Issues Discussed: 1)my commentary on above topic
2)cable t.v. update
RE: The Volpe Report
3)e-mail from reader Tom from Peekskill
4) message from candidate for Westchester Legislator John Testa
5) what's happening at Graymoor, Garrison
6) what's happening at 12 Grapes N. Division Street, Peekskill
7) a message from candidate for Yorktown Council Terrence Murphy
8) message from candidate for Yorktown Council Mark Drexel
9) message from candidate for Yorktown Supervisor Susan Seigel
10) message from Putnam County Legislator Anthony Fusco
11) message from candidate for Westchester District Attorney
Dan Schorr
12) message from Assemblywoman Sandra Galef
13) 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:
In this weeks "In My Opinion" column in the NCN in which I give an overview of some of the local races, I have been taken to task on some of my conclusions. People involved in those races have begged to differ. The one race in particular that I have received flack from is the race for County Legislative District 1 between John Testa and Domenic Volpe. I will explain how I came to that conclusion.
Mind you I did not pick a winner, at this point in time I can not. I just said this is the race to watch, as it will be decided by the write in votes. Also please note, I am personal friends with both candidates. I will state that if I did not live in this district, I would pay good money to just to live in this district to watch.
In the past two races incumbent George Oros was a candidate. He is not now. In the past two races Domenic Volpe closed the margin of victory. In the first race, Oros had the Independence line, in the second Volpe had it. In this race Testa has it. Without this line John could not win, for even though Oros did not have it the last time, he still had the power of incumbency, something neither present candidate has and it can not be dismissed. This is one reason why this race will be close. The power of incumbency guarantees press coverage for the incumbent. The challenger rarely gets any. In this case any coverage of this race, both candidates will get equal treatment, no edge.
Since 2006 the Democratic voter registration drives in this district, especially Peekskill has been remarkable. The Republican drive non-existent. In point of fact, the Peekskill Democrats registered more Republicans then the Peekskkill Republicans. One would be a fool to discount the disparity in the number of registered Republicans vs. Democrats. I am not that fool. Get out the vote ability, which the Democrats have proven they have and to date,and in the last two elections the Republicans have been remiss, will be a major factor.
In the past two races, Oros had friendly local Republican controlled governments in Peekskill and Yorktown. He also, as a resident of Corltlandt had a working relationship with the government of Cortlandt even though it was Democrat controlled. This year all the local governing bodies in this district are Democrat controlled, and unless something changes I do not see them helping Testa get votes. However, as all the districts have full strong Republican slates running, fully engaged, especially for the first time in years, Cortlandt, this helps John. Again a wash.
Domenic has run a district race twice, John has not. Each part of the district has their own issues, some competing. It is a different race. However John has waged successful campaigns in Peekskill, which has a majority of registered Democrats, and has a strong record as Mayor to run on.
Both are lifetime residents of the district, and have strong ties to the community, deep roots and both in their own way involved in many community groups. Both are personally honest and men of integrity. Both know how to run a campaign. Though I would give John the edge in political savvy. Even his detractors know how astute he is politically, and that counts for much. In fact what I know about inside politics, I learned from John, ever the teacher.
No matter how you dissect it, no one is going to run away with this. I stand by my conclusion. The candidates may still beg to differ, but at least they know how I came to it.
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CABLE T.V. UPDATE:
RE: THE VOLPE REPORT:
Andy;
The Volpe Report
Hosted by Domenic Volpe
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the special guest for this week is none other than John Curran, City of Peekskill Historian.
Just a side note- John is one of the more popular guests the Volpe Report continues to bring on and talk with. This week Mr. Curran's three topics are 1) Jackie Gleason and the Round House in Cortlandt, 2) The Liberty Ships which were docked across the river south of Bear Mountain Bridge- sometimes known as the Mothball fleet and 3) just a quick reference to the recession of 1920-1929 and similarities to the current one.
The Volpe Report can be seen on Public Access channel 15 in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area Thursday at 8:00pm. The Yorktown/Putnam Valley area can see them on Public Access channel 74 Thursdays at 6:0pm.
