Issues Discussed:
1) my commentary on above topic
2)cable t.v. update
a)Down The Middle
b) The Volpe Report
c) Speak Out w/ Sandy Galef
3) a message from the Lakeland High School Clas of '73 & 74
4) a message from Peekskill Democratic Chairman Darren Rigger
5) what's happening at Graymoor, Garrison, N.Y.
6) a message from Bob Meyers
7) a message from Andy Polay
8) a message from candidate from Yorktown Supervisor Susan Seigel
9) a message from candidate for Yorktown Council Terrence Murphy
10) a message from candidate for Westchester District Attorney Dan Schorr
11) a message from the Westchester County GOP
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:
On Monday night June 1, 2009 the Yorktown Democrats will nominate candidates for their fall slate. I am going to take this opportunity to put my two cents in before they gather. There is some controversy over some of the prospective nominees. This is not to be confused with any type of endorsement for November. This is just my endorsements for nomination to run in November.
County Legislator District 4
This is a no brainer. Mike Kaplowitz is the only choice. This district, this party needs him to continue to represent it. In the halls of the county legislature Mike is the smartest guy in the room. He knows it is our pockets the County Executive and down county Legislator's want to pick. The redistribution of wealth starts with us. Mike is the only one fighting for us. He has done this at great political risk to himself. The only chance we have to unseat the Legislature's Board Chairman Bill Ryan is re-electing Mike to lead the charge.
County Legislator District 1
Though only a small part of Yorktown, it none the less encompasses Mohegan Lake, Shrub Oak and Jefferson Village. We already know the Republicans have nominated former Peekskill Mayor John Testa. The only person who stands any chance at all to beat the former mayor is Domenic Volpe. This is going to be the race to watch on the county level. It will be hotly contested. John is a tireless campaigner and has a great record as the former Mayor to run on. A fiscal conservative, a man of principal, John is unstoppable against any other candidate. The only way the Democrats can even stand a chance is to nominate the same kind of candidate, that person being Domenic. He too is a fiscal conservative, and a man of principal. On top of that, Domenic has run this race before and knows the territory. Both John and Domenic are life long residents and have roots through out the district. In full discloser, I am friends of both and believe this will be a close contest that might be decided by write-in votes. Neither candidate will run away with this election.
Town Supervisor
This is another no brainer. Don Peters has earned the nomination to run for a second term. He has opened town government to unprecedented degrees. He has reigned in town spending, producing a budget that had a less increase in taxes than Cortlandt, another feat unprecedented, all the while keeping services up to par. He has shown political courage in opening up the discussion of police department consolidation during an election year. He has shown courage of character when secretly taped during a Christmas Party by standing behind his comments and not back tracking like your typical politician would have done. His mistakes are mistakes because he is not a politician and were process mistakes. His heart has always been in the right place. In full discloser Don has been a life long friend and I am proud to champion his cause.
Town Council
1) David Paganelli: This one should be unanimous. He is not from the political class, but the business class. We need another businessman on the council to compliment Peters. Plus his commitment to the community through his charitable works can not be denied, as he has used his money and time and not the tax payers. He is truly pure of heart. His reach through out the community and at county and state levels would be a boon to the interests of Yorktown. In full discloser he too is one I am proud to call friend.
2) Vishnu Patel: He has earned the nomination. He has new ideas and thinks out side the box. He has also shown commitment to the community through his many volunteer efforts. The town council needs new blood and ideas. Vishnu personifies that. His time has come. By nominating Vishnu and David, the Democrat committee would be speaking in bold strokes not pastel colors.
3) Lou Campisi: His time has come and gone. Like George Oros at the County level, Lou must move on for others to have their chance. He should spend the next year gathering support to make a run for Assembly District 99 as Greg Ball makes a run for Congress. He should learn from George that he will need time to seek higher office. He should stop threatening to primary, it does a disservice to his party and the town. Like his council partner Mat Metz, Lou should seek another venue to serve the people and by stepping aside he would garner the good will from the party needed to move up the ladder.
4) Nick DeTommaso: Another threatening to primary. He is a one issue candidate, that issue a stand alone Senior Center. This is an issue that will raise town taxes and in this economy ill advised. The Seniors have a center already and a promise of state funds to upgrade it to something the seniors can be proud of. Nick should stick to his cable t.v. show and stay a public advocate, there he could do the most good for the town.
My Slate
County: A) Mike Kaplowitz
B) Domenic Volpe
Supervisor: Don Peters
Council: A) David Pagenelli
B) Vishnu Patel
Highway Superintendent: Eric DiBartolo: a cross endorsement as this is not a political position and he has earned it.
