ENEMY OF MY FRIEND IS MY ENEMY
Dear Readers:
It has been said that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. In politics this is especially true. That is why politics makes strange bedfellows. However the converse can also and in this case, be true. That being the enemy of my friend is my enemy. Today, February 14, 2009 the "Peeksksill Guardian" crossed the line. Their new post ( http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/ ) has totally discredited any good they might have accomplished in the past. Worse, they have made it impossible for me to defend them as I have in the past in print and in private. This new post has justified their detractors arguments about anonymous bloggers and nullified my defense of the good they try to accomplish. No, I will not remove their link from my "Sites To Link To" (as long as my site is continued to be linked to theirs), what I am now going to do is list "Peekskill News" ( http://peekskillnews.blogspot.com/ ) which up to this point I have resisted. This way people will see that both are different sides of the same coin.
Their personal attacks on my friends, and I say that proudly, Bruce Apar, Kathleen Fitzpatrick and the Volpe family have crossed the line and as such lost my support. The personal attacks on the present Peekskill Mayor who every one who either reads my column or blog knows I have had my policy differences with, are also out of bounds, even in political discourse. I have said and written numerous times that politics is not for the faint of heart, however that relates to attacks from adversaries who are willing to go public and sign their names to their opinions such as Councilwoman Pisani and former Mayor Testa.
There are as we speak, numerous issues facing Peekskill residents. These issues come from the federal government, state government, county government and local government. Many are inter-related. Each of these issues are worthy of argument in the arena of ideas and as this is an election season for local and county government officials, arguments on point can be made for the defeat of the present sitting officials. None need over the top hyperbole, or personal attacks to make the point. Those over the top hyperbole and personal attacks discredit any point one might make. In my case, and I am probably not alone, they lose the support of those who would in other times support them.
The Peekskill Guardian takes the position that the NCN should have denied the Mayor of Peekskill the right to speak her mind because they have found fault in her arguments. They wish the NCN to do what the federal government is trying to do now, that is silence opinion. Censorship!!! That is what they are advocating, yet if someone, or even I, by removing their link would attempt to censor them, they would scream holy hell and would be right to do so. If they were so upset about the opinion piece the Mayor wrote, they should have contacted the paper to write a rebuttal, and I know this as a fact, they would have been permitted to do so. The NCN does not silence critics who are willing to sign their names to their critique. In fact, they encourage this kind of discourse as it informs the public of the issues facing them and the arguments of either side.
As for the attack on the Volpe family, it was totally irrelevant to the post and a gratuitous attack on a family that has given much to the community. Just because you disagree with one family member's politics does not mean the whole family is fair game. My father once told me there will be people on your side you wish were on the other side. This post by the Peekskill Guardian makes that case. I have made this post in public and my name is on it. I know I have let myself open to attack from the Peeskkill Guardian whose writers are anonymous and will be free to personally attack me with invective that they would not have the nerve to say to my face. So I will not censor them, and I will re-print any reply to the post. It is my hope they will be on point and not personal.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE PEEKSKILL BID DISTRICT:
Westchester's ONLY East Village Boutique!
ATTENTION SHOPPERS! Save yourselves a trip to New York City and check out our semi-annual BLOWOUT SALE. Our entire stock of fabulous jewelry, accessories and giftware is on sale now, so shop early and often for the best deals. Items have been marked down 20 to 50% off our already low prices and EVERYTHING is on sale:
JEWELRY- Ethnic, costume, funky, semi-precious & designer. Biggest selection of earrings in the area.
SCARVES & WRAPS- Silks, velvet & Pashmina,
GIFTWARE- Unusual items from all over the world.
HANDBAGS & PURSES- Every size, shape, style imaginable including replica bags, Elvis, Marilyn, Lucy and Betty Boop.
WORKS OF ART- Hand-painted silk scarves and framed paintings.
We are open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1pm to 6pm.
Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 5. Or you can call for an appointment anytime- 914-736-1235.
Our website is www.side-effectsny.com
***************************
Now Showing at The Bean Runner Gallery
HOWARD GOODMAN
PHOTOGRAPHS
THE BEAN RUNNER GALLERY
FEBRUARY 7 - MARCH 11, 2009
Opening Reception:Saturday, February 7, 2009
1. Luiza’s Coffee, Carmel, NY
2. Spoons
3. Little Buddhas, Beaverkill River, NY
4. Coronado Kitchen, Kyoto, Japan
5. Kitchen, Blue Mt. Lake, NY
6. Water Glass, Masonville, NY
7. “Fundy View”, Freeport, Nova Scotia
8. Kent-Delord House, Plattsburgh, NY
9. Trampoline, Sandwich, NH
10. Wallace Putnam, Painter, Yorktown Heights, NY
11. Keiko Ikoma, Sculptor, Peekskill, NY
12. Karen Marmer, Violinist, Peekskill, NY
Mr. Goodman states, “I strive to have the work ask questions rather answer them”, and, that
"as straightforward narratives, I try to create something which bestows meaning on otherwise everyday events or objects."
Mr. Goodman's photographs are in the collections of The Whitney Museum of American
Art, The International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House, Lincoln First
Bank, Pfizer Corporation, Maxwell Fine Arts, among other public and private collections.
They have recently sold at auction at the Katonah Museum, Lyndhurst,
and The Woodstock Center for Photography.
The photographs in this exhibition* were produced with traditional photographic materials:
standard Kodak Tri-X 8x10 B&W film, and printed by the photographer on Forte museum
weight, silver-gelatin photographic paper. All rights reserved.
201 South Division Street, Peekskill, New York (914)737-1701
*All prints, except Karen Marmer’s portrait, are traditional silver-gelatin prints,
hand printed by the photographer.
20” x 24” prints, signed, as presented, $1800.
Portrait commissions welcomed.
The BRC Gallery 201 South St. Peekskill, NY (914) 737-1701
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM WILLIAM GOULDMAN AND THE PUTNAM VALLEY GOP:
The Putnam Valley
Republican Committee
Invites You To Join Our 6th Annual
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Hanlon's Neighborhood Steakhouse
151 Bryant Pond Road
Mahopac, New York
Sunday - March 1, 2009
3 to 6 pm
$45 per Person ($75 a Couple)
$15 per Person, Ages 12-18
Children under 11, No Charge
Holiday Buffet includes Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, Baked Ziti, Irish stew, Tossed Salad, Caesar Salad, Potato Salad,
Vegetable of the Day, Irish Soda Bread, Party Cake,
Coffee, Tea, Soda,
Domestic Draft Beer or Red and White Wine.
RSVP By Sunday February 27, 2009
Call: Bill Gouldman at 914-582-7290
Or Email: PutnamValleyGOP@GMail.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM YORKTOWN COUNCILMAN NICK BIANCO:
RE: STAR PROGRAM UPDATE:
Andy,
You have my permission to put in your blog. Kathleen you can do what ever. I figure if i can summarize perhaps it would get better attention.
HOMEOWNERS BEWARE DOUBLE DIGIT PROPERTY TAX HIKES COMING TO YOUR HOME.
Star Checks Eliminated
Star Exemptions Reduced
Governor Paterson's budget not only reduces STAR benefits for all homeowners, but also ELIMINATES STAR rebate checks for both families and seniiors.
STATE SCHOOL AID SLASHED
Governor Paterson's plan slashes state aid for local schools and will result in property tax hikes.
INCREASED PROPERTY TAXES RESULT IN DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES
Senior's Forced Out of Their Homes
Young People Leaving Our Area
RESTORE TAX RELIEF MEASURES, AND CUT SPENDING.
Yorktown Councilman Nick Bianco
*********************
Hi Andy,
Your friend, Nick, has recommended this article entitled 'GOP: cost of new state taxes and fees $3,300 a year' to you.
Here is his/her remarks:
Andy Take a look
GOP: cost of new state taxes and fees $3,300 a year
Posted By Jay Gallagher On February 10, 2009 (12:21 pm) In Uncategorized
The 137 tax and fee increases proposed by Gov. David Paterson to close a budget hole would cost a middle-class family of four $3,300 a year, according to computations by Senate Republicans.
Such a hit would “not only exhaust any monthly savings for emergencies, but (also) force families to reduce spending to pay for additional taxes and fees,’’ Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Nassau County, said today.
Skelos wants the governor, who proposed the increases to help close a $13 billion state budget deficit for the fiscal year that starts April 1, to hold off on any tax-hike ideas until the state knows how much it is getting from the federal government’s stimulus package, which is being debated this week in Congress.
There was no immediate response to the GOP calculations from Paterson’s Budget Division.
Among the increased costs for the four-person family, according to the Senate GOP calculations:—At least $1.60 more every month to download Itunes.—$3 a month more for cellular phones (based on a family having three phones)—$8 for every $100 worth of tickets.—$13 more to rent a car for a week.—$12.50 more for two weeks of summer camp at a Department of Environmental Conservation facility.—$4.80 a month more for basic cable TV service.—$4.80 a week more for deposits on bottled water, assuming usage of 24 per week.—$400 more in property taxes because of the elimination of the STAR rebate program.—$1.80 per week more to buy a 12-pack of soda because of the 18 percent “obesity tax.’’—$21 per month more in medical-insurance premiums, assuming a monthly charge now of $194.—$8 per month in taxes on haircuts.—$2 a month more for child care.—$2 more for a license to fish for trout.—$.64 cents more for two bottles of wine and 52 cents per month for a six-pack of beer.— 80 cents per month for cigars, if you smoke five in that period.—$2.56 more per month for life insurance.—If your family has two cars, $3.70 a month more for insurance, $7.81 more annually to register it and $4.17 for a license plate. The monthly cost of an increase in the gas tax would amount to 45 cents.
.
Article taken from Politics on the Hudson - http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com
URL to article: http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2009/02/10/gop-cost-of-new-state-taxes-and-fees-3300-a-year/
************************************************************************************
WHAY'S HAPPENING AT 12 GRAPES, N. DIVISION STREET, PEEKSKILL:
Announcing
"Storm Front" ~ a Billy Joel Tribute Band
Friday, March 6, 9:30 - 12:30
We wanted you to be the first to know.
Mark your calendars, and make your reservations early. This show will sell out.
This week's entertainment lineup ~
Sunday, Feb 15, 6:00 - 9:00, The Glenda Davenport Jazz Trio
Check 12grapes.com for full details and weekly updates.
All the best,
Rich & Jeannie
12 Grapes Entertainment Calendar
Sun, Feb 15, 6:00-9:00
Glenda Davenport
Romance doesn't have to end on Feb 14. Bring your Valentine to 12 Grapes to hear
this beautiful lady sing her way into your heart. We put her up there with Ella,
Billie Holiday and other Sophisticated Ladies of Jazz.
