ARRESTED DEVELOPMENTS IN CORTLANDT

Issues Discussed:
1) my commentary on above topic
2) e-mail response from Sam Davis
RE: last weeks post on Peekskill Hollow Road
3) cable t.v. show update
a) Down The Middle w/ guest Anthony J. Bazzo
b) The Volpe report w/ guest Dave and Nancy Paganelli
4) a message from the Yorktown Watchdog
5) a message from candidate for Westchester County Legislator John Testa
6) a message from Candidate for Westchester District Attorney Dan Schorr
7) What's Happening at 12 Grapes N.Division Street Peekskill, N.Y.
8) a message from the Winery At St. George
9) a message from candidate for Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino
10) a message from the Westchester GOP
11) a message from Assemblywoman Sandra Galef
12) a message from Assemblyman Greg Ball
************My new In My Opinion column's topic of discussion in the NCN
************Atom Taxi Inc. Airport Service
************Contact me e-mail addresses
************Sites to link to for more information(to be a better voter)
************Cable shows to watch(to better inform)
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Dear Readers:

What the hell is wrong with the bureaucrats at the Cortlandt Court House? First we had the saga of a citizen trying to pay a ticket early(see "A Fine Mess In Cortlandt" & "A Fine Mess In Cortlandt Continued"), now we have a scheduled court appearance canceled because the court house was closed for the Memorial Day Holiday.

In this weeks NCN there is a story on page 7 about five people in Mohegan Lake arrested on drug charges. They were scheduled to appear in court Friday May 22. Now I know nobody is going to feel sorry for these people arrested, so what if they are inconvenienced? How ever there were parents who took the day off of work to appear with their children and lawyers who had to make room on their schedule to be there. Was their inconvenience part of the deal also? They did nothing wrong. Now they will have to do this all over again June 1.

Who the hell is in charge of scheduling? Are they unfamiliar with the fact that the Memorial day Holiday falls at the end of May? Does their calendar not reflect this national holiday? When a few of the parents attempted to find out what happened they were met with bureaucratic double talk. No apology for their inconvenience was offered.

The first issue dealing with the ticket might have been an aberration. This second issue now is a pattern of incompetence. I think it is time for those in charge of the court house to get a lesson in dealing with the public. An apology to the parents, the lawyers and those arrested for this mix up should have been issued. Human error is not a crime, and owning up to it is not a sign of weakness. Making the best of a bad situation by doing what's right is never wrong. The right thing in this case would have been a truthful explanation of human error and an apology.
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E-MAIL RESPONSE FROM SAM DAVIS:
RE: LAST WEEKS POST "PEEKSKILL HOLLOW ROAD WORK OR ROAD BLOCK?"

Andy, I think that you misunderstand the views of those opposed to the existing Peekskill Hollow Road plan. The current plan calls for construction of four foot shoulders on each side of the road, from Oregon Corners to Adams Corners. This involves takings from 47 property owners. It also calls for replacing the bridge on Oscawana Lake Road with a four lane bridge, and for four lanes at the intersection of Oscawana Lake Road on both sides of Peekskill Hollow Road. Additionally, it will take parking away at Oregon Corners which could be devastating to the Deli. These are the parts of the plan that those of us opposed to the plan object to.

We support rehabilitation of the bridges with their current parameters, turning lanes at the High School, proper drainage (under the existing road, not under newly created shoulders) done in such a way that it doesn’t threaten the health of Peekskill Hollow Creek.

During the three years of the traffic study in preparation for this plan, there were no accidents at Lovers Lane. In fact, the accident rate for the entire length of the road was below average except at a couple of intersections. Oddly, these have not been addressed. Yet they could be solved with simple, low impact changes. I have spoken with the Putnam County Sheriff, Undersheriff, and several Deputies. Without fail, they have all said that adding the shoulders will make the road less safe because it will encourage greater speeds. Further, our Emergency Services people have said that Peekskill Hollow Road is not a dangerous road.

At the meeting with the County legislature regarding Peekskill Hollow Road, over 100 people turned out. The vast majority was there to oppose the plan as it stands. It was called the largest group to ever turn out for a single issue. Understand that this huge turnout, on a Wednesday night, represents many times that number. Many of them live on Peekskill Hollow Road, not on paved side roads. Drive the length of the road and you will be convinced by the huge number of signs people have posted.