On Another Note:
This Wednesday June 3, 2009 I will be the sole guest for one hour on the Cable T.V. show "Down The Middle" from 8-9PM channel 74 in Yorktown and Putnam Valley. It is a balanced show in which two liberal Democrats take on one conservative. This is my best work. Any Republican seeking election or just a lesson on how to debate a Democrat should watch this show a take notes. You will see two Democrats totally lose the debate in the political arena of ideas. I await your e-mails after watching this show.
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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.
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RE: THE VOLPE REPORT:
Andy-
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce this week's special guests are Patricia Mulligan, Esq.- Chairperson of the Yorktown Democratic Committee and Katie Donatelli-an intern for the YDC.
Host, Domenic Volpe, asks Patricia of how her interests, political philosophy, and how she thinks political parties should do more for their community. Ms. Mulligan then gives examples as to how our youth of our communities will be the leaders for tomorrow. Ms. Donatelli is one such person and Domenic questions her as to how she sought out this involvement and to how government works and the surprises she has encountered along the way.
The Volpe Report can be seen in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area on public access channel 15 on Thursdays at 8:00pm June 4 and 11. In Yorktown/Putnam Valley area public access channel 74 on Wednesdays 6:00pm June 3 and 10.
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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“Speak Out” with Assemblywoman Sandy Galef:
Presents Roundtable on Sharing and Consolidating Services
(May 29, 2009) On February 12, 2009 Assemblywoman Sandy Galef hosted a dialogue with officials from each of the towns within her district, as well as representatives from Putnam and Westchester County Executives’ offices. Assemblywoman Galef will be broadcasting February’s discussion on her cable television show “Speak Out with Sandy Galef.” The special will air in four parts consecutively from June to September.
The Roundtable, which was co-moderated by Assemblywoman Galef and Chairman of the Westchester County Association and former Westchester County Executive Al DelBello, focused on ways for local municipal leaders to deliver services for less through sharing and consolidation. The roster for the roundtable included: Putnam County Deputy Executive John Tully, Senior Assistant to Westchester County Executive Karen Pasquale, Briarcliff Trustee Robert Mayer, Buchanan Trustee Sean Murray, Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi, Croton Mayor Greg Schmidt, Kent Town Supervisor Katharine Doherty, Nelsonville Trustee Anthony Merante, Ossining Town Supervisor Catherine Borgia, Ossining Mayor William Hanauer, Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster, Philipstown Town Deputy Supervisor Richard Shea, and Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Robert Tendy. The panel members shared their experiences with sharing and consolidation. They discussed what they had achieved in their municipalities, how they are currently working on consolidating services, and what obstacles they have faced while cutting costs and streamlining services for their constituents.
“In light of these difficult economic times it is important that counties and municipalities operate more efficiently and deliver services for less through sharing and consolidation,” said Galef. The Assemblywoman sent out a questionnaire last fall on sharing and consolidation of government services, and her constituents responded with overwhelming public support for sharing services to cut costs. Recently, Galef has formed a shared services task force with community residents and members of her legislative district to more deeply explore the possibilities of cost-cutting alternatives in government structure and operations.
Tune in to cable television on the following days and times to learn more.
“Speak Out with Sandy Galef” airs as follows:
Ossining & Peekskill Channel 15 – Wednesdays at 8:00 pm
Wappingers Falls Channel 21 and Yorktown Channel 74 - Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
Carmel, Kent, Mahopac & Putnam Valley Channel 8 - Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
“Roundtable Shared Services” airs on Cablevision and Comcast (Channels 8, 15, 21 & 74)
Part 1 airs June 10, July 8, August 5 & September 2
Part 2 airs June 17, July 15, August 12 & September 9
Part 3 airs June 24, July 22, August 19 & September 16
Part 4 airs July 1, 29, August 26 & September 23
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A MESSAGE FROM THE LAKELAND HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF '73 & '74
Plan to join us for a reunion that has been long overdue since 2004. Tell some old stories and have your friends help you recall those details you have long forgotten. Great company – friendly happy faces await to see you at:
Holiday Inn, Rt. 9, Fishkill, NY #845-896-6281
Saturday – August 1, 2009
DJ, Dancing/Open bar, hors d’oeuvres/Dinner
$75.00/person 7-12p.m.
Call and make your room reservations now $109 /night – a block of rooms is currently being held.
