ALL POLITIC IS LOCAL

Dear Readers:

This week two extremely articulate people, popular within their respected circles and with their supporters. Two people gave speeches heard across the nation. One, President Obama, and the other radio host Rush Limbaugh. Two expousing ideas, contrary to each other, competing in the arena of ideas. One, the President, spoke of people merely surviving in these times, the other Rush, spoke of people succeeding in these times.

One, the President said these problems were bigger then the American people can handle, so only by surrendering some more liberty and money(lots and lots), your only hope is an all powerful government. The other Rush, said there is no problem too big for the American people to handle.

One, the President, harking back to the great depression and Republican President Hoover(which these times are no where near to yet), trying to re-write history by emulating Roosevelt's "new deal", the expansion of government, believing that saved the country and pulled it out of the depression. History shows the by 1937, unemployment was still at 20% and the country was still in that depression, it was only "lend-lease" and the advent of World War Two and a war time economy that pulled us out of that depression. The other, Rush, knowing that this economy is closer to Democrat President Carter's, evoked the policies of President Reagan, which history shows, pulled us out of that recession and spurred the greatest economic growth that lasted till last September.

One, the President spoke of fear and crisis, hoping to paralyze you into inaction, so they can gain greater control over your choices, therebye limiting your lives and liberties. The other, Rush, spoke of hope and opportunity in order to energize you into action by exercising your choices and expanding your lives and liberties. One, the President believes the future is in big government's hands. The other, Rush, believes the future is in your hands if allowed to be free and act. I believe that America, like President Reagan said is a "shining city on the hill." Not like President Obama portrayed it Tuesday night, a soup kitchen in a dark corner.

How does this affect local elections you may ask? Well, first off, locally like nationally we are facing the tipping point in taxes, and fear losing our homes and jobs. We are looking for local leaders that will come up with answers that do not require more of our money. We are looking for local leaders, who will stand up the our county representatives, state representatives and federal representatives and demand they re-work, even if, as in this state, it would require a constitutional amendment the pension and heath benefits of public sector workers that reflects what the tax payers can afford. That they demand these upper representatives remove some of the more unnecessary unfunded mandates that act as hidden taxes and undue expenses we, at the local level are forced to pay.

We are looking for local leaders that will stop eroding the rights of private property owners. That will respect the rights of local business owners, removing undue regulations, lowering business taxes so as to encourage expansion which will lead to more local employment. We are looking for the elimination of non-aggression pacts between politicians and political leaders, that only advance the careers of those in participation and do a disservice to the parties they are part of and the citizens they represent or hope to represent.

Political parties are a good thing as long as those in elected office do not put the party above those that elected them. We are looking for local leaders who will lead and trust they will be rewarded by the people with their votes. One thing we do not need at this time are congressmen and senators who vote for trillion dollar stimulus packages without reading them because their party leaders told them to, or else. We do not need local elected officials who support and encourage these representatives, hoping by doing so they get a piece of the pie and the hell with the future of their constituents by spending wealth that has not been created yet.

We are looking for local leaders that will voice trust and optimism in the people and not apathy telling them to sit and wait for the various government branches to do something. We are looking for local leaders that will tell us what they are for, not just against. Who will lead? Apathy and despair vs. hope and optimism. The choice is yours.
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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.
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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:
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.
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THE VOLPE REPORT:
Andy- here is the schedule:

Domenic Volpe the host of The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the next guest is Michael Kaplowitz- County Legislator District 4. Michael talks about the County Budget, State issues affecting county residents, state of the county with respect to the enviromment.

The Volpe Report can be seen on Public Access Channel 15, Thursday Feb.26, March 5 and 12 at 8:00pm in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area. In the Yorktown/Putnam Valley area access Channel 74 Wednesdays Feb.25, March 4 and 11 at 6:00pm.