Thanking you and hope all enjoy a happy and safe July 4.--
Domneic Volpe
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E-MAIL FROM READER TOM FROM PEEKSKILL:
Dear Bazzomanifesto:
A careful read of the legislation regarding the condo and co-op assessments is required. There are some exemptions worth noting such as developments that received grants to aid in its development, common to affordable housing programs. Its should also be noted that, the tax in question appears to have been enacted already for cities of 1,000,000 residents or more.
Tom
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A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR WESTCHESTER LEGISLATOR JOHN TESTA:
Testa/Oros Oppose Condo Assessment Bill
Call on State Senate to Reject Legislation
June 23, 2009
Former Mayor of Peekskill and candidate for County Legislator John Testa was joined today by County Legislator George Oros in opposition to the "Commercial Assessment Ratio Bill" (1706-A) now in front of the NY State Legislature.
The bill, already passed by the State Assembly, now needs approval by the Senate. Testa and Oros are calling for the Senate to reject this legislation.
The pending legislation would increase property tax assessments on condominiums, cooperative apartments, rental apartments and commercial buildings. If passed, a targeted group of property owners would be forced to pay higher municipal, school and county taxes. This bill is written to apply to only one county in all of New York, Westchester.
"This legislation will have a devastating effect on thousands of property owners in Northern Westchester." Testa said. "As a former mayor I know how disastrous this would be for taxpayers. Anyone who lives in a condo, co-op, townhouse or rental apartment will see their living costs go up dramatically," Testa added.
"This is another example of just how out of touch our state leaders in Albany are with their constituents," Oros said. "It wasn't bad enough that the Hudson Valley region was socked with the Mobility Tax but with this legislation taxpayers will be whacked again. This is outrageous and demonstrates a blatant lack of leadership."
"Many who live in condominiums, cooperative apartments and rental apartments are senior citizens looking for an affordable way to live. Many young adults also rely on this type of housing as they graduate college or start a family," said Testa.
Oros also criticized members of the Assembly for keeping Westchester in the dark about the measure. Neither public hearings, nor any conversation with elected officials took place.
"Why be so secretive about it? Could it be that this is something they wanted to sneak in at the end of session when everyone was already making summer plans and not paying attention to the circus in Albany?" Oros remarked. "Our Westchester delegation has a lot of explaining to do."
According to Testa "This law would also negatively impact the small businesses of Westchester County. Times are tough enough already, with many businesses barely hanging on now. This would be the death knell to a large number of them. It must be stopped."
Both Testa and Oros are calling on all residents of Westchester, especially those who live in condominiums, cooperative apartments, rental units and commercial property owners, to join them in contacting their State Senate representatives to vote against this bill.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GRAYMOOR, GARRISON, N.Y.
MONDAY, June 29th
GRAYMOOR GOLF CLASSIC
The tenth annual Graymoor Gold Classic will be held Monday, June 29th, at the Mount Kisco Country Club. For information, call (845)424-3671 X3126.
THURSDAY, July 2nd, to SUNDAY, July 5th
ANNUAL FAMILY RETREAT
Graymoor's annual Family Retreat begins Thursday evening, July 2nd, and ends after Sunday dinner on July 5th. Mix family prayer with family fun without breaking the bank. This year's theme is "Scripture Safari." For information/registration, contact the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center at (845)424-2111.
WEDNESDAY, July 22nd, and WEDNESDAY, August 5th
CAREER COACHING
Lost your job? Worried about Job security? Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York will offer a free two-part program by Ms. Ann Ruecker, a certified professional career coach on two Wednesdays -- July 22nd and August 5th -- at 6:30 PM at Graymoor. Learn the "Do's" and "Don't's" ofnetworking and tactics for finding a job in a difficult market. Those who attend the two-part session will be eligible for individual follow-up coaching sessions. Interested? Call Karen Reynolds at (914)476-2700 X212.
N.B. Thanks to all who helped make the St. Anthony pilgrimages the past two weekends so successful. Special thanks to Sheriff Donald Smith, the Putnam County Deputies, the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Transportation, Putnam-Dutchess REACT, and, last but not least, our volunteers: Sheila Barticcciotto, Joyce Evans, Maryann Martinez, Clara O'Neill, Mark Peretti and James Sullivan.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT 12 GRAPES, N.DIVISION STREET, PEEKSKILL:
Project/Object
Featuring the original members of
The Frank Zappa Band!