Don’t drink and drive – enjoy the night. Hotel lounge available for more drinks & dancing after the reunion ballroom is closed. Relax and have fun the entire night – sleep well and on Sunday enjoy your classmates poolside to continue renewed friendships!!! A private gazebo building and other hotel amenities are available.
Class 74 : R.S.V.P to Phil by July 10, 2009. # 845-227-9172 Make checks out to : “ L.H.S.C.R.” Mail check to Phil Bisesto 46 Leo Lane, Poughquag, NY 12570 (If you have any contacts with LHS alum please forward info to Carol Stein …carol.stein@ae.ge.com or 610 Old Swann Point Ave. Rocky Point, NC 28457, 910-602-3433)
Class 73: R.S.V.P. to Linda Boniello Larsson by July 10, 2009 # 914-739-5917 Make checks out to : “Linda Larsson” and mail to 234 Lafayette Avenue, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567. Questions: leapinlinda001@aol.com
PLEASE RETURN BELOW TO UPDATE YOUR H.S. INFORMATION:
Marital Status: ________ Spouse or Significant other’s name: ___________ # yrs. Relationship: ________
Email address: ___________________________ Home phone # ___________________________
Current ages of children and names: _____________________________________________________________
Your current interests/hobbies: __________________________________________________________________
Current occupation : _____________________________ Significant other occupation: ______________________
Comments to share that you have enjoyed since graduation: ___________________________________________
Tourism info: www.dutchesstourism.com Class info reply to : Carol email: carol.stein@ae.ge.com
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A MESSAGE FROM PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN DARREN RIGGER:
Darren Rigger Selected to Participate in International Exchange to the Republic of Korea
Political Study Program to Focus on Citizen Diplomacy
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2009 – Darren Rigger has been selected by The American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) as a delegate to the Republic of Korea for a 10 day political exchange program beginning on June 5, 2009. He will join 6 other young political and policy leaders from across the United States to study Korea’s political system, engage in dialogue on international issues, and forge professional relationships and friendships.
“ACYPL has the unique mission of proving select young leaders with an opportunity to travel internationally and engage firsthand in public diplomacy”, said ACYPL Chief Executive Officer Linda Rotunno. “Our delegates have access to key leaders in the nations they visit. They engage in dialogue on sensitive issues, gain a unique perspective on the country’s politics and its relations with the US, and, most importantly, forge professional relationships and friendships that can last a lifetime.”
Darren Rigger is the Chairman of the Peekskill Democratic City Committee, serves on the Westchester County Democratic Committee and works for both Congressman Charles Rangel and Hudson Valley Congressman John Hall. He will join other delegates, each between the age of 25 and 40, in Washington, D.C. for briefings by the U.S. Department of State and other Korean regional experts before flying to Seoul. The program will provide the delegates opportunities to travel within the country, and to interact with key national and local leaders, business representatives, and civic and community groups. Rigger also has a degree in International Diplomacy from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.
“I am honored to have been selected to participate in this ACYPL exchange to the Republic of Korea,” said Rigger. “This will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn about the current political and social dynamics there and help the Korean people better understand the United States. I am excited to tell them about Peekskill and about my country.”
Recognized by the U.S. Congress as a pre-eminent catalyst for introducing rising political leaders and policy makers to international affairs and to each other, ACYPL is a bi-partisan, not-for-profit international exchange organization based in Washington, D.C. Since its founding in 1966, ACYPL has, with generous support from the U.S. Department of State, corporations, foundations and individuals, conducted programs and exchanges with 100 countries, producing a global network of over 7,500 alumni. Former ACYPL participants include 40 sitting members of the U.S. Congress, 6 sitting U.S. Governors and Ambassadors, Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentarians around the globe.
For more information on the ACYPL, please visit http://www.acypl.org
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Hello Andy -
I always enjoy reading your blog. This week, you included a "message from Greg Ball" which was really just a desperate plea for money surrounded by quotes. Ball cherry picked quotes like he was creating an ad for an upcoming bad movie. Many of the quotes were from an article that appeared in Roll Call newspaper. Roll Call is a political insider newspaper. I think in fairness people should be able to read the entire article (which I have attached below). This article reflects how many people in Washington see Greg Ball.
Thank you. -
Darren Rigger
Politics & Poker: Ball Invites Scrutiny With ‘Google Me!’
May 12, 2009
By Josh Kurtz
Roll Call Staff
"Google me!”
New York Assemblyman Greg Ball says this more than a few times in a recent conversation with writers and editors from Roll Call and the Rothenberg Political Report.
