A TAXI(ING) SITUATION

Dear Readers:

As you are well aware I am part-owner of Atom Taxi Inc. As you are well aware we are in a recession. As you are well aware, the State of New York in passing their new budget that is 10 billion dollars more than last year has compounded the problem(more on this in another post or future column). As you are well aware the state Of New York is about to stick it to you again in any proposed MTA bailout. People are losing their jobs, especially in construction. This industry employs many immigrants(legal and otherwise). Those now out of work in this industry are now flocking to become taxi drivers and owners. So be it as long as they FOLLOW THE RULES!!!!!!

There is a rule in place in the Peekskill Taxi Code that says as a driver you MUST have command of the English Language. This is for safety reasons as the driver must be able to communicate with the passenger. This is no longer the case. Drivers who have NO knowledge of the English Language are being given licence's and people are complaining and those complaints are falling on deaf ears. A recent example, a passenger comming off the train, got into a cab wanting to go to Lake Peeksill. This is a normal 20 minute trip. It took an hour and a half, as the driver did not understand the directions(even with a GPS) The excuse given, is that these people need to work. Problem is that exception is not in the rules. This is also an affront to those who have played by the rules and invested their own money to drive and/ or own taxis. As they are afraid of repercussions, they will not come forward and complain. Being a glutton for punishment I said I would speak for them.

I know I leave myself open for being called a racist, or xenophobic. Those who know me know I have not a bigoted bone in my body. I believe those in charge are afraid of those charges and so turn a blind eye on the rule. Are we now to at taxpayer expense place a translator at the train station? Or are we to remove the rule and sacrifice safety in the name of political correctness? Are we to say to those drivers, most from other countries but took the time to learn the language, screw you?

Peekskill taxi codes are the toughest in Westchester. Driver and car codes were designed to ensure the safety of the passenger and drivers yet still allow for profit. I know, I helped in the process of writing them(thank you former Mayor Testa and former Councilman Schmidt). If the powers that be are allowed to weaken driver standards are they now going to weaken car safety standards as they in this economy would be a burden to these new drivers and owners? If you can do one you can do the other. When the powers that be, turn a blind eye on the rules they make all the rules meaningless and encourage contempt for those rules. The question that begs to be asked is Peekskill turning a blind eye on the rules in the name of money for the City's coffers?

Speaking of money for the City coffers, it costs a lot of money to drive and own a taxi in Peekskill. It seems Peekskill has secured a grant to study the prospect of running a taxpayer subsidized shuttle from the Peekskill train station to the center of town for less than a cab ride. What sense does it make to cripple an industry that makes the city money and costs the taxpayer nothing to bring in a tax payer subsidized competitor. There is already one called the Bee-LIne Bus System. Is this how the city encourages local small business or are they that contemptuous of the taxi industry and do not consider them local small business? Do they not realize that most of the independent owners live and pay taxes in Peekskill? Do they not realize most of these business are minority owned? To his credit, Councilman Torres has expressed concern over this study. He realizes that the city should encourage minority owned business, not compete against them. It is my hope his wisdom can persuade the rest of the council.

Speaking of Peekkskill's Taxi code standards. The Town Of Yorktown, spearheaded by Supervisor Peters and Councilman Metz with concurrence of Councilman Bianco is in the process of matching where possible Peekskill code to Yorktown so the residents of Yorktown can be assured their cars and drivers are safe and have a proper licence. I have been asked to be part of the process. They will be seeking other input at future work secession and public hearings. I will keep you informed. I think the Town Of Cortlandt should begin this process also.
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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 9. The Yorktown/Put. Valley area can view it on Wednesdays April 8 at 6:00pm public access channel 74
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CARS & US
Hello Andy;

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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A MESSAGE FROM THE YORKTOWN CONSERVATIVE PARTY:

Dear Sir:

The Yorktown Committee of the Conservative Party will hold interviews for the following positions.

TOWN SUPERVISOR
TOWN COUNCILMEN (2)
TOWN JUSTICES
HIGHWAY SUPT.