Click here for 12grapes.com
to see our full calendar of events
COMING UP:
Sat, March 6, 9:30-12:30
"Storm Front" A Billy Joel Tribute Band
Last June, they took 12 Grapes by storm...the place was packed, and everyone was dancing all night long. Storm Front tours around the country, including BB King's in NYC.
Featuring five amazing musicians--the piano, sax and vocals are outstanding.
Join us at 12 Grapes for A Bottle of Red, A Bottle of White and a Billy Joel Tribute Night!
$10 Entertainment Fee for all, including diners
Fri, March 27, 9:30-12:30
Youth Guitarist Showcase
Three child prodigies take the stage. Their guitar skills will amaze you. More info to come.
As always, please check out 12grapes.com to view our calendar of events and photo gallery. Thank you for your patronage and friendship. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Sincerely,
Rich & Jeannie Credidio
12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar
12 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY
(914) 737-6624
12grapes.com
***********************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG:
Yesterday, the Senate began debate on an economic stimulus package that is intended to get our economy back on track and help Americans who are suffering through these
difficult times.
Unfortunately, the proposal on the table is big on the
giveaways for the special interests and corporate high20rollers, yet short
on help for ordinary working Americans. I cannot and do not support the
package on the table from the Democrats and the Obama Administration. Our
country does not need just another spending bill, particularly not one
that will load future generations with the burden of massive debt.
We need a short term stimulus bill that will directly help people, create jobs,
and provide a jolt to our economy. I believe we need to evaluate every bit of spending in this stimulus proposal with one important
criteria - does it really stimulate the economy and help create jobs - if
the answer is no, it does not belong in a so-called stimulus package.
Furthermore, the stimulus must include significant direct relief to American
workers in the form of payroll tax cuts and programs to help homeowners keep
their homes. Finally, we need an end game to this stimulus so that when
our economy recovers, these spending programs do not remain permanent
and saddle our children with a skyrocketing national debt.
I appreciate the discussions President Obama is having with my
Republican colleagues, but the time for talking has come to an end and we
must now begin some serious negotiation. But as of yet, Republicans have
not been given the opportunity to be involved.
The House of Representatives passed a stimulus bill without a single Republican supporting it. In the Senate, the Democrat leadership is trying to jam the existing proposal through regardless of reservations from a number of members. With so much at
stake, the last thing we need is partisanship driving our attempts to turn
the economy around.
I have long been a fighter against wasteful spending in Washington and long an advocate for a balanced budget. that will never change. I realize we face extraordinary challenges with our economy today, but that is not an excuse for more irresponsibly from Washington. I hope you will join me in saying no to this stimulus
package as it currently exists by signing this petition.
Sincerely,
John McCain
Chair, Country First PAC
****************************
The staff of the Committee on Open Government is authorized to issue advisory opinions. The ensuing
staff advisory opinion is based solely upon the information presented in your
correspondence.
Dear Mr. Ciffone:
We are in receipt of your request for an advisory opinion regarding application
of the Open Meetings Law to proceedings of the Yorktown School Board that you
recorded on May 12, 2008. Please accept my apology for the delay in
responding. The recording that you submitted raised a number of issues, all of which we will attempt to address with the following comments.
First, to summarize the conversation recorded in the electronic file that you
submitted, during the public comment portion of a Board meeting, after you
requested that a Board member respond to20allegations of discriminatory and anti-semitic comments filed in a police incident report, you were repeatedly asked
to stop talking, and told that the issues you raised were not relevant to
District business. Eventually, you were granted an additional two minutes to
speak, informed that you would lose the ability to speak during public comment
periods at the discretion of the President if you did not maintain
professionalism and respect, and that you must limit your comments to District business.
While the Open Meetings Law clearly provides the public with the right "to observe the performance of public officials and attend and listen to the deliberations and
decisions that go into the making of public policy" (see Open Meetings
Law, '100), the law is silent with respect to public participation. Consequently, by means of example, if a public body, such as the Town Board, does not want to
answer questions or permit the public to speak or otherwise participate at its
meetings, we do not believe that it would be obliged to do so. On the
other hand, a public body may choose to answer questions and permit public
participation, and many do so. When a public body does permit the
public to speak, we believe that it should do so based upon reasonable rules that
treat members of the public equally.
Although public bodies have the right to adopt rules to govern their own proceedings (see e.g.,Town Law '63 and Education Law '1709),
the courts have found in a variety of contexts that such rules must be
reasonable. For example, although a board of education may "adopt by
laws and rules for its government and operations", in a case in which a
board's rule prohibited the use of tape recorders at its meetings, the Appellate
Division found that the rule was unreasonable, stating that the
authority to adopt rules "is not unbridled" and that "unreasonable rules will
not be sanctioned" [see Mitchell v. Garden City Union Free School
District, 113 AD 2d 924, 925 (1985)]. Similarly, if by rule, a public
body chose to permit certain citizens to address it for ten minutes while
permitting others to address it for three, or not at all, such a rule, in our
view, would be unreasonable.
There arefederal court decisions indicating that if commentary is permitted
within a certain subject area, negative commentary in the same area cannot be
prohibited. It has been held by the United States Supreme Court that a
school board meeting in which the public may speak is a Alimited@ public
forum, and that limited public fora involve Apublic
property which the State has opened for use by the public as a place for
expressive activity@ [Perry Education Association v. Perry Local Educators= Association, 460 US 37, 103. S.Ct. 954(1939); also see Baca v. Moreno Valley Unified School District, 936 F.Supp. 719 (1996)]. In Baca, a federal court invalidated a bylaw that Aallows expression of two
points of view (laudatory and neutral) while prohibiting a different
point ofview (negatively critical) on a particular subject matter (District
employees= conduct or performance)@ (id., 730). That
prohibition Aengenders discussion artificially geared toward praising (and maintaining) the status quo, thereby foreclosing meaningful public dialogue and ultimately, dynamic political change@ [Leventhal
v. Vista Unified School District, 973 F.Supp. 951, 960 (1997)]. In a
decision rendered by the United States District Court, Eastern District
of New York (1997 WL588876 E.D.N.Y.), Schuloff, v. Murphy, it was stated that:
In a traditional public forum, like a street or park, the government may enforce a content-based exclusion only if it is necessary to serve a compelling state interest
and is narrowly drawn to achieve that end. Perry Educ. Ass=n., 460 U.S. at
45. A designated or >limited= public forum is public
property >that the state has opened for use by the public as a place for expressive activity.= Id. So long as the government retains the facility open for speech, it is bound by the same standards that apply to a traditional public forum. Thus, any content-based
prohibition must be narrowly drawn to effectuate a=2 0compelling state interest.
Id. at 46.@
In the context of the specific issues that you raised, we believe that a court would determine that the Board may limit the amount of time allotted to persons who
wish to speak at a meeting, so long as the limitation is reasonable, and that
three minutes appears to be reasonable. Similarly, it is our view that the
Board may limit comments to matters involving District business. However, if the
Board permits the public to praise an individual Board member or an employee
during the public comment period, in our opinion, there would be no basis to
prohibit or prevent a person from making negative comments, or raising
allegations that would reflect in a negative manner on that person. Again, the Open
Meetings Law does not address whether and/or how an elected official responds to
questions.
Further, from our perspective, although the President presides at Board meetings, it is questionable whether s/he may validly determine unilaterally whether
the subject matter or comment proposed by a person desiring to speak involves
District business. S/he is but one member of the Board, and we believe that the
Board,if necessary, should determine by means of a majority vote of its total
membership if there is a question or disagreement regarding whether a
subject relates to District business. We believe that the Board in that
circumstance should determine whether the subject may be raised, rather than the
President doing so alone.
Finally, we advise you to inquire whether the School Board has adopted rules or
bylaws governing Aprofessionalism and respect@, or the decorum of those present during the public comment portion of public meetings.
In our opinion, if a police report has been filed about discriminatory
comments made by an elected official, it is not necessarily disrespectful or
unprofessional to raise the issue during a public comment period.
On behalf of the Committee on Open Government, we hope that this is helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Camille S.
Jobin-Davis
Assistant Director
CSJ:jm
cc: Board of Education
Camille S. Jobin-Davis
Assistant Director
Committee on Open Government
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Ave., Suite 650
Albany, NY 12231
(518) 474-2518
(518) 474-1927 - Fax
Website: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/coog/coogwww.html
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
SAVE THE DATE: Annual Golf Outing - Friday June 5th
This year we’re shaking things up…
All Day - Fun and Beer at Every Hole
· 10AM Kegs and Eggs at Murphy’s
· 12PM Finger Lickin’ BBQ
· 2PM Hudson Hills Shotgun Start
· 6PM Open Bar & Cocktail Hour
· 7PM Dinner at Murphy’s
Mark this in your calendar!
Can you do a foursome? Will you sponsor the event? Can you donate silent auction items?
Call 914-471-7080
Register Online at www.GballEvents.com
***************************
BALL HOSTS 2nd ANNUAL HOMELAND SECURITY DINNER
Announces formation of Congressional Exploratory Committee
The guest speaker at this year’s dinner was decorated former top CIA official Gary Berntsen, a counterterrorism expert who served as the Commander of all CIA forces in Eastern Afghanistan and led the task force to hunt and kill Osama bin Laden at Tora Bora.
“In a time when we have significant challenges in terms of national security and the economic wellbeing of the nation, we need leaders. Greg Ball is such a leader and is an example of a public servant who has served our country in uniform and understands the need for fiscal responsibility. Tough times require tough and honest men and women. Greg Ball is such a man,” Berntsen said.
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss Governor Patterson's attempt to destroy the independent liquor store. 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/
CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION: www.cortlandtcivic.com
GOPAC: gohudblogs.com
PEEKSILL NEWS: http://peekskillnews.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 & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
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: Domenic 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
SPEAK OUT WITH SANDY GALEF: Yorktown chanel 74 Wednesdays at 7:30PM..Ossining/Peekskill chanel 15 Wednesdays at 8PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
DEAR SANDY: Yorktown chanel 74 Fridays 7:30PM...Ossining/Peeksill chanel 15 Fridays
9PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
**********************************************************************************
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
02/14/09
It has been said that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. In politics this is especially true. That is why politics makes strange bedfellows. However the converse can also and in this case, be true. That being the enemy of my friend is my enemy. Today, February 14, 2009 the "Peeksksill Guardian" crossed the line. Their new post ( http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/ ) has totally discredited any good they might have accomplished in the past. Worse, they have made it impossible for me to defend them as I have in the past in print and in private. This new post has justified their detractors arguments about anonymous bloggers and nullified my defense of the good they try to accomplish. No, I will not remove their link from my "Sites To Link To" (as long as my site is continued to be linked to theirs), what I am now going to do is list "Peekskill News" ( http://peekskillnews.blogspot.com/ ) which up to this point I have resisted. This way people will see that both are different sides of the same coin.
