OBAMA IS MY SHEAPARD, I LIVE IN WANT

Dear Readers:

The following is an update of a Republican attack on Roosevelt during the 1940 elections. I found this in a book I was reading and saw that in the year 2009 nothing has changed. So I have updated that campaign literature to prove my point:

With Obama as my sheapard, I shall live in want. He leadeth me to to lie down in homeless shelters.
He leadeth me to still factories and empty stores. He disturbeth my soul. He crooneth me into paths of
destruction for his party's sake. Yey, as I walk through this valley of recession, I anticipate no recovery,
for he is with me. His policies and diplomacies bewilder me. He prepareeth the shrinkage of my wages.
He anointeth my income with heavy taxes. My expenses runneth over. Surely unemployment and
and misery shall follow , and I shall dwell in fear of government take over the next four years.
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CABLE T.V.SHOW UPDATE:
RE; THE VOLPE REPORT:
Andy- here is the schedule:

The Volpe Report
Hosted by Domenic Volpe

The Volpe Report is pleased to announce our next guest is none other than the the publisher of the North County News-- Bruce Apar. My interview with Bruce includes topics such as the day to day operations of the NCNews, how the Chase Media Group has grown into other areas(publishing) and Bruce's foundation and his committment to his community and involvement with these different organizations.

The Volpe Report can be seen on Public Access channel 15 in the Peek/Cort area Thursdays 8:00pm April 2 and 9. The Yorktown/Put. Valley area can view it on Wednesdays April 1 and 8 at 6:00pm public access channel 74
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CARS & US
Hello Andy;
Next Friday night at 10PM don't forget to watch CARS & US on your local public access channels ( 74 in Yorktown ), the show to be aired will be show # 3 at the Frank Maratta Auto Show at the Expo Center in Hartford, CT. Shows 1 & 2 will be repeated in future weeks as well. Anyone interested in helping out on Cars & Us should contact Dennis Tate @ 914-245-6290 or e-mail at draginc@aol.com We are in the 15th season of running. !! Thanks for watching.
Dennis Tate
P.S. Don't forget to check out the Dover Drag Strip Website www.doverracing.com
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ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA:

The latest ON TOPIC with John Testa show highlights the annual Lincoln Society in Peekskill event from this year. Since 2009 marks the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln the show focuses on the celebration in Peekskill. A special addition to the festivities was the guest speaker to the evening events, Harold Holzer. Mr. Holzer is a distinguished and well known Lincoln Scholar and author. He is the co-chair of the United States Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and prominately particpated in the February 12th events in Washington, DC along with President Obama. To have him also help Peekskill with it's celebration was a truely special opportunity.

The show can be seen on Cablevision Channel 15 in Peekskill/Cortlandt Thursdays at 9:30 PM and on Channel 74 in Yorktown on Tuesdays at 9:30 PM. All OnTopic shows are streamed at www.ontopicwithjt.com and can be viewed 24/7 via the web.

Due to the due constraints of the OnTopic show only a portion of Mr. Holzer's speech is highlighted. However, his entire speech is a separate show that can only be viewed on the website.

John G. Testa
www.johngtesta.com
www.ontopicwithjt.com
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E-MAIL RESPONSE TO MY LAST BLOG POST:
RE: UTILITY TAX ON PEEKSKILL RESIDENTS:
Andy,

We didn't mean to imply you hadn't written about the topic. Our point
was that in last week's article, the other point of view was not
aired. Other newspapers edit their stories so that readers who aren't
familiar with all the facts get a balanced picture. Most people don't
have perfect recall of everything a newspaper has published in the
past (even editorial boards, as we pointed out, don't recall positions
they have taken in the past), and then some people don't have a chance
to read every issue. We share much in common on the school tax issue,
but you may not agree with our next post on the subject, where we will
lay out more fully why we don't think it makes sense for schools to
tax people in public housing.

The Peekskill Guardian

MY RESPONSE TO THE PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN:
Dear Guardian:

The one thing in favor of a utility tax in lieu of property tax is that those who work off the books, those who are here illegally, those who make their money not in a completely honest way would be supporting a school district they or their children use. No politician in his or hers right mind would even acknowledge these people exist or are using the system. Can you imagine the outcry of racism or xenophobia or any other phobia or ism you can think of that would be hurled at the politician who spoke that truth? None the less there must be a way to get people not paying into the system to pay into it, and not in addition to property taxes! The problem with the Peekskill proposal is it penalizes property owner as they would still be liable for those taxes.

The other problem which I did not mention is that each municipality in Westchester must out of their tax base be responsible for the collection of these taxes and must out of their tax base make up any short fall. By going the income tax route which is means tested or the utility tax, the local municipalities are no longer burdened with that responsibility and as such can lower payroll by not having to employ those who must account for those monies.

Andy

RAPID RESPOSE FROM THE PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN:

Andy,

Not sure it creates that much overhead for the Comptroller to collect the school tax and pay the School District. But as you say, the current system might not be the best way to fund schools. As to the utility tax, right now, the law caps it at 3% which is insufficient to fund the entire school budget. An income tax would be preferable to a utility tax, but then we are faced with Albany dictating how much each district gets. So much of this school stuff comes down to home rule. And the bigger question for another day is whether in our current technological age, traditional geographical boundaries and legislative bodies make economic sense. (If economic things get worse, the debate may arise.) Our biggest gripe with Johnson's utility tax is that Judith budgets the tax to yield $700k in revenue, when it will reap much more than that, three to four times more. As we said, it's a trojan horse they are selling with bad arguments. We just posted why we think the utility tax unfairly hurts Peekskill's neediest residents.

The Peekskill Guardian
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E-MAIL RESPONSE TO MY LAST POST ON GOPAC:
RE: WHERE LEADERSHIP BEGINS:
Anthony,

You are right, the constitution is no longer the tool used to build this great nation, but is being used as a weapon to destroy it! Democrats do not agree with the Constitution because of its use of God and self reliance. Democrats do not understand that just the mere suggestion that certain people should be singled out and have the government use the tax code to punish behavior that it deems unacceptable violates the very soul of the Constitution. Government is NOT the answer, in fact in more cases than not, it is the problem.

If the AIG execs can be punished in this way via the misuse of the tax code, what chance do we "little people" have once the government sets its sights on our wealth? At one time Mario Cuomo wanted to convene a constitutional convention II, so that he could see to it that the provisions in it complied with present day attitudes and habits. His argument was that the Constitution is a living, breathing document. He could not be more wrong. The Constitution by its very nature is and should be "etched in stone". If not, the Constitution is no more than a document of suggestions as to how our government should run. Democrats do not believe in the Constitution nor in the Bill of Rights. They vest their trust in men and not laws.

My friend we are on the same slope that the Roman Empire slid down, only we are going on the expert hill!

See ya Soon Anthony
Larry Cassidy
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AN E-MAIL MESSAGE FROM A READER:
Hi:

Not to take away from your blog, would you kindly pass on this youtube clip on the "Obama Deception" - its NOT about siding with the Dems or Republicans, but clearly documents the outside influences of the "New World Order" that is attempting to undermine our Country. It's a must see for every American and a call to action before it's too late ! Hopefully everyone will pass it on to as many people as they can so many others can be educated in understanding who is trying to destroy America and take action ASAP !!!!
I appreciate your efforts...
Here's the link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaQNACwaLw
just paste into the URL line and it'll take you right to the clip. Very scary things are happening right now that will not only effect us, but our children for generations to come.
Regards,
Bill
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A MESSAGE FROM BOB MYERS:
Thanks to our hosts Bruce and Chris Fulgum.

Last week's jam was great! Thanks to all the musicians and folks who were there.
I am very excited to again be presenting a jazz jam in Northern Westchester at Fulgums Bar and Restaurant

2151 Albany Post Road, (Route 9A)
Montrose, NY 10548
(914) 737-0172.
(across the street diagonally from Hendrick Hudson High School).

This Sunday, Mar. 29th.
We start at 6PM with the Trio playing the 1st set.
Then all musicians are welcome to sit in until 9:30.
This Sunday we again present Neil Alexander playing keyboards, Lew Scott playing bass and myself playing drums & cymbals.
Its FREE! There is no minimum.
The food is good. The venue is friendly. Kids welcome!
YOUR presence and [for musicians] participation is what makes this jam possible! Please come out and support the music.

Thanks,
Bob
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A MESSAGE FROM LEGISLATOR OROS:

The event will officially unveil my new Political Action Committee, Common Sense Now PAC .

After a buffet dinner and drinks, there will be an informative panel discussion of the economy's impact on business and health care. Join me, as I welcome State Senator Vincent Leibell, Angela Skretta Vice President of the Northern Metropolitan Hospital Association, and Paul Vitale Vice President of Governmental Affairs at the Business Council of Westchester. There will be plenty of time too for fun and political conversation.

Details regarding the event are below. Hope you can make it on the second.
Next week I will send you a release with more details about the PAC.
Sincerely,
George Oros


George Oros and Common Sense NOW PAC
Restoring Common Sense to Government Proudly present:

A Night of Common Sense
April 2, 2009
7 – 9 pm
Piazza Roma
3134 E. Main Street
(in the Cortlandt Town Center)
Mohegan Lake, N.Y.

RSVP by March 26, 2009
Program 7:30 pm
$65 per person
$600 table of ten
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION:


EVERYONE PLEASE APPEAR AT THE NEXT TOWN BOARD MEETING APRIL 14, 2009 AT 7:30 pm TO OPPOSE THE PROPOSED MORATORIUM PREVENTING APPROVALS FOR CONTRACTORS YARDS
THIS IS NOTHING LESS THAN A PERSONAL ATTACK ON GEORGE LIASKOS AND THE CORTLANDT COLONIAL IN A EFFORT TO STOP HIS LEGAL USE AND RIGHT.

THIS EFFORT IS ANTI GREEN AS IT WILL CASUE MORE LANDFILL AS LESS MATERIALS WILL BE RECYCLED ECONOMIC WARFARE AS GEORGE HAS TO PAY TAXING ON LAND HE IS NOT PERMITTED TO USE. IT IS ANTI TAX PAYER AS IT HURTS OUR COMMERICAL BASE

CONTACT FRIENDS AND GET THEM TO COME OUT AND SPEAK AGAINST THIS TERRIBLE IDEA
THANK YOU
DANIEL PAGANO
CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION
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A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR COUNTY EXECUTIVE ROB ASTORINO:

Last Saturday, in front of nearly 300 enthusiastic supporters, I announced my candidacy for Westchester County Executive. Positive change is coming to Westchester. Please join me in being part of it.

To view my campaign video log onto my new website.... http://www.robastorino.com/astorinorally.html

Rob
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:

Recent Press Clippings
Ball: Look into AIG donation to Democrats
The Associated Press • March 21, 2009

ALBANY — New York’s Republican Party said the Democrat-controlled state government is stonewalling attempts to investigate a $100,000 donation to the Democratic Party from American International Group days before state officials initiated the bailout of AIG.