All interested please respond by April 27, 2009. Yorktown residents send information to Richard Russo, 387 Barway Dr. Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 914-962-0129.

Sincerely,
Richard Russo
Chairman
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A MESSAGE FROM YORKTOWN CONCILMAN NICK BIANCO:
RE: STAR PROGRAM:

FYI
Article not on line.

Nick B
--------------------
From: BJHOWARD@lohud.com
Subj: Re: Star rebate


I don't know why it didn't go online, probably an error in the web coding. Anyway, here it is.
Why do you think he was laying out what would happen without STAR if it wasn't dropped from the budget?

Brian J. Howard
The Journal News

YORKTOWN - Plans to lay off teachers and other staff to balance the school budget continue to draw protests despite the restoration of nearly half the jobs that had been on the block.
The promised infusion of $1.3 million in federal stimulus aid has prompted administrators and trustees to cut the number of layoffs from 45 to 25, and to slightly reduce the proposed tax hike.
"I feel that with this money coming in we will be in a good place," Superintendent Ralph Na-politano said. "There's really no change to the amount of money that the kids will be seeing spent on them."
The money allows the district to restore two of five business teachers, including one around whom public criticism has centered.
"The fact that they're going to use the stimulus money to bring a couple people back and I'm one of them is fine and dandy, but I don't think I should have been on the block to begin with," 14-year teacher Adam Acetta said.
The school board held a special session Monday that relegated public comment to the end of a three-hour budget review. The meeting follows three hearings in four weeks on Napolitano's now $88.63 million budget proposal for 2009-10. Spending would be nearly flat, up just 0.27 percent from the current year. The tax rate would increase by 3.75 percent on average, down from 3.95 percent.
The board will vote on the budget April 13.
Critics bemoan the decision to gut the business department and assign its elective courses to the social studies department.
"There has been a very large statement from the community that there are other ways to cut costs," 2002 graduate Krystyn Tendy, a Fordham student, said.
Rhamey Elhosseiny, a junior studying economics at Amherst College and a 2006 graduate, said it made little sense to reduce staffing in the department with the high school's largest class sizes.
"The premise from the school district is we're overstaffed. So why cut from a department that is understaffed?" Elhosseiny, 21, said. "It doesn't add up."
The plan would cut the number of business courses from 30 to 18.
The district maintains that the remaining teacher cuts are about achieving the right ratio to students. A spokesman said that while enrollment has declined by 328 students, nearly 8 percent, over the last five years, staff levels are up about 5 percent.
Even a debate over spending commitments for technology and co-curricular programs Monday was tinged by the layoff issue as some trustees questioned the planned $95,000 purchase of 19 classroom Smartboards, large interactive computer terminals.
"Based on the educational value, it should stay as it is," Trustee Anthony D'Alessandro said. "But that's not the issue. The issue, as it stands, is teachers are losing their jobs."
Spending has been trimmed by $135,000 since the last hearing, mainly in health-care payments for laid-off employees, compared to Napolitano's initial proposal.
Despite its inclusion in Sunday's state budget deal, Assistant Superintendent for Business Tom Cole laid out the impact of the rumored elimination of the popular School Tax Relief program, or STAR. Without it, Cole said, property tax bills would soar by 32 percent for some homeowners and as much as 73.5 percent for seniors.