Thursday, July 2, 9:00 - 12:00
Project/Object stops at 12 Grapes before their European tour!
Project/Object is a band dedicated to carrying out Zappa's final message to his fans, "Play my music." Their goal is to present the music as it was recorded, but also to respect and develop the creative "live" aspect that Zappa always pushed his band towards. The band features one of the founding members of the Zappa Band, André Cholmondeley, as well as other "Zappa Alum" from the '70's and '80's: Ike Willis and Don Preston, Ed Mann, Dave Johnsen,
Eric Svalgard and Eric Slick.
Make your reservations. Call 914-737-6624
$20 Entertainment Fee for all, including diners
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A MESSAGE FROM CANIDATE FOR YORKTOWN COUNCIL TERRENCE MURPHY:
Murphy Brings Green Energy to Yorktown
Town Board Candidate Walks the Walk
Surrounded by supporters, local officials, and candidates, Terrence Murphy (R,I) unveiled the newest addition to Murphy’s Restaurant and Bar. Hidden behind the hustle and bustle of one of Yorktown’s busiest kitchens now sits one of Yorktown’s first green energy suppliers.
“I am very excited to announce Murphy’s Restaurant has officially embraced green energy by installing a geothermal pump,” Murphy said. “This is a one of a kind installment which will raise the bar for my fellow entrepreneurs to follow.”
“This is just the first step of many for our restaurant,” Murphy added, “we will be looking to invest in other forms of green energy such as solar panels, green plastic bags, and batteries.”
Murphy was joined by Assemblyman Greg Ball and County Legislator George Oros, both whom voiced support for green energy initiatives.
“Green energy is a common sense concept. I encourage my fellow business owners to follow my lead on this issue,” Murphy stated. “If anyone is interested in investing in green energy I will personally give them a tour of our addition and explain to them why this is a smart investment and how to go about achieving it.”
“Throughout this campaign the residents of this town will see I don’t just talk the talk but I walk the walk. This does not apply only to green energy but fighting for lower taxes and the safety of our children,” Murphy concluded.
In April, Murphy formally announced his candidacy for town board. Since then he has been endorsed by both the Republican and Independence Party.
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A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR YORKTOWN COUNCIL MARK DREXEL:
A report from a colleague of mine that might interest you:
The Assembly concluded its business for the regularly scheduled 2009 Legislative Session at approximately 2 a.m. this morning. The Assembly now stands adjourned at the call of the Speaker. The Assembly is not expected to return to Albany until possibly September when the state is expected to face a budget shortfall once again.
Yesterday afternoon Governor David Paterson called an Extraordinary Senate Session for today at 3 p.m. in response to the ongoing leadership dispute between Democrats and Republicans that has brought the work of passing bills in the Senate to a halt. The Governor said he will call the Senate into session today to vote on 55 largely noncontroversial legislative issues, including an extension for the Power for Jobs program, local government sales tax "extenders," New York City mayoral control, and a number of other bills affecting local governments. If both Republicans and Democrats heed the Governor’s call today for a special session and then act on the Governor’s list of bills, the Senate could then follow the Assembly in adjourning for the summer.
Yesterday, Senate Republicans and Bronx Democrat Pedro Espada once again attempted to call the Senate into session, but failed to produce a quorum when Democrats refused to enter the chamber. Senator Dean Skelos (R-Nassau/Suffolk) ended the session yesterday by saying the GOP-led coalition would gavel in again at 2 p.m. today, an hour ahead of the Governor's timetable. Democrats, however, are not expected to enter the chamber.
Paterson added that he would call the Senate back "every day until the people's business is discharged and deliberations are held on a number of important issues" -- including legislative reform, fiscal discipline and gay marriage. This seemed to signal anticipation that the full Senate – either the Republicans or the Democrats – might not appear for today’s special session.
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A report from a colleague of mine that might interest you:
> Senate Democrats and Republicans are following Gov. Paterson's call to hold a special session this afternoon after he threatened Wednesday to take them to court and withhold their paychecks if they left Albany.