The Volpe Report-- Hosted by Domenic Volpe
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THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG:

Please watch my show " The Watchdog Report"
Friday, March 6 at 9:30 P.M.or Wednesday March 11 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 PEEKSKILL GOP CHAIRMAN TIM WARN:

THE FOSTER ADMINISTRATION HAS PUT PEEKSKILL UNDER A DARK CLOUD

Taxes Rise, Businesses Flee, Development Grinds to a Halt
Mismanagement Abounds, with City Running a $1.8 million Deficit
Illegally-Imposed Transfer Tax an Attempt to Make 2009 Fantasy Budget Appear Real
Foster's Selective Application of Charrette Process is a Charade That Stifles Private Redevelopment and Tramples on Private Property Rights
Foster Administration's Failed Leadership has put Future of City in Serious Jeopardy
The state of the City is in disarray at the hands of Democratic Party politicians who have no respect for the law.

On January 1, 2008, Peekskill reversed its remarkable upward course, and began a tailspin into disorder as Mayor Mary Foster - along with her five partisan colleagues - threw out the City Charter, waged a hostile takeover of City Hall, supplanted two City Managers, micromanaged every aspect of City business, killed shovel-ready development plans to increase the City's tax base, raised City spending to record levels, raided the Fund Balance, increased water rates, and ushered in the highest increase in violent crime in the City's history.

The impact of unrepentant partisans running the City has been devastating.
According to the Administration's own Comptroller's office, the City of Peekskill is in a deficit of $1.8 million. Spending has spiraled out of control, as Foster has added City employees - the single highest cost-center of government - eliminated previously-approved, revenue generating projects, catered every City meeting with food, and rammed through an unrealistic "fantasy" budget for 2009 that is destined to end in a huge tax increase. Foster's 2009 budget is premised on inflated revenue projections from an illegally-imposed real estate transfer tax that hasn't been approved by the State Legislature. Foster and the Council Majority failed to hold a public hearing on the new tax, and they refused to inform the only people with the legal authority to approve it before they voted to pass the illegally-imposed tax.

Disrespect for the law has been one of the hallmarks of the Foster Administration. And the City's crime rate has ballooned in lockstep with each of Foster's illegal actions.

It has long been known that Foster has no respect for private property rights. At the same time she was running for Mayor, she sued her neighbor for installing speed bumps on his driveway. She lost the case, but won the election. Now as Mayor, she continues to disrespect the rights of private property owners. Foster has introduced the phrase "Charrette process" to local political discourse. She describes it as putting public input at the front of the development process. But this is merely a euphemism for restricting private property owners from developing their property as they best see fit. And the Foster Administration has used the Charrette process selectively to stop projects that people who contribute to the local Democratic Party don't like, projects like Target-Lowe's on Lower South Street. When confronted at a public meeting by a consortium of local Mom-and-Pop businesses as to why she refused to use a Charrette to stop development that threatened them, Foster couldn't offer a credible response. The public exposed her hypocrisy, but no newspaper reported the story.

Foster's inconsistent posture towards redeveloping the City has chased investment and businesses away from Peekskill.

Downtown Peekskill has become a ghost town since Foster became Mayor. According to the Administration's newly-created "Economic Development Specialist," thirty-one businesses closed their doors in 2008 and eighty-one units in the Downtown are now vacant. The condition of the downtown now surpasses the record decline of the late sixties and seventies. The few businesses that have survived Foster's unprecedented February 2008 tax increase - itself illegal - are asking that Foster be ousted after imposing an anti-business winter parking policy whose staggering $150.00 fines have chased tourists and patrons of local business out of Peekskill, after punishing them for visiting. The brutal irony of the new fines imposed by Foster is that she promised to rid the downtown of parking meters when running for office. Far from helping local businesses, parking in the downtown has become an utter mess under Foster's Administration, business owners are ticketed while unloading deliveries, nonsensical traffic patterns, imposed by Foster, have cause a record number of accidents; filth, litter and misery abound. As businesses close on virtually a weekly basis, many that are barely hanging on are now looking to leave.