Four foot shoulders on each side of the road would be a widening of nearly 50%. That is not a “mildly expansive” change of the current footprint, as stated by Legislator Fusco. Rather it is a major change, one that is unnecessary, and therefore unacceptable.

Finally, the overturned cars that Legislator Oliverio talked about in his remarks were caused by a condition that has already been partially addressed by the traffic light at the High School. Adding proper turning lanes would be the rest of the fix. That problem is not a reason to change the whole of the road from Oregon Corners to Adams Corners.
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CABLE T.V. SHOW UPDATE:
RE: DOWN THE MIDDLE

Your humble writer will be the guest on Wednesday June 3 8-9PM chanel 74 Yorktown and Putnam Valley.

RE: THE VOLPE REPORT:
Andy-

Host Domenic Volpe is pleased to announce the special guests for The Volpe Report are Dave and Nancy Paganelli -the owner's of the Traveler's Rest restaurant and catering. Dave and Nancy speak of the charities they are involved with- too numerous to mention- and how their community involvement and drive are the formula for running a successful business in the Yorktown area.

The Volpe Report segments can be viewed in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area on public access Channel 15 -Thursdays at 8:00pm and in the Yorktown/Put.Valley areas -public access Channel 74- Wednesdays at 6:00pm.

Thanks--
Domenic Volpe
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A MESSAGE FROM THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG:

Monday Memorial day at 10:30 A.M. I will bring our marching sign the
location is Yorktown Town Hall, thats where the parade starts. If we
have enough members there we will march.

Our next UTY meeting is Wednesday May 27, at The Yorktown Town Hall at
7:30 P.M. I will try to get a guest or two there to speak.

If you missed my cable show on Friday at 9:30 P.M. I will replay it on
Wednesday at 4:30 P.M. on channel #74. My guest was Assemblyman Greg
Ball.
Another low turnout for the School budgets.
Ed Ciffone
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MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR JOHN TESTA:

Campaign Kick-off a Success!

On Thursday, May 14th, the official Campaign Kick-off of John G. Testa for County Legislator was held at Cortlandt Colonial Restaurant in Cortlandt Manor.

Over 100 supporters came out to show John that they are enthusiastically behind his candidacy for County Legislator. Vincent Vesce, a former Mayor of Peekskill, was the Master of Ceremonies. The crowd, consisting of Republicans, Independents and Democrats alike, was excited and very vocal in their support for John.

County Legislator George Oros proudly introduced John as his "successor" in office and gave an overview of the 14-year friendship that has developed between them since John first worked to help George get elected in 1995. He also outlined the vast experience and work ethic John is known to possess. "John works extremely hard, has accomplished great things as a Mayor and will do an outstanding job as County Legislator," proclaimed Oros.

It was pointed out by all who spoke that John Testa's record speaks for itself. His non-partisan approach enabled John to accomplish much for the community. "I never approach issues in a partisan way," Testa said. "On the local level especially, it's about the individual, not the party. I have always been able to rise above petty politics. There is no room in good government for politics," said Testa.

In his speech, John explained his dedication and drive to serve the people he represents. "I take public service very seriously and never forget who enabled me to hold office. It must always be about the people first, not the one who is in office," said Testa. "I have a record of streamlining government, reducing spending and cutting taxes. During my last three years as mayor we had budgets with 0% tax increases. I want to bring my experience and passion of service to the County Legislature and am excited about serving the people of Northern Westchester," added Testa.

"John Testa has a proven track record of being fair-minded, putting the best interest of the 'people' above politics." -Tina Romeo

"He truly represents what is good for the people!" -Dominick DiPierro

"We need someone who is straight forward and honest. We need John back in office."-Al Collins.

visit johngtesta.com to keep in touch with John's campaign
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A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR WESTCHE3STER DISTRICT ATTORNEY DAN SCHORR:

Ron and Marcy Vinder cordially invite you to a
reception in support of Westchester District Attorney Candidate
Dan Schorr

with special guest Ari Fleischer
Former White House Press Secretary

on Thursday
May 28, 2009
7:00 – 9:00 pm
at The Vinder Residence
26 Cushman Road
Scarsdale, NY

Business Attire
General Reception Ticket - $200
General Reception and Photo Opportunity Ticket - $500
Group of 10 - $1,800 (includes 4 Photo Opportunity Tickets)
Contributions can be made in advance or at the door:
Online by credit card at: www.electdanschorr.com
or by mail with a check payable to:
Committee to Elect Dan Schorr
P.O. Box 8082
White Plains, NY 10602

To RSVP or for more information, please visit www.electdanschorr.com,
e-mail info@electdanschorr.com, or call (914) 513-3745.