State Republican Chairman Joseph Mondello accuses Democrats of a duck-and-cover response to the 2008 donation. AIG and the state Democratic Committee say Gov. David Paterson and his insurance superintendent knew nothing of the Aug. 29 donation by AIG before initiating marathon sessions in the first week in September to save AIG.

Republican Assemblyman Greg Ball of Putnam County says his formal request for an investigation to the chamber’s corporations committee has gone unanswered since Thursday. “It looks increasingly like there was pay to play methods used here,” Ball said today. “We as New Yorkers need a full investigation. If this wasn’t the case, we need to know. If it was the case, we need to act.”

Democrats said today an investigation is unnecessary. “There is nothing to hide,” Paterson spokeswoman Marissa Shorenstein said. “An investigation would be a waste of time and taxpayer money.” She said the governor knew nothing of the donation until it was reported by the Associated Press and his concern was always in saving an important employer in New York.

Campaign finance records show AIG donated $100,000 on Aug. 29 to the Democrats, by far its largest donation to the party since at least 1999. Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo said he started negotiating with AIG and federal officials days later, but the governor hadn’t yet been informed.

On Sept. 16, Paterson in a televised news conference announced the “great news” that New York officials helped the giant insurer strike a historic loan deal with the Federal Reserve to keep AIG afloat. That led to an $85 billion bailout of the company by the federal government. Now Washington lawmakers are blasting AIG for paying more than $160 million in bonuses to employees of a division primarily responsible for AIG’s meltdown.
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BALL URGES ACTION BY LAW ENFORCEMENT
NEWS 12 WESTCHESTER:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGd8plQiok0
Tours day laborer encampments in Brewster

Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) and members of the media to tour the tragic, abject squalor that are the day laborer encampments which surround the village of Brewster.

“This is the side of the illegal immigration story never told, this is a human tragedy,” Ball said, referring to the poverty stricken encampment for several dozen day laborers, which was bereft of basic sanitation. “These living conditions are subhuman. Folks live in squalor than walk out of the woods and are picked up by some employer for a day of indentured servitude. Where is the humanity? This black market economy hurts legal immigrants, strains taxpayers and most of all, exploits illegal aliens like this.”

The encampment was discovered Tuesday, and Assemblyman Ball altered the Sheriff’s Department. Earlier this week, a report issued by Jerry Kammer of the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) found that wages and employment grew for legal workers after a series of raids in several other states.

“Once these areas are discovered, we act upon it, immediately,” Councilman Dwight Yee, councilman in Southeast, said. “We don't let them sit. Whether these trespassers are from Chicago, or Guatemala, we can't have people exposed to the elements this way.”

Ball has proposed a comprehensive package of state legislative remedies to help begin to deal with this serious issue, including A6745, which requires convictions of criminal illegal aliens be reported to the U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization; A6746, which requires a bail hearing no sooner than 72 hours for a criminal presumed to be an illegal alien; A6750, which requires the state contracts to employ those legally in the United States; A6752, to establish block grants for 287(g) training for corrections officers; A6793, which taxes undocumented workers as residents and establishes a uniform classification for employees to crack down on worker misclassification; A7052, which requires anyone admitted to SUNY be a citizen legally admitted to the United States; and A7055, which prohibits any firm that contracts with the state and hires illegal aliens from receiving further state contracts for ten years.

“We most restore America’s promise to immigrants and force our national leaders to pass intelligent immigration reform measures that will embrace and encourage legal immigration while contemporaneously securing the border and cracking down on illegal hiring,” Ball added.

DONATE TODAY AT
www.SupportGreg.com
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Hello, how have you been?

I know you are so busy, but I really need your help.

I have cc'd my Finance Chairman, Jim Coleman.

We are gaining steam...and to keep pace, we need to raise $5000 today!

I am trying to get 1000 solid friends to donate $100, more or less.

Can you take two seconds, and support me today?

Some people have donated $25, $50, $100, $250, $500 or even $1000.

I know times are tough..but do you think you could help?

Yes? Donate online now www.SupportGreg.com

Greg Ball
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:

Hello Everyone,

This Saturday may be our last open house for some time. We believe the town of Yorktown is again trying to interfere and sabotage our special events permits with the New York State Liquor Authority.

I hope to have an update of the status of the town’s behavior by early next week. It amazes me knowing that our town government is spending so much money, time and resources on stopping one small business.

Again I am thankful for all your kind & encouraging words. I’m still hopeful we can come to resolution with the Yorktown board and I’m counting on your continued support to reach that goal.

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Open House Date:
Dates:March 28th
Time:1PM until 1AM
Where:The Winery at St. George – 1715 E. Main Street – Mohegan Lake NY
(914) 455-4272
Today’s Quote:"Wine is bottled poetry"
Robert Louis Stevenson

See today’s latest News and Updates - http://www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com

Sincerely
Tom DeChiaro
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A MESSAGE FROM LARRY CASSIDY YORKTOWN GOP VICE CHAIRMAN:
When do we mail them???

The haphazard dangerous economic plans of this administration are endangering the United States of America. The Yorktown Republican Committee is sponsoring a "Teabag Campaign 2009". We simply ask that you address an envelope to:
Mr. Barack Obama
Office of the President
The White House
Washington, DC 20510

In the envelope, insert just 1 tea bag to represent the fact that you are watching what Mr. Obama is trying to do to our economy. If his present plan of action continues this nation will be unable to support itself in a very short period of time. Feel free to write a note (respectful of the Office of the President) but it is not necessary.
Thank you and May God Bless the USA!
Larry Cassidy
Vice-Chairman
Yorktown Republican Town Committee
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A MESSAGE FROM MARK DREXEL:
RE: STATE BUDJET UPDATE:

State Budget Update
>
> As the April 1, 2009 deadline approaches, the Legislature and the
> Governor continue to discuss and negotiate the 2009-2010 State Budget.
> It remains to be seen if the legislature will hold joint conference
> committees to reconcile any differences they may have while working on
> the final budget. Despite the slow progress, Assembly Speaker Sheldon
> Silver has predicted that lawmakers wouldn't just deliver an on-time
> budget, but an early one.
>
> This week, both the Assembly and Senate could release their 2009-2010
> budget proposals in response to Governor Paterson's proposed Executive
> Budget, which was unveiled in December. Last week Silver warned that
> the state's budget deficit could jump another $1 billion, bringing it
> as high as $15.25 billion. Paterson predicted that the gap could grow
> as large as $17 billion. Paterson and legislative leaders had
> recently agreed that the state's looming $13 billion will actually be
> closer to $14.2 billion. Silver said there could be "further
> deterioration" that pushes the shortfall past the $15 billion mark and
> that federal stimulus money only covers between $5.5 billion to $6
> billion.
>
> Silver has said that there is still strong support in his conference
> for some type of income tax on the wealthy - known as a "millionaire's
> tax." Paterson reiterated that he doesn't support raising income
> taxes on the wealthy but he wouldn't rule out the possibility. He also
> said he opposes raising sales taxes, another proposal that apparently
> remains on the table with the Democrats who control both the Senate
> and Assembly. Paterson said the state faces another $30 to $35
> billion budget deficit in the following two years after they close the
> current $14-$15 billion gap.
>
> Silver held a conference with his Democratic members last week to
> inform them there's been little progress toward an MTA bailout deal.
> The Assembly is rumored to be amendable to some tax on certain bridges
> into Manhattan while Democrats in the Senate Majority are largely
> opposed to the idea. Senate Democrats, which now hold the majority by
> a razor thin 32-30 members, have shown difficulty in striking deals or
> agreements on almost anything budget-related thus far. Sens. Carl
> Kruger, Pedro Espada Jr. and Ruben Diaz Sr. issued a joint statement
> demanding that the MTA go "back to the drawing board" and do
> everything possible to avoid tolling the East and Harlem river
> bridges. The three senators are "demanding" that the MTA agree to an
> audit conducted by an outside entity and a complete accounting of all
> its assets (including real estate holdings) which is something other
> lawmakers have been calling for. The trio is open to the idea of a
> payroll tax, which is the other revenue-generating proposal made by
> the Ravitch Commission, but called the tolls a "non-starter."
>
> Last week, Paterson, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith and Silver
> announced an agreement to eliminate $1.3 billion in tax increases
> included in the proposed 2009-10 Executive Budget, using federal
> stimulus money to off-set the new fees. The agreement eliminates new
> taxes on items including clothing under $110, sugared drinks, digital
> downloads, cable and satellite television, manufacturers' coupons,
> haircuts, manicures, concerts, movies, live theatre, health clubs,
> bowling, golf, skiing and others. The agreement also eliminates a
> proposal to limit the sales tax exemption on capital construction
> improvements made to property.
>
> Paterson, Smith and Silver also announced that county governments and
> the City of New York will receive an estimated total of $2.7 billion
> in fiscal relief through increased Federal Medical Assistance
> Percentages (FMAP) reimbursements for Medicaid over 27 months as part
> of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Of the total $2.7
> billion in estimated FMAP funding that local governments will receive
> over 27 months, it is projected that $513.8 million will be provided
> in State fiscal year 2008-09, $1.4 billion in 2009-10, and $816.4
> million in 2010-11
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FACT CHECK: Obama Having It Both Ways On Economy?

President Barack Obama speaks during a news conference, Tuesday, March 24, 2009, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's plea for patience in the economic turmoil Tuesday fits with the view of most economists that a turnaround will take some time. It doesn't fit quite so neatly with his bullish budget.

The president's spending plans and deficit projections rest on the assumption that the economy will post solid growth next year after a mild, further decline this year. Many economists think that's too rosy.

Obama was more cautious than that in his prime-time news conference—possibly to the point of having it both ways.
A look at some of his statements and how they square with the facts:
THE CLAIM: "We will recover from this recession. But it will take time, it will take patience, and it will take an understanding that when we all work together, when each of us looks beyond our own short-term interests to the wider set of obligations we have to each other, that's when we succeed."

THE FACTS: No one really knows when the recession will end. But Obama's own budget forecasts the recession will continue through this year but with a relatively shallow 1.2 percent decline in the gross domestic product.

Then, the budget predicts solid 3.2 percent growth for 2010, followed by three years of more than 4 percent growth each year.

Christina Romer, head of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, said this week she was "incredibly confident" the U.S. economy will recover within a year.

Congressional Republicans and some Democratic budget hawks have suggested the Obama budget projections are unduly optimistic to make the math to pay for the president's programs work. The higher the GDP growth, the more tax revenues come in.

Meanwhile, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office last week predicted that the Obama budget would produce deficits averaging nearly $1 trillion over the next decade.

___
THE CLAIM: Obama repeated his assertion that his housing bailout will help "stabilize the housing market and help responsible homeowners stay in their homes."

THE FACTS: Even officials in his administration, many supporters of the plan in Congress and the Federal Reserve chairman have said some of the bailout money is bound to go to those who acted irresponsibly.

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has said it's important for the nation to go ahead with the plan even though it means assistance will go to some who should have known better than to get in over their heads.