Their personal attacks on my friends, and I say that proudly, Bruce Apar, Kathleen Fitzpatrick and the Volpe family have crossed the line and as such lost my support. The personal attacks on the present Peekskill Mayor who every one who either reads my column or blog knows I have had my policy differences with, are also out of bounds, even in political discourse. I have said and written numerous times that politics is not for the faint of heart, however that relates to attacks from adversaries who are willing to go public and sign their names to their opinions such as Councilwoman Pisani and former Mayor Testa.
There are as we speak, numerous issues facing Peekskill residents. These issues come from the federal government, state government, county government and local government. Many are inter-related. Each of these issues are worthy of argument in the arena of ideas and as this is an election season for local and county government officials, arguments on point can be made for the defeat of the present sitting officials. None need over the top hyperbole, or personal attacks to make the point. Those over the top hyperbole and personal attacks discredit any point one might make. In my case, and I am probably not alone, they lose the support of those who would in other times support them.
The Peekskill Guardian takes the position that the NCN should have denied the Mayor of Peekskill the right to speak her mind because they have found fault in her arguments. They wish the NCN to do what the federal government is trying to do now, that is silence opinion. Censorship!!! That is what they are advocating, yet if someone, or even I, by removing their link would attempt to censor them, they would scream holy hell and would be right to do so. If they were so upset about the opinion piece the Mayor wrote, they should have contacted the paper to write a rebuttal, and I know this as a fact, they would have been permitted to do so. The NCN does not silence critics who are willing to sign their names to their critique. In fact, they encourage this kind of discourse as it informs the public of the issues facing them and the arguments of either side.
As for the attack on the Volpe family, it was totally irrelevant to the post and a gratuitous attack on a family that has given much to the community. Just because you disagree with one family member's politics does not mean the whole family is fair game. My father once told me there will be people on your side you wish were on the other side. This post by the Peekskill Guardian makes that case. I have made this post in public and my name is on it. I know I have let myself open to attack from the Peeskkill Guardian whose writers are anonymous and will be free to personally attack me with invective that they would not have the nerve to say to my face. So I will not censor them, and I will re-print any reply to the post. It is my hope they will be on point and not personal.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE PEEKSKILL BID DISTRICT:
Westchester's ONLY East Village Boutique!
ATTENTION SHOPPERS! Save yourselves a trip to New York City and check out our semi-annual BLOWOUT SALE. Our entire stock of fabulous jewelry, accessories and giftware is on sale now, so shop early and often for the best deals. Items have been marked down 20 to 50% off our already low prices and EVERYTHING is on sale:
JEWELRY- Ethnic, costume, funky, semi-precious & designer. Biggest selection of earrings in the area.
SCARVES & WRAPS- Silks, velvet & Pashmina,
GIFTWARE- Unusual items from all over the world.
HANDBAGS & PURSES- Every size, shape, style imaginable including replica bags, Elvis, Marilyn, Lucy and Betty Boop.
WORKS OF ART- Hand-painted silk scarves and framed paintings.
We are open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1pm to 6pm.
Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 5. Or you can call for an appointment anytime- 914-736-1235.
Our website is www.side-effectsny.com
***************************
Now Showing at The Bean Runner Gallery
HOWARD GOODMAN
PHOTOGRAPHS
THE BEAN RUNNER GALLERY
FEBRUARY 7 - MARCH 11, 2009
Opening Reception:Saturday, February 7, 2009
1. Luiza’s Coffee, Carmel, NY
2. Spoons
3. Little Buddhas, Beaverkill River, NY
4. Coronado Kitchen, Kyoto, Japan
5. Kitchen, Blue Mt. Lake, NY
6. Water Glass, Masonville, NY
7. “Fundy View”, Freeport, Nova Scotia
8. Kent-Delord House, Plattsburgh, NY
9. Trampoline, Sandwich, NH
10. Wallace Putnam, Painter, Yorktown Heights, NY
11. Keiko Ikoma, Sculptor, Peekskill, NY
12. Karen Marmer, Violinist, Peekskill, NY
Mr. Goodman states, “I strive to have the work ask questions rather answer them”, and, that
"as straightforward narratives, I try to create something which bestows meaning on otherwise everyday events or objects."
Mr. Goodman's photographs are in the collections of The Whitney Museum of American
Art, The International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House, Lincoln First
Bank, Pfizer Corporation, Maxwell Fine Arts, among other public and private collections.
They have recently sold at auction at the Katonah Museum, Lyndhurst,
and The Woodstock Center for Photography.
The photographs in this exhibition* were produced with traditional photographic materials:
standard Kodak Tri-X 8x10 B&W film, and printed by the photographer on Forte museum
weight, silver-gelatin photographic paper. All rights reserved.
201 South Division Street, Peekskill, New York (914)737-1701
*All prints, except Karen Marmer’s portrait, are traditional silver-gelatin prints,
hand printed by the photographer.
20” x 24” prints, signed, as presented, $1800.
Portrait commissions welcomed.
The BRC Gallery 201 South St. Peekskill, NY (914) 737-1701
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM WILLIAM GOULDMAN AND THE PUTNAM VALLEY GOP:
The Putnam Valley
Republican Committee
Invites You To Join Our 6th Annual
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Hanlon's Neighborhood Steakhouse
151 Bryant Pond Road
Mahopac, New York
Sunday - March 1, 2009
3 to 6 pm
$45 per Person ($75 a Couple)
$15 per Person, Ages 12-18
Children under 11, No Charge
Holiday Buffet includes Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, Baked Ziti, Irish stew, Tossed Salad, Caesar Salad, Potato Salad,
Vegetable of the Day, Irish Soda Bread, Party Cake,
Coffee, Tea, Soda,
Domestic Draft Beer or Red and White Wine.
RSVP By Sunday February 27, 2009
Call: Bill Gouldman at 914-582-7290
Or Email: PutnamValleyGOP@GMail.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM YORKTOWN COUNCILMAN NICK BIANCO:
RE: STAR PROGRAM UPDATE:
Andy,
You have my permission to put in your blog. Kathleen you can do what ever. I figure if i can summarize perhaps it would get better attention.
HOMEOWNERS BEWARE DOUBLE DIGIT PROPERTY TAX HIKES COMING TO YOUR HOME.
Star Checks Eliminated
Star Exemptions Reduced
Governor Paterson's budget not only reduces STAR benefits for all homeowners, but also ELIMINATES STAR rebate checks for both families and seniiors.
STATE SCHOOL AID SLASHED
Governor Paterson's plan slashes state aid for local schools and will result in property tax hikes.
INCREASED PROPERTY TAXES RESULT IN DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES
Senior's Forced Out of Their Homes
Young People Leaving Our Area
RESTORE TAX RELIEF MEASURES, AND CUT SPENDING.
Yorktown Councilman Nick Bianco
*********************
Hi Andy,
Your friend, Nick, has recommended this article entitled 'GOP: cost of new state taxes and fees $3,300 a year' to you.
Here is his/her remarks:
Andy Take a look
GOP: cost of new state taxes and fees $3,300 a year
Posted By Jay Gallagher On February 10, 2009 (12:21 pm) In Uncategorized
The 137 tax and fee increases proposed by Gov. David Paterson to close a budget hole would cost a middle-class family of four $3,300 a year, according to computations by Senate Republicans.
Such a hit would “not only exhaust any monthly savings for emergencies, but (also) force families to reduce spending to pay for additional taxes and fees,’’ Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Nassau County, said today.
Skelos wants the governor, who proposed the increases to help close a $13 billion state budget deficit for the fiscal year that starts April 1, to hold off on any tax-hike ideas until the state knows how much it is getting from the federal government’s stimulus package, which is being debated this week in Congress.
There was no immediate response to the GOP calculations from Paterson’s Budget Division.
Among the increased costs for the four-person family, according to the Senate GOP calculations:—At least $1.60 more every month to download Itunes.—$3 a month more for cellular phones (based on a family having three phones)—$8 for every $100 worth of tickets.—$13 more to rent a car for a week.—$12.50 more for two weeks of summer camp at a Department of Environmental Conservation facility.—$4.80 a month more for basic cable TV service.—$4.80 a week more for deposits on bottled water, assuming usage of 24 per week.—$400 more in property taxes because of the elimination of the STAR rebate program.—$1.80 per week more to buy a 12-pack of soda because of the 18 percent “obesity tax.’’—$21 per month more in medical-insurance premiums, assuming a monthly charge now of $194.—$8 per month in taxes on haircuts.—$2 a month more for child care.—$2 more for a license to fish for trout.—$.64 cents more for two bottles of wine and 52 cents per month for a six-pack of beer.— 80 cents per month for cigars, if you smoke five in that period.—$2.56 more per month for life insurance.—If your family has two cars, $3.70 a month more for insurance, $7.81 more annually to register it and $4.17 for a license plate. The monthly cost of an increase in the gas tax would amount to 45 cents.
.
Article taken from Politics on the Hudson - http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com
URL to article: http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2009/02/10/gop-cost-of-new-state-taxes-and-fees-3300-a-year/
************************************************************************************
WHAY'S HAPPENING AT 12 GRAPES, N. DIVISION STREET, PEEKSKILL:
Announcing
"Storm Front" ~ a Billy Joel Tribute Band
Friday, March 6, 9:30 - 12:30
We wanted you to be the first to know.
Mark your calendars, and make your reservations early. This show will sell out.
This week's entertainment lineup ~
Sunday, Feb 15, 6:00 - 9:00, The Glenda Davenport Jazz Trio
Check 12grapes.com for full details and weekly updates.
All the best,
Rich & Jeannie
12 Grapes Entertainment Calendar
Sun, Feb 15, 6:00-9:00
Glenda Davenport
Romance doesn't have to end on Feb 14. Bring your Valentine to 12 Grapes to hear
this beautiful lady sing her way into your heart. We put her up there with Ella,
Billie Holiday and other Sophisticated Ladies of Jazz.
Click here for 12grapes.com
to see our full calendar of events
COMING UP:
Sat, March 6, 9:30-12:30
"Storm Front" A Billy Joel Tribute Band
Last June, they took 12 Grapes by storm...the place was packed, and everyone was dancing all night long. Storm Front tours around the country, including BB King's in NYC.
Featuring five amazing musicians--the piano, sax and vocals are outstanding.
Join us at 12 Grapes for A Bottle of Red, A Bottle of White and a Billy Joel Tribute Night!
$10 Entertainment Fee for all, including diners
Fri, March 27, 9:30-12:30
Youth Guitarist Showcase
Three child prodigies take the stage. Their guitar skills will amaze you. More info to come.