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5371223534
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WHAT'S HAPPENENING AT 12 GRAPES N. DIVISION STREET, PEEKSKILL
Sun, May 24, 6:00 - 9:00
Singer/Songwriter Showcase
Lisa Frieder
Sheri Miller
Abby Payne


The best kept secret in Westchester is 12 Grapes Singer/Songwriter Sundays. Tonight, three of our favorite female vocalists take the stage. Lisa, Sheri and Abby are all amazing singers, songwriters and performers. Come support live music, and the wonderful artists who enrich our lives with their talents. **Free Admission**

COMING UP:
Wed, May 27, 8:00 - 10:30
On Keyboards... Grammy-Nominated Jon Cobert

Thu, May 28, 8:30 - 11:30
In the house...The Blues Dogs

Fri, May 29 , 9:30 - 12:30
Rock on with... Petey Hop & the Wallbangers

Sat, May 30, 9:30 - 12:30
A cool night of Blues...The Christopher Dean Band

Sun, May 31, 6:00 - 9:00, Singer/Songwriter Showcase
featuring Ann Gulian, Manny Cortez & Mishti Roy

For reservations call: 914-737-6624
Thanks again for joining in the fun at 12 Grapes. To see our menus, 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 THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:
RE: LETTER SENT TO YORKTOWN COUNCIL AND SUPERVISOR:

Request from Tom DeChiaro
Dear Don, Jim, Lou, Matt & Nick;

Now that the litigation is behind us, I hope we can move forward in a more friendly and cooperative manor. As a first step, I respectfully request an informal meeting with you to discuss your concerns and possible mitigation strategy to address those concerns. I plan to incorporate your feedback into my filings with the planning & building departments as appropriate. Together we can turn this into a win-win.

I truly believe the winery project is a good one for Yorktown. In addition to the revitalization of this beautiful building, the winery will create local jobs and generate much needed sales tax revenue for the county & town.

It would give me great pleasure to show you the results of the restoration work completed on the building. Please accept this invitation to meet me at the winery at a date convenient for all. At your discretion, please feel free to invite members of the planning board and/or any other town employees or board members.

Thank you and I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely
Tom DeChiaro
tom@winerymail.com
(914) 262-7313
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MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE ROB ASTORINO:

Westchester Independence Party Endorses Rob Astorino for Westchester County Executive

White Plains, N.Y. (May 20, 2009) -- The Westchester County Independence Party today announced that it has endorsed Rob Astorino for Westchester County Executive, hoping to “clear the stale thinking from the halls of county government with the fresh air of new and vigorous leadership.”

Mr. Astorino is running for County Executive to reduce the tax load in Westchester County, by streamlining county services, and to restore a high standard of ethics in county government.

In endorsing Mr. Astorino for County Executive, the Independence Party is starkly rejecting the candidacy of incumbent County Executive Andy Spano, who previously ran on the Party’s line. These are challenging times that require new thinking and intellectual vigor, and those are the qualities we find in Rob Astorino.

“There are compelling reasons why change for Westchester’s highest elected office is necessary in 2009,” said Dr. Giulio A. Cavallo, Chairman of the Westchester Independence Party. “One-party rule has effectively dismantled the system of checks and balances in the County Charter resulting in a bloated bureaucracy that continues to punish taxpayers. Instead of a healthy tension between the two branches of county government, we have a mutual admiration society. As a result, Westchester families are hurting financially and the current administration just does not understand their pain.

“The people of Westchester are paying for it every day. Spano’s arrogance and recklessness have destroyed the dreams of thousands who have been forced to move or significantly sacrifice their life plans because of his high taxes. Rob Astorino is an independent thinker with the vision and character to get this county back on track,” Cavallo continued.

“I thank the Independence Party for its endorsement,” said Astorino “and I look forward to justifying their confidence in me by delivering leaner, smarter and less expensive county government after I am sworn in on January 1, 2010.”

“Our endorsement should send a clear message to non-affiliated voters and independent–minded Democrats that Rob Astorino’s vision of a retooled county government is the right vision for the future of this county,” Cavallo said.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY GOP:
CHAIRMAN COLETY DECRIES OUTLANDISH SECURITY MEASURES AT ANDY SPANO’S CONVENTION
Asks: Is Andy Spano Forcing Westchester Taxpayers to Foot the Bill for a Political Event?