Ball, the likely Republican nominee against Rep. John Hall (D-N.Y.) — and a top recruit in the eyes of the National Republican Congressional Committee — is defiant as he invokes the G-word. Yeah, there’s a lot of crazy stuff out there, he concedes. But it’s also, he argues, a sign of how thoroughly battle-tested he is.
“Google me!”
The taunt has echoes of Gary Hart in 1987: “Follow me around.” Hart, in an interview with the New York Times Magazine that sure seems creepy in retrospect, was trying to debunk persistent rumors about his womanizing.
Little did he know that the very day those words were printed, a reporter from the Miami Herald, acting on a tip, was doing just that, turning up in the bargain a tasty morsel named Donna Rice. So much for Hart’s frontrunning presidential campaign.
“Google me!”
For his history-altering scoop, the Herald’s hardworking Tom Fiedler flew to Washington, D.C., hid in bushes, conducted round-the-clock surveillance and then confronted the principals. But in the 21st century, our “investigation” demands just a few strokes of the computer keys.
So we Googled Greg Ball. He’s right, there’s an awful lot out there. For a guy who is just 31 years old and in his third year in the Legislature, there are already 267 footnotes on his Wikipedia entry — that says something about the kind of passions he inflames.
“There’s controversy surrounding him in the past and there’s going to be controversy around him going forward,” says Michael Edelman, a Republican consultant and commentator in Westchester County, one of the five counties in the Hudson Valley district Ball is hoping to represent.
What kind of stories does Google reveal?
Well, for starters, Ball was accused of stalking a former girlfriend, who got a temporary order of protection against him. He’s been accused of posting on the Web misleading photographs of an encampment of illegal immigrants in his legislative district. A dead goat was found recently in his front yard — the work, Ball believes, of Salvadoran gangs who oppose his tough anti-immigration stance — and he’s been sleeping with a 12-gauge shotgun under his bed ever since. And until recently he has been in a vicious blood feud with his political enemies — who by the way, happen to be fellow Republicans.
Oh yes, Ball was also accused of sexually harassing a former Assembly aide. Details of this are scant on the Web, but in his conversation with Roll Call, which borders on the surreal at times, Ball dutifully provides some. The woman, he says, was put up to it by the establishment Republicans who were waging jihad against him. And the bottom line, from his point of view, is that the Assembly Standing Committee on Ethics and Guidance “cleared” him.
Which is technically true. On Oct. 20, 2008, the committee issued a letter — which is available online — saying an investigation into the accusation found that a violation of the Assembly’s Sexual Harassment/Retaliation Policy “was not established.” The committee also makes it a point to say that the statute of limitations on the woman’s accusations had run out, so the Assembly couldn’t have taken any action anyway.
A clean exoneration? Ball likes to think so. Google him — and judge for yourself.
It’s worth noting that additional dirt about Ball exists in the political ether that surpasses some of things that are out there in cyberworld. The point here is not to titillate, or to sling mud. The point is to ask, is this guy really viable?
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.
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.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport, and I am in this fight not to tear down the incumbent, but to restore America’s promise to the Hudson Valley,” Ball said during the formal announcement of his Congressional bid Saturday. “Blue-collar folks like my family and friends feel shafted by elitist politicians on both sides of the aisle. The unsustainable spending, the bailouts, the corporate welfare, the runaway defense contracts; all of this must stop and we must refocus our priorities in this time of crisis.”
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.
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.
What’s more, in the post-Clinton era, politicians can weather all manner of sex scandals. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), after all, appears on his way to re-election, despite being linked to a D.C. prostitution ring.
But it’s a little trickier to survive this kind of stuff when you’re a fresh face, trying to introduce yourself to voters. Just ask Mike Erickson, the businessman who was the Republican nominee the past two cycles in Oregon’s 5th district. His candidacy was undone last year by reports that despite his opposition to abortion rights, he had driven a pregnant ex-girlfriend to a medical clinic to get an abortion. Erickson had an explanation, and maybe it seemed plausible to him — but it didn’t wash with the voters.
Alex Coronado (R), a local school board member, was waging what seemed like an earnest, appealing long-shot challenge to Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.) in 2004. But in a conversation with Roll Call that was every bit as surreal as the one we had with Ball, Coronado started talking, unprovoked, about the man who was stalking her and her teenage daughter. She lost by 20 points.
That same year, Pueblo County Sheriff Dan Corsentino (R) seemed like a leading candidate for an open House seat in Colorado’s 3rd district, until he became undone by multiple sex scandals involving his office.