As always, please check out 12grapes.com to view our calendar of events and photo gallery. Thank you for your patronage and friendship. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Sincerely,
Rich & Jeannie Credidio
12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar
12 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY
(914) 737-6624
12grapes.com
***********************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG:
Yesterday, the Senate began debate on an economic stimulus package that is intended to get our economy back on track and help Americans who are suffering through these
difficult times.
Unfortunately, the proposal on the table is big on the
giveaways for the special interests and corporate high20rollers, yet short
on help for ordinary working Americans. I cannot and do not support the
package on the table from the Democrats and the Obama Administration. Our
country does not need just another spending bill, particularly not one
that will load future generations with the burden of massive debt.
We need a short term stimulus bill that will directly help people, create jobs,
and provide a jolt to our economy. I believe we need to evaluate every bit of spending in this stimulus proposal with one important
criteria - does it really stimulate the economy and help create jobs - if
the answer is no, it does not belong in a so-called stimulus package.
Furthermore, the stimulus must include significant direct relief to American
workers in the form of payroll tax cuts and programs to help homeowners keep
their homes. Finally, we need an end game to this stimulus so that when
our economy recovers, these spending programs do not remain permanent
and saddle our children with a skyrocketing national debt.
I appreciate the discussions President Obama is having with my
Republican colleagues, but the time for talking has come to an end and we
must now begin some serious negotiation. But as of yet, Republicans have
not been given the opportunity to be involved.
The House of Representatives passed a stimulus bill without a single Republican supporting it. In the Senate, the Democrat leadership is trying to jam the existing proposal through regardless of reservations from a number of members. With so much at
stake, the last thing we need is partisanship driving our attempts to turn
the economy around.
I have long been a fighter against wasteful spending in Washington and long an advocate for a balanced budget. that will never change. I realize we face extraordinary challenges with our economy today, but that is not an excuse for more irresponsibly from Washington. I hope you will join me in saying no to this stimulus
package as it currently exists by signing this petition.
Sincerely,
John McCain
Chair, Country First PAC
****************************
The staff of the Committee on Open Government is authorized to issue advisory opinions. The ensuing
staff advisory opinion is based solely upon the information presented in your
correspondence.
Dear Mr. Ciffone:
We are in receipt of your request for an advisory opinion regarding application
of the Open Meetings Law to proceedings of the Yorktown School Board that you
recorded on May 12, 2008. Please accept my apology for the delay in
responding. The recording that you submitted raised a number of issues, all of which we will attempt to address with the following comments.
First, to summarize the conversation recorded in the electronic file that you
submitted, during the public comment portion of a Board meeting, after you
requested that a Board member respond to20allegations of discriminatory and anti-semitic comments filed in a police incident report, you were repeatedly asked
to stop talking, and told that the issues you raised were not relevant to
District business. Eventually, you were granted an additional two minutes to
speak, informed that you would lose the ability to speak during public comment
periods at the discretion of the President if you did not maintain
professionalism and respect, and that you must limit your comments to District business.
While the Open Meetings Law clearly provides the public with the right "to observe the performance of public officials and attend and listen to the deliberations and
decisions that go into the making of public policy" (see Open Meetings
Law, '100), the law is silent with respect to public participation. Consequently, by means of example, if a public body, such as the Town Board, does not want to
answer questions or permit the public to speak or otherwise participate at its
meetings, we do not believe that it would be obliged to do so. On the
other hand, a public body may choose to answer questions and permit public
participation, and many do so. When a public body does permit the
public to speak, we believe that it should do so based upon reasonable rules that
treat members of the public equally.
Although public bodies have the right to adopt rules to govern their own proceedings (see e.g.,Town Law '63 and Education Law '1709),
the courts have found in a variety of contexts that such rules must be
reasonable. For example, although a board of education may "adopt by
laws and rules for its government and operations", in a case in which a
board's rule prohibited the use of tape recorders at its meetings, the Appellate
Division found that the rule was unreasonable, stating that the
authority to adopt rules "is not unbridled" and that "unreasonable rules will
not be sanctioned" [see Mitchell v. Garden City Union Free School
District, 113 AD 2d 924, 925 (1985)]. Similarly, if by rule, a public
body chose to permit certain citizens to address it for ten minutes while
permitting others to address it for three, or not at all, such a rule, in our
view, would be unreasonable.
There arefederal court decisions indicating that if commentary is permitted
within a certain subject area, negative commentary in the same area cannot be
prohibited. It has been held by the United States Supreme Court that a
school board meeting in which the public may speak is a Alimited@ public
forum, and that limited public fora involve Apublic
property which the State has opened for use by the public as a place for
expressive activity@ [Perry Education Association v. Perry Local Educators= Association, 460 US 37, 103. S.Ct. 954(1939); also see Baca v. Moreno Valley Unified School District, 936 F.Supp. 719 (1996)]. In Baca, a federal court invalidated a bylaw that Aallows expression of two
points of view (laudatory and neutral) while prohibiting a different
point ofview (negatively critical) on a particular subject matter (District
employees= conduct or performance)@ (id., 730). That
prohibition Aengenders discussion artificially geared toward praising (and maintaining) the status quo, thereby foreclosing meaningful public dialogue and ultimately, dynamic political change@ [Leventhal
v. Vista Unified School District, 973 F.Supp. 951, 960 (1997)]. In a
decision rendered by the United States District Court, Eastern District
of New York (1997 WL588876 E.D.N.Y.), Schuloff, v. Murphy, it was stated that:
In a traditional public forum, like a street or park, the government may enforce a content-based exclusion only if it is necessary to serve a compelling state interest
and is narrowly drawn to achieve that end. Perry Educ. Ass=n., 460 U.S. at
45. A designated or >limited= public forum is public
property >that the state has opened for use by the public as a place for expressive activity.= Id. So long as the government retains the facility open for speech, it is bound by the same standards that apply to a traditional public forum. Thus, any content-based
prohibition must be narrowly drawn to effectuate a=2 0compelling state interest.
Id. at 46.@
In the context of the specific issues that you raised, we believe that a court would determine that the Board may limit the amount of time allotted to persons who
wish to speak at a meeting, so long as the limitation is reasonable, and that
three minutes appears to be reasonable. Similarly, it is our view that the
Board may limit comments to matters involving District business. However, if the
Board permits the public to praise an individual Board member or an employee
during the public comment period, in our opinion, there would be no basis to
prohibit or prevent a person from making negative comments, or raising
allegations that would reflect in a negative manner on that person. Again, the Open
Meetings Law does not address whether and/or how an elected official responds to
questions.
Further, from our perspective, although the President presides at Board meetings, it is questionable whether s/he may validly determine unilaterally whether
the subject matter or comment proposed by a person desiring to speak involves
District business. S/he is but one member of the Board, and we believe that the
Board,if necessary, should determine by means of a majority vote of its total
membership if there is a question or disagreement regarding whether a
subject relates to District business. We believe that the Board in that
circumstance should determine whether the subject may be raised, rather than the
President doing so alone.
Finally, we advise you to inquire whether the School Board has adopted rules or
bylaws governing Aprofessionalism and respect@, or the decorum of those present during the public comment portion of public meetings.
In our opinion, if a police report has been filed about discriminatory
comments made by an elected official, it is not necessarily disrespectful or
unprofessional to raise the issue during a public comment period.
On behalf of the Committee on Open Government, we hope that this is helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Camille S.
Jobin-Davis
Assistant Director
CSJ:jm
cc: Board of Education
Camille S. Jobin-Davis
Assistant Director
Committee on Open Government
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Ave., Suite 650
Albany, NY 12231
(518) 474-2518
(518) 474-1927 - Fax
Website: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/coog/coogwww.html
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
SAVE THE DATE: Annual Golf Outing - Friday June 5th
This year we’re shaking things up…
All Day - Fun and Beer at Every Hole
· 10AM Kegs and Eggs at Murphy’s
· 12PM Finger Lickin’ BBQ
· 2PM Hudson Hills Shotgun Start
· 6PM Open Bar & Cocktail Hour
· 7PM Dinner at Murphy’s
Mark this in your calendar!
Can you do a foursome? Will you sponsor the event? Can you donate silent auction items?
Call 914-471-7080
Register Online at www.GballEvents.com
***************************
BALL HOSTS 2nd ANNUAL HOMELAND SECURITY DINNER
Announces formation of Congressional Exploratory Committee
The guest speaker at this year’s dinner was decorated former top CIA official Gary Berntsen, a counterterrorism expert who served as the Commander of all CIA forces in Eastern Afghanistan and led the task force to hunt and kill Osama bin Laden at Tora Bora.
“In a time when we have significant challenges in terms of national security and the economic wellbeing of the nation, we need leaders. Greg Ball is such a leader and is an example of a public servant who has served our country in uniform and understands the need for fiscal responsibility. Tough times require tough and honest men and women. Greg Ball is such a man,” Berntsen said.
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss Governor Patterson's attempt to destroy the independent liquor store. 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/
CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION: www.cortlandtcivic.com
GOPAC: gohudblogs.com
PEEKSILL NEWS: http://peekskillnews.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 & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
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: Domenic 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
SPEAK OUT WITH SANDY GALEF: Yorktown chanel 74 Wednesdays at 7:30PM..Ossining/Peekskill chanel 15 Wednesdays at 8PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
DEAR SANDY: Yorktown chanel 74 Fridays 7:30PM...Ossining/Peeksill chanel 15 Fridays
9PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
**********************************************************************************
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
02/14/09
Sunday, February 01, 2009
STIMULATE THIS!!!!!!!!
Dear Readers:
A successful magician relies on slight of hand. They keep you preoccupied watching one hand while with the other they do their "magic". The same goes for politicians and their willing accomplices in the media. With one hand they have kept you preoccupied with the stimulus package working its way through congress and a media war with talk show host Rush Limbaugh. With the other hand the house and senate have done an end round in the Democrats attempt to socialize health care.
What they have done is pass a bill expanding the SCHIP(State Child Health Insurance Program) program that was originally designed to help low income parents get the children health care. What the new bill does is increase income eligibility to $80,000.00 a year and define a child as being as old as thirty. To pay for this they have increased the tax on cigarettes by another sixty-one cents. A few thoughts.
1) $80,000.00 even in New York is not, I repeat, is not, low income. What will happen is that people in these higher brackets will drop their private coverage and go on the public dole. This has been documented and reported to have happened in both Hawaii and Massachusetts. In those states the program is now bankrupt and have had to be scaled back to it original intention. This is because states must balance their budgets. How ever the federal government can print money(wich will increase inflation). Also to cover these added expenses as cigarette taxes will not be enough, your taxes will have to be raise. Mind you, medicare and Medicaid still exist and are already bankrupt. So what makes you think another expanded government heath care program can remain solvent?