White Plains, N.Y. (May 18, 2009) --Westchester Republican County Committee Chairman Doug Colety today condemned County Executive Andy Spano for over-the-top security measures utilized at his nominating convention Wednesday evening at the Westchester County Center.

Westchester County Democrats gathered to nominate Mr. Spano, whose disregard for the taxpayers has been criticized over the past 12 years, and has caused a near-revolt of Westchester residents. Security for the event entailed more than two-dozen county police officers, most receiving overtime pay and others pulled away from their regular posts to cover the event. In addition to the uniformed officers, bomb-squad personnel, four DA investigators, and three officer-mounted horses were on hand for security.

Chairman Colety questioned who was paying for the county services for a political event and demanded that Andy Spano reimburse taxpayers for any costs associated with the convention.
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF;
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef Announces Results of 2009 Constituent Survey

(May 20, 2009) Assemblywoman Sandy Galef 90th AD, has announced the results of her most recent constituent survey, citing that 979 constituents responded to the various questions regarding topics such as voting policies, consolidation of local governments and school districts, and use of electronic devices by minors while driving.

“These surveys help me understand how the people in my district feel about current important issues,” Galef said. “By asking a variety of questions, the community members in the 90th AD have a chance to share their thoughts with me which often helps shape my votes on these important subjects. This questionnaire touched on a cross section of topics from teen driver safety to elections to political robo-calling and more. It has provided me a great sampling of views from my constituents which I will strongly consider when introducing or voting on legislation.”

The greatest positive response was from 94% of respondents who said that the state should allow telephone recipients of political robo-calls to have their requests to be removed from their call lists honored so they can avoid receiving future calls. In addition 75% said yes, a non-partisan commission should be established to redraw state legislative districts after the next census is completed. When asked if New York should join other states in calling for a presidential election by popular vote rather than by vote of the Electoral College, 75% said yes.

An overwhelming 93% of respondents believe that drivers under 18 years of age should be banned from using handheld or hands free electronic devices such as cellphones, PDAs, iPods, or GPS devices while driving.

Regarding transparency within governments and school districts, 85% said that the state should require all governments and school districts to make tentative collective bargaining agreements available to the public at least two weeks prior to the agreement being ratified by either side. 73% believe that it should be easier for citizens to dissolve government-created districts, fire districts, or special districts. When asked whether we should empower the New York State Education Commissioner to order the consolidation of school districts where the Commissioner deems it prudent to do so, 55% said yes.

In answer to the question about whether New Yorkers should be allowed to vote by absentee ballot even if they may not be out of the area on Election Day, 55% of respondents said yes. 69% of respondents believed that all voting in a community should take place on two to three days in a calendar year, including elections for political offices and local building projects. The closest margin of views was regarding early voting for general elections in November: 51% of respondents said that New York should not adopt early voting.

Assemblywoman Galef has already been working towards many of these reforms in the Assembly. She has introduced two pieces of legislation regarding these survey results, one pertaining to the regulation of political robo-calls (A4174), and one requiring all governments and school districts to make tentative collective bargaining agreements available to the public (A6338). In addition, Galef is currently working on legislation that would make it easier for citizens to dissolve government-created districts. Lastly, Galef is a co-sponsor of a bill to prohibit the use of electronic devices while driving (A2453) as well as co-sponsoring another bill which would have New York join other states in calling for presidential election by popular vote rather than electoral vote (A1580B).

“I will work with my colleagues in the legislature to pass many of these proposals which my constituents care about so deeply. It is important to keep the communication open so that every voice is heard and I will continue working towards my district’s and the state’s needs,” Galef concluded.
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
MID-HUDSON GOP DELEGATION TO RELEASE LETTER CALLING FOR MTA AUDIT,
LAUNCH WEBSITE & PETITION DRIVE

Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) will be joined by State Senator William J. Larkin, Jr. (R, C – Cornwall-on-Hudson) and Dr. John D’Ambrosio, President of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce for an important announcement regarding an immediate independent forensic audit of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) at a press conference to be held this Thursday.