Greg Ball is a talented guy. But he seems to be the opposite of teflon. Just the other day, the local media were raising questions about the paperwork for his declaration of candidacy. A small matter, perhaps, but emblematic of something bigger.
Greg Ball may take comfort in knowing what’s out there when people Google him. But he’s never faced attacks like the kind the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and liberal interest groups are going to throw his way. It’s all too easy to see the 30-second ads with the words “stalker” and “sexual harassment” in them.
“John Hall is not going to mess around with him,” Edelman predicts.
And that alone may be enough for Hudson Valley voters to conclude that Hall is “still the one” in 2010.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GRAYMOOR: GARRISON N.Y.
PENTECOST SUNDAY, May 31st, at 11:00 AM
PENTECOST
Pentecost is the "joyful conclusion of the Easter season." The Graymoor Chorale sings at the 11:00 AM Sunday Eucharist in Pilgrim Hall. Plan to wear red.
JUNE 6th and 7th, 13th and 14th
DAYS OF PRAYER AND PILGRIMAGE IN HONOR OF ST. ANTHONY
Masses in English, Italian, Croatian and Spanish will be celebrated to accommodate pilgrims from the metropolitan area and beyond. For a schedule, visit www.graymoorcenter.org or call (845)424-3671 X2111. Volunteers are needed to help welcome pilgrims; call (845)424-3671 X2111 to volunteer.
MONDAY, June 15th-SUNDAY, July 12th
ON-LINE COURSE: Good News and Religious Pluralism
The Paulist Evangelization Training Institute will offer a four-week on-line course to help foster appreciation for how dialogue and relationships with peoples of other religions (e.g. Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, et al) can be mutually enriching. For details, visit www.pncea.org and click on "Courses: Paulist Evangalization and Training Institute."
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A MESSAGE FROM BOB MEYERS:
at the Bean Runner next Wed. 6/3 & then 2 weeks later 6/17 i am re-starting the jazz jam sessions. the 1st two will be with Neil Alexander, keyboards and John "the X" Ray on bass and myself on drums & cymbals. We start at 8:00. All musicians are welcome to bring their instruments and sit in! No cover, no minimum.
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Folks, I am relieved to be out of the bar scene. With your support we can keep jazz active and healthy in this wholesome venue.
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Coming next Sat. June 6th at The Bean Runner a concert of Completely Coltrane with me and the Youth Quartet of Steven Frieder saxes, Luke Franco, guitar and Motoki Mihara, bass.
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Sorry folks,
I forgot to say what time the shows start.
All shows at the Bean Runner start at 8 PM.
NOTE: IGNORE the closing time on the Bean Runner's website. They DO NOT close at 8 PM.
Thanks,
Bob
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A MESSAGE FROM ANDY POLAY:
Hello Friends,
Some great jazz coming up in June for the "APB". More shows to come and more info later.
In the meantime, some dates to save ...
Tuesday, 06/09: Black Cat Cafe in Irvington as part of the Rivertowns Jazz and Blues Festival
(914-231-9060 for info)
Saturday, 06/13: Back at The Beanrunner in Peekskill (914-737-1701)
Saturday, 6/20: Dinner and beyond at the Division St. Grill in Peekskill
(reservations recommended: 914-739-6380)
Saturday, 6/27: We'll be playing the "before party" at the Hollowbrook Golf Club for the Paramount Center For the Arts as they celebrate their yearly red carpet gala. This year, the concert will feature none other than George Benson! Tix are still available for that show.
Thank you very much for your support and I look forward to seeing you at the shows!
Andy
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Hi Andy,
I always look forward to your blogs. This week, there's a mistake as far as the music at the Beanrunner Cafe is concerned.
There has evidently been mistaken communication regarding show times at the Beanrunner. While some shows may start at 8:00, others start at 7:00, and my show on 6/13, for instance, will begin at 7:30PM.
As this got into your blog and makes it appear that all shows start at 8:00, can you please print/email a retraction?
So ... Saturday, June 13, 7:30PM at the Beanrunner Cafe in Peekskill- The Andy Polay Trio with Rahn Burton on keys (Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Stanley Turrentine and countless others), Bill Davis on bass (Ray Charles, Sun Rah, and many, many more credits), and me on the drums.
Thanks,
Andy
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A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR YORKTOWN SUPERVISOR SUSAN SEIGEL:
Thanks Anthony.
Here's my first submission.