2) Since when are you a child at thirty? In all other aspects of life, at eighteen you are an adult. This redefining of "children" is no different then the Democrats habit of re-writing history. Truth and accuracy have no meaning to them. To them the end justifies the means. The end in this case is growing government. Remember once you give the government the power of life, you give them the power of who should die. The government will use this power to dictate your(they are trying now with Medicaid) life's habits and if you do not conform, you will be denied health care for those more worthy who did conform. Government control is the ultimate objective, not your health.
3) As taxes on cigarettes are already confiscatory, bootlegging and buying from Indian reservations have flourished. You see this already here in New York. When billions more in taxes are evaded, you will see blood shed. New York knows this, that is why they have done nothing to collect. Are we now going to wage war on the Indians because the government created confiscatory taxes in the first place? Bootlegging and tax evasion will disappear once taxes are lowered to reasonable levels.
************************************************************************************
CABLE T.V. UPDATE:
The Volpe Report-- Hosted by Domenic Volpe
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the next guest will be Jeanne Blum- the Executive Director of C.H.O.P.( Caring for the Homeless of Peekskill) whose duties include being the director of Jan Peek House and the Sunny Breakfast program. Ms. Blum explains how Jan Peek assists people whose lives are in turmoil and the benefits of having such a facility in the area.
Ms.Blum can be seen on the Volpe Report public access channel 15 in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area-- Thursdays 8:00pm- Feb. 5,12 and 19.
Channel 74 in the Putnam Valley/Yorktown area--Wednesdays 6:00pm Feb. 4, 11, and 18
**********************
ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA:
Latest Show:
Chauncey M. Depew, 1834-1928
This Peekskill resident was one of the most influential politicians, statesmen and industrialists of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Chauncey Depew was a member of the NY State Assembly, Secretary of State for NY and eventually a US Senator and Presidential nominee. Mr. Depew was also a driving force and chief executive for the New York Central Railroad empire. During his lifetime he was known as the country's preeminent After Dinner Speaker and Orator.
Contact Us:
Use the e-mail link below to send us any comments or suggestions.
contact@ontopicwithjt.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE TO THE GRADUATING CLASS LAKELAND '73 & '74
Holiday Inn, Rt. 9, Fishkill, NY #845-896-6281
Saturday – August 1, 2009
DJ, Dancing/Open bar, hors d’oeuvres/Dinner
$75.00/person 7-12p.m.
Call and make your room reservations now $109 /night –
a block of rooms is currently being held.
Don’t drink and drive – enjoy the night. Hotel lounge available for more drinks & dancing after the reunion ballroom is closed. Relax and have fun the entire night – sleep well and on Sunday enjoy your classmates poolside to continue renewed friendships!!! A private gazebo building and other hotel amenities are available.
Class 74 : R.S.V.P to Phil by July 10, 2009. # 845-227-9172 Make checks out to : “ L.H.S.C.R.” Mail check to Phil Bisesto 46 Leo Lane, Poughquag, NY 12570 (If you have any contacts with LHS alum please forward info to Carol Stein …carol.stein@ae.ge.com or 610 Old Swann Point Ave. Rocky Point, NC 28457, 910-602-3433)
Class 73: R.S.V.P. to Linda Boniello Larsson by July 10, 2009 # 914-739-5917 Make checks out to : “Linda Larsson” and mail to 234 Lafayette Avenue, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567. Questions: leapinlinda001@aol.com
PLEASE RETURN BELOW TO UPDATE YOUR H.S. INFORMATION:
Marital Status: ________ Spouse or Significant other’s name: ___________ # yrs. Relationship: ________
Email address: ___________________________ Home phone # ___________________________
Current ages of children and names: _____________________________________________________________
Your current interests/hobbies: __________________________________________________________________
Current occupation : _____________________________ Significant other occupation: ______________________
Comments to share that you have enjoyed since graduation: ___________________________________________
Tourism info: www.dutchesstourism.com Class info reply to : Carol email: carol.stein@ae.ge.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE PEEKSKILL BID:
Attention To All Of Our Wonderful Lovers!!
"Valentine's Day" is coming soon and the Flat Iron Gallery has a new collection of handcrafted jewelry for you to explore if you are looking for the perfect gift for that special someone in your life!!
We specialize in Austrian crystal necklaces, earrings, and bracelets by "Michal Negrin", mixed metal contemporary jewelry by "Anat" and affordable and very well designed silver jewelry by "Shining Creations".
We also have a new assortment of ceramic bowls, platters, vases, and mugs, china decorative mirrors, handknitted scarves, wooden jewelry boxes, paintings, prints, photographs, books and more!!
Stop by and see.
We also have free gift wrapping
and accept credit cards!
Flat Iron Gallery
105 South Division St.
Peekskill, N.Y. 10566
Hours: Thurs.-Sun. 12-6 and by appt.
For more information
call Wendie Garber 914-734-1894
www.flatiron.qpg.com
www.flatiron.qpg.com
****************************
When: The Entire Month of February!!
Where:
The Coop
103 South Division St. Peekskill, NY 10566
(914) 737-2194
10% - 40% Off Sale
For the entire month of February we will be having a Jewelry Sale. If you make a jewelry purchase, try your luck at dipping your hand into a bucket to pull out a ticket with a certain percentage off.
Anywhere from 10% - 40% off.
It is really quite fun.
************************************************************************************
WHAT'S HAPPENENING AT 12 GRAPES: N.DIVISION STREET, PEEKSKILL:
12 Grapes Wins
Wine Enthusiast Magazine's 2008 Restaurant Award
We are proud to annouce that 12 Grapes has been awarded the 2008 "Award of Distinction" from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. There were over 500 winners nationwide, with 53 from New York.
12 Grapes was one of only 6 restaurants in Westchester to win a Wine Enthusiast Award, putting us in such illustrious company as Crabtree's Kittle House in Chappaqua, Equus in Tarrytown and The Willet House in Port Chester. Pretty cool, huh?
The awards are given to restaurants "with distinct and honest commitments to upscale wining and dining...The winners represent the apex of restaurant wine service...based on the overall wine program, not just the size of the restaurant's wine list." To read the article, click here.
Now, on to our music...
We're also excited about our upcoming entertainment line-up. Mishti Roy, a regularly featured artist on our Singer/Songwriter Sundays, takes the stage tonight (Thursday) with Petey Hop and Mani Cregan... Geoff Hartwell performs classic rock on Friday...The Blues Buddha is back this Saturday...The Westchester Swing Band heats up the place on Monday, Feb 9...Duchess Di & the Distractions joins us on Valentine's Day...and more. See below for full details. As always, please check 12grapes.com for weekly updates.
Hope to see you soon,
Rich & Jeannie
email: rich@12grapes.com
FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS:
Thu, Feb 5, 8:30 - 11:30, Johnny Feds & da Bluez Boyz Blues Jam
Fri, Feb 6, 9:30 - 12:30, The WVS Blues Organization
Sat, Feb 7, 9:30-12:30 - 3TonJack (Classic Rock)
Sun, Feb 8, 6:00 - 9:00, Singer/Songwriter Showcase
Mon, Feb 9, 8:00 - 10:00, The Westchester Swing Band ($5 Cover)
Wed, Feb 11, 8:00 - 10:30, Rich Kelly
Thu, Feb 12, 8:30 - 11:00, Open Mic Night w/ Petey Hop
Fri, Feb 13, 9:30 - 12:30, The Blue Rays
VALENTINE'S DAY, Sat Feb 14, 9:30 - 12:30
Duchess Di & the Distractions
Risque Blues at its best.
A 7-piece band, with the inimitable Duchess Di at center stage.
8pm seating is almost SOLD OUT. $10 Entertainment fee
Call today for Reservations: 914-737-6624.
Valentine's Day 6pm Dinner Seating Still Available
Enjoy a romantic dinner and wine from our "award winning" wine list.
Save the Date for our
"One Year Birthday Bash" Weekend ~ April 3 - 5
We can't believe it's almost a year already. Please join us the weekend of April 3 as we celebrate. And get ready to party, 12 Grapes style!
To view our calendar of events and photo gallery, visit 12grapes.com. As always, thank you for your patronage and friendship.
Sincerely,
Rich & Jeannie Credidio
12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar
12 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY
(914) 737-6624
12grapes.com
***********************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef to Lead Roundtable on Streamlining Services with County and Municipal Officials
Former County Executive Alfred DelBello to Co-Moderate Discussion
<>
(January 27, 2009) Assemblywoman Sandy Galef continues to seek ways for government to offer high levels of service without a big price tag for taxpayers. On Thursday, February 12, 2009, 3-5pm at Cortlandt Town Hall, 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor, Galef has invited elected officials from all the municipalities within her district, plus the Putnam and Westchester County Executives, to come together and talk.
Al DelBello, Chairman of the Westchester County Association and former Westchester County Executive will co-moderate the conversation. DelBello also served on the NYS Commission on Local Government Competitiveness & Efficiency which generated a report that focused on how local governments could operate more efficiently.
“This Roundtable is for all the communities in my Assembly District to come together and discuss what they have already achieved through sharing services, what is in the works or planning stages, and what, if any, obstacles they have encountered along the way,” says Galef. “My hope is that with a continued focus on ways to consolidate and streamline operations, we can turn this economic crisis into an opportunity to evaluate how we do business at all levels of government, find ways to do it better, and do it for less.”
Last fall, Galef sent a survey to her constituents asking them how they felt about sharing and consolidation of government services. The survey results overwhelmingly showed public support for consolidating services, although snow plowing was the least popular among those favored for sharing.
The two county executive’s offices, Westchester & Putnam, will be represented at the table as well as one elected official from each of the municipalities in NY State’s 90th Assembly District, which Galef represents. The municipalities include: Village of Briarcliff, Village of Buchanan, Village of Croton, Village of Cold Spring, Town of Cortlandt, Town of Kent, Village of Nelsonville, Village & Town of Ossining, City of Peekskill, Town of Philipstown, and Town of Putnam Valley.
There will be an opportunity for audience comments & questions.
For more information and/or directions, contact the Assemblywoman’s office at (914) 941-1111 or e-mail Dana Levenberg at levenbergd@assembly.state.ny.us.
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE PUTNAM VALLEY GOP:
Medicaid by State in 2006
By Larry Littlefield, ROOM EIGHT, New York Politics
Sun, 01/25/2009 - 8:32pm
In mid-June 2008 a total of 44 states had reported their 2006 Medicaid data in a form acceptable as final by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. That's where the number still stands today seven months later, and rather than wait any longer, I've decided to summarize and describe what we have. Unfortunately, because I like to compare New York State with surrounding states as well as the national average, Massachusetts is among the non-reporters. The data, attached in two spreadsheets, includes each state's percent share of the 44 states' total Medicaid beneficiaries and expenditures, and its average cost of service per beneficiary, by type of service (nursing home, hospital, etc.) and age group. Additional data from other sources are included to put those numbers in context -- each state's share of the 44 states' population, population in poverty, population age 65 or over and in poverty (recall that Medicaid was originally a program for the poor), personal income and per capita income (which correlates with the overall cost of living and what each state can afford). The summary tables, in the worksheets titled "output," are primed to print, and compare the 44-state total with New York State and the sum of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Connecticut. The finding is that longstanding patterns remained in place in 2006, but with some new twists. A brief discussion follows.