Sheila Bair, head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., made a similar point when she said it's "simply impractical" to examine every delinquent loan and weed out those taken by people who overstated their income or assets to get a mortgage they couldn't afford.
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GOP Gloves Off For Budget Brawl

Republicans: Yes, we do have our own plan. (John Shinkle/POLITICO)
- House Republicans have begun unveiling detailed alternatives to President Barack Obama’s policies — a concerted effort to push back against Democratic efforts to label them “the Party of No.”

On Wednesday, it was a housing plan. Thursday, it will be a big, TV-friendly stack of budget blueprints, “The Republican Road to Recovery.” That’s to match the president’s own platitudinous budget title, “A New Era of Responsibility.”

The House Republicans’ budget document, provided to POLITICO ahead of its release, makes sure no one can miss the point: Each chapter begins “The Republican Plan,” and each section is divided into “The President’s Budget” and “Republicans’ Solution.”

House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said the housing proposal that he rolled out with eight other House Republicans on Tuesday was “in response to the administration — and the president himself, who continues to say that Republicans don’t have any ideas.”

“We’re here today to say yes we do,” Cantor said. “This is one in a series. It will not be the last. We are committed to trying to pull the agenda back to the mainstream and to respond to the problems facing America’s families today.”

The documents — and the showmanship in releasing them — are the result of frustration by GOP leaders who repeatedly hear on TV that they have no alternatives.

In fact, they had their own plans. They just didn’t get much attention, partly because Republicans sometimes disagreed about them among themselves.

So the entire House GOP elected leadership will join Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), the ranking member of the Budget Committee, for Thursday’s event. “It’s the old ‘I want to see it in writing,’” said a top House Republican official. “They’re going to see it in writing.”

Another official said: “We need to hold something up and say, ‘Here are our charts. Here are our graphs. It’s real.’”

The principles in the Republican budget will sound familiar: “limits the federal budget from growing faster than the family budget, ... provides universal access to health care and secures entitlements, ... lowers taxes, ... keeps energy and fuel costs low, ... ends the bailouts and reforms the financial system, ... keep the cost of living low.”

Sounds ambitious, but it’s a lot easier to do when all you have to do is talk about it, not pass the legislation.

GOP leaders see these Obama alternatives as the starting point for a consistent party message going into next year’s midterms, where history suggests Republicans could have opportunities if the economy is still struggling.

Mike Pence (R-Ind.), chairman of the House Republican Conference, said at the news conference with Cantor: “Welcome to the next installment of the party of yes: yes to better solutions. Yes to alternatives that will resonate with millions of Americans because they are grounded in the timeless values of personal responsibility.”

Pence and the other Republicans at the news conference rapped Democrats and Obama for offering housing proposals that are no more than “failed policies that reward bad behavior and massively expand government programs.”

“Contrary to the administration’s straw man diversions, Republicans do have our own ideas,” Pence said. “These are solutions that are complementary and in some cases can replace what we believe are misguided attempts to try to do the same thing.”

Cantor challenged the idea that Republicans are acting when the horse is out of the barn, with the administration already implementing Obama’s plans. “First of all, the president knows different when he says that we don’t have a plan,” Cantor said. “And I think he would tell you, if he was being accurate, that from the first days of his administration, Leader Boehner and I went in and personally handed him our plan on the stimulus.”

Cantor called the Republican budget “a responsible attempt to restrain the growth in government, to return us back to a period of economic growth through tax relief and fiscal prudence.” The budget will also address entitlements, he added, saying it’s “in stark contrast to the smoke and mirrors inherent in the House Democrat plan.”

After Obama releases his detailed budget later this spring, House Republicans will do the same — matching his graphs with their graphs, his charts with their charts
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef Proposes Legislation That Enhances “Sunshine Week”*

(March 24, 2009)/ Assemblywoman Sandy Galef has introduced two pieces of legislation that will make government and public records more accessible to the public in conjunction with “Sunshine Week”.

The first bill, A.6338, provides that any record indicating the proposed terms of a collective bargaining agreement be made available to the public. Specifically, school district collective bargaining which includes salaries and benefits of all school district personnel has most often been kept from the public until ratification of the contract has been completed. The bill would open up these agreements for public review before the contract is voted on by the school district. School personnel costs and benefits cost approximately 60-80% of the school budget.

“These collective bargaining agreements should be accessible to the public,” said Galef. “This week in New York is “Sunshine Week”, a week to embrace transparency and accountability. This bill does just that. It’s time for the taxpayers to know exactly where their school tax money is going. New York should be committed to reform which gives its citizens the option of accessing this information.”

In addition Galef has sponsored bill A.5726, which waives the ability of government agencies in New York to claim copyright protection except where the record reflects artistic creation, or scientific or academic research. This has traditionally been done by government in order to charge more than the actual cost for reproducing records or to discourage the dissemination of public information.

“Government agencies should not be using copyrights to protect themselves from having to disseminate information. These copyrights, outside of protecting artistic creation and research, are unnecessary. Furthermore copyrights should not be used on records that promote the public’s understanding of government functions and activities.” Galef said. “The public should be allowed to see into the agencies without having to try to get past the unnecessary copyrights standing in their way.”

This bill A.5726 passed the Assembly as part of a government reform package the Assembly has advanced in celebration of “Sunshine Week”. The package of bills was aimed at strengthening government’s transparency and openness.

“I am trying to remove needless obstacles that prohibit New Yorker’s from accessing information that should be fully visible. These bills are another step towards ensuring that if someone wants to find out specific information regarding New York governments and New York public schools, the information will be available. I will continue to work towards advancing these measures that strengthen the public’s right to know and improve government transparency,” Galef concluded.
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Galef Announces New Identification Needed to Cross U.S. Border

Summer is right around the corner and before we know it, it will be here. Many New Yorkers have already begun making their summer plans to travel outside the United States. Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, 90th District, announced that starting June 1, 2009, due to a change in the federal law, most United States citizens will be required to present a valid passport or other approved document to enter the United States at all land and sea border crossings between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

“It takes at least two weeks to get the new enhanced license or enhanced non driver-photo ID to cross the U.S. border. Therefore, it is important to start the application process now in order to make sure the enhanced card arrives in time to proceed with your travel plans,” Galef said. Anyone planning on traveling to these destinations, either by land or sea, will be required to have a passport, enhanced driver license (EDL), or an enhanced non-driver photo ID card (ENDID) as an acceptable form of identification to enter the United States. You can obtain the new license at any New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office. The fee for obtaining the enhanced card is $30 in addition to any other fees which may be required for your driver license or non-driver photo identification card transaction. To calculate the cost of your EDL or ENDID, visit https://harmonia.dmv.state.ny.us/edlcalc/.

You can wait until your current license or ID expires to get an EDL or ENDID or, you may apply for an EDL as part of an early renewal that extends the expiration date of your current license. To apply for an EDL or ENDID, you must provide proof of identity, your Social Security card, proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of New York State residency. For a complete list of documentation that can be used as proof visit www.nydmv.state.ny.us/edl-faqs.htm#proof .

In addition to the above licenses, you may also use the U.S. passport card, which is convenient and inexpensive compared to the passport book, and costs $45 for a first time adult applicant whereas, a new passport can cost more than $100. Note that a U.S. passport card, EDL or ENDID does not take the place of a passport book for international travel by air.

<>For more information, visit www.nydmv.state.ny.us/edl-main.htm or you can call NYS EDL Helpline at
(518) 474-9981.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WESTCHESTER GOP:

Mondello: Democrats Fight to Restrict Military Voting Rights
Statement From Chairman Joseph N. Mondello, New York Republican State Committee

As a veteran myself, I believe that it is absolutely unconscionable that the Democrats on the New York State Board of Elections would block a request from the United States Government designed to protect the voting rights of military personnel fighting overseas.

These brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect us and defend our rights and freedoms. The Democrats must do the right thing and support this measure to ensure the voices of our fighting men and women are heard.

It is particularly concerning that Democrats are seeking to limit military personnel's access to the ballot in light of Scott Murphy's historic calls to restrict the rights of military personnel and his numerous baseless criticisms of the United States Military.

I call upon the Democrats on the Board of Elections to reverse their position and join the Republicans in supporting the rights of our military personnel.
******************
NEW YORKERS FOR GROWTH CORRECTS MISNOMER;

CALLS PROPOSED NEW YORK INCOME TAX HIKE BY REAL NAME:
“THE JOB-KILLING TAX”
Launches Petition Drive to Halt Job Killer in New York

New York, NY—March 9… New Yorkers for Growth, a political action committee dedicated to returning New York State to firm fiscal footing, today announced a petition drive to save New York State jobs and encourage economic growth throughout the Empire State. The petition calls on state leaders to halt “ill-conceived” plans to levy yet another tax increase on hardworking New York families—and job providers—in the form of a massive income tax hike.

Incorrectly dubbed the “millionaire’s tax” by groups like the Working Families Party, the income tax hike would hit two-income families making a quarter of that, including small business job providers struggling to keep their doors open. The ‘Job-Killing Tax is the exact opposite of what the state needs to do to revive its economy, New Yorkers for Growth says.

Governor Paterson has heretofore opposed the tax, as has New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg. But New York’s “spending-interest groups” are pushing the “Job-killing Tax” proposal hard to avoid having to trim New York States’ $120-plus billion budget.

“New York families already are bearing the brunt of bad fiscal policy in Albany,” said Larchmont Mayor and New Yorkers for Growth member Liz Feld. This state is in bad fiscal shape for two reasons: It spends too much money and it has taxed much of its jobs base out of the state. Passing the ‘Job-Killing Tax’ now would be like throwing gasoline on a fire. It would tell families and job creators that New York is closed for business.”

According to the Manhattan Institute, the state will lose 22,000 more private-sector jobs if this tax hike is enacted. The state’s Business Council noted that it would leave New York with the second highest maximum income tax rate in the nation at 10.3 percent – 60 percent higher than the median top rate for all states, not including the seven states with no personal income tax.

“New Yorkers are hurting,” Mayor Feld continued. “People are losing jobs and homes every day. Our leaders in Albany need to stop passing the buck and start addressing the structural problems that got us into this mess. The ‘Job-Killing Tax’ is not the answer.”

To learn more about New Yorkers for Growth or to sign the petition, visit www.newyorkersforgrowth.com.
******************
Get out there and Get Out The Vote for Jim Tedisco!

This is it folks ... its the final push before Tuesday's election and
WE NEED YOU to help get Jim Tedisco elected to Congress! This race is
VERY CLOSE. The side that gets more help over the last 4 days will probably win.

We need volunteers to reach out to voters during these last critical
days by hitting the pavement and going door-to-door or by making phone
calls in our phone banks. Any time that you can donate to the
campaign is greatly appreciated!

Below is the schedule of volunteer activities as we shift into full
gear. Please let us know when you would be available to volunteer!

Saturday, March 28 - Calls and Walks begin at 9 AM
Sunday, March 29 - Calls and Walks begin at 9 AM
Monday, March 30 - Calls and Walks begin at 9 AM
ELECTION DAY - Tuesday, March 31 - Calls and Walks begin at 8 AM

Please let us know if you are able to volunteer your time and contact
us to sign up for a shift!