> The sides are meeting this morning behind closed doors to continue discussions on whether the Senate leadership battle can be resolved to end the nearly three-week leadership dispute.
> Paterson threatened to take the sides to court after Senate Democrats initially refused to re-enter the chamber because they claimed Paterson'S call of a special session was illegal.
> Late last night, however, Paterson issued a statement saying the sides will agree to meet in session today. It so, this will be the first time since the June 8 leadership coup that they'll be meeting in the same session.
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A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR YORKTOWN SUPERVISOR SUSAN SIEGEL:
Press Release from Susan Siegel
Republican Candidate for Yorktown Town Supervisor
June 24, 2009
Democrats Are Misleading Yorktown's Seniors
Planning for a Yorktown Senior Center is in total disarray according to Susan Siegel, Republican Party candidate for Yorktown Supervisor. Siegel accused the Democrats of a total lack of leadership and direction on the senior issue that has been festering for over two years. “It’s not fair to the seniors,” Siegel said.
“Everyone agrees that something needs to be done to provide our seniors with a more modern, attractive, safe and better equipped place to meet” Siegel said. “But nothing is being done to get people working together to come up with a plan that has any chance of becoming a reality. Instead, the Democratic administration has been spinning its wheels and valuable planning time and staff resources have been wasted.”
Calling the Democrats’s most recent actions “empty and disingenuous,” Siegel, herself a senior, said she felt as if she was on roller coaster ride: one day, the board votes to move forward on a plan that its says will give us the center we want. But the next day, it turns out that the board’s plan is most likely unworkable.”
The latest fiasco in the planning for a senior center occurred at the town board’s June 23rd work session during a presentation on the need for a new, stand-alone senior center that supposedly could be funded by a combination of grants, private donations and fund raising, including $330,000 in anticipated federal money.
As an example of the confusion that has surrounded the senior issue, Siegel cited the contradictory “facts” about the highly publicized $330,000 that Congressman John Hall is supposed to be making available for the proposed new center.
At the board’s June 16th meeting, Democratic Councilman Jim Martorano said that the $330,000 could be used for rent as part of a lease-to-purchase plan that would make the construction of a new senior center financially feasible.
But at the board’s June 23rd work session, Catherine D’Amato, the chairperson of a senior committee promoting the construction of a new center, told the assembled seniors that the $330,000 could only be used for programs, not rent or capital costs. She also said that if the town didn’t have a plan in place to use the program money by December, 2009, it would lose it.
Also at the June 23rd meeting, Democratic Supervisor Don Peters suggested that perhaps “unofficially,” some of the “program” money could be siphoned off for other purposes. He didn’t elaborate on what he meant or on what the town was planning to do if and when it actually received the $330,000.
“Yorktown’s seniors have lived long enough to have learned that there’s no Santa Claus. They’re too smart to be taken in by flim-flam and politically motivated promises,” Siegel said.
What needs to be done, Siegel stressed, is to get representatives of the various senior groups together with other members of the community, and at least one town board member, to undertake an honest examination of the different options and then to come up with a realistic plan that has a chance of being implemented in the lifetime of today’s seniors.
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 PUTNAM COUNTY LEGISLATOR ANTHONY FUSCO:
Saturday, June 27th, Community Cares Hosts a Volunteer/Sponsor Appreciation Day at Sycamore Park in Mahopac, from Noon to 4pm.
Community Cares will express its appreciation to the many donors, sponsors and community volunteers who give of their time, money and business resources. 150-200 Guests are expected
Community Cares, serving Putnam and Northern Westchester, is a non-profit organization with a network of volunteers and businesses whose main goal is to support families in medical crisis. They specifically aid families with school-aged children whose parent is undergoing a major medical diagnosis. Their services include meals, wash and fold services, and house cleaning.
Community Cares stands ready to help parents with serious illnesses that have young children to care for; whether it is a cancer diagnosis, an MS relapse or some other debilitating illness. Raising children is challenging enough without dealing with life threatening health issues. They provide those everyday services that become more difficult in the midst of medical treatment. Their services are only temporary, and they reassess the needs of their “clients” every few months.