The general finding, as always, is that New York State's Medicaid program is vastly more expensive than both the national average and any other state. A part of this is a greater number of beneficiaries here. With 7.2% of the 44 states' population, New York had 10.0% of its Medicaid beneficiaries, a difference only partially explained by a higher than average poverty rate -- New York accounted for 8.3% of the population in poverty, and 10.3% of the population over age 65 in poverty. The adjacent states, in contrast, with 9.5% of the 44-state population, had just 7.2% of the Medicaid beneficiaries.
New York State also spent vastly more than the 44 state average per beneficiary, 70.5% more in 2006, a difference only partially explained by above the average per capita income (and associated cost of living) in New York State on average, and in downstate New York in particular. The state's per capita income was only 19.6% above the 44-state average in 2006. In the adjacent states, per capita income was 14.5% above the 44-state average, with Medicaid spending per beneficiary 31.8% higher. In most New York State counties, moreover, per capita income has been falling relative to the national average, with the partial reversals from time to time, for 40 years. New York State owes its above average per capita income primarily to the mega-pay of the mega rich of Manhattan and a few downstate suburban counties. That mega pay is certain to be much lower in the near future, and might be significantly lower in the long term as well.
With higher spending per beneficiary and a higher number of beneficiaries, New York State accounted for 17.1% of total Medicaid expenditures in the 44 states in 2006, a burden New Yorkers had to support with just 8.7% of the 44 states' total personal income. Add to this the fact that as a result of the federal matching share formula, the state and (uniquely in New York) local tax burden of Medicaid is 50% the total Medicaid spending in New York State (and elsewhere in the Northeast), while elsewhere in the country the federal government (including New York State taxpayers) cover a greater share. With health care in general absorbing a greater and greater share of Americans' personal income, and Medicaid (as people become unemployed and companies stop offering private insurance) accounting for a rising share of total health care funding, the weight of New York's excess spending grows ever greater. Much of the spending, and much of the burden, is on the residents of and businesses in New York City, particularly since (as "luck" would have it) New York State requires more local taxes for Medicaid services and beneficiaries that are concentrated in the city than it does for services and beneficiaries concentrated in other parts of the state.
The latest numbers for Medicaid-funded Inpatient Hospital care, always a controversial topic in Albany, demonstrate the whack-a-mole effort to contain the cost of the powerful Greater New York Hospital Association and Local 1199. When I first started compiling this data, New York's Medicaid Hospital (and Nursing Home) expenditures per beneficiary were 90% higher than the national average, or nearly double. The extent to which New York is above average had been falling year-by-year, and in 2005 was down to a more reasonable 23.9% above average, closer to the difference in per capita personal income. In 2006, however, New York's Medicaid Inpatient Hospital expenditures per beneficiary were 28.7% lower than the national average?! Clearly the fact that a couple of health care intensive states such as Massachusetts and Ohio are not included in the 2006 data cannot explain such a change.
Does this mean that in 2006 New York's Hospitals were no longer living in the style to which they were accustomed? No -- New York State accounted for 18.0% of the Medicaid Inpatient Hospital expenditures in the 44 states, compared with 8.7% of the personal income. What happened is the number of Medicaid beneficiaries of Inpatient Hospital services in New York State somehow rose from 714,185 in 2005 to 1,469,497 in 2006. How? Why? Don't ask me. Is the data wrong? Well, according to the Medicaid Statistical Information System, it is more correct than whatever was submitted thus far by Massachusetts and Ohio, as it was accepted as final.
Other patterns remain consistent with the past. New York pays clinics an above average amount -- 92.6% more than the 44-state average per Medicaid beneficiary -- and physicians a below average amount -- less than half the national average. And New York State accounted for only 5.7% of the beneficiaries of Medicaid-funded physician services in the 44 states, well below its share of population.
New York State provides more Medicaid funded at-home services for senior citizens than other states, accounting for 21.8% of the beneficiaries of Home Health Care in the 44 states (vs. 10.3% of poor people age 65 and older), 26.5% of total spending on Personal Care services (due to expenditures per beneficiary more that double the 44-state average), and 19.8% of total spending on Transportation services (due to expenditures per beneficiary that are 75% above average). Even so, no savings on Nursing Home care are apparent -- with 10.3% of poor seniors, New York accounted for 13.6% of Medicaid Nursing Home beneficiaries and 17.3% of Medicaid Nursing Home expenditures, when compared with the 44 states. While the 27.8% above average expenditures per beneficiary for New York's Nursing Home Care is not that far above the 19.6% above average per capita income, cross-tabulations I've done in past years have shown that in New York spending per beneficiary is much farther above average for senior citizen Nursing Home residents, and not as far above average for disabled Nursing Home residents.
New York State's Medicaid expenditures for the mentally ill and mentally retarded continue to be far above average. In the case of Inpatient Mental Hospital care, this is because of a high number of beneficiaries -- 27% (for those under age 21) and 26% (for those 65 and over) of the 44-state total. In the case of Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded, this is because of expenditures per beneficiary that are nearly triple the 44-state average.
The 44-state average for Medicaid expenditures per beneficiary by age follow a pattern that one might expect for health care expenditures by age in general. Expenditures are slightly elevated in infancy (before the body's strength is established), low in childhood and young adulthood, rising in middle age (as health problems begin to accumulate), somewhat lower after age 65 (when Medicare picks up some of the burden), and increasingly high thereafter. The drop at age 65 would be much greater for non-Medicaid recipients, such as New York City public employees and retirees. Many Medicaid recipients have been either disabled or lifelong public assistance recipients, and thus lack the work credits to quality for Medicare, so Medicaid continues to cover the entire cost of their care. For employee and retiree health insurance, Medicare makes those over 65 much less expensive. That is why the total cost of public employee retiree health care is much greater for those who retire at age 55, ten years before Medicare, than at age 62, just three years before Medicare.
In 2006 New York State's Medicaid expenditures per beneficiary were 65% above that 44-state average in infancy, 33% to 50% above average (roundly speaking) for those age 2 to age 44, and about double the 44-state average for those age 65 and over. The percent above average was somewhat higher for children and young adults in 2006 than in prior years. For those aged 45 to 64, New York State's expenditures per beneficiary were "only" 28.1% above the 44-state average, but New York accounted for 16.5% of the total beneficiaries, a far higher share than in any other age group. These are people who were born between the years 1942 and 1961, and reached age 18 between the years 1960 and 1979. Much of the baby boom generation, including both its 1960s and 1970s halves, in other words. In general, New York State accounted for about 20% of total Medicaid spending in the 44 states for adults, and a little over 10% for children, across the age groups.
For those interested in going further, the data is here, and users must apply for registration and access.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
Gary Berntsen, Decorated 23 Year CIA Chief
Berntsen served as the Commander of all CIA forces in Eastern Afghanistan...
...and led the agency’s Jawbreaker team in Tora Bora.
FRONTLINE Interview: www.GballEvents.com
What: Dinner & Speech by Bernsten, Followed by Q&A Period & Book Signing:
When: February 12, 2009 starting at 6:00pm
Where: Travelers Rest
http://www.gballevents.com
Rsvp: gball@ball4ny.com
Gary Berntsen is a decorated former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) career officer who served in the Directorate of Operations between October 1982 and June 2005. During his time at the CIA, he served as a CIA Station Chief on three separate occasions and led several of CIA’s most important counterterrorism deployments including the United States’ response to the East Africa Embassy bombings and the 9/11 attacks. He was awarded the Distinguished Intelligence Medal in 2000 and the Intelligence Star in 2004.
FRONTLINE Interview: http://www.gballevents.com
In December 2001, Berntsen served as the Commander of all CIA forces in Eastern Afghanistan and led the agency’s Jawbreaker team in Tora Bora. In his 2005 book, Jawbreaker, he alleges that Osama bin Laden could have been captured at Tora Bora if the US military (specifically United States Central Command) had devoted more resources to the operation.
In July 2005, Berntsen took the CIA to court alleging that they were violating his First Amendment rights and the Administrative Procedure Act by taking longer than the allowed 30 days to approve his Jawbreaker manuscript for publication. This delay caused him to miss the June 17 deadline for handing over the manuscript to his publisher and caused the book to miss its original October publication date.
From June 2007 to June 2008, Berntsen returned to Afghanistan as a civilian advisor on IED networks for Regional Command East (RC-East), within NATO-led ISAF.
Gary released his first piece of fiction in August 2008. The book is titled The Walk-In and tells the story of an American CIA case officer dealing with an Iranian defector from the Quds Force. The defector claims that a catastrophic attack is imminent and the American case officer must decide what to believe.
In November 2008, Berntsen published Human Intelligence, Counterterrorism, and National Leadership: A Pratical Guide. This book was written to serve as a manual for the incoming president and White House staff and includes highly specific recommendations and policy prescriptions for human intellgience and counterterrorism operations.
FRONTLINE Interview: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/darkside/interviews/berntsen.html
This event is being hosted by
GOPAC-NY and New Yorkers on the Ball
www.GoHudBlogs.com
www.GballEvents.com
www.Ball4NY.com
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss Governor patterson's new taxes.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/
CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION: www.cortlandtcivic.com
GOPAC: gohudblogs.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 & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
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: Domenic 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
SPEAK OUT WITH SANDY GALEF: Yorktown chanel 74 Wednesdays at 7:30PM..Ossining/Peekskill chanel 15 Wednesdays at 8PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
DEAR SANDY: Yorktown chanel 74 Fridays 7:30PM...Ossining/Peeksill chanel 15 Fridays
9PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
**********************************************************************************
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
02/01/09
A successful magician relies on slight of hand. They keep you preoccupied watching one hand while with the other they do their "magic". The same goes for politicians and their willing accomplices in the media. With one hand they have kept you preoccupied with the stimulus package working its way through congress and a media war with talk show host Rush Limbaugh. With the other hand the house and senate have done an end round in the Democrats attempt to socialize health care.
What they have done is pass a bill expanding the SCHIP(State Child Health Insurance Program) program that was originally designed to help low income parents get the children health care. What the new bill does is increase income eligibility to $80,000.00 a year and define a child as being as old as thirty. To pay for this they have increased the tax on cigarettes by another sixty-one cents. A few thoughts.
