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.
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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.
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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
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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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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.
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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

03/28/09