They offer:
Home Delivery of Meals
House cleaning Services
Laundry Services
Volunteer matching for Childcare and Babysitting Services
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A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY DAN SCHORR:
ASTORINO, SCHORR URGE GOVERNOR TO MOVE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM SEX PREDATORS
Bill Would Prevent Child Molesters from
Living Within 1,000-Feet of a School, Playground or Library
Mount Kisco, NY-June 27...Convicted sex predators are living in Westchester County today, steps from where children congregate--on playgrounds, at schools, and in libraries--because a popular bill in Albany to prevent them from doing so cannot get onto the floor of the State Assembly and Senate for a vote, Westchester County District Attorney candidate Dan Schorr (R) and Westchester County Executive candidate Rob Astorino (R-I) today said.
Mr. Astorino and Schorr called on Governor David Paterson to add the bill, which would prevent convicted sex predators from living within 1,000 feet of a playground, library or school, to a list of legislation he is expected to present to the State Legislature for consideration this summer in an emergency special legislative session. Mr. Astorino, a former County Legislator, and Mr. Schorr, a former Assistant District Attorney in Westchester and New York City, said the legislation would pass with "overwhelming bi-partisan support" if it was voted on today.
Mr. Schorr and Mr. Astorino made their call in Mount Kisco, where two convicted Level 2 sex offenders live near playgrounds. There are three categories of sex offenders: Level 1 (low risk of repeat offense); Level 2 (moderate risk of repeat offense), and Level 3 (high risk of repeat offense.) A complete list of sex predators in New York is available to the public at: http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/
"As a long-time prosecutor I'm sorry to say that this is not an unusual occurrence," Mr. Schorr said. "Sex predators often move near places where children gather. I urge Governor Paterson in the strongest possible terms to insist on a vote this summer to keep this from happening. These are scenarios that too often end in tragedy."
"Child molesters shouldn't be living near children," Mr. Astorino said. "This is so patently obvious that it defies belief that it's still allowed to happen. This legislation would pass in the blink of an eye if it was put on the floor in the Senate and Assembly, yet it continues to languish in committee. Governor Paterson has an opportunity to strike a great victory for common sense and child safety this summer by demanding a vote on this bill."
Mr. Astorino and Mr. Schorr said that as County Executive and District Attorney, respectively, they would explore legal avenues to prohibit sex predators from living near playgrounds, schools, and libraries in Westchester County if the State Legislature refuses to act.
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:
*Assemblywoman Galef Holds Press Conferences on
4% County Sales Tax Authorization
and Putnam County Electronic Appearance Legislation 4% Sales Tax*
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef will hold a press conference at the Putnam County Office Building/Historic Courthouse with Putnam County Deputy Executive John Tully and members of the Putnam County Legislature. The focus is her legislation (A8765/S5299) that authorizes counties, cities, and school districts to impose a sales tax up to 4% without requesting the New York State Legislature’s approval every two years. This year the Assembly passed sales tax extenders while the Senate remains deadlocked over leadership issues jeopardizing the budgets of counties, school districts, and cities.
*Putnam County Electronic Court Appearance *
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef will hold a press conference with County Legislator Mary Ellen Odell, Co-Chair of the Commission on Fiscal Vision and Accountability, and members of the Commission to discuss legislation (A8096/S5084) that allows defendants to electronically appear before a judge rather than in-person.
The press conferences will take place as follows:
Tuesday, June 30, 2009*
11AM** * Putnam County Office Building and Courthouse
40, 44 & 48th Gleneida Avenue and 20 Fair Street
Carmel, NY 10512
http://www.putnamcountyny.com/directions/40gleneidaavcarmel.htm
For more information or directions, contact Sandy’s district office 2 Church St., Ossining (914) 941-1111 or e-mail Sara Rubin at rubins@assembly.state.ny.us. For day-of contact information, call Sara Rubin at (914) 261-5503.
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Assemblywoman Galef’s Legislation Permitting Electronic Court Appearances in Putnam County Passes State Assembly
Putnam County Officials Praise Its Passage
(June 25, 2009) Assemblywoman Sandy Galef announced passage of her Assembly bill A8096/S5084, which would allow defendants to appear electronically at court proceedings in Putnam County. The Putnam County Executive, Board of Legislators and the County Sheriff requested the legislation to save taxpayer money and increase government efficiency by allowing defendants to appear electronically in connection with a criminal action, except for hearings and trials.