Reach Brian Howard
at bjhoward@lohud.com
or 914-666-6177.
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A MESSAGE FROM MARK DREXEL:
RE: STATE BUDGET AND STAR PROGRAM:
> State Legislature Announces Budget Agreement
>
> Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver announced just before midnight
> Saturday night that the State Senate and Assembly have agreed to a
> 2009-10 state budget that will increase the cost of electric and gas
> service, keep school funding flat, restore some aid to New York City,
> and impose a personal income tax increase on the wealthiest New
> Yorkers. Silver then said he expects the spending plan to be adopted
> Tuesday, resulting in an on-time budget. The final state spending plan
> is due by April 1.
>
> There is no total figure yet for the budget but it will use $5 billion
> of federal economic stimulus funds to help fill some of the estimated
> $16.2 billion budget deficit.
>
> The legislature's spending plan agreement includes most of the new
> utility taxes proposed by Governor Paterson in his Executive Budget,
> which was released in December. Under Article 18-a of the Public
> Service Law the state (through the Public Service Commission) assesses
> the state's utilities, and ultimately customers, for the cost of
> running the Public Service Commission and Department of Public
> Service. The Governor's Executive Budget for 2009-10 proposed
> increasing the Article 18-a tax by over 550% for electric and gas
> customers.
>
> The budget also includes a bigger bottle law, putting nickel deposits
> on bottled water under the measure that currently covers only
> carbonated drinks. In a major change the state will no longer let
> bottlers keep unclaimed deposits. The new deal calls for the state
> getting 80 percent of the unclaimed nickels - worth $115 million -
> with the rest going to bottlers.
>
> The temporary personal income tax increase is projected to provide the
> state $4 billion in revenue and will end after three years, Silver
> said. The deal will add two more tax rates over the current highest
> rate of 6.85 percent. New Yorkers making more than $300,000 but less
> than $500,000 would face an income tax rate of 7.85 percent. New
> Yorkers making more than $500,000 would see a rate of 8.97 percent.
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If you have not been outraged by what is going on in Albany, you will be
when you realize what the state budget reductions to the STAR Tax
Program will do to your tax bill.

As you are aware, real estate taxes are based on property assessment
which results in a tax levy. Under the STAR Tax Program this tax levy is
reduced and the balance becomes your tax bill. Now that the State Budget
has been approved, all three elements of the STAR Tax Program have been
reduced or eliminated:
* Basic STAR exemption - REDUCED
* STAR rebate - ELIMINATED
* Enhanced STAR exemption REDUCED

The majority of homeowners received the Basic STAR exemption and the
STAR rebate last year. Under the State Budget the average homeowner will
have to pay around 30% more than last year.

To make matters worse, if you also received the Enhanced STAR exemption
last year you will have to pay around 50% more than last year. It is time tell the Governor, State Legislators, and our local elected officials that enough is enough.
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A MESSAGE FROM WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR GEORGE OROS:


COMMON SENSE NOWPAC
P.O. BOX 49
PEEKSKILL, NEW YORK 10566

*A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE DEDICATED TO THE RESTORATION
OF COMMON SENSE AT ALL LEVELS OF OUR GOVERNMENT*

March 31, 2009
Contact:George Oros
Telephone:(914) 522-6774

Government Needs Some Common Sense
County Legislator Announces Formation of New PAC

Westchester County Legislator George Oros (R/Cortlandt) today announced the formation of Common Sense Now, a Political Action Committee, to restore simple, sound fiscal policies
to all levels of government in an effort to spend less, tax less and grow the economy.

"Government needs to learn the lessons from the American patriot Thomas Paine. That's why
I established the Common Sense Now PAC, to bring awareness to important issues, inform the public and support lawmakers who do use common sense,” said Oros, who serves as Minority Leader on the Board of Legislators.

"Today, Common Sense is far too often absent from the halls of Congress, our state Capitol and
even many local governments," Oros said. "The long term economic health of our nation and
state ultimately comes down to Common Sense. Together, we can support "Common Sense,"
foster awareness of simple issues and support candidates that will govern with Common Sense."

Standing at a busy intersection in the Town of Cortlandt where frustrated residents have been
lobbying the state Department of Transportation for a much needed traffic signal for years
without success, Oros noted a core function of the Common Sense Now PAC is reforming how government functions.

“DOT built a sidewalk to nowhere here at taxpayer expense, but failed to see the need for a traffic signal to protect area drivers,” said Oros. “You don’t need to be Einstein to figure out what was more vital, just ask the people who use the road daily – use some common sense.”

Common Sense Now PAC will educate citizens through a soon to be introduced website,
blogs, published articles and sponsored forums, along with lending research, financial and
policy support to like-minded candidates that use a Common Sense approach to governing.