LOCATIONS
Saratoga County
1707 Route 9, Halfmoon, NY 12065 (on the corner of Route 9 and Route
146; Exit 9 off of the Northway).

Queensbury 870 Rt 9

Redhook, 7509 North Broadway

There will be meeting places in every county. CALL US AT 518-373-2702 to help!
Thanks for your continued support!
Team Tedisco
*************************************************************************************
INTRODUCING A NEW BLOG: (YOU CAN FIND THE LINK IN MY "SITES TO LINK TO"):
Hi, Andy.

I've started a new blog. It's really more of a news aggregator, I suppose. Here's the address: http://www.dailydoseofdumb.com/

Feel free to share the link with anyone who you think might enjoy it.

Thomas G.
*******************
AND A NEW WEBSITE:

Please visit my website Padovanofineart.com. I have updated it and added new paintings.
Thanks.
Rob
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:

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

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

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

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

For immediate reply: atomtaxi@aol.com
***********************************************************************************
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/

PADAVANO FINE ARTS: Padovanofineart.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

03/28/09

A SCHOOL TAXING PROBLEM

Dear Readers:

The Peekskill Guardian (http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/) has recently made two posts regarding the proposed "utility tax" on residents by the Peekskill school district (1} The School District's Proposed New Tax on Public Housing Residents is Unfair to the Poor, the Elderly, the Middle Class, and is defended by Illogic 2} Mathematical Proof Johnson’s Utility Tax is Designed to Punish Homeowners ) . The Guardian is incorrect in stating that the NCN has not covered this story. The fact is I brought this up last year in my columns ( SHINE THE LIGHT ON PEEKSKILL'S SCHOOLS 04/02/08) and ( Speak out on school budgets now 02/24/09). In between there have been at least four stories on this topic. As I was the first to report on this odious tax, I wanted to set the record straight. This does not take away the fact that you as tax payers should read these posts.

I have always advocated reform of how we fund our schools and in fact urged the passage of the "Cahill Bill" in the State legislature that would fund schools through income tax as that would be a means tested fair way to go. Nobody would be forced to sell their homes do to run away school taxes as this tax would be based on income and make tenants more involved in their school districts. Assemblywoman Galef who opposes this tax, though does not say so out right, opposed this tax by mudding the waters with her "circuit breaker" bill. Her bill only takes from Peter to pay Paul, where in the "Cahill Bill" only Peter pays. If the district were to propose this utility tax in lieu of property tax then it would be a fairer tax. It accomplishes the same objectives as the tax on income except it is not means tested, like the income tax would be.

You see it is important that tenants see a direct payment to their schools out of their income. While it is true that they pay school taxes as part of their rent, they really do not see it or feel it, and anyway in the era of class warfare so encouraged by the Democrats, they think their rent goes to greedy landlords so they may keep up their opulent life styles. Taxing income would encourage more people to be involved in their district meetings an school board and budget votes as they would be directly involved in funding, not through a second party as is now done through property taxes.

You can find more details about this topic in my archives ( Shifting Responsibilities 02/26/07 and New Ideas vs. The Status Quo 04/18/07). During the spring of 2007 I did two "Yorktown Watchdog Report" cable T.V. shows on this topic, one with then Putnam Valley Supervisor Sam Davis who was an earlier champion of school tax reform. My recent appearance on "The Yorktown Watchdog Report" was also on the topic of school taxes and the still playing Volpe Report with guest Ed Ciffon of the UTY focus's on school taxes.

So while other were just complaining about high school taxes, there were others, me included who have been trying to offer alternatives. As I have said before, it is just not what you are against that is important, more important is what you are for. I forgot to mention, it was Yorktown Councilman Nick Bianco who has been the lone voice (at least for a while) shining the light on the "Star Program", that with out his input, the Souzzi Group would not have had it on their radar. It was Nick Bianco who pointed out that people not paying taxes were receiving Star Tax rebate checks, which by the way Assemblywoman Galef had no problem with as they were receiving these state checks while she was running for re-election. Over 7 million dollars of these checks went to people who did not pay taxes.

For now it is important to fight this odious tax on utilities as it is a tax on all utilities so you must times that 3% by either 4 or 6 times per month(depending on how many of the taxed utilities you use) then times it by 12 and you will see it is not a 3% tax. On a final note, I would not use the class warfare argument as does the Peekskill Guardian, as I am not in favor of political divide and conquer, however who can blame them for using the Democrat's own hypocrisy against them. After all when you look up the dictionary definition of hypocrisy it say "see Democrat Party".


RAPID RESPONSE TO THIS POST FROM THE PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN:
Andy,

We didn't mean to imply you hadn't written about the topic. Our point
was that in last week's article, the other point of view was not
aired. Other newspapers edit their stories so that readers who aren't
familiar with all the facts get a balanced picture. Most people don't
have perfect recall of everything a newspaper has published in the
past (even editorial boards, as we pointed out, don't recall positions
they have taken in the past), and then some people don't have a chance
to read every issue. We share much in common on the school tax issue,
but you may not agree with our next post on the subject, where we will
lay out more fully why we don't think it makes sense for schools to
tax people in public housing.

The Peekskill Guardian

MY RESPONSE TO THE PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN:
Dear Guardian:

The one thing in favor of a utility tax in lieu of property tax is that those who work off the books, those who are here illegally, those who make their money not in a completely honest way would be supporting a school district they or their children use. No politician in his or hers right mind would even acknowledge these people exist or are using the system. Can you imagine the outcry of racism or xenophobia or any other phobia or ism you can think of that would be hurled at the politician who spoke that truth? None the less there must be a way to get people not paying into the system to pay into it, and not in addition to property taxes! The problem with the Peekskill proposal is it penalizes property owner as they would still be liable for those taxes.

The other problem which I did not mention is that each municipality in Westchester must out of their tax base be responsible for the collection of these taxes and must out of their tax base make up any short fall. By going the income tax route which is means tested or the utility tax, the local municipalities are no longer burdened with that responsibility and as such can lower payroll by not having to employ those who must account for those monies.

Andy

RAPID RESPOSE FROM THE PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN:

Andy,

Not sure it creates that much overhead for the Comptroller to collect the school tax and pay the School District. But as you say, the current system might not be the best way to fund schools. As to the utility tax, right now, the law caps it at 3% which is insufficient to fund the entire school budget. An income tax would be preferable to a utility tax, but then we are faced with Albany dictating how much each district gets. So much of this school stuff comes down to home rule. And the bigger question for another day is whether in our current technological age, traditional geographical boundaries and legislative bodies make economic sense. (If economic things get worse, the debate may arise.) Our biggest gripe with Johnson's utility tax is that Judith budgets the tax to yield $700k in revenue, when it will reap much more than that, three to four times more. As we said, it's a trojan horse they are selling with bad arguments. We just posted why we think the utility tax unfairly hurts Peekskill's neediest residents.

The Peekskill Guardian
***********************************************************************************
MY NEW POST ON GOPAC:
Where Leadership Begins….The Party Of Ideas Part 2
by Anthony Bazzo on Mar.21, 2009, under Blogs

Dear Readers:

Mr. Chris Covucci has recently made two posts that advocate exactly what the Republican Party must NOT do. He is accepting the Democrat premise to an argument. You can not beat them on those terms. You can not say that the public is ” justifiably, in an anti-corporate mood and here is the perfect opportunity to score some populist points”. The public is in an anti-corporate mood because of misinformation and out right lies. The Democrat Party has controlled congress since 2007, and since then the economic roof has caved in. They screamed during the elections of 2006 about the deficit and then they increased it! They controlled the purse strings not Bush. They could have reigned in his budget proposals, and not only chose not to, but increased it. Now with control of both the executive and legislative branches of government, they have now, according to the CBO have increased the deficit to 1.8 trillion dollars and it is still climbing!

If the Republican Party can not make the argument that this fiscal melt down is a direct result of Democrat control of the purse strings then they deserve to lose elections nationally and even state wide. Since 2003, using Senate Parliamentary maneuvers Democrats blocked all reform and attempts to reign in the financial shenanigans, there by causing last September’s melt down. To the Republican Party’s shame, they voted TARP 1 giving the Treasury Secretary unfettered use of a trillion dollars, which I believe was unconstitutional.
This is what happens when a party checks its principals at the door and gives in to panic.

As for this recent populist outrage against AIG, those bonuses were allowed by a special amendment to the stimulus package demanded by Obama’s Treasury Secretary and voted for by all N.Y.S Democrat elected officials in congress and the senate, a bill which they DID NOT READ before voting. To add insult to injury all our Democrat congressional representatives except one from Staten Island have now voted to tax those who received those bonuses, which is directly against the constitution they swore to uphold upon taking office. If the Republican Party can not make the argument that our Democrat Congressional Representatives are making a mockery out of our constitution, again they deserve not to win national elections.

It is wrong for the Republican Party to buy into this anti-big business populism. This tax on these bonuses will cost N.Y. business and tax coffers a fortune, which we can not afford to lose, and again I think is unconstitutional. Our congressional and senate representatives sold out the state they are suppose to protect and represent, hoping to get class warfare brownie points. This is the argument to be made, not some sort of anti-corporate-lite.

On the Patterson proposal to sell wine in grocery stores, again Mr. Chris Covucci has accepted the Democrat premise. He states “Here’s another idea: Allow grocery stores to sell wine, but the new licensing revenue would be spilt among the state’s current liquor store owners at a rate that would compensate them for their lost sales. You’ld have to fine tune the details, and make sure that store owners were adequately compensated for their loses, including the decline in the value of their stores. But consumers would have more choices and the state would be living up to its obligations to these small business owners”.

I have written in my column in the NCN and my blog which are posted here the argument against any compromise on this proposal. You do not comprise principal. Encouraging the prosperity of small business and the people they employ is a principal, damn it! You do not try to buy off a business best interests with these proposed new monies from fees.

It is up to the Republican Party to offer alternative ideas on their premise, not tweak Democrat ideas on their’s. You have lost election because you compromised your principals, in an effort to retain power. This election philosophy has instead cost you power. Either become the party of ideas that promote the economic engine capitalism, or forever take a back seat, whining from the bleachers.

BAZZO 03/21/09

RESPONSE FROM YORKTOWN GOP VICE-CHAIRMAN LARRY CASSIDY:

Anthony,

You are right, the constitution is no longer the tool used to build this great nation, but is being used as a weapon to destroy it! Democrats do not agree with the Constitution because of its use of God and self reliance. Democrats do not understand that just the mere suggestion that certain people should be singled out and have the government use the tax code to punish behavior that it deems unacceptable violates the very soul of the Constitution. Government is NOT the answer, in fact in more cases than not, it is the problem.