“With the passage of this bill Putnam County will join twenty-six other counties, including Westchester, in New York State that have the authority to conduct electronic court appearances,” said Galef. “Giving the courts in Putnam County the authority to decide whether or not it is necessary to see a defendant in connection with criminal actions will not only cut costs for taxpayers it will also enhance public safety. It also preserves the rights for those accused of a crime since they will still appear in person at critical junctures of the proceedings such as a hearing or trial.”
The legislation takes advantage of new technology that has proven effective in other parts of the state and country. By setting up a closed-circuit, audio-visual system inside a designated space in the Putnam County Correctional Facility, defendants can be present for many parts of the judicial process without being physically transported to the County Courthouse. Currently, Putnam County Correction Officers transport about two hundred detainees and prisoners to different courts across the county every year. The use of electronic court appearances would reduce the number of these transports, thereby reducing labor costs, transportation-related expenses, and has the additional advantage of protecting the environment through reduced vehicular emissions.
"This is a good example of how government at all levels can work together to accomplish the goal of making government more economic and efficient. We appreciate the hard work of everyone involved and are hopeful that all approvals will occur in time to realize savings during our next fiscal year," said Putnam County Executive Robert Bondi.
Mary Ellen Odell, Putnam County Legislator and Co-Chair of the Commission on Fiscal Vision and Accountability (Commission) said: “On behalf of my co-chair, Neil Sullivan and Commission members, I want to thank Assemblywoman Galef for this legislation that would allow defendants to appear before a judge electronically instead of in-person. It is gratifying when a state legislator takes our recommendation to streamline Putnam County government and transforms it into reality. It is also a testament to our Commission members who come from all walks of life, political parties, public, and private sectors to work together and find ways to make government more efficient and save Putnam County residents’ money. This bill is a grand slam; it reduces our payroll significantly, decreases field transportation costs, and enhances public safety. It is a significant achievement, reducing costs while still carrying out mandatory governmental functions.”
“There are so many new forms of technology available to us, and as a result it is no longer necessary to transport defendants to and from local courts for every appearance,” said Galef. “I know this legislation is going to relieve some of the economic burden placed on my constituents in Putnam. The measures provided in this legislation will go a long way to furthering my commitment to limiting waste in New York State , both economically and environmentally,” Galef concluded.
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Subject: Galef Letter to Editor-Senate Inaction Harmful to NY State
June 24, 2009
To the Editor:
What is taking place right now in the New York State Senate offers people another opportunity to become extremely frustrated with the state legislature. People have stopped me asking if I have been working. I can assure you that I have. Sometimes the responsibilities of the two houses in New York State can be confusing. However, during our session the Assembly was able to complete a very large agenda.
The Assembly passed many important bills. This included bills that would not impose unfunded mandates on other governments which might result in increased property taxes, legislation that would keep people safe, and bills that would help with basic needs.
One of my major concerns is that most of the 1,252 bills which the Assembly passed have not been voted on in the Senate. Of particular importance, bills that allow both Putnam and Westchester counties to continue to have their county sales taxes must be approved by the state. The Assembly has approved the bills, but without Senate action, no sales tax could mean increased property taxes to make up for lost revenues. Certainly none of us would like this to happen.
To keep our businesses here, the Assembly has approved legislation to continue providing low cost power to certain companies in our state. That is also in jeopardy because of the Senate’s inaction.
The bills we passed will keep our state competitive and green, and help our residents with health care and consumer issues. Hopefully the Senate will find a way to complete the job they were elected to do for all New Yorkers.
Sincerely,
Sandy Galef
Member of Assembly
90th District
(914) 941-1111
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
"GIVE MTA MORE MONEY?...
GET THE 'HALL' OUT OF HERE," BALL SAYS
Second bailout, for runaway authority: troublesome, mind boggling proposal
Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I - Patterson), leading a regional fight to form a 'taxpayer resistance' against the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) payroll tax, is questioning what he says is a badly planned "second bailout" passed by the House of Representatives lastweek that allows the MTA to use federal stimulus funds for operating costs.