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ANNOUNCEMENT
May 29, 2009
Meet Susan Siegel, the Republican candidate for Yorktown Supervisor on Monday, June 22nd at Empire Hunan Restaurant, 1975 Commerce Street in Yorktown Heights, from 7:30-9:30pm. Tickets are $40 per person.
The event is being sponsored by Friends of Susan Siegel. For more information, please call 245-2661 or visit www.wakeupyorktown.com.
A 39 year resident of Yorktown, Siegel is the former president of the Yorktown League of Women Voters and the co-founder of Citizens for an Informed Yorktown. In addition to being a champion of open and transparent government, Siegel has also been an advocate for the unsewered Hallocks Mill homeowners for the past six years.
Susan Siegel for Supervisor
419 Granite Springs Road
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
(914) 245-2661 Fax: (914) 245-2630
susan@wakeupyorktown.com www.wakeupyorktown.com
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A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR YORKTOWN COUNCIL TERRANCE MURPHY:
Murphy represents Yorktown residents at Senate Hearing
Local Entrepreneur and Councilman Candidate urges lower taxes, better business etiquette
In a time when stimulating the economy and attracting businesses are the topic of much debate, the best answers can be given by those most experienced in creating jobs and sustaining growth. Therefore, when the New York State Senate Republican Program Development Committee chose to host the first of a series of hearings to develop an economic action plan in Yorktown Heights, local business owner Dr. Terrence Murphy was asked to give testimony on behalf of his fellow residents to offer several of his own common sense solutions towards getting the local economy back on track.
“I have lived in this town my entire life and can tell you first hand Mom and Pop shops like mine have been the life blood Yorktown has lived off of,” Murphy said. “Operating in the number one taxed county in the nation seriously threatens these establishments and prevents new ones from emerging.”
Dr. Murphy offered two ideas to strengthen existing and welcome new small and medium enterprises in Yorktown.
“Through my fourteen year experience as a small business owner here in Yorktown I see two common sense solutions,” Murphy stated at the hearing in the Mercy College auditorium. “First, we need to reverse the direction our taxes have been going. Lowering taxes on the county and town level will allow small businessmen and women the opportunity to live their dreams of owning their own establishments in addition to sustaining already existing businesses. Second, all levels of government need to lift the numerous obstacles already in place and welcome new businesses. This begins by improving our business etiquette. It is all common sense.”
After the hearing concluded, Murphy joined several prominent lawmakers and area chamber of commerce leaders to discuss his idea to repeal and recreate section 925-s of the state’s general municipal law, which would provide for the establishment of the town of Yorktown industrial development agency (IDA).
“IDAs are created to promote economic prosperity and actively attract and encourage development in the area in question," Murphy stated. “The Yorktown IDA ceased to exist since there were no outstanding bonds or obligations. The town board should be working to pass a local bill that would call on the state to reestablish the Yorktown IDA and promote economic and recreational opportunities for our residents.”
Murphy warned that the current economic climate is making it tougher and tougher for local businesses to survive. “My two businesses employ over 70 people and if things do not start to change 70 people will be looking for new jobs,” he added.
Dr. Murphy owns the Yorktown Health and Wellness Center on Commerce Street and is part owner of the family run Murphy’s Restaurant on Kear Street.
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A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR WESTCHESTER DISTRICT ATTORNEY DNA SCHORR:
SCHORR WILL BRING GPS MONITORING DEVICES TO WESTCHESTER
Will Modernize District Attorney's Office to Better Protect Westchester Citizens
White Plains, NY, May 27... Dan Schorr, an experienced prosecutor and candidate for Westchester District Attorney today announced that he will utilize GPS monitoring bracelets for criminals in Westchester County. GPS monitoring devices are currently being utilized across New York State, including all 5 boroughs of New York City, Rockland and Nassau Counties, among others.
"GPS tracking bracelets are the next best thing to assigning a police officer to each dangerous offender 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." said Dan Schorr, a former domestic violence and sex crimes prosecutor in Queens and Westchester Counties. "This technology provides a new level of protection against criminals and does so without any cost to the taxpayer."
Satellite tracking bracelets are affixed to the ankle of the perpetrator to monitor their real-time whereabouts. The coordinates are sent by the unit to a central computer, which plots the position using mapping software to tell if the offender is in or near a restricted area.
This technology is often used in cases where an Order of Protection is issued, particularly in cases involving domestic violence. When the offender gets within a specified distance of a restricted zone, a text message is automatically sent, notifying the local law enforcement agency and the victim. Multiple zones can be programmed, such as the victim's home, workplace, or child's school.