If the AIG execs can be punished in this way via the misuse of the tax code, what chance do we "little people" have once the government sets its sights on our wealth? At one time Mario Cuomo wanted to convene a constitutional convention II, so that he could see to it that the provisions in it complied with present day attitudes and habits. His argument was that the Constitution is a living, breathing document. He could not be more wrong. The Constitution by its very nature is and should be "etched in stone". If not, the Constitution is no more than a document of suggestions as to how our government should run. Democrats do not believe in the Constitution nor in the Bill of Rights. They vest their trust in men and not laws.

My friend we are on the same slope that the Roman Empire slid down, only we are going on the expert hill!

See ya Soon Anthony

Larry Cassidy
*************************************************************************************
INTRODUCING A NEW BLOG: (YOU CAN FIND THE LINK IN MY "SITES TO LINK TO"):

Hi, Andy.

I've started a new blog. It's really more of a news aggregator, I suppose. Here's the address: http://www.dailydoseofdumb.com/

Feel free to share the link with anyone who you think might enjoy it.

Thomas G.
*******************
AND A NEW WEBSITE:

Please visit my website Padovanofineart.com. I have updated it and added new paintings.
Thanks.
Rob
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM TOWN OF CORTLANDT SUPERVISOR LINDA PUGLISI:
RE: MTA TAX

Cortlandt is against the new tax and will also pass a resolution at our next Town Board meeting of April 14, 2009.

Linda Puglisi
Supervisor

ED. NOTE: Congrats. to the Townn Of Cortlandt and it's Supervisor and town board. Now where the hell is Peekskill and Putnam Valley on this issue?
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG:

TEA PARTY RSVP - Can you send a bag? They are in Hot
water. And pleanty of pork

There's a storm abrewin'. What happens when good, responsible people keep quiet? Washington has forgotten they work for us. We don't work for them. Throwing
good money after bad is NOT the answer. I am sick of the midnight,
closed door sessions to come up with a plan. I am sick of Congress
raking CEO's over the coals while they, themselves, have defaulted on
their taxes. I am sick of the bailed out companies having lavish
vacations and retreats on my dollar. I am sick of being20told it is
MY responsibility to rescue people that, knowingly, bought more
house than they could afford. I am sick of being made to feel it is my
patriotic duty to pay MORE taxes. I, like all of you, am a responsible citizen. I pay my taxes. I live on a budget and I don't ask someone else to carry the burden for poor decisions I may make. I have emailed my congressmen and senators asking them to NOT vote for the stimulus package as it was written without
reading it first. No one listened. They voted for it, pork and all. O.K.
folks, here it is. You may think you are just one voice and what you think won't make a difference.

Well,yes it will and YES, WE CAN!! If you are disgusted and angry with the way Washington is handling our taxes. If you are fearful of the fallout from the reckless spending of BILLIONS to bailout and "stimulate" without accountability and
responsibility then we need to become ONE, LOUD VOICE THAT CAN BE HEARD FROM EVERY CITY, TOWN,SUBURB AND HOME IN AMERICA.

There is a growing protest to demand that Congress, the President and
his cabinet LISTEN to us, the American Citizens. What is being done in Washington is NOT the way to handle the economic free fall. So,here's the plan. On April 1, 2009, all Americans are asked to send a TEABAG to Washington , D.C. You do not have to enclose a note or any other information unless you so desire. Just a
TEABAG. Many cities are organizing protests. If you simply search, "New American Tea Party", several sites will come up. If you aren't the 'protester'type, simply make your one voice heard with a TEABAG.

Your one voice will become a roar when joined with millions of
others that feel the same way. Yes, something needs to be done but the lack
of confidence as shown by the steady decline in the stock market
speaks volumes.This was not my idea. I visited the sites of the 'New American Tea Party' and an online survey showed over 90% of thousands said they would send the teabag on April 1. Why, April 1?? We want them to reach Washington by April 15. Will you do it? Iwill.

Sendit to:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20500 ...

Visit the website below for more information about the 'New American Tea Party'.
http://newamericanteaparty.com/about/

I would encourage everyone to go ahead and get the envelope ready to mail,
then just drop it in the mail April 1. Can't guarantee what the postage will be by then, it is going up as we speak, but have your envelope ready. What will this cost you? A little time and a 40 something cent stamp.

What could you receive in benefits? Maybe, just maybe, our elected
officials will start to listen to the people. Take out the Pork. Tell us
how the money is being spent. We want TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. Remember, the money will be spent over the next 4-5 years. It is not too late.
************************
Andy
Can yot put our meeting notice on your blog.
Ed
-----Original Message-----
From: Bobbie Anne Cox, Esq.
To: Ed Cifone
Cc: Dennis Tate ; Nick DiTomaso

Sent: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:22 pm
Subject: March 25 meeting

Ed:
As per your request, attaced is the flyer for our March 25 meeting at
Town Hall.

Looking forward to seeing all of you then.

Bobbie Anne Cox
Attorney At Law
66 Palmer Ave., Suite 33-A
Bronxville, N.Y. 10708
Ph.(914)779-6299
Fax(914)337-3619
www.coxlawyers.com
************************************************************************************
MESSAGE FROM ACCOUTING FIRM OF DEWEY, CHEETUM AND HOWE:
RE: N.Y.S. TAX TO PAY YOUR TAXES:

Sent on behalf of Louis Grumet
Dear NYSSCPA member:

The NYSSCPA has called upon legislative leaders in the New York State Senate and Assembly to exempt CPAs from proposed tax preparer registration and the annual $100 registration fee that would be required of CPAs in Budget Bill S.59-A/A.159-A at Part VV Section 6.

Under this budget proposal, beginning with tax returns filed on or after December 31, 2009, each tax preparer who prepares at least one tax return for compensation in a calendar year must electronically register with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance (T&F) for that calendar year, and re-register annually. In addition, each tax preparer must electronically pay an annual $100 fee to T&F, if he or she prepares ten or more returns in the preceding calendar year and will prepare one return in the current year, or prepared fewer that ten returns in the preceding calendar year but ten or more returns in the current calendar year. T&F will issue a unique identification number to each register tax preparer, which must be used on each return the tax preparer required to sign.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please write to your Senator and Assembly member to request an exemption for CPAs from the proposed annual tax preparer registration and fee and include the following points in the letter (a sample draft letter is attached):

1. CPAs already pay a $245 triennial registration fee (including a $35 continuing professional education fee) to the State Education Department to practice their profession, and are licensed to provide tax preparation and tax advisory services.


2. The new accountancy law signed by the Governor in January (Chapter 651 of 2008) includes tax services by CPAs within the regulated scope of practice and disciplinary authority of the State Education Department and the Board of Regents.

3. CPAs already have a license number issued by the State Education Department, and CPAs who prepare tax returns typically have a Personal Identification Number and a Centralized Authorization File Number issued by the IRS. Another unique identification number from T&F is unnecessary for CPAs.

4. This budget bill’s tax preparer registration and fee requirements will apply to out-of-state CPAs and may cause other states to impose similar fees on New York CPAs who prepare returns for filing in other states. It will also contradict a provision in the new accountancy law which allows out-of-state CPAs with a principal place of business in the other state to practice tax (non-attest services) in New York without notice or fee.

5. In the interest of consumer protection, the issuance of a Tax Preparer Registration Certificate to non-licensed tax preparers will mislead taxpayers to conclude that the preparer is qualified, when there are no minimum qualifications, education requirements or examination for such a certificate. The goal to reduce the budget deficit in New York should not have the unintended consequence of granting non-licensed tax preparers a state credential.

You can find the names and addresses of your state Senator and Assemblymember, from the homepage of www.nysscpa.org. Click on “Contact Reps” from the list in the left-hand column. Then click on New York State Senate Members or New York State Assemblymembers. Next click on the name of your Senator or Assemblymember, or click on “Find Your Representative by Zip Code.” The Contact information is available on each legislator’s webpage.

If you have any trouble obtaining the name and address of your state Senator or Assemblymember, please contact Paulette White at 212-719-8367 or email her for assistance at pwhite@nysscpa.org.

Please note that the text of Part VV Section 6 of Budget Bill S.59-A/A.159-A is found on the homepage of the NYSSCPA website under the Gov’t Center.


Louis Grumet
Executive Director
NYSSCPA

Dear Senator________: Dear Assemblyman___________: or Dear Assemblywoman:________

I urge you to exempt CPAs from the proposed tax preparer registration and the annual $100 registration fee in Budget Bill S.59-A/A.159-A at Part VV Section 6, adding a new Tax Law section 32.

Under this budget proposal, beginning with tax returns filed on or after December 31, 2009, each tax preparer who prepares at least one tax return for compensation in a calendar year must electronically register with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance (T&F) for that calendar year, and must re-register annually. In addition, each tax preparer must electronically pay an annual $100 fee to T&F, if he or she prepares ten or more returns in the preceding calendar year and will prepare one return in the current year, or prepared fewer that ten returns in the preceding calendar year but ten or more returns in the current calendar year. T&F will issue a unique identification number to each register tax preparer, which must be used on each return the tax preparer required to sign.

CPAs should be exempted from the proposed annual tax preparer registration and fee in Budget Bill S.59-A/A.159-A Part VV Section 6, for the following reasons:

1. CPAs already pay a $245 triennial registration fee (including a $35 continuing professional education fee) to the State Education Department to practice their profession, and are licensed to provide tax preparation and tax advisory services.

2. The new accountancy law (Chapter 651 of 2008) includes tax services by CPAs within the regulated scope of practice and disciplinary authority of the State Education Department and the Board of Regents.

3. CPAs already have a license number issued by the State Education Department, and CPAs who prepare tax returns typically have a Personal Identification Number and a Centralized Authorization File Number issued by the IRS. Another unique identification number from T&F is unnecessary for CPAs.

4. This budget bill’s tax preparer registration and fee requirements will apply to out-of-state CPAs and may cause other States to impose similar fees on New York CPAs who prepare returns for New York clients for filing in such other states. It will also contradict a provision in the new accountancy law which allows out-of-state CPAs with a principal place of business in the other state to practice tax (non-attest services) in New York without notice or fee.

I am also concerned that this budget proposal will require T&F to issue a Tax Preparer Registration Certificate to non-licensed tax preparers, which will mislead taxpayers to conclude that the preparer is qualified, when there are no minimum qualifications, education requirements or examination in the proposal. Your efforts to reduce the budget deficit in New York should not have the unintended consequence of granting non-licensed tax preparers a state credential. The issuance by T&F of a unique personal identification number would be sufficient to identify the registered tax preparer, without issuance of a Tax Preparer Registration Certificate.

[Add a paragraph about your tax practice or CPA firm]

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours truly,

************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ANDY POLAY:

Hello Everyone,
Things have been really busy as we ramp into the great Spring weather (I don't know about you, but I'm really ready for it this year!). Before I give you the latest, I'd like to thank those who came to the Niles Cocktail Party last week. They gave a great bash and Rahn and I provided the music. We had a great time as always. Thanks for saying hello.
Next week we get really busy with 3 shows on 3 consecutive days. The good news is that each one of these will be different from the other two ....