Ball joined with other Hudson Valley lawmakers in penning a letter to Congressman John Hall (D, WF - Dover), which states that "In a recent press release you took credit for amending the limitations on how the $110 million in federal stimulus money secured for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) can be used, enabling them to be used for operating expenses, rather than capital improvements alone. In your release you noted that this is "more than enough to end the payroll tax on Hudson Valley counties." This is simply not the case, Ball contends.
In the letter, Ball points out that the state hopes to raise about $1.5 billion from the "nefarious" payroll tax annually, which charges 34 cents for every $100 of payroll in the 12-county MTA region. The payroll tax, which is now New York State law, would not be affected by Hall's amendment to the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009, though the Congressman's provision has serious negative implications for the agencies' capital budget and further drains stimulus dollars that were intended to put the Hudson Valley back to work.
"The funds given to New York through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act were supposed to be used for shovel-ready capital projects, to employ blue collar New Yorkers, and keep our building trades strong. This money was not supposed to be used to fill the spending gaps of wayward authorities that are riddled with incompetence and corruption," Ball, who serves as Ranking Member of the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions and has oversight of the MTA, stated earlier today. "Before the MTA receives a cent of the ill-conceived payroll tax, a criminal, forensic accounting must take place, and while I understand the Congressman's urge to try to keep a step ahead politically, he really stepped in it this time, out of political haste, by attempting to put good money after bad without addressing the root cause of the MTA payroll tax problem - which is mismanagement, lack of transparency and corruption. Without repealing this tax this new bailout will just further facilitate the MTA's addiction to secrecy and bloated spending."
Funds given to New York through ARRA gave New York a total of $1.22 billion in Federal Transit Aid assistance, of which the MTA is expected to get $908.9 million for use on capital projects. The measure, inserted by the current Congressman and passed by the House of Representatives this Tuesday, allows the MTA, an authority with billions in cost overruns and historic mismanagement, to use up to 10% of their capital project ARRA funding to pay operating expenses.
"Without a repeal of the payroll tax, the Congressman is simply squeezing already overburdened Hudson Valley taxpayers and rewarding an incompetent New York City authority with another ill conceived bailout," Ball said, while highlighting his www.auditthemta.com website. "Instead of using stimulus dollars to pay for the MTA's operating expenses, the Congressman should immediately join our fight to repeal the payroll tax, establish a formalized tax resistance in the Hudson Valley and demand an immediate and forensic accounting of the MTA's books."
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BALL SAYS ‘NO’ TO NATIONAL ENERGY TAX
LARGEST TAX HIKE IN U.S. HISTORY
Urges Congress to defeat Waxman-Markey ‘Cap & Tax’ bill
Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I - Patterson) urged members of the House of Representatives to vote "no" on the American Clean Energy and Security Act, a national energy tax, which many independent experts are calling the largest tax increase in American history.
“Reducing our carbon footprint is one of the most pressing issues facing us as elected officials,” Ball said. “Sustainable conservation should be based on incentives, and not a national energy tax based on government mandates. People need to urge our Congressman to vote against Waxman-Markey. This will devastate American families and the Hudson Valley economy. The Hudson Valley would be one of the hardest hit areas by this legislation, which could cause over 46,000 job losses within the 19th Congressional District, and a $1.4 billion dollar loss per year in our gross state product.”
The figures cited by Ball (Table 1, WM 2504: "How the Waxman-Markey Climate Change Bill Would Affect the States, by Congressional District", Heritage Foundation) have raised similar ire throughout the country from Democrats and Republicans, many of whom point to the far-reaching implications of the tax bill, which would even replace local building codes with new federal ones.
Ball says he favors an approach based on less government intervention, and that would favor alternative energies such as hydro power, clean coal, wind, solar and geothermal energies, as well as the expansion of zero free emissions nuclear energy, and highlighted his state legislation to eliminate taxes on alternative energy sources (A4731/S3150), create green-collar jobs (A8359), and establish a state energy planning board to create a state energy plan and process for the siting of electric generating facilities (A7250).