"Our goal is to change the way government thinks," Oros said. "We will achieve this in a
simple, direct manner."
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WHAT HAPPENING AT GRAYMOOR, GARRISON N.Y.:

SUNDAY, April 5th, at 11:00 AM
PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S PASSION
Weather permitting, palm branches will be distributed and blessed at the main entrance to the Spiritual Life Center (foot of the stairs); the traditional procession follows to Pilgrim Hall for the celebration of the Palm Sunday Eucharist.

WEDNESDAY, April 5th-SUNDAY, April 12th
HOLY WEEK RETREAT
Time for prayer and reflectiion as the church celebrates The Three Days and Easter. Arrive anytime on Spy Wednesday (or later, as necessary); return home after dinner on Easter Sunday ($250.00 per person, single occupancy; $210 per person, double occupancy). Pre-registration required (845-424-2111).

SPY WEDNESDAY, April 8th, at 8:00 PM
COMMUNAL CELEBRATION OF PENANCE
Sacramental reconciliation is celebrated with a service of prayer, scripture and song.

HOLY THURSDAY, April 9th, at 8:00 PM
MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
The Holy Thuirsday mass is celebrated in Pilgrim Hall; the taditional eucharistic procession follows the mass to the repository (St. Pius X Chapel) where eucharistic adoration takes place until midnight.

GOOD FRIDAY, April 10th, at 3:00 PM
CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S PASSION
The Good Friday liturgy -- Reading of the Passion, Veneration of the Cross, Holy Communion -- is celebrated in Pilgrim Hall.

GOOD FRIDAY, April 10th, at 8:00 PM
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
The Stations of the Cross begin in Pilgrim Hall and continue (weather permitting0 outdoors by torchlight; in case of inclement weather, the service is indoors.

HOLY SATURDAY, April 11th, at 8:00 PM
GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER
The most important night of the year begins outdoors (weather permitting) for the blessing of the new fire, the lighting of the paschal candle, the singing of the Exsultet, the service of readings, the renewal of bapismal promises and the Easter Eucharist. The Graymoor Chorale supports the congregation in song. Refreshments follow.

EASTER SUNDAY, April 12th, at 6:22 AM
SUNRISE SERVICE
An outdoor prayer service greets the rising of the sun on Easter morning. Assemble near St. Francis Chapel. (In case of inclement weather, the service will be held indoors in St. Francis Chapel.)

EASTER SUNDAY, April 12th, at 11:00 AM
EASTER SUNDAY EUCHARIST
The Easter Sundy Eucharist is celebrated in Pilgrim Hall. Coffee follows the mass.

TUESDAYS, April 14th-May 26th, 7:30-8:30 PM
SHARING EASTER FAITH
"Sharing Easter Faith: The Mission of the Church" is a weekly, hour-long gathering celebrating the Great Fifty Days of Easter with the help of Roger P. Schroeder's book, What Is the Mission of the Church? A Guide for Catholics (Orbis, 2008). Copies of the book are available at the Graymoor Book & Gift Center (845-424-2100).

SUNDAY, April 19th, at 3:00 PM
ENCHANTED HISTORY OF MUSIC
World renowned pianist, composer and conductor, Maestro Pierluigi Sampietro, presents his unique "Pianistic Show" tracing the magic of music history from Bach, Mozart and Chopin to Jazz in Pilgrim Hall. Tickets are $20.00 per person and can be purchased through the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center (845-424-2111).
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WHAT'S GAPPENING AT1 12 GRAPES N.DIVISION STREET, PEEKSKILL:

Sun, April 5, 5:00 - 10:00
"Best of" 12 Grapes' Singer/Songwriters
& Special Guests Jam

With a mix of acoustic solo's, electric "Invitational" jams and surprise guests, we expect a virtual parade of some of the area's best musical talent. Higher energy than the typical 12 Grapes Sunday,
but hey, it's our Anniversary Weekend!
**Free admission** Please note new, extended time is 5-10pm