March 26:
I'll have the trio down in NYC as we play to a private party in none other than the Rainbow Room. Sorry I can't invite you all to be there, but I promise to make it up to you!

March 27, 7:00PM:
We'll have the trio back together in night one of what I'll affectionately call "Jazz Weekend in Peekskill". That evening, we'll be back at the Bean Runner on Esther St. in Peekskill starting at 7PM. We'll play eclectic jazz, standards our way, and one of our favorites- our tribute to the great Herbie Hancock. Of course we'll also treat you (and ourselves) to some great Bop and Hard Bop and standards we represent the works of Miles, Monk, Coltrane, and many more, including original fare. Also on the menu in our "little slice of Soho" will be some very special friends of ours as they treat you to some great works of poetry. This one I can invite you to, so I hope to see you there. Rahn Burton on the keys, Lester Harper on the bass, and yours truly on the drums.

March 28, 9:00PM:
It is with special pride that I announce a fund raiser for a great cause as we play at the First Hebrew Congregation on Main St./Route 6 in Peekskill, near the Beach shopping Center and next door to the Chase Bank (see attached flyer and by all means, please print it, post it and spread the word). On that evening, a wonderful group of volunteers will transform the building into a fantastic late night club- complete with free desserts and a cash bar ... and The Trio. Tickets are being sold for this event and proceeds go to the Synagogue to help maintain it. If you are planning to go to "night one" of our whirl-wind tour in Peekskill, I hope you'll make some time to come to this- "night two". I promise you will not see the same exact show, and, this is for a great cause. Rahn, Lester and I will start at 9:00PM, so have dinner, save room for desert, grab some friends and continue your Saturday night with us! Thank you very much for your support and hope to see you at the shows!

Andy
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION:

Dear Ms. Supervisor,

I know we need to schedule a meeting, my personal/business commitments prevented me from putting together the results of our questionnaire which we intended to use to know what issues we would be seeking to discuss. Now that I went through them with some of our board members here are some of the issues we would like to discuss. I apologize for not getting back to you sooner I did ask a board member to contact you but he also was not able to get this organized.

Maybe we can meet mid March? As we discussed in February.
Issues to discuss:
We received close to one hundred and thirty responses to a questionnaire sent to our members and the issues raised in the questionnaire are below.

1. Taxes: Town Taxing record, does it include all aspects of tax liability or just the “town tax line” so what is the actual tax record?

2. Chop program is it legal to use town funds to advance the project and are residents actually saving money?

3. Development in the Town: some interesting proposals ie: the bungalow conversion on route 6 looks goods so far; also the project proposed across from the Hudson Valley Hospital pursuant to recently approved special permitting law; is this development in keeping with last political campaign which promised to focus on re development of unused parcels rather than developing “virgin” properties?

4.Our tax bill; why does the receiver of taxes send tax bills for the schools showing the percentage tax increases/impact every year yet the town tax bill has only provided this information on the 2002 or 2003 tax bills? Why not every year for every taxing line show such information. Concern that the true extend taxes are not being shown and therefore difficult to understand claims regarding tax policies in the town.

5. Cortlandt property taxes are similar to the Town of Yorktown, yet we don’t have a police department or comparable services; why aren’t our taxes with comparable properties significantly lower than Yorktown?

6.Several members question why is the Town Attorney’s office not in Town Hall. Concern for conflicts of interest as none of the staff is full time.

7. Why are there budget transfers during the year when you pass an annual budget?

8. Can Our web site also be a link to the town web site?

9. One member, I will assume they are a town employee was questioning why is the parking organized in such a way employees have to walk? Not sure what to make of this issues. Some humor here.

10.Can we increase support for the DARE program in our schools?

11.Need for more soccer, baseball etc fields for our kids.

12.Police protection, need for more community policing rather than just traffic control and enforcement.

13.Proposed rezoning of Annsville circle not feasible or desired

14 Concerned for Town board legislating to target individual property owners.

15.Need for more recycling in the town to prevent landfill

16.Why zoning changes being proposed so soon after a comprehensive master plans?

17.Has Cortlandt done its’ fair share of affordable housing? What projects are pending that have affordable housing as a component? If we have met our mandate should we stop further development of such?

18.Have elected officials considered salary cuts for themselves? Do members of the council receive health benefits?

19.What efforts done to attract business development; that assists with the tax burden.

Thank you for your efforts and we look forward to meeting with you.
Regards
Daniel Pagano.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:
Bourn giorno (Good morning)

I can’t stress enough how thankful I am for all your kind & encouraging words. I’m still hopeful we can come to an amicable resolution with the Yorktown board and I’m counting on your continued support to reach that goal.

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
March Open House Dates:

Dates:Saturday March 28th
Time:1PM until 2AM
Where:The Winery at St. George – 1715 E. Main Street – Mohegan Lake NY (914) 455-4272
See today’s latest News and Updates - http://www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com

Sincerely
Tom DeChiaro

Thomas DeChiaro
The Winery at St. George
PO Box 32
Baldwin Place, NY 10505
tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
blog.wineryatstgeorge.com
(914) 455-4272
(914) 455-4273 - fax
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM BOB MEYERS:
Thanks to our hosts Bruce and Chris.
Last week's jam was great! Thanks to all the musicians and folks who were there.
I am very excited to again be presenting a jazz jam in Northern Westchester at Fulgums Bar and Restaurant 2151 Albany Post Road, (Route 9A)Montrose, NY 10548
(914) 737-0172.(across the street diagonally from Hendrick Hudson High School).

This Sunday, Mar. 22nd. We start at 6PM with the Trio playing the 1st set.
Then all musicians are welcome to sit in until 9:30.
This Sunday we again present Neil Alexander playing keyboards, Lew Scott playing bass and myself playing drums & cymbals. Its FREE! There is no minimum.
The food is good. The venue is friendly. Kids welcome!
YOUR presence and [for musicians] participation is what makes this jam possible! Please come out and support the music.

Thanks,
Bob
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef Announces That New York’s Toy Recall Law Has Gone Into Effect

(March 17, 2009) Assemblywoman Sandy Galef announced that legislation concerning New York’s toy recall has taken effect. This new law, the Children’s Product Safety and Recall Effectiveness Act of 2008, requires manufacturers and retailers to provide better safety and recall information to consumers.

“Regulation is very important to stop defective toys from reaching the shelves and homes of our families,” Galef said. “The old voluntary system was not an effective way to prevent these harmful toys from reaching the hands of our children. This new law mandates that manufacturers alert the public, and that stores selling recalled products will post notices alerting their customers about any recalls.”

The Children’s Product Safety and Recall Effectiveness Act of 2008 will require manufacturers to provide better safety and recall information by:

· Requiring the manufacturers of baby products such as cribs, car seats, high chairs, and playpens to include a “product safety owner card” with their product at the time of sale.

· Requiring certain children’s products to have a label listing the manufacturer and importer and lot/batch information where applicable.

· Mandating manufacturers and importers of children’s products to notify consumers, distributors, retailers, the state attorney general, and the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) of any recalls or warnings.

· Once a recall is initiated, requiring manufacturers and retailers to remove the product from shelves and websites, alerting the initial purchaser about the product, if possible, and posting recall notices in a conspicuous place.

· Authorizing the CPB and the attorney general to enforce these requirements and impose civil penalties.

“This new labeling and notification system will help customers know if the product they bought is defective so it can be returned or discarded. The products we buy for our children are supposed to be safe. Toys are supposed to be fun and educational. This law will ensure that dangerous toys are kept off the shelves and parents are alerted to recalls for toys already in homes, so that these flawed items are out of the hands of our children,” concluded Galef.
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:

This week I discuss Peeksill's political scene. 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.
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E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS:
Dear Readers:

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

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

For immediate reply: atomtaxi@aol.com
***********************************************************************************
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/

PADAVANO FINE ARTS: Padovanofineart.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
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EDITOR'S NOTE:
All articles re-printed in this blog from the North County News are with the permission of Bruce Apar Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

03/21/09

WHERE DO OUR STATE LEGISLATOR'S STAND?

Dear Readers:

So far to date, The Town Of Yorktown in a unanimous vote approved a resolution voicing their objection on behalf of their residents to the proposed MTA payroll tax. Add to the list Westchester County Legislator Oros and Putnam County Legislator Tamagna and now Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano. They all agree that this tax is wrong and that people who do not use the services of the MTA but may benefit from them already pay their fair share through their electric bill, cable bill and phone (land-line and cell phone) bills. Also businesses pay a yearly (on top of those above) separate MTA tax of 17% of their state tax due. Where are the governments of Peekskill, Cortlandt, and Putnam Valley on this issue. Also where are Assemblyman Greg Ball, Assemblywoman Sandra Galef and State Senator Leibell? Who are they afraid of offending. Right now they are offending their citizens by not speaking out for them. A collective governing body carries more weight then an individual citizen. It is insane to opposes tolls and fare increases on those who use the system but be either silent or in favor of a tax on those who don't.

So far to date, Assemblywoman Sandra Galef has come out in favor of allowing grocery stores to sell wine. Apparently she believes this supposed increase in licensing fees and convenience out weighs the jobs of more than seven thousand workers in the liquor store industry. Remember liquor stores employ mostly retired or senior citizens trying to make ends meet. Where are Assemblyman Greg Ball and State Senator Leibell on this issue? Grocery stores will not stock up on N.Y.S wines as they are more expensive and do not sell as much as cheaper California wines. It is not the job of our state legislature to help employment in California, it is to prevent unnecessary unemployment by misguided actions of our legislature of N.Y.S. citizens.

So far to date, the state legislature is hell bent on nickel and dimming you to death, literally. There is a push for the "bigger, better, bottle bill". This bill would add a nickel deposit on non-carbonated beverages. They say it's for re-cycling purposes, but in reality it is a money grab. You see hidden in this bill is a provision for the state to collect the nickels people do not redeem. Not just on those non-carbonated but also the carbonated that we pay the deposit on now. There are a lot of these nickel floating around as most municipalities have curb side pick-up of recyclables.

I hope you realize we are not talking a nickel here, but as most shoppers buy by the six-pack or case, we are talking an extra thirty cents to a dollar twenty per purchase out of your already over taxed pocket. Also unless you actually believe the government has a social security lock box where your FICA taxes are deposited, then you would believe these beverage companies have a separate nickel deposit account in the bank for your deposits. In actuality, the state considers this income and taxes these collected and unredeemed nickels accordingly. So what you have the legislature proposing is the confiscation of after tax profits.

Now I know there are many in government and out that believe we work for the government and that any monies we make is their's to do with and if we are so lucky, they may let us keep some for ourselves, maybe. There are also many in government and out that act like corporate profit is a crime. This bill treats those profits as ill-gotten gains, and the state has a right to confiscate them. Well, I have news for those people, government works for us, profit is not a crime, and the confiscation of after tax profits is a step down a slippery slope we as a people can not condone, no matter how they wrap it in some noble gesture. Once you allow a governing body to confiscate one corporation's profits, no corporation's profits are safe and businesses will leave this state so fast your head will spin and then you will see unemployment sky rocket.
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INTRODUCING A NEW BLOG: (YOU CAN FIND THE LINK IN MY "SITES TO LINK TO"):

Hi, Andy.