The cost of the device and 24-hour surveillance is approximately $15 per day. The offender is required to pay all costs as a condition of their release. Many criminal justice agencies contract with companies to provide the bracelets and to monitor the wearer's movements.
"There is no reason why Westchester County should be behind the times in employing new technology to keep our citizens safe." Mr. Schorr continued. "As DA, I will modernize the District Attorney's office to increase efficiency and better serve crime victims."
Mr. Schorr served as a prosecutor in Queens and Westchester Counties, specializing in domestic violence, sex crimes, child abuse, and homicide cases. Having served as an Assistant District Attorney, Mr. Schorr has compiled extensive trial experience and a strong record of convictions.
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SCHORR: 'REPEAL THE SEAL' IMMEDIATELY
Blasts Westchester District Attorney DiFiore for Silence
Bill Would Allow Convicts to Work in Schools, Nursing Homes
White Plains, NY- May 28...Dan Schorr, an experienced prosecutor and candidate for Westchester District Attorney today blasted the provision in the Rockefeller Drug Law reforms that allows judges to seal offender's records from potential employers.
"This provision provides a glaring loophole through every protection we have worked so hard to put in place." said Dan Schorr. "This is a dangerous move that will open the door to potential felons working in our schools, hospitals and day care centers without anyone being the wiser."
The provision goes into effect June 8 and was passed in a series of reforms to the drug laws enacted under former Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1973 to give mandatory sentences for many drug crimes. The reforms were passed as part of the 2009-10 State budget.
Mr. Schorr said as DA, he would band with the other county District attorneys across New York to call for a repeal of this measure. He called on Westchester DA Janet DiFiore to publicly take a stand on this issue.
"While other District attorneys across the state are standing up against this dangerous provision, our DA in Westchester has been silent," Mr. Schorr declared. "The public deserves to know if she supports sealing the records of convicted drug criminals to potential employers."
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY GOP:
Open Investigation Critical to Determine Qualifications of Supreme Court Choice
Statement from Joseph N. Mondello, New York Republican State Committee Chairman
“President Obama’s decision to nominate Judge Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court will have a tremendous impact on our country for years beyond this administration.
The next Supreme Court Justice should exhibit views that reflect those of mainstream America, adhere to the highest legal standards and protect our nation’s cherished legal and governmental traditions. Any member of the highest court in the land must act with respect for the wisdom of the founders of our great nation and interpret the law rather than ruling from the bench.
The only responsible way to choose a reasonable, fair-minded individual for such an important position in our government is through an open, fair review and confirmation process. Republicans should and will avoid the knee-jerk negativism that Democrats displayed with the nominations of Justices Roberts and Alito.
Instead we, along with the general public, look forward to learning about Judge Sotomayor’s legal views, respect for the rule of law, and viewpoint on critical issues that will come before the court to ensure these critical elements comport with the wisdom of the people.”
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PATERSON FAILS TO LEAD
Statement from Joseph N. Mondello, New York Republican State Committee Chairman
After carving up the budget without public meetings, Governor Paterson’s decision to hold a leader’s meeting to express his concern for the economy rings hollow.
When Governor Paterson and the Democrats in Albany had the chance to stand up and fight for the average New Yorker, they turned their backs. Instead, they cut a deal behind closed doors on a budget loaded with job killing tax hikes, reckless spending increases and highly questionable spending choices.
New York’s families and businesses don’t need any more empty promises. They need results. Assembly Republican Leader Brian Kolb is a businessman who knows firsthand what it takes to create jobs and opportunity in this state. Leader Kolb and his conference have been fighting tirelessly for tax restraint and to create private sector jobs.
Senator Dean Skelos has been working to make the people’s case, and the Senate Republican Program Development Committee, Chaired by Senator Betty Little, will be holding their first business roundtable tomorrow to hear directly from businesses around the state and create an action plan that will deliver real results.
Business Council President Ken Adams pointed out, in today’s New York Post, the upcoming job killing proposals that will hamper businesses’ abilities to survive.
The chorus in opposition to Governor Paterson and the Democrat’s disastrous anti-business measures continues to grow every day.
The people are speaking, and Governor Paterson simply isn’t listening.
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
BALL CONDEMNS MTA BAILOUT, TAX
TAKES STEPS TOWARDS 'TAXPAYER RESISTANCE'
New group of area leaders to meet this week
Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I - Patterson) will be calling an emergency meeting of business and non-profit leaders and area elected officials to begin a formative discussion on a coordinated tax resistance in response to the recent MTA rescue plan passed by the legislature.