Mismanagement has been another hallmark of the Foster Administration. Three glaring examples are the James Street Parking Garage, the steps of City Hall, and her failure to enforce quality-of-life laws.
The outdated parking structure on James Street was scheduled to be completely replaced, at no cost to taxpayers, as part of the major downtown redevelopment planned for Park and Broad Streets. This plan would have brought "smart growth" development, new businesses and residents, and new tax revenue to Peekskill. But the Foster Administration killed the project and chose to "fix" the 35-year-old structure by using over $2 million in taxpayer money to date. Nearly a year later the project is still not complete and the final price tag has yet to be determined.

Rebuilding the steps of City Hall is another project that provides a perfect example of Foster's mismanagement. It was a simple project that was scheduled to be completed in Spring 2008. Nearly a year after the deadline, completion is not yet in sight. The Foster Administration has used this incomplete project as an excuse to turn Common Council meetings into a veritable floating crap game, which has silenced citizen participation in how their government spends their tax dollars, and circumvented the prior Administration's plan to stream Common Council meetings live from City Hall for all citizens to see on TV.

The enforcement of quality-of-life ordinances was once a priority in our City but the Foster Administration has abandoned the City's commitment to its middle class residents. Foster's transformation of Drum Hill II into an entirely Section 8 facility is the mere tip of the iceberg of her betrayal of the middle class. Every neighborhood in Peekskill is suffering from the Foster Administration's lack of focus on life-and-death issues. Illegal occupancy, violent crime, and drug and gang activity are now the norm. 2008 was the most violent year in Peekskill's history with the quadrupling of the murder rate - the most murders ever in a single year!

Everything that is inhibiting Peekskill from attaining its potential comes back to the same cause: Mary Foster has mismanaged the City and has broken the law with impunity to ensure her ability to derail Peekskill from the path of greatness it was on.

The City cries out for a return to the rule of law on which Peekskill was founded.

In 1940, Peekskill adopted a City Charter to protect itself from power-hungry elected individuals, like Mary Foster. The Charter establishes a City Manager form of government. By law, governance is separated from politics. The Charter specifically states that no elected official can serve as City Manager.

But Mary Foster and her fellow partisans have no respect for the law.

Mary Foster has acted as if she were the City Manager for the past year, and our City has suffered because of this. She is not qualified for the job. Nor can she legally assume its responsibilities.

Mary Foster's failed leadership has put the future greatness of Peekskill in serious jeopardy.

The best hope for Peekskill is to remove the irresponsible partisan Council Majority.
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Mary Foster and the Common Council majority's violations and pattern of behavior have tarnished the City of Peekskill. Here are just a sample:

January 11, 2008

Mayor Mary Foster openly violates ethics disclosure laws. During a Common Council Work session,
Foster denies that her family owns 810 South Street in Peekskill. When asked by Councilwoman Cathy
Pisani about the building's ownership, Foster responded by saying, "it's not a family building and I don't
own it." Records show that Donald Foster, Mayor Foster's husband owns the building.

February 11, 2008

Mayor Foster once again violated her ethical and legal obligation by voting to create and appoint an
additional City Marshall position to be filled by the tenant of her 810 South Street building, David A. Hale.
See: http://cityofpeekskill.com/upload/021108.ccm.pdf

Despite objections by Councilwoman Cathy Pisani, Mayor Foster refused to open the appointment to
other candidates, involved herself personally in changing Hale's contract numerous times without the
knowledge of the entire council and continues to allow Mr. Hales to violate his contract by performing
paid locksmith duties on the same residences he performs evictions as City Marshall. . See:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CcGVdqOH7Q;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdFEFbhL0zY

In April 2008 Foster ultimately admits on Channel 12 News that her husband owns the building but
claims she has no financial interest in the building. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1Hh0qiaitA
However, NY State law regarding the joint ownership of property acquired after marriage does not support
Foster's claim. She should have recused herself from a vote that benefited a tenant of her husband's
building, but she didn't do so.