I've started a new blog. It's really more of a news aggregator, I suppose. Here's the address: http://www.dailydoseofdumb.com/

Feel free to share the link with anyone who you think might enjoy it.

Thomas G.
*******************
AND A NEW WEBSITE:

Please visit my website Padovanofineart.com. I have updated it and added new paintings.
Thanks.
Rob
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CABLE T.V. UPDATE:
THE VOLPE REPORT:

Andy- here is the schedule:
The Volpe Report
Hosted by Domenic Volpe

The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the next guest will be Ed Ciffone- President of the United Taxpayers of Yorktown. Ed's group- a local watchdog organization- continues to focus on the costs associated with school taxes and how these taxes are affecting homeowners in the area.
Mr. Ciffone details how the group was formed, how the Star program has been impacted by the Governor's new budget and websites available to taxpayers looking for info on contracts.

Viewers can tune into the Volpe Report and Ed Ciffone - Peekskill/Cortlandt Public Access Channel 15, Thursday March 19 at 8:00pm and Yorktown/Putnam Valley Public Access Channel 74 Werdnesday March 18 6:00pm.
Thanks--
Domenic Volpe
**********
ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA: 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.

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
*********************
THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG:

Please watch my show " The Watchdog Report"
Wednesday March 18 on channel #74 at 4:30 P.M.
my guest will be Anthony Bazzo, NCN political commentator

Ed Ciffone
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A MESSAGE FROM THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG:
To all:
Go to this website
WWW.Seethroughny.net
hit contract for lakeland and
Yorktown teachers and Superintendent's contracts. Our website is
www.Yorktownopengov.org for more information.
Ed
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE PEEKSKILL BID:

Now Showing at The Bean Runner Gallery
Mystic Moorings
by Artist
Laddy R. Norwood

Laddy Norwood never knows what image is going to be the subject of his art.
“Each piece is a mystery. The images just appear as I work.”

An extraordinary artist, Mr. Norwood spent years painting in oils–working from a subject, a landscape, a vase of flowers, or a posed model. Feeling restricted by the media and looking for a better sense of design, Mr. Norwood studied under Vaclav Vytlacil. “Vaclav started me in collage, working with pieces of colored paper. Once I started, I never stopped.”


Mr. Norwood works with gouache, paper and collage. His colorful works play with space and transparency, lyrically moving light and figures across their surfaces. His works excite the viewer, challenge them to become involved, and allow them to join the artist in his creative process. “When I add a piece of collage I realize that there are endless possibilities. It is as if the piece springs to life and I’m just there to fetch and glue.”

Mr. Norwood has lived in the NOHO area of Manhattan for the past 29 years. Mystic Moorings, his debut exhibition in the Hudson Valley, is exceptional.


Art Exhibit
March 11-April 26, 2009
Artist Reception
Saturday March 21, 4-7 p.m.

The BRC Gallery
201 South S. Division & Esther St.
Peekskill, NY (914) 737-1701
www.beanrunnercafe.com
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A MESSAGE FROM BOB MEYERS:

Thanks to our hosts Bruce and Chris.
I am very excited to again be presenting a jazz jam in Northern Westchester at Fulgums Bar and Restaurant
2151 Albany Post Road, (Route 9A)
Montrose, NY 10548
(914) 737-0172.
(across the street diagonally from Hendrick Hudson High School).

This Sunday, Mar. 15th.
We start at 6PM with the Trio playing the 1st set.
Then all musicians are welcome to sit in until 9:30.
This Sunday Neil Alexander will be playing keyboards, Lew Scott will be playing bass and I will be playing drums & cymbals.
Its FREE! There is no minimum.
The food is good. The venue is friendly. Kids welcome!
YOUR presence and [for musicians] participation is what makes this jam possible! Please come out and support the music.

Thanks,
Bob
*************************************************************************************
E-MAIL FROM BLOG READER
RE: OIL RESERVES:

The U. S. Geological
> Service issued a report in April ('08) that only
> scientists and oil men knew was coming, but man was it big.
> It was a revised report (hadn't been updated since
> '95) on how much oil was in this area of the western 2/3
> of North Dakota ; western South Dakota ; and extreme eastern
> Montana ......
>
> Check THIS out:
>
> The Bakken is the largest domestic oil discovery since Alaska 's Prudhoe Bay , and
has the potential to eliminate all American dependence on foreign oil. The Energy Information Administration (EIA)
>estimates it at 503 billion barrels.. Even if just 10% of the oil is recoverable... at $107 a barrel, we're looking at a resource base worth more than $5.3 trillion.
>
> 'When I first briefed legislators on this, you could practically see their jaws
> hit the floor. They had no idea.' says Terry Johnson,
> the Montana Legislature's financial analyst.
>
> 'This sizable find is now the highest-producing onshore oil field found in the
> past 56 years.' reports, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette. It's a formation known as the Williston Basin , but is more commonly referred to as the 'Bakken.' And it
> stretches from Northern Montana, through North Dakota and into Canada . For years, U. S. oil exploration has been considered a dead end. Even the 'Big Oil' companies
> gave up searching for major oil wells decades ago. However, a recent technological breakthrough has opened up the Bakken's massive reserves.... and we now have access of up to 500 billion barrels. And because this is light, sweet
> oil, those billions of barrels will cost Americans just $16 PER BARREL!
>
> That's enough crude to fully fuel the American economy for 41 years straight.
> 2. And if THAT didn't throw you on the floor, then this next one should - because
> it's from TWO YEARS AGO!
>
> U. S. Oil Discovery-Largest Reserve in the World!
> Stansberry Report Online -
> 4/20/2006
>
> Hidden 1,000 feet beneath
> the surface of the Rocky Mountains lies the largest untapped
> oil reserve in the world... It is more than 2 TRILLION
> barrels. On August 8, 2005 President Bush mandated its
> extraction. In three and a half years of high oil prices
> none has been extracted. With this motherload of oil why are
> we still fighting over off-shore drilling?
>
They reported this stunning
> news: We have more oil inside our borders, than all the
> other proven reserves on earth. Here are the official
> estimates:
>
> - 8-times as much oil as Saudi Arabia
> - 18-times as much oil as Iraq
> - 21-times as much oil as Kuwait
- 22-times as much oil as Iran
> - 500-times as much oil as Yemen
> - and it's all right here in the Western United States ..
>
> HOW can this BE? HOW can we NOT BE extracting this? Because the environmentalists and others have blocked all efforts to help America become independent of foreign oil! Again, we are letting a small group of people dictate our lives and our economy....WHY?
>
> James Bartis, lead researcher with the study says we've got more oil in
> this very compact area than the entire Middle East -more
> than 2 TRILLION barrels untapped. That's more than all
> the proven oil reserves of crude oil in the world today,
> reports The Denver Post.
>
> Don't think 'OPEC' will drop its price - even with this find?
> Think again! It's all about the competitive marketplace,
> - it has to. Think OPEC just might be funding the
> environmentalists?
>
>
> Got your attention/ire up yet? Hope so! Now, while you're thinking about it .....
> and hopefully P.O'd, do this:
>
> 3. Pass this along. If you
> don't take a little time to do this, then you should
> stifle yourself the next time you want to complain about gas
> prices .. because by doing NOTHING, you've forfeited
> your right to complain.
> --------
> Now I just wonder what would happen in this country if every one of you sent this
> to every one in your address book.
> By the way...this is all true. Check it out at the link below!!!
> GOOGLE it or follow this link. It will blow your mind.
>
> http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1911
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GRAYMOOR, GARRISON, N.Y.:
SUNDAY, March 22nd, at 4:00 PM
TAIZE PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS
An hour of prayer, scripture, silence and song in St. Francis Chapel. All are welcome.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT 12 GRAPES: N. DIVISION STREET, PEEKSKILL:

MARCH HIGHLIGHTS:

Wed, Mar 18, 8:00 - 10:30, Marc Von Em
Thu, Mar 19, 8:00 - 10:30, Greg Aulden (Acoustic)
Fri, Mar 20, 9:30 - 12:30, The Shadetree Mechanics
Sat, Mar 21, 9:30 - 12:30, Carlos Colina & The Straight Up Blues Band
Sun, Mar 22, 6:00 - 9:00, Singer/Songwriter Showcase

Reservations recommended
914-737-6624

That's it for now...til next time. Please remember, you can view our calendar of events and photo gallery by visiting 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
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:

Hello everyone.

Thanks again for all of your support and well wishes. We had a great mix of familiar and new faces this past Saturday and I greatly appreciate all the positive comments about this wonderful building. I can’t begin to tell you how happy this makes me feel. Many of you have expressed interest in helping us open permanently. Here are some suggestions.

1.Write letters to the Newspapers
a.North County News (Include Name, Address, Phone) – To Editor – kfitzpatrick@ncnlocal.com
b.Journal News – Report Brian Howard BJHOWARD@lohud.com

2.Send e-mails to the Yorktown Town Board:

a.dpeters@yorktownny.org

b.mpmetzesq@aol.com

c.lohillss2@aol.com

d.nicgin245@aol.com

e.Louiecamp1@aol.com

Feel free to copy me on your e-mails at tomde@thewineryatstgeorge.com

March Open House Dates:

Dates:Saturday March 21st & 28th

Time:2PM until 2AM

Where:The Winery at St. George – 1715 E. Main Street – Mohegan Lake NY (914) 455-4272

Today’s Quote:"In victory, you deserve Champagne, in defeat, you need it."

Napoleon Bonaparte

I look forward to seeing you again and please pass this on to your family and friends. Later this week, I will be updating the Winery website with new information. Please check it often.

http://www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com

Sincerely
Tom DeChiaro
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A MESSAGE FROM ROB ASTORINO:
Dear Friends and Supporters,


In case you missed it, the Journal News reported on my upcoming announcement of my candidacy for Westchester County Executive. I hope you will join me on Saturday, March 21st at 1:30 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant Community Center, 125 Lozza Drive, Valhalla as we officially begin our campaign to restore fiscal discipline to our county government and reduce the tax burden on our families.

Please see the Journal News coverage below, and I look forward to seeing you on the 21st!
Rob Astorino

http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2009/02/26/astorino-to-announce-county-exec-bid/

Astorino to announce county exec bid
February 26
By Gerald McKinstry

It’s (almost) official.

Robert Astorino, a Republican who ran against County Executive Andrew Spano, is going to announce his candidacy for another run on March 21 at the Mount Pleasant Community Center, 125 Lozza Drive.

Astorino garnered 42 percent of the vote in his last run against Spano and is expected to campaign on similar issues — government reform and tax relief. He says county government is bloated, inefficient and not responsive to citizens. Astorino has been raising money for the race.

See who is giving to both candidates in our database.
Astorino is now program director of the Catholic Channel on Sirius Satellite Radio and hosts a weekly show from St. Patrick’s Cathedral with the Archbishop of New York.