1) $80,000.00 even in New York is not, I repeat, is not, low income. What will happen is that people in these higher brackets will drop their private coverage and go on the public dole. This has been documented and reported to have happened in both Hawaii and Massachusetts. In those states the program is now bankrupt and have had to be scaled back to it original intention. This is because states must balance their budgets. How ever the federal government can print money(wich will increase inflation). Also to cover these added expenses as cigarette taxes will not be enough, your taxes will have to be raise. Mind you, medicare and Medicaid still exist and are already bankrupt. So what makes you think another expanded government heath care program can remain solvent?
2) Since when are you a child at thirty? In all other aspects of life, at eighteen you are an adult. This redefining of "children" is no different then the Democrats habit of re-writing history. Truth and accuracy have no meaning to them. To them the end justifies the means. The end in this case is growing government. Remember once you give the government the power of life, you give them the power of who should die. The government will use this power to dictate your(they are trying now with Medicaid) life's habits and if you do not conform, you will be denied health care for those more worthy who did conform. Government control is the ultimate objective, not your health.
3) As taxes on cigarettes are already confiscatory, bootlegging and buying from Indian reservations have flourished. You see this already here in New York. When billions more in taxes are evaded, you will see blood shed. New York knows this, that is why they have done nothing to collect. Are we now going to wage war on the Indians because the government created confiscatory taxes in the first place? Bootlegging and tax evasion will disappear once taxes are lowered to reasonable levels.
************************************************************************************
CABLE T.V. UPDATE:
The Volpe Report-- Hosted by Domenic Volpe
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the next guest will be Jeanne Blum- the Executive Director of C.H.O.P.( Caring for the Homeless of Peekskill) whose duties include being the director of Jan Peek House and the Sunny Breakfast program. Ms. Blum explains how Jan Peek assists people whose lives are in turmoil and the benefits of having such a facility in the area.
Ms.Blum can be seen on the Volpe Report public access channel 15 in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area-- Thursdays 8:00pm- Feb. 5,12 and 19.
Channel 74 in the Putnam Valley/Yorktown area--Wednesdays 6:00pm Feb. 4, 11, and 18
**********************
ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA:
Latest Show:
Chauncey M. Depew, 1834-1928
This Peekskill resident was one of the most influential politicians, statesmen and industrialists of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Chauncey Depew was a member of the NY State Assembly, Secretary of State for NY and eventually a US Senator and Presidential nominee. Mr. Depew was also a driving force and chief executive for the New York Central Railroad empire. During his lifetime he was known as the country's preeminent After Dinner Speaker and Orator.
Contact Us:
Use the e-mail link below to send us any comments or suggestions.
contact@ontopicwithjt.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE TO THE GRADUATING CLASS LAKELAND '73 & '74
Holiday Inn, Rt. 9, Fishkill, NY #845-896-6281
Saturday – August 1, 2009
DJ, Dancing/Open bar, hors d’oeuvres/Dinner
$75.00/person 7-12p.m.
Call and make your room reservations now $109 /night –
a block of rooms is currently being held.
Don’t drink and drive – enjoy the night. Hotel lounge available for more drinks & dancing after the reunion ballroom is closed. Relax and have fun the entire night – sleep well and on Sunday enjoy your classmates poolside to continue renewed friendships!!! A private gazebo building and other hotel amenities are available.
Class 74 : R.S.V.P to Phil by July 10, 2009. # 845-227-9172 Make checks out to : “ L.H.S.C.R.” Mail check to Phil Bisesto 46 Leo Lane, Poughquag, NY 12570 (If you have any contacts with LHS alum please forward info to Carol Stein …carol.stein@ae.ge.com or 610 Old Swann Point Ave. Rocky Point, NC 28457, 910-602-3433)
Class 73: R.S.V.P. to Linda Boniello Larsson by July 10, 2009 # 914-739-5917 Make checks out to : “Linda Larsson” and mail to 234 Lafayette Avenue, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567. Questions: leapinlinda001@aol.com
PLEASE RETURN BELOW TO UPDATE YOUR H.S. INFORMATION:
Marital Status: ________ Spouse or Significant other’s name: ___________ # yrs. Relationship: ________
Email address: ___________________________ Home phone # ___________________________
Current ages of children and names: _____________________________________________________________
Your current interests/hobbies: __________________________________________________________________
Current occupation : _____________________________ Significant other occupation: ______________________
Comments to share that you have enjoyed since graduation: ___________________________________________
Tourism info: www.dutchesstourism.com Class info reply to : Carol email: carol.stein@ae.ge.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE PEEKSKILL BID:
Attention To All Of Our Wonderful Lovers!!
"Valentine's Day" is coming soon and the Flat Iron Gallery has a new collection of handcrafted jewelry for you to explore if you are looking for the perfect gift for that special someone in your life!!
We specialize in Austrian crystal necklaces, earrings, and bracelets by "Michal Negrin", mixed metal contemporary jewelry by "Anat" and affordable and very well designed silver jewelry by "Shining Creations".
We also have a new assortment of ceramic bowls, platters, vases, and mugs, china decorative mirrors, handknitted scarves, wooden jewelry boxes, paintings, prints, photographs, books and more!!
Stop by and see.
We also have free gift wrapping
and accept credit cards!
Flat Iron Gallery
105 South Division St.
Peekskill, N.Y. 10566
Hours: Thurs.-Sun. 12-6 and by appt.
For more information
call Wendie Garber 914-734-1894
www.flatiron.qpg.com
www.flatiron.qpg.com
****************************
When: The Entire Month of February!!
Where:
The Coop
103 South Division St. Peekskill, NY 10566
(914) 737-2194
10% - 40% Off Sale
For the entire month of February we will be having a Jewelry Sale. If you make a jewelry purchase, try your luck at dipping your hand into a bucket to pull out a ticket with a certain percentage off.
Anywhere from 10% - 40% off.
It is really quite fun.
************************************************************************************
WHAT'S HAPPENENING AT 12 GRAPES: N.DIVISION STREET, PEEKSKILL:
12 Grapes Wins
Wine Enthusiast Magazine's 2008 Restaurant Award
We are proud to annouce that 12 Grapes has been awarded the 2008 "Award of Distinction" from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. There were over 500 winners nationwide, with 53 from New York.
12 Grapes was one of only 6 restaurants in Westchester to win a Wine Enthusiast Award, putting us in such illustrious company as Crabtree's Kittle House in Chappaqua, Equus in Tarrytown and The Willet House in Port Chester. Pretty cool, huh?
The awards are given to restaurants "with distinct and honest commitments to upscale wining and dining...The winners represent the apex of restaurant wine service...based on the overall wine program, not just the size of the restaurant's wine list." To read the article, click here.
Now, on to our music...
We're also excited about our upcoming entertainment line-up. Mishti Roy, a regularly featured artist on our Singer/Songwriter Sundays, takes the stage tonight (Thursday) with Petey Hop and Mani Cregan... Geoff Hartwell performs classic rock on Friday...The Blues Buddha is back this Saturday...The Westchester Swing Band heats up the place on Monday, Feb 9...Duchess Di & the Distractions joins us on Valentine's Day...and more. See below for full details. As always, please check 12grapes.com for weekly updates.
Hope to see you soon,
Rich & Jeannie
email: rich@12grapes.com
FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS:
Thu, Feb 5, 8:30 - 11:30, Johnny Feds & da Bluez Boyz Blues Jam
Fri, Feb 6, 9:30 - 12:30, The WVS Blues Organization
Sat, Feb 7, 9:30-12:30 - 3TonJack (Classic Rock)
Sun, Feb 8, 6:00 - 9:00, Singer/Songwriter Showcase
Mon, Feb 9, 8:00 - 10:00, The Westchester Swing Band ($5 Cover)
Wed, Feb 11, 8:00 - 10:30, Rich Kelly
Thu, Feb 12, 8:30 - 11:00, Open Mic Night w/ Petey Hop
Fri, Feb 13, 9:30 - 12:30, The Blue Rays
VALENTINE'S DAY, Sat Feb 14, 9:30 - 12:30
Duchess Di & the Distractions
Risque Blues at its best.
A 7-piece band, with the inimitable Duchess Di at center stage.
8pm seating is almost SOLD OUT. $10 Entertainment fee
Call today for Reservations: 914-737-6624.
Valentine's Day 6pm Dinner Seating Still Available
Enjoy a romantic dinner and wine from our "award winning" wine list.
Save the Date for our
"One Year Birthday Bash" Weekend ~ April 3 - 5
We can't believe it's almost a year already. Please join us the weekend of April 3 as we celebrate. And get ready to party, 12 Grapes style!
To view our calendar of events and photo gallery, visit 12grapes.com. As always, thank you for your patronage and friendship.
Sincerely,
Rich & Jeannie Credidio
12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar
12 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY
(914) 737-6624
12grapes.com
***********************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef to Lead Roundtable on Streamlining Services with County and Municipal Officials
Former County Executive Alfred DelBello to Co-Moderate Discussion
<>
(January 27, 2009) Assemblywoman Sandy Galef continues to seek ways for government to offer high levels of service without a big price tag for taxpayers. On Thursday, February 12, 2009, 3-5pm at Cortlandt Town Hall, 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor, Galef has invited elected officials from all the municipalities within her district, plus the Putnam and Westchester County Executives, to come together and talk.
Al DelBello, Chairman of the Westchester County Association and former Westchester County Executive will co-moderate the conversation. DelBello also served on the NYS Commission on Local Government Competitiveness & Efficiency which generated a report that focused on how local governments could operate more efficiently.
“This Roundtable is for all the communities in my Assembly District to come together and discuss what they have already achieved through sharing services, what is in the works or planning stages, and what, if any, obstacles they have encountered along the way,” says Galef. “My hope is that with a continued focus on ways to consolidate and streamline operations, we can turn this economic crisis into an opportunity to evaluate how we do business at all levels of government, find ways to do it better, and do it for less.”
Last fall, Galef sent a survey to her constituents asking them how they felt about sharing and consolidation of government services. The survey results overwhelmingly showed public support for consolidating services, although snow plowing was the least popular among those favored for sharing.
The two county executive’s offices, Westchester & Putnam, will be represented at the table as well as one elected official from each of the municipalities in NY State’s 90th Assembly District, which Galef represents. The municipalities include: Village of Briarcliff, Village of Buchanan, Village of Croton, Village of Cold Spring, Town of Cortlandt, Town of Kent, Village of Nelsonville, Village & Town of Ossining, City of Peekskill, Town of Philipstown, and Town of Putnam Valley.
There will be an opportunity for audience comments & questions.
For more information and/or directions, contact the Assemblywoman’s office at (914) 941-1111 or e-mail Dana Levenberg at levenbergd@assembly.state.ny.us.