February 7, 2008

Mayor Foster demanded two police detectives investigate the Planning Commission Chairman Barney
Molloy at 9:30 PM from a political event to determine residency. Police Chief Eugene Tumolo had
advised against using the police for a political vendetta, but Foster simply waited for Tumolo to leave for
the day before she pressured the two detectives to act as her personal muscle. Molloy had already told
Mayor Foster of his plan to resign at the February 13th meeting since he was moving out of Peekskill
and that he wanted to make a formal goodbye. According to the North County News, "Foster said she
was told by a developer that Molloy was living in Cortlandt. She says she confronted Molloy about it and
Molloy informed her that he had two houses in Peekskill. Foster then asked the police chief to look into
the matter. Police found no one home at one residence, and Molloy's former wife living in the other.
Foster then changed Molloy's resignation date to "effective immediately" in violation of § C26 of the City
Charter. See: http://northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=3587 The developer who told
Foster was Phil Miller, a Democratic Party donor who had business before the Planning Commission
and didn't want Molloy on the commission at the February 13th meeting.
See:
http://cityofpeekskill.com/upload/PC-2-13-08-agd.pdf; and http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080

February 25, 2008

Mayor Foster and Council majority violate Peekskill City Charter §C60 (f)(2) and (f)(3) by voting to
increase the tax levy from an already adopted 0% tax increase to a 5.3% increase. See:
http://cityofpeekskill.com/upload/022508.ccm.pdf;
http://northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=3444;
http://northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=3496


June 2008

Mayor Foster illegally removes two members of the Peekskill Housing Authority, violating NY State
Public Housing Law 30. In an obvious political act, Foster removed Ms. Leesther Brown and Lorraine
Robinson before their appointed terms were complete without any prior notice, hearing or cause.
See: http://northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=4358


April 2008

In direct defiance of the NYS Open Meetings Law Mayor Foster and three council members conduct an
illegal vote to spend City of Peekskill Taxpayer funds. On April 23rd and 24th in e-mails to City Planner
Anthony Ruggerio Mayor Mary Foster, Councilman Joe Schuder, Councilwoman Drew Claxton and
Deputy Mayor Don Bennett as a council majority approved the act of hiring a real estate appraiser to
obtain the value of 415 Central Avenue with plans to purchase the property. The purchase was part of a
plan to circumvent an already approved plan to relocate the historic Centennial Firehouse on the Lincoln
Depot property on Water Street.

On April 30, 2008 Mr. Robert Freeman of the NY State Department of State Committee on Open
Government concluded that the "votes and action taken, I believe that, if challenged, the action would be
found to be a nullity. In short, voting and action may validly occur only within the confines of a meeting
help in accordance with Open Meetings Law"

What makes this a particularly egregious act is the Mr. Freeman visited the Peekskill City Council on
February 4, 2008 and when asked specifically about the legality of Internet (e-mail) votes he emphatically
proclaimed them to be against Open Meetings Law and invalid.

See: http://www.webcasting.com
/peekskill/02.04.2008peekskill.html


November 2008

The Council majority passed a budget that included a "Transfer Tax" that will impose a new tax on
homes and properties sold within the City of Peekskill. The revenue from this new tax was included in
the final budget document without the required approval of the NY State Legislature and Governor. In fact,
the tax was included in the budget before the local State representatives were either informed of the tax
or requested to introduce the tax to their colleagues. Especially egregious was that the prospect of a
new tax was never disclosed to the general public nor was public comment solicited on the issue.


Other Actions:
· On August 28, 2008 - Peekskill Housing Authority Chairwoman Leesther Brown files an Article 78
Order (Index #08/018993) against Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster for her illegal removal of Ms. Brown from
her appointment as a member of the Peekskill Housing Authority. On July 8, 2008 Ms. Foster improperly
and arbitrarily removed Ms. Brown from her duly executed appointment that was not to expire until
February 23, 2010. Results pending.

· On May 5, 2008 - An investigation request was submitted to the NYS Office of Attorney General Public
Integrity Unit and Westchester County District Attorney Public Integrity Bureau. The requests for an
opinion stemmed from the January and February 2008 actions regarding the hiring of an additional City
Marshall, the relationship of Mayor Foster to the individual hired and the circumstances surrounding the
hiring (see January 11, 2008 and February 11, 2008 above). Results pending.