A former county legislator, Astorino served on the Mount Pleasant Town Board for 12 years, including six years as deputy supervisor. He also served on the Mount Pleasant Board of Education.

Governor George Pataki in 2006 appointed him to the Hudson Valley Greenway. He serves on the Westchester Business Council’s Government Action Committee, is a charter member of the Mount Pleasant Rotary Club, a member of the North Castle Land Trust, as well as other profession associations. He has a bachelor’s of arts in communications from Fordham University. He is married with two children.
*****************************
Dear Friends,

In case you missed it, please see below for the article that appeared in Sunday’s NY Times about my campaign for county executive.

Thanks, and I hope to see you soon.
Rob Astorino

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/nyregion/westchester/08polwe.html?scp=1&sq=astorino&st=cse

Rob Astorino Challenges Spano Again for County Executive Job

March 8, 2009
By MICHAEL MALONE
HAWTHORNE


FOUR years after losing to County Executive Andrew J. Spano, Rob Astorino, a radio broadcaster who captured 42 percent of the vote in 2005, said he is looking to run again for Westchester’s top government job.


In an interview at his home here, Mr. Astorino, 41, a Republican, said he would make lowering taxes and reducing the size of county government priorities in his campaign to help make Westchester more affordable for middle-class residents. He said he had become increasingly concerned about the number of For Sale signs popping up in his neighborhood.


“I was concerned in 2005, and I’m more concerned now about the economy and how dangerous it’s getting for people to live in Westchester,” he said. “It’s almost impossible to do so because of the taxes here.”


Mr. Astorino said he would formally announce his candidacy later this month. Republican officials expect no opposition. Taking on Mr. Spano, a Democrat, again is a considerable challenge given that he has held the county executive’s seat since 1998 and enjoys high name recognition throughout the heavily Democratic county.


Mr. Astorino has been involved in local politics for many years, winning a seat on the Mount Pleasant School Board as a college student and then a seat at age 23 on the Town Board, where he put in a dozen years. More recently, he has held an array of county positions, including county legislator and vice chairman for the county Board of Ethics.


Robert F. Meehan, the Mount Pleasant town supervisor and a Republican, said he had known Mr. Astorino since his election to the school board in 1991. “Rob is very familiar with how local government operates,” said Mr. Meehan, who described Mr. Astorino as “principled and very dedicated.”


The father of two, Mr. Astorino has elevated his public profile since becoming station manager and program director at the Catholic Channel, a talk station on the satellite service SiriusXM Radio, in late 2006. He hosts a weekly radio show from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan with the archbishop, which will continue when Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of Milwaukee is installed as archbishop of New York next month.


Mr. Astorino said he would keep his political ambitions off the air.. “I think there should be a separation of church and state,” he said with a laugh. Douglas Colety, the Westchester Republican Committee chairman, said Mr. Astorino, whom he is supporting, is a tireless participant in local political functions and community events. “He’s fluent in county and local issues and understands what needs to be done,” Mr. Colety said. “We’re very excited about his candidacy.”


Mr. Astorino criticized Mr. Spano for failing to address what he called fraud in the county’s Medicaid program, for the size of the county budget and for having property taxes climb on his watch. “Mr. Spano has been responsible for raising taxes to a level that’s not only uncomfortable, but has been damaging to people,” Mr. Astorino said. “He’s got to defend that, and I don’t think he can.”


Mr. Spano did not comment, but his spokeswoman, Deputy County Executive Susan Tolchin, responded by saying that the county tax has climbed an average of 2.6 percent annually over the last five years and that Mr. Spano has cut $23 million from the budget in the last two. “It’s easy for someone to say there’s too much fat in the budget,” she said. “It’s harder for someone to say what they’d eliminate.”


Mr. Astorino, who said he planned to take a leave of absence from work in the fall to throw himself into his campaign, said he knew it would be bruising. “It’s not something we took lightly,” he said of his family. “At the end of the day, we believe this is the right thing to do.”
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A MESSAGE FROM TERRANCE MURPHY:

YORKTOWN RESIDENTS ASKING
BUSINESSMAN TERRENCE MURPHY TO RUN
Said to bring “Common Sense” to Yorktown’s government

YORKTOWN, NY—Local businessman Terrence Murphy is said to be entertaining requests from numerous local residents that he consider becoming a candidate for town government.

Murphy, 43, of Jefferson Valley, said today that any campaign would focus on attracting new businesses and job opportunities, broadening the town’s tax base and enhancing the quality of life for residents of Yorktown.

"As I look at the way our town is being run, I've noted that at times the board could use a serious dose of common sense" Murphy said today in a statement. "My primary focus each and every day is taking care of people. I understand the concerns of every small business owner because I own two of them my self. As a candidate, I would bring my experience to the table to cut property taxes, make our town government more transparent and accessible, and open up Yorktown to small businesses and economic development through greener energies. It’s common sense."

A chiropractor by trade, Dr. Murphy is also the owner of the popular Murphy's Irish Restaurant establishment in Yorktown Heights. Dr. Murphy volunteers for numerous local organizations and serves as President of Keeping Westchester Safe, where he has been a strong advocate for ‘Child Safety Zone’ legislation to protect our children and keep them safe from deviant sexual predators.

“Well-paying jobs don’t come from politicians giving speeches and making promises, they come from the hard work of small business owners like me,” added Murphy, who is a lifelong resident of Yorktown. “As I begin exploring a possible candidacy, I have been gratified by the support from my fellow community business owners who have urged me to run.”

Murphy said he would host media availabilities for local print and television outlets through out the day on Thursday and Friday. Press should contact Matthew Slater at (914) 582 – 2361 to schedule an interview and photo opportunity.
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM WILLIAM GOULDMAN:
Putnam Valley Republican Committee
PO Box 288
Putnam Valley, New York 10579

The Putnam Valley Republican Committee held its annual Saint Patrick's Day Dinner on Sunday 1 March 2009 at Hanlon's Steakhouse in Putnam Valley.

The event was attended by over fifty Committee Members and Guests, including local State Senator Vincent Leibell, State Assemblman Greg Ball, Putnam County Legislator Vincent Tamagna, Putnam County Sheriff Donald Smith, Putnam Valley Supervisor Robert Tendy and Councilman Gene Yetter. Numerous other Putnam Area, State, County and Town Officials also attended with Officials from Westchester and Dutchess Counties as well as New York City.

Traditional foods, such as Corned Beef & Cabbage and Sheppard's Pie, were served with an assortment of other fare and desserts. Attendees were entertained by Committee Member and Piper, Kevin Byrnes, as well as Irish Step Dancers, Brianne and Alexandra Kennedy. The dinner is an annual event involving attendees and their families celebrating the upcoming Saint Patrick's Day on Tuesday March 17th.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PUTNAM VALLEY GOP:

PUTNAM COUNTY CLERK DENNIS SANT

To Present Annual Award of Distinction in
Records Management and Archival Excellence
to The Honorable EDITH M. SCHANIL,
Kent Town Clerk (Retired)

County Clerk Dennis J. Sant is proud to present the Honorable Edith M. Schanil, Kent Town Clerk & RMO (Retired), with Putnam County’s Annual Award of Distinction in Records Management and Archival Excellence at a brunch honoring Mrs. Schanil given by the Friends of County Clerk Dennis Sant on Sunday, April 19, 2009, at Centennial Golf Club, Simpson Road, Carmel, New York, beginning at 11:00 a.m.


County Clerk Sant states that “Town Clerk Edie Schanil is one of many Putnam County unsung heroes who have taken on the responsibilities of preserving our vital records and protecting our historic treasures. These are people who carry titles of Historian, Clerk, Record Management Officer and Archivist and whose duties are to preserve and protect all of the important records and treasures for our future generations.”


New York State Senator Vincent Leibell will also be presenting Mrs. Schanil with a New York State Senate Proclamation recognizing her efforts on behalf of the State of New York at the brunch. County Clerk Sant states that “Putnam County has been a leader in local government records management for nearly two decades. A government that values its records empowers its citizens and accepts the oversight that an open society demands. Putnam County is rich in history; and, most important is the mid-Hudson region. Before we go into the future, it is imperative that we learn from our past.”

Please come out and join the Friends of Dennis Sant for a delightful brunch and congratulate Edie for a job well done! If interested, please contact Michael Bartolotti at 845-661-1201
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:

Speak Out” with Assemblywoman Sandy Galef Presents Property Tax Relief Forum with Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi


March 5, 2009: Assemblywoman Sandy Galef invited Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi to her district in January to share the NYS Commission on Property Tax Relief’s final report. Mr. Suozzi chaired the Commission, which was asked to discover the causes of New York State’s high property taxes. The Commission was also asked to recommend solutions, which included a property tax cap, mandate relief for schools, and a circuit breaker program. The forum, which took place on January 22 at Croton Village Hall, was open to the public and guests were encouraged to share their feedback regarding the recommendations.

Assemblywoman Galef will be broadcasting January’s forum on her cable television show “Speak Out with Sandy Galef.” The special with be airing in two parts consecutively for the next two months. The Assemblywoman hopes to continue exploring this issue in the upcoming months and discussing how best to relieve her constituents’ property tax burdens.

Tune in to Cablevision on the following days and times to learn more.
“Speak Out with Sandy Galef” airs as follows:
Ossining & Peekskill Channel 15 – Wednesdays at 8:00 pm
Wappingers Falls Channel 21 and Yorktown Channel 74 – Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEBLYMAN GREG BALL:
PO BOX 135, PATTERSON NY 12563

Hello!

I have officially formed an Exploratory Committee for United States Congress!An important first test is to raise the funds necessary to win. My goal is to raise $100,000 this month. Will you join me? I am asking for a contribution in the amount of $2,400, $1,000, $500, $250, $100 or whatever you can afford.

Please take a moment to send your most generous contribution today.
Go online at www.supportgreg.com to contribute!

Thank you,
Gregory R. Ball
Member of Assembly

UPCOMING EVENTS
St. Patrick's Day Brunch
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Murphy's Irish Restaurant
Yorktown Heights


Purchase Tickets
Annual 'On the Ball' Golf Outing
Friday, June 5, 2009
Hudson Hills Golf Course
Ossining

Purchase Tickets

2nd Amendment Trap Shoot
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Willow Wood Trap Club
Mahopac

Purchase Tickets
For more events visit www.gballevents.com
Please make checks payable to "Ball4NY", Patterson, NY 12563. To RSVP or for more details, please call (917) 681-9302.
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:

This week I compare the recent televised speeches between President Obama and radio host Rush Limbaugh. 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.
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E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS:
Dear Readers:

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

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

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

JOHN G. TESTA: www.johngtesta.com

ON TOPIC W/ JOHN TESTA: www.ontopicwithjt.com

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/

PADAVANO FINE ARTS: Padovanofineart.com
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CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH

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

DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS

YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM & 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
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EDITOR'S NOTE:
All articles re-printed in this blog from the North County News are with the permission of Bruce Apar Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

03/15/09