Mon, April 6, 8:00 - 10:00
Greg Westhoff & the Westchester Swing Band

Please note the new date this month: Greg and his band are here to help us celebrate our special weekend. We'll open at 6:00 for dinner and feature this outstanding 18-piece orchestra. This show typically sells out.
Reservations are recommended. Fun is guaranteed.
$5 Cover goes directly to the band

COMING UP:
Thu, Apr 9, 8:30 - 11:30, Open Mic Night
Fri, Apr 10, 9:30 - 12:30, Big Onion
Sat, Apr 11, 9:30 - 12:30, Geoff Hartwell ~ CD RELEASE PARTY!
EASTER SUNDAY, April 12, 6:00 - 9:00, Singer/Songwriter Showcase

Wed, Apr 15, 8:00 - 10:30, Jon Cobert
Thu, Apr 16, 8:30 - 11:30, Jerry Dugger (Blues)
Fri, Apr 17, 9:30 - 12:30, 3Ton Jack (Rock)
Sat, Apr 18, 9:30 - 12:30, Johnny Feds & da Bluez Boyz

Reservations recommended
914-737-6624

Here's to all the friends we've met in our first year at 12 Grapes. It's been a wonderful experience. We've grown so much, have come to know so many great people and discovered many new artists...it's been a great ride so far, and we look forward to many more years together.

To see our calendar of events and photo gallery, please visit 12grapes.com.

As always, thank you for your patronage and friendship.
Sincerely,
Rich & Jeannie Credidio
12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar
12 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY
(914) 737-6624
12grapes.com
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A MESSAGE FROM BOB MEYERS:

Thanks to our hosts Bruce and Chris Fulgum.

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, April 5th.
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 ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:

BALL COMMENTS ON CLOSED-DOOR BUDGET PROCESS,
FAILURE TO SAVE VITAL STAR PROGRAM

A Statement from Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I - Patterson)

Would we be happy if Armageddon arrived if it were on time? Of course not.
Yet, Albany insiders, over time, have successfully shifted the debate from
fiscal responsibility and solvency to whether or not these bloated and
unsustainable behemoth budgets are passed in short order.

The April 1 budget deadline is a political gimmick; and while this budget
may come close to being on time, it is still bloated and fiscally
irresponsible. Three New York City democrats, amid one of the worst economic
crises in American history, just unleashed the largest budget in New York
State history, gutted the STAR program and increased spending by nearly 10%,
without input and debate from rank-and-file members.

This budget is being financed on the backs of seniors, small-business
owners, and working class Americans and being borrowed from generations of
New Yorkers yet to be born. New York State has lost two million New Yorkers
due to excessive taxation and is hemorrhaging jobs because of an openly
hostile business climate. Folks from Erie County to Montauk are voting with
their feet, because they no longer believe in the efficacy of good
government. This budget does nothing to reverse that trend and, instead,
further paves the way for New York's downward spiral.

By holding budget negotiations behind closed doors, not announcing Joint
Budget Conference committees, or making public their own budget plans, this
Governor and a handful of legislative leaders have left New Yorkers, and the
vast majority of rank-and-file members, in the dark.
Speaker Silver, Majority Leader Smith and Governor Paterson can be proud of
nothing and may lay in bed at night knowing that they missed their moment in
New York State history to finally transform and redirect our state onto a
stronger and more certain course.

Albany's dirty little secret, one that if truly understood by the public
would turn the strongest of stomachs, is that rank-and-file members on both
sides of the aisle sat with their hands tied as three men in a room, all New
York City-born and all wedded to their own special interests, shifted around
billions of dollars and found convenient taxing schemes to continue Albany's
addiction to spending.

When the three leaders eventually agreed on a budget, members had days, if
not hours, to read through thousands of pages of back-door borrowing, pork
projects, capital grants and expanded social initiatives. Most rank-and-file
members voted along party lines, collected their check, and went home.

