Dear Readers:
What are the qualifications that the person who replaces our current Senator, Hillary Clinton, must posses? According to their spoken and voting records of the names mentioned they...
1) must be willing to spend tax dollars with abandon.
2) must be good a guilting the tax payers into paying a combined federal, state, county, and local (this includes school and property) tax burden of at least 50% of your income, and convince you it is still not enough.
3) must be part of the reason why our federal, state, city, county, and local governments are bloated with close to 40% of the population receiving some sort of government check.
4) must be on board with the desire to make that percentage go past 50% to make sure that the Democrat Party will be in control for the next 50 years.
5) must be part of the reason why those people and businesses that can relocate to other less taxing and regulating states do relocate.
6) must truly believe that the original premise of our founding, that government should have limited involvement with the people is obsolete.
7) must truly believe that a government that has bankrupted social security, medicare and medicaid. That has bankrupted the mortgage, banking, and auto industry. That a government that cannot adequately educate it citizens. That a government that cannot respond fast enough in national disasters. That a government that has transferred over three trillion dollars of wealth from the private sector since 1966 to fight poverty and still says that the levels of poverty are still the same can efficiently manage health care for everybody, manage the auto industry, run banks and the oil and coal industries.
8) must truly believe that a government that says it cannot build a wall across our boarders to stop illegal immigration. That has fought a war on drugs without much success. That tired prohibition without success. That cannot either stop or start hurricanes and tornados,can actually stop climate change just by bankrupting the energy industries to taxing animal flatulence.
9) must truly believe that history starts when you wake up in the morning and everything operates in a vacuum.
10)must truly believe that unlike God, who knew after seven day he was done, uses programs that were designed to be fiscal safety nets to now create a dependent class. Uses the idea of basic quality education to now boarder on indoctrination. That used the premise of government to provide basic safety of its citizens to now define safety into government control of our habits, movements, child rearing. To change the principal of equal opportunity to equal outcome, creating aceptance of mediocrity and the demonization of success. That has added the venial sin of envy to the political process.
These are the beliefs of all the "qualified" candidates names mentioned. I think it is time to nominate an "unqualified" candidate for the senate. We need an "unqualified" Senator that would believes in the market system. One that realizes that even though OPEC has cut production by two and a half million barrels a day to run up the price of oil has failed because people changed their driving habits and do not trust this present drop in prices.
We need an "unqualified" candidate that knows it was not deregulation that caused this recession, but pure corruption on a massive scale by those in government that turned a blind eye. That tried to social engineer the mortgage industry. That allowed their friends in "Fannie Mae" and "Freddy Mac" to make massive bonuses by cooking the books and totally ignored the basics of economics.
We need an "unqualified" candidate who knows you cannot tax or regulate your way out of this recession. One who knows that you can not make poor people rich by making rich people poor. One who will be loyal to the state they represent and not the ruling class that would be part of. One who can not only speak truth to power but also to the people.
We need an "unqualified" candidate who does not believe they are smarter than God, nor more powerful than nature. I have known financial success and failure. I have known corruption and honesty. I have know selfishness and compassion. I know history started before I was born and things do not operate in a vacuum. I am totally "unqualified". I nominate me.
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CABLE T.V. SHOW UPDATE:
RE: THE VOLPE REPORT:
Andy-
Greetings to all! Hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year during this holiday season.
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce that the special guest for January is Kathleen Fitzpatrick- the managing editor for the North County News. Listen to Kathleen as she speaks of the road that led her to the NCNews staff and the workings and pressure of deadlines, judgement calls, and articles that make the weekly paper so popular is the area.
The dates and times are as follows:
Yorktown/Putnam Valley Channel 74 Wednesday @ 6:00pm December 31, January 7, 14, 21 and 28
Peekskill/Cortlandt Channel 15 Thursday @ 8:00pm January 8, 15, 22 and 29
Dominec
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AN E-MAIL COMMENT ON MY NCN COLUMN "I'LD RATHER LIVE IN POTTERSVILLE"
Hey Bazzo:
I just read your blog additions and had to write and tell you how much I loved your mini Biography. It sounds like you and I must be contemporaries- hell, we probably were at the Paramount and the Hollowbrook Drive-in on some of the same nights. My parents moved to Lake Peekskill in 1955. Anywhere else I would be considered an Old Timer by now; not in good ole Put Valley where I think you have to have been here at least 100 years and more or less "be your own grandma" to not be considered a Washed Ashore. I remember going to Peekskill as a little kid and for me, it was as good as going to the Big Apple until I reached the age of maybe 15 when the Sixties hit the burbs full blast and I ended up in Manhattan's East Village every chance I got. Like you said, LP was a bungalow colony that emptied out after Labor Day. We and some other kids practically OWNED the lake and "the mountain" we lived on until June when the Summer Kids from the Bronx, Brooklyn and THe City came up to regale us with their tales of Mount St. Ursula, The Sands, Jimmy Bonga da Bong, The Corners and other urban legends. We worshipped those kids, they were so cool. It was so depressing when school started and everyone left-- no wonder there was so much alcohol and drug use (although there seems to still be alot of that today, what's