“I would hope that our representative from the 19th congressional district would have the the common sense, to vote 'no' on this job-killing bill, which amounts to the largest tax increase in U.S. history,” Ball concluded.
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*BALL RESO CALLS FOR FED AUDIT
*/Measure would call for roll-call votes on HR 1207 to open Uncle Sam’s
books/**
Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) believes that giving one
institution too much power is dangerous, and has drafted a resolution
that would call on New York’s congressional delegation to seek roll-call
votes on HR 1207, Congressman Ron Paul’s “Audit the Fed” bill.
“New Yorkers are reeling from a tough economy and are absolutely fed up
with bailouts for Wall Street and run-amok institutions like the MTA.
New Yorkers, a diverse slice of main street America, are fed up with the
lack of accountability, transparency, and oversight from government
institutions, and it is time for this legislature to get behind HR 1207.
I am demanding that our federal representatives bring it to the floor of
the House of Representatives for debate.” Ball said. “It is time to
ensure that unelected bodies like the Fed, and the MTA, become
accountable and responsive to the electorate. It’s time for the sunlight
of good government to shine in and serve as a disinfectant on the Fed.”
HR 1207, and S 604, its Senate companion, would require full
transparency from the Federal Reserve for the first time in history and
remove all restrictions from Government Accountability Office (GAO)
audits of the Fed. There are already 242 House cosponsors for HR 1207.
Provisions of HR 1207 include:
* Requiring the Government Accountability Office to perform a
complete audit of the Fed by the end of 2010
* Revealing the details of agreements the Fed has made with foreign
central banks and governments
* Showing which banks and Wall Street firms have received our money
from the Fed
Ball’s legislative resolution asks that the state legislature make every
effort to seek roll call votes by their federal counterparts in the
United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate.
*******************************
Dear Neighbor
In recent weeks, I have fielded hundreds of calls from constituents concerned with both DWI and the ongoing deterioration of the Village of Brewster. Rightfully so, many residents are outraged and are furious, over a heartbreaking and tragic loss that could have been avoided.
Please know that this tragedy, and these conversations, have affected me personally and deeply, and out of respect for the family and the severity of this horrific tragedy, I have refused commenting to the press.
It is important for the community to know that I am working diligently, behind the scenes, with other elected officials to address the core issues that are important to you and the community at large.
On June 29th, to begin to develop a specific and targeted strategy in response to both DWI and illegal housing, hiring, I am hosting an Emergency Session of local officials and leaders.
Since being elected, I have been active, specifically on the issue of illegal housing and hiring, but I have needed, and until recently have not had, broad based support to get these initiatives adopted. Similarly, on DWI, there is much that can be done if all elected officials in the county and beyond work together as a team.
Putnam County has been rocked by DWI related deaths in the past. I will continue to support a zero tolerance approach to DWI and will be introducing extremely stringent state legislation in the next few weeks, which will mimic some of the strongest legislation in the nation.
On the issue of illegal immigration, my position is clear. Even when not politically popular, I have taken tough, commonsense stands – even when it meant standing alone.
For more than three years, I have been trying to move our community forward to embrace a crack down on illegal housing and illegal hiring. This has not been an easy task, and there are those who oppose even commonsense measures that simply enforce existing law.
My resolve has never been greater to reverse the deterioration of the Village, and to address the quality of life issues, from DWI to illegal housing-hiring, continuing to threaten to shatter the sanctity of our community.
Once I have finished reaching out to all officials, and developed a strong sense for what action items they are willing to adopt, I will be back in touch with my constituency. Please continue to send me your emails, thoughts and concerns at gball@ball4ny.com .
My goal is to unveil a comprehensive set of initiatives that can be taken up, immediately, at the state, county and local level.
Greg Ball
Member of Assembly
(845) 279-5301
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I give an overview of the local races. 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:
DOMENIC VOLPE: www.votefordomenicvolpe.com
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/
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
CORTLANDT CHOICE: WWW.CORTLANDTCHOICE.COM
WWW.TWITTER.COM/CORTLANDTCHOICE
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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 (yOrktown and Putnam Valley only)
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI (Yorktown only)
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
06/28/09
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