If Albany does not get its addiction to spending in line this year, New York
may continue its descent to hit rock bottom as those folks actually paying
the bills continue to leave the state in droves. Never has the call been so
strong to rethink the role of government in New York. Rarely has the
opportunity been so great to restructure and improve the functioning of
government in this state. Yet, Albany continues to "dys-function" as it
always has.

With property tax relief in jeopardy, it is imperative that New Yorkers
continue to join together in opposition to the executive budget plan and the
process in which the budget was passed. As we have seen, when New Yorkers
come together our voices can be heard. Despite the snubbing of the general
public from this year's budgetary process, I strongly encourage all New
Yorkers to continue to raise their voices in a collective effort to save
STAR and force this government to immediately come back to the table to
embrace comprehensive tax relief.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WESTCHESTER GOP:

Contact: Matthew Walter (518) 462-2601
Mondello: Democrats’ Budget Will Crush New Yorkers
Statement From Chairman Joseph N. Mondello, New York Republican State Committee

Over the past several months, Governor David Paterson and the all-Democrat state government in Albany have created national headlines for their ineptitude and lack of results. The details we are now hearing will eclipse all their previous stumbles combined.

This horror show has been roundly criticized by businesses, good government groups, editorial pages, citizen advocates and average people. The only groups in the entire state who look to benefit will be welfare recipients, the Democrat’s wasteful pork projects and the moving companies that will be shipping people and businesses to other states.

All the promises of reform, empty talk of cutting wasteful spending and baseless campaign promises to improve things for New Yorkers melted into the worst budget in New York State history.

The Democrats are burying hard working New Yorkers under billions of dollars in new taxes and fees, when families are struggling to make ends meet. The Democrats plan to completely eliminate property tax relief which enables so many New Yorkers to stay in their homes. The Democrats are knocking businesses out of commission, when 26,000 New Yorkers joined the unemployment rolls last month and swelled the unemployment rate to nearly eight percent.

This secretive process and the resulting bloated budget are an affront to all New Yorkers. Hopefully, people are waking up and realizing that the Democrats don't have the solutions to the problems New Yorkers are facing. The Democrats are making New York's problems even worse.
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STATEMENT FROM MAYOR LIZ FELD, NEW YORKERS FOR GROWTH ON STATE BUDGET PACT
March 31, 2009
“Please Tell Us This is An April Fool’s Joke”

"Please tell us this is an April Fool’s Joke. The proposed state budget is breathtakingly irresponsible. It will cost New Yorkers thousands of jobs and guarantee tough days ahead.

“Wall-Street tax revenues are shrinking precipitously—perhaps permanently—and small businesses are closing around the state. Adding more taxes to the mix could be catastrophic to long-term job development here.

“This budget is beyond irresponsible. It should serve as a rallying cry to every New Yorker who has had enough. We hope this budget is a bottom for New York State, but fear it is not. The Legislature and Governor could not have done a worse job.” --Mayor Liz Feld

--Liz Feld is Mayor of Larchmont, NY and a Board Member of New Yorkers for Growth.
New Yorkers for Growth was founded to return New York State to firm fiscal footing. It recently launched a statewide petition to oppose the "Job-Killing Tax: in New York. To learn more about New Yorkers for Growth or to sign the petition, visit www.newyorkersforgrowth.com.
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Dear all--

Rob Astorino was officially nominated as the Republican candidate for Westchester County Executive last night at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains. The vote in support of Mr. Astorino's candidacy was unanimous. More than 200 people attended the event. His acceptance speech is below.

A photo of Mr. Astorino is available here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/robastorino/3385096285/

If you have any questions or need any other information, I can be reached at 914-619-5252.
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Dear Friends and Supporters:

The Westchester GOP will be holding a convention on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza, 66 Hale Avenue, White Plains to nominate our candidate for Westchester County District Attorney.

This event is free and open to the public. Please come and show your support. All are welcome to attend.

Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you on April 13th.

Doug Colety, Chairman
Westchester GOP
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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 give an overview of this years local election, rumors and all. 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

04/04/09