"If we do not take a stand on this latest and most revolting tax, and I mean take a real stand towards tax resistance, then NYC will continue to tax and kill the suburban and upstate economy with indignation and impunity" Ball said.
The payroll tax, a primary component of the transit authority bailout, is being paid by employers in the twelve counties served by the authority.
"King George himself could not have come up with an idea as cruel, or as atrocious, as the MTA payroll tax. This is the final straw on the Hudson Valley's already overburdened back and we have to send this Governor, and this legislature, and tax and spending leaders even beyond Albany, the message that we are beyond the point of writing letters to the editor. Thursday's joint meeting will be about taking substantive action" Ball said. "If the business community is up to the task, and I believe they are, I can assure them that as elected officials we will stand by them and say, 'Enough is enough, we have reached our breaking point, and will be abused no longer!'"
Details on Ball's public dialogue with local taxpayer groups, chambers of commerce, non-profits and state and local legislators will be forthcoming this week.
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LOG CABIN COMMENDS ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL ON CALL FOR “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL” REVIEW
Urges President Obama to follow-through on campaign promise of repeal.
ALBANY, NEW YORK—Log Cabin Republicans of New York today commended Republican New York State Assemblyman Greg Ball for calling for a review of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy toward gay servicemen and servicewomen.
“As an Air Force Academy graduate and former ranking member of the New York State Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, I believe strongly that it is time for the current administration to consider putting a moratorium on the current ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy affecting our military, until its impacts can be thoroughly reviewed,” Ball said, taking a stand following the dismissal of Lieutenant Colonel Victor Fehrenbach.
“We are encouraged by Assemblyman Ball’s declaration,” said Log Cabin Republicans of New York Chairman Gregory T. Angelo. “It is our hope that others in government and the military will follow the Assemblyman’s lead and call for a review of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and its discriminatory consequences.”
“With President Obama stalling on his campaign promise to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ we are pleased that another key Republican is helping to move this fight forward,” said Log Cabin Republicans National Chairman Terry Hamilton. “Log Cabin has been actively engaged for several years in a suit against the federal government to repeal this harmful legislation. Together with our members, the many military veterans in Log Cabin Republicans and allies such as Assemblyman Greg Ball, we know this is a fight we will win.”
About Log Cabin Republicans: Log Cabin Republicans is the nation's only organization of Republicans who support fairness, freedom, and equality for gay and lesbian Americans. Log Cabin has state and local chapters nationwide, a full-time office in Washington, D.C., a federal political action committee and state political action committees.
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Hello Friend!
The future is looking great and I need your support immediately!
My goal is to raise $100,000 this month. Will you join me?
You can donate online, right now, at www.supportgreg.com
Also, if you can make it, next Friday, I’ll be hosting my annual awards dinner at Murphy’s in Yorktown on Friday June 5th at 7 PM to support the 2010 congressional campaign and restore America’s promise.
You can just stop by or purchase tickets (or become a sponsor) at www.gballevents.com.
Regardless, please go online today at www.supportgreg.com to contribute!
Thank you,
Gregory R. Ball
Member of Assembly
www.Ball4NY.com
Please Join Assemblyman Greg Ball for
An evening in support of Ball for Congress
Date:Friday, June 05, 2009 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (ET)
Location:Murphy's Irish Restaurant
355 Kear St
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
$40 Per Person
$100 Dinner Patron
$250 Dinner Sponsor
Please make checks payable to:
Ball for New York
P.O. Box 135
Patterson, NY 12563
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NATIONAL SECURITY NIGHTMARE, PART II
Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) will be holding a press conference on Monday, June 1, 2009 to discuss the impending “national security nightmare,” which will result from the fact that the newly-enacted Rockefeller Drug Law reforms. Changes in the law will seal the records of felon-level criminals, allowing them to gain employment at schools and hospitals.
All members of the media are invited and encouraged to attend the press conference, which will be held in front of the Westchester County courthouse this Monday at 10 am.
WHO:Assemblyman Greg Ball
WHAT:Press Conference Calling on State Leaders to Amend Rockefeller Drug Laws
WHEN:MONDAY June 1, 2009 10 AM
WHERE:Outside the Westchester County Courthouse
111 Martin Luther King Boulevard
White Plains, New York
CONTACT:Chris Arnold: (845) 531-9796
*************************************************************************************THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss Democrats I like. 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
05/30/09
"King George wanted 10% and we had a revolution, we are now giving nearly 50%, and the time to act has come and gone a thousand times. Today is the day for the historic Hudson Valley to take a stand," Ball concluded.
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