Copies of a letter signed by the entire Mid-Hudson GOP delegation that was sent to Governor David Paterson, Senate President Malcolm Smith and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver will be presented as the legislators announce the launch of a web-base petition calling for the audit.
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Here is the video link for my kickoff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FKnhP05Wgo

Yes, this email is directly from me (Greg Ball). Not a computer :) Thank you SO much for your help. As you know, I'm pushing hard, to raise $7000 by this Friday....and $10,000 by June 1st. The campaign is gaining steam, and I wanted to take a moment to make sure you are in the loop.

Here are the quotes:

With all due respect to the incumbent, it’s a sure bet that Ball will outwork John Hall in the 18 months between now and Election Day 2010
- Roll Call, May 2009

Bucking his party is something Ball has never been afraid to do. As a 29-year-old Air Force veteran, he decided to take on a 12-year-incumbent assemblyman in the Republican primary, running on a simple platform: illegal immigration is illegal. Virtually the entire party leadership lined up against Ball in support of the incumbent.
– American Spectator, May 2009

Ball presents himself as a consistent opponent of the reckless federal spending that began under George W. Bush and has now been made worse by an order of magnitude by Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid.
– American Spectator, May 2009

The point?
The national press and our opposition, are taking us very seriously.
Thanks to about 600 friends and supporters, over the past month, our fundraising has been brisk...but we still have a long way to go!
You can donate online at www.Ball4NY.com
If 10 friends each donate $1000, or 20 donate $500, or 100 donate $100 or any mix of that...we will do it!
Please understand, I know times are tough, but I absolutely need your support.
If you have already donated online, or sent in your donation, thank you SO much!

**If not, I absolutely need you to take 3 minutes and go online at www.SupportGreg.com
Remember, you can make a donation at that link...
...if you need the info on where to send a check, just reply to this email and I will send you the info.

Thank you so much!!
Greg Ball
917 681 9302
PO Box 135
Patterson NY 12563
www.Ball4NY.com

Here are some more recent quotes:

"Ball is handsome, driven and indefatigable, and he has advanced a populist political agenda that’s appealing and hard to pinpoint on the ideological spectrum." – Roll Call

"Ball is reminiscent of a young Rahm Emanuel. He’s got a sharp political mind and an intense focus. And you get the sense that he’s got the 19th Congressional district, with its wealthy suburbs and rural areas, blue-collar precincts and liberal enclaves, wired. He’s studied the place since he was a kid, and he knows where his voters are and how to reach them." – Roll Call

"With all due respect to the incumbent, it’s a sure bet that Ball will outwork John Hall in the 18 months between now and Election Day 2010." - Roll Call

"Bucking his party is something Ball has never been afraid to do. As a 29-year-old Air Force veteran, he decided to take on a 12-year-incumbent assemblyman in the Republican primary, running on a simple platform: illegal immigration is illegal. Virtually the entire party leadership lined up against Ball in support of the incumbent." – American Spectator

"Ball presents himself as a consistent opponent of the reckless federal spending that began under George W. Bush and has now been made worse by an order of magnitude by Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid." – American Spectator

"Ball is more conservative than Sue Kelly. He is pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, and wants to keep taxes, spending, and borrowing low." – American Spectator

"[H]e's willing to criticize his own party for more than earmarks. He argues that Republicans should take on corporate welfare too, and not be afraid to rethink certain issue positions. "I didn't support the war in Iraq," he says. "I give President Bush credit for keeping us safe and believe 9/11 changed him for a very good reason. But it didn't change the core conservative needs for a clear objective and an exit strategy." – American Spectator

"Ball has many admirable qualities and an interesting story to tell. The son of blue-collar workers, he got a Congressional appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy and worked a bunch of policy jobs in Washington, D.C., after his discharge. Since launching his political career, he’s been a ferocious reformer, unafraid to take on the entrenched interests of his party and the Democrats who run Albany." – Roll Call

Donate at www.Ball4NY.com
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MID-HUDSON GOP DELEGATION CALLS FOR MTA AUDIT,LAUNCH WEBSITE & PETITION DRIVE

www.AudittheMTA.com

State Senator William J. Larkin, Jr. (R, C – Cornwall-on-Hudson) and Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) today were joined by Dr. John D’Ambrosio, President of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, to unveil an official legislative letter signed by a dozen state lawmakers demanding an independent audit of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).

Larkin and Ball went a step further, to step up the heat on their fellow legislative leaders and the Governor, by unveiling a statewide petition and new website demanding that Malcolm Smith, Sheldon Silver and Governor Paterson immediately conduct an independent and forensic audit of the MTA at a press conference today.