Go Peekskill

Contact Tim Warn, (914) 737-3448
http://www.peekskillgop.com
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PEEKSKILL DEMOCRAT'S CHAIRMAN DARREN RIGGER:

Dear Andy,

The Peekskill Republican Committee has sent out a statement claiming that the current city government repeatedly broke the law. These are serious accusations and the term illegal is used almost a dozen times.

Is accusing people of being criminals slanderous? It isn't if you truly believe it. This brings us to GOP Councilmember Cathy Pisani.

People have criticized Ms. Pisani for not taking positions on issues. She even abstained from voting on the budget, perhaps the most important vote of the year. Ms. Pisani now has a great opportunity to take a stand. Either she agrees with her fellow GOP members that the government she is a part of has been involved in illegal criminal acts, or she does not.

If she agrees with her party, she is obligated to file charges with the proper authorities, bring forth evidence of the illegal acts and fight to save our community from the so-called criminals.

If she does not agree with the needlessly divisive comments and unsubstantiated accusations being made by her Republican colleagues, then she must publicly condemn their tactics and demand they stop attacking the integrity of the Council on which she serves.

After more than fifteen years on the Common Council, perhaps longer than necessary, it is time for Councilwoman Pisani to take a stand. She must not abstain from doing what’s right.

Sincerely,
Darren Rigger
Chairman, Peekskill Democratic City Committee
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A MESSAGE FROM JOHN TESTA:

These statistics will curdle your blood & break your heart!!!

Interesting Statistics

Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law,
St. Paul , Minnesota , points out facts of 2008 Presidential election:

Number of States won by:
Democrats: 19
Republicans: 29

Square miles of land won by:
Democrats: 580,000
Republicans: 2,427,000


Population of counties won by:
Democrats: 127 million
Republicans: 143 million


Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by:
Democrats: 13.2
Republicans: 2.1

Professor Olson adds:

"In aggregate, the map of the territory Republican won by Republicans
was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of the country.

Democrat territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in
government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare.

Professor Olson believes the United States is now somewhere
between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's
definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's
population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.


If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal
invaders called illegal's and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years

Pass this along to help everyone realize just how much is at stake,
knowing that apathy is the greatest danger to our freedom.
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A MESSAGE FROM BOB MYERS:

The Jazz Jam at Fulgums continues NEXT WEEK, Sunday, Mar. 8th @ 6PM with Joel Newton on guitar and Ray LeVier subbing on drums & cymbals with bass TBA.

Hope to see you next week.
Stay warm!
Bob
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A MESSAGE FROM MARK DREXEL:
Watch channel 18 Yorktown School district Budget presentation

- og onto the district's website
http://www.yorktowncsd.org/index.phpto view the power point presentation

- Attend one of the Community Finance Committee meetings being
held at the Mildred E. Strang Middle School cafeteria:

*Mon 3/2 Superintendent Presents Preliminary Budget to Board of Education Finance Committee 7:00 PM
* Tue 3/3 Public Budget Meeting 4:00-6:00pm
* Tue 3/10 Public Budget Meeting 6:00-8:00pm
* Thu 3/19 Public Budget Meeting 5:00-7:00pm
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:

Andy,
Please use my e-mail below for this weeks blog. The subject is “No more Whining from the Winery”

Hello everyone.

As the Spring Equinox approaches and we welcome the early blooming crocus, the season of Lent and the upcoming Passover, I have decided to stop Whining about the Winery issues and focus on a positive future, and of course the wine . After all, “It’s all about the Wine…”

Many of you have been an inspiration to me and I welcome your continued patronage and feedback.During our next open house, you will experience new wines that I have meticulously selected and I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

Dates: March 7th & 14th
Time: 2pm UNTIL 2am
Where: The Winery at St. George – 1715 E. Main Street – Mohegan Lake NY

Today’s Quote: “In Vino Veritas” – “In Wine (there is) Truth”
I look forward to seeing you again and please pass this on to your family and friends.