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE PUTNAM VALLEY GOP:
Medicaid by State in 2006
By Larry Littlefield, ROOM EIGHT, New York Politics
Sun, 01/25/2009 - 8:32pm
In mid-June 2008 a total of 44 states had reported their 2006 Medicaid data in a form acceptable as final by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. That's where the number still stands today seven months later, and rather than wait any longer, I've decided to summarize and describe what we have. Unfortunately, because I like to compare New York State with surrounding states as well as the national average, Massachusetts is among the non-reporters. The data, attached in two spreadsheets, includes each state's percent share of the 44 states' total Medicaid beneficiaries and expenditures, and its average cost of service per beneficiary, by type of service (nursing home, hospital, etc.) and age group. Additional data from other sources are included to put those numbers in context -- each state's share of the 44 states' population, population in poverty, population age 65 or over and in poverty (recall that Medicaid was originally a program for the poor), personal income and per capita income (which correlates with the overall cost of living and what each state can afford). The summary tables, in the worksheets titled "output," are primed to print, and compare the 44-state total with New York State and the sum of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Connecticut. The finding is that longstanding patterns remained in place in 2006, but with some new twists. A brief discussion follows.
The general finding, as always, is that New York State's Medicaid program is vastly more expensive than both the national average and any other state. A part of this is a greater number of beneficiaries here. With 7.2% of the 44 states' population, New York had 10.0% of its Medicaid beneficiaries, a difference only partially explained by a higher than average poverty rate -- New York accounted for 8.3% of the population in poverty, and 10.3% of the population over age 65 in poverty. The adjacent states, in contrast, with 9.5% of the 44-state population, had just 7.2% of the Medicaid beneficiaries.
New York State also spent vastly more than the 44 state average per beneficiary, 70.5% more in 2006, a difference only partially explained by above the average per capita income (and associated cost of living) in New York State on average, and in downstate New York in particular. The state's per capita income was only 19.6% above the 44-state average in 2006. In the adjacent states, per capita income was 14.5% above the 44-state average, with Medicaid spending per beneficiary 31.8% higher. In most New York State counties, moreover, per capita income has been falling relative to the national average, with the partial reversals from time to time, for 40 years. New York State owes its above average per capita income primarily to the mega-pay of the mega rich of Manhattan and a few downstate suburban counties. That mega pay is certain to be much lower in the near future, and might be significantly lower in the long term as well.
With higher spending per beneficiary and a higher number of beneficiaries, New York State accounted for 17.1% of total Medicaid expenditures in the 44 states in 2006, a burden New Yorkers had to support with just 8.7% of the 44 states' total personal income. Add to this the fact that as a result of the federal matching share formula, the state and (uniquely in New York) local tax burden of Medicaid is 50% the total Medicaid spending in New York State (and elsewhere in the Northeast), while elsewhere in the country the federal government (including New York State taxpayers) cover a greater share. With health care in general absorbing a greater and greater share of Americans' personal income, and Medicaid (as people become unemployed and companies stop offering private insurance) accounting for a rising share of total health care funding, the weight of New York's excess spending grows ever greater. Much of the spending, and much of the burden, is on the residents of and businesses in New York City, particularly since (as "luck" would have it) New York State requires more local taxes for Medicaid services and beneficiaries that are concentrated in the city than it does for services and beneficiaries concentrated in other parts of the state.
The latest numbers for Medicaid-funded Inpatient Hospital care, always a controversial topic in Albany, demonstrate the whack-a-mole effort to contain the cost of the powerful Greater New York Hospital Association and Local 1199. When I first started compiling this data, New York's Medicaid Hospital (and Nursing Home) expenditures per beneficiary were 90% higher than the national average, or nearly double. The extent to which New York is above average had been falling year-by-year, and in 2005 was down to a more reasonable 23.9% above average, closer to the difference in per capita personal income. In 2006, however, New York's Medicaid Inpatient Hospital expenditures per beneficiary were 28.7% lower than the national average?! Clearly the fact that a couple of health care intensive states such as Massachusetts and Ohio are not included in the 2006 data cannot explain such a change.
Does this mean that in 2006 New York's Hospitals were no longer living in the style to which they were accustomed? No -- New York State accounted for 18.0% of the Medicaid Inpatient Hospital expenditures in the 44 states, compared with 8.7% of the personal income. What happened is the number of Medicaid beneficiaries of Inpatient Hospital services in New York State somehow rose from 714,185 in 2005 to 1,469,497 in 2006. How? Why? Don't ask me. Is the data wrong? Well, according to the Medicaid Statistical Information System, it is more correct than whatever was submitted thus far by Massachusetts and Ohio, as it was accepted as final.
Other patterns remain consistent with the past. New York pays clinics an above average amount -- 92.6% more than the 44-state average per Medicaid beneficiary -- and physicians a below average amount -- less than half the national average. And New York State accounted for only 5.7% of the beneficiaries of Medicaid-funded physician services in the 44 states, well below its share of population.
New York State provides more Medicaid funded at-home services for senior citizens than other states, accounting for 21.8% of the beneficiaries of Home Health Care in the 44 states (vs. 10.3% of poor people age 65 and older), 26.5% of total spending on Personal Care services (due to expenditures per beneficiary more that double the 44-state average), and 19.8% of total spending on Transportation services (due to expenditures per beneficiary that are 75% above average). Even so, no savings on Nursing Home care are apparent -- with 10.3% of poor seniors, New York accounted for 13.6% of Medicaid Nursing Home beneficiaries and 17.3% of Medicaid Nursing Home expenditures, when compared with the 44 states. While the 27.8% above average expenditures per beneficiary for New York's Nursing Home Care is not that far above the 19.6% above average per capita income, cross-tabulations I've done in past years have shown that in New York spending per beneficiary is much farther above average for senior citizen Nursing Home residents, and not as far above average for disabled Nursing Home residents.
New York State's Medicaid expenditures for the mentally ill and mentally retarded continue to be far above average. In the case of Inpatient Mental Hospital care, this is because of a high number of beneficiaries -- 27% (for those under age 21) and 26% (for those 65 and over) of the 44-state total. In the case of Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded, this is because of expenditures per beneficiary that are nearly triple the 44-state average.
The 44-state average for Medicaid expenditures per beneficiary by age follow a pattern that one might expect for health care expenditures by age in general. Expenditures are slightly elevated in infancy (before the body's strength is established), low in childhood and young adulthood, rising in middle age (as health problems begin to accumulate), somewhat lower after age 65 (when Medicare picks up some of the burden), and increasingly high thereafter. The drop at age 65 would be much greater for non-Medicaid recipients, such as New York City public employees and retirees. Many Medicaid recipients have been either disabled or lifelong public assistance recipients, and thus lack the work credits to quality for Medicare, so Medicaid continues to cover the entire cost of their care. For employee and retiree health insurance, Medicare makes those over 65 much less expensive. That is why the total cost of public employee retiree health care is much greater for those who retire at age 55, ten years before Medicare, than at age 62, just three years before Medicare.
In 2006 New York State's Medicaid expenditures per beneficiary were 65% above that 44-state average in infancy, 33% to 50% above average (roundly speaking) for those age 2 to age 44, and about double the 44-state average for those age 65 and over. The percent above average was somewhat higher for children and young adults in 2006 than in prior years. For those aged 45 to 64, New York State's expenditures per beneficiary were "only" 28.1% above the 44-state average, but New York accounted for 16.5% of the total beneficiaries, a far higher share than in any other age group. These are people who were born between the years 1942 and 1961, and reached age 18 between the years 1960 and 1979. Much of the baby boom generation, including both its 1960s and 1970s halves, in other words. In general, New York State accounted for about 20% of total Medicaid spending in the 44 states for adults, and a little over 10% for children, across the age groups.
For those interested in going further, the data is here, and users must apply for registration and access.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
Gary Berntsen, Decorated 23 Year CIA Chief
Berntsen served as the Commander of all CIA forces in Eastern Afghanistan...
...and led the agency’s Jawbreaker team in Tora Bora.
FRONTLINE Interview: www.GballEvents.com
What: Dinner & Speech by Bernsten, Followed by Q&A Period & Book Signing:
When: February 12, 2009 starting at 6:00pm
Where: Travelers Rest
http://www.gballevents.com
Rsvp: gball@ball4ny.com
Gary Berntsen is a decorated former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) career officer who served in the Directorate of Operations between October 1982 and June 2005. During his time at the CIA, he served as a CIA Station Chief on three separate occasions and led several of CIA’s most important counterterrorism deployments including the United States’ response to the East Africa Embassy bombings and the 9/11 attacks. He was awarded the Distinguished Intelligence Medal in 2000 and the Intelligence Star in 2004.
FRONTLINE Interview: http://www.gballevents.com
In December 2001, Berntsen served as the Commander of all CIA forces in Eastern Afghanistan and led the agency’s Jawbreaker team in Tora Bora. In his 2005 book, Jawbreaker, he alleges that Osama bin Laden could have been captured at Tora Bora if the US military (specifically United States Central Command) had devoted more resources to the operation.
In July 2005, Berntsen took the CIA to court alleging that they were violating his First Amendment rights and the Administrative Procedure Act by taking longer than the allowed 30 days to approve his Jawbreaker manuscript for publication. This delay caused him to miss the June 17 deadline for handing over the manuscript to his publisher and caused the book to miss its original October publication date.
From June 2007 to June 2008, Berntsen returned to Afghanistan as a civilian advisor on IED networks for Regional Command East (RC-East), within NATO-led ISAF.
Gary released his first piece of fiction in August 2008. The book is titled The Walk-In and tells the story of an American CIA case officer dealing with an Iranian defector from the Quds Force. The defector claims that a catastrophic attack is imminent and the American case officer must decide what to believe.
In November 2008, Berntsen published Human Intelligence, Counterterrorism, and National Leadership: A Pratical Guide. This book was written to serve as a manual for the incoming president and White House staff and includes highly specific recommendations and policy prescriptions for human intellgience and counterterrorism operations.
FRONTLINE Interview: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/darkside/interviews/berntsen.html
This event is being hosted by
GOPAC-NY and New Yorkers on the Ball
www.GoHudBlogs.com
www.GballEvents.com
www.Ball4NY.com
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss Governor patterson's new taxes.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/
CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION: www.cortlandtcivic.com
GOPAC: gohudblogs.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 & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
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: Domenic 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
SPEAK OUT WITH SANDY GALEF: Yorktown chanel 74 Wednesdays at 7:30PM..Ossining/Peekskill chanel 15 Wednesdays at 8PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
DEAR SANDY: Yorktown chanel 74 Fridays 7:30PM...Ossining/Peeksill chanel 15 Fridays
9PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
**********************************************************************************
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
02/01/09
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)