“I believe it is absolutely ridiculous that an independent audit was not conducted prior to the approval of the state’s multibillion dollar MTA bailout. My colleagues and I in the Hudson Valley are demanding the Governor, Senate Majority Leader, and Assembly Speaker call for an audit of the MTA’s books immediately. If the Hudson Valley’s businesses, not-for-profits, hospitals and schools are going to have to pay for the errors of this historically mismanaged and wasteful authority, it is essential we are certain that the numbers being presented by the MTA are one hundred percent accurate,” said Larkin.

“If this issue is allowed to die, this tax hike is going to be the final nail in the coffin for the State of New York. Voters and taxpayers across this state must join this grassroots attempt to hold this Governor and this legislature accountable. Majority members, even those who voted ‘no’ on the floor but who were otherwise silent, need to join our fight, sign this legislative request, and demand an independent and forensic accounting of this bloated and unwieldy authority before another bailout is necessary,” stated Ball, who is the Ranking Member of the Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee, which has oversight of the MTA.

Signed by the entire Mid-Hudson GOP delegation, the letter requested that the Governor, Senate Majority Leader and Assembly Speaker immediately use their legislative authority to call for an independent forensic audit of the MTA’s finances. This power comes from the passage of S.5451/ A.8180, or the MTA Bailout Bill, which authorizes the legislature to conduct an independent audit of the MTA, including its subsidiaries, beginning every two years after 2009.

Additionally, the delegation announced the launch of a Web site, www.auditthemta.com, where members of the public can sign an online petition calling on the three leaders to immediately audit the MTA.

Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun (R, C – Blooming Grove) stated, “I am pleased to be able to join my Senate and Assembly Republican colleagues in order to send a message to Governor Paterson, Senator Smith and Speaker Silver on behalf of the people in the Mid-Hudson region. The recently passed MTA bailout was nothing but a $1.8 billion gift to New York City on behalf of the state at taxpayer expense; mostly notably Hudson Valley businesses, schools, hospitals and not-for-profits. I believe an independent forensic audit of the MTA is the very least the state should do in order to prove to the residents of the Hudson Valley that they are not being used as an ATM.”

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R, I, C – Mt. Hope) said, “The MTA is nothing more than taxation without transportation for Orange County residents. Higher license and auto registration fees, along with the new payroll tax are all unfair to Hudson Valley residents and businesses. We need to keep the pressure on the MTA to improve service in the Hudson Valley.”

“I am disappointed in the gross negligence exhibited by the MTA and its backers in Albany concerning the transit authority’s finances,” said Annie Rabbitt (R, I, C – Greenwood Lake). “For too long, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s spendthrift ways have gone unchecked by state leaders who could rely upon flush tax revenues while protecting MTA’s irresponsible board of directors by keeping its balance sheet safely out of public view. I applaud the members of the Legislature’s Hudson Valley delegation for demanding a full vetting of the MTA’s budget as soon as possible. Thanks to the new payroll tax, nonprofits, school districts, hospitals, and businesses are paying for the transit authority’s mistakes. My colleagues and I need Governor Paterson to take action immediately on a forensic audit or we risk turning the recent MTA bailout into another expensive handout for a politically-connected agency with a dismal record of serving the public good.”
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:

This week I discuss "Source Of Income" legislation before the Westchester County Legislature. 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

MARK DREXEL: www.ElectDrexel.com

ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL: www.Ball4NY.com

SUSAN SIEGEL: www.wakeupyorktown.com
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CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH:

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

DOWN THE MIDDLE: Yorktown chanel 74 wednesdays 8-9PM.
Hosted By: Mike Thomas & Bill Greenberg
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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

05/24/09














“Providing this level of security is a huge expense, not to mention an unheard of practice for a local political nominating convention,” stated Chairman Colety. “Westchester taxpayers deserve to know if they were stuck footing the bill.” Continued Colety, “You’d think the President was coming with all that security. Is it any wonder that Westchester residents pay the highest taxes in the nation? Westchester Republicans did not spend one dime of taxpayer dollars to nominate our candidates. I ask that Andy Spano come clean about whether taxpayers had to pay for his convention. If the answer is ‘yes,’ Mr. Spano must immediately reimburse Westchester residents for this outrageous abuse of taxpayer dollars.”