Sincerely
Tom DeChiaro

Thomas DeChiaro
The Winery at St. George
PO Box 32
Baldwin Place, NY 10505
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
blog.wineryatstgeorge.com
(914) 455-4272
(914) 455-4273 - fax
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PEEKSKILL BID:

Taking The Silk Road
Berenice Pliskin
An exhibit of her paintings on silk

Exhibit
March 7 ~ April 18
Reception
Sunday, March 8
3 - 5 pm

Hiram Halle Memorial Library
271 Westchester Avenue
Pound Ridge, NY
(914) 764-5025
Library Hours
Tues & Thurs 10 am - 8 pm
Wed, Fri, & Sat 10 am - 5 pm


"I'm inspired by my dreams, memories,the political climate and chance
encounters. I turned a gathering of men on the street into a whole series.
Most recently two of my paintings from that series, "Latino Day Laborers"
were selected to be in the Tri State juried exhibition "Contemporary
Confrontations" art 2009, at the Katonah Museum. Constantly,I feel the tug
of the world around me fueling my imagination." ~ Berenice Pliskin

www.b-b-pliskin.com www.berenicepaints.com
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A MESSAGE FROM Matt Neuringer & Joe DePaola:
Campaign Kick-Off!
Matt Neuringer & Joe DePaola
Southeast Town Board

Join us for an evening of
great food and great people...
February 28th, 2009

What: Support Joe & Matt in their efforts to rebuild Southeast and the Village of Brewster
Where: 74 Salmons Hollow Rd Brewster NY, 10509
Time: 6:30-9:30 P.M.
Questions Call: 845-222-9494
www.saveoursoutheast.com
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:

Task Force and Galef Celebrate Organizations That Say “NO THANKS, BIG TOBACCO!”

On February 25th, the Task Force for Tobacco-Free Women and Girls along with Assemblywoman Sandy Galef congratulated the hundreds of organizations across the State that adopted policies to refuse tobacco company donations. They also explained the “No Strings Attached” project in which organizations pledge a written commitment to refuse donations of any kind from tobacco companies.

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, a member of the Task Force Steering Committee and event sponsor said, “One of the most insidious of the tobacco companies’ promotional tactics is offering sponsorship and other donations to non-profit organizations such as shelters, youth programs, and community groups. They are not donating out of the goodness of their heart but as an attempt to sustain themselves as the public becomes more knowledgeable about their dangerous products.”

Historically, women and girls have been the target of tobacco companies, and the practice continues today. A recent tactic uses philanthropy as a marketing strategy by exploiting the good reputations of non-profit organizations that accept offerings from these companies. Tobacco company documents indicate that these marketing efforts are designed to help the non-profits maintain their profile while giving tobacco companies the opportunity to influence the public and elected officials.

Ashley Breen, Girl Development Manager for Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, Inc., explained her organization’s reasons for making a commitment to refuse these donations. She said that, “Accepting donations from companies who profit from the sale of products which harm our girls would conflict with our overall mission - to build courage, confidence, and character.”

Marcia Pappas, President of the National Organization for Women (NOW)-NYS added, “Over a decade ago, NOW launched its first “Love Your Body” campaign to educate and encourage women and girls to say "no" to negative stereotypes and "yes" to awareness, health and a positive body image. As the tobacco industry specializes in targeting young women and girls, we also pledge to refuse such donations.”

“Though we’ve made great strides in decreasing the number of smokers, there’s still much work to be done,” said Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee. “I stand with Assemblywoman Galef in fighting the marketing of tobacco to women, particularly young women, and in sponsoring legislation that would raise the age to purchase tobacco to 19 to prevent 18 year-old high school seniors from providing cigarettes to their underage peers. Tobacco related illnesses are preventable illnesses, and the more lives we save by continuing to curb smoking, the healthier our families and communities will be.”

The Task Force for Tobacco-Free Women and Girls, based at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, is a statewide network of individuals and organizations. Task Force Director, Pat Hysert, reported that the “No Strings Attached” project tested different ways to reach out to organizations and found that personal contact with leaders of organizations is the most effective method in securing a commitment from non-profits to accept only tobacco-free donations. Task Force members collaborated with local tobacco control partnerships’ during the “No Thanks, Big Tobacco” project. The New York State Department of Health’s Tobacco Control Program funds both initiatives.

The full list of organizations that say “No Thanks, Big Tobacco” and assistance adopting the policy can be obtained at http://tobaccofreewomenandgirls.org/tobaccosponsorship.html.

Contact: Pat Hysert
Pat.Hysert@RoswellPark.org
(716) 861-4776
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
Ball demands transparency
ANNOUNCES legislation to protect jobs

In an effort to help stimulate the Hudson Valley economy and prevent future job loss, Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) joined local elected officials, business leaders, and labor unions to call for transparency in the allocation of the federal stimulus monies, while proposing immediate reforms to New York State’s Empire Zones and IDAs.

“With billions of dollars now pouring into this state, thousands of jobs pouring out, and on the heels of trillions of dollars in bailout monies left unaccounted for, state legislators and other elected officials from around this state must demand transparency and accountability,” Ball stated.

Assemblyman Ball’s plan includes: demanding greater transparency of the $24.6 billion in stimulus dollars New York State will receive from Washington, DC; reforming Industrial Development Agencies and Empire Zone Programs to attract, assist and retain businesses; and, holding the line against job loss by ending the taxpayer funding of outsourcing, while cracking down on worker misclassification.

In the heart of the 99th Assembly District, Watson Pharmaceuticals announced it would be closing it’s Putnam County facilities. At the same time, the company announced it was constructing a new manufacturing plant in India. Other area employers are increasing jobs overseas while laying off Hudson Valley workers, such as IBM who just this year has announced hundreds of layoffs.

Ball announced his new legislation that would deny tax incentives to businesses who are outsourcing jobs from New York State. The bill has already gained bipartisan support in the Assembly.

Ball stated, “We are lucky to have businesses like IBM and Watson in the Hudson Valley, and need to bend over backwards to keep them here. Contemporaneously, New York is hemorrhaging jobs badly and taxpayers must be assured that their tax dollars are not being used to outsource American jobs.”

Ball also unveiled his proposal for legislation that would adopt the recommendation’s of the Governor’s Joint Task Force on Employee Misclassification, that would adopt a single standard for worker classification, give the Department of Taxation & Finance sole authority to classify workers and the ability conduct workplace audits and share its result with other agencies, and requires undocumented workers earning income as determined by the department to file as a resident.

A study by Cornell University showed that New York State lost nearly $4.3 billion in taxable income over a four year period due to payroll fraud from worker misclassification.

www.Ball4NY.com
######
“Assemblyman Greg Ball (R) is entering the race in New York's 19th district (which stretches from Westchester almost to Poughkeepsie), giving the party a credible nominee against two-term Rep. John Hall (D) in a GOP-leaning district…”
- February 24, 2009 – Real Clear Politics
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/02/are_republicans_ready_to_mount.html
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Good Morning!
You are one of the first to know that I have officially formed an Exploratory Committee for United States Congress!

As a fellow American, I am asking for your support.
Because our nation is in dire need of real leadership, I am asking you to become a founding member of “Team Ball”.

I would be elated to have you on the ground floor of something spectacular!

An important first test, for this Congressional run, will be to see if we can raise the money needed to take on the Democratic machinery, and win.

I realize times are tough, but things will not get better, if candidates with fiscally conservative values, cannot demonstrate the financial support necessary in this critical mid-term election.

This is why 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 donate online at www.Ball4NY.com or send your most generous contribution today (Ball4NY, PO Box 135, Patterson NY 12563).

Know how grateful I am, in advance. I would love to hear from you, so call me anytime.

Thank You!
Greg Ball
917) 681-9302

PS – March 14th Saint Patrick’s Day Brunch and June 5th Golf Outing invite online at www.GballEvents.com
www.Ball4NY.com
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:

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

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

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

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

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

JOHN G. TESTA: www.johngtesta.com

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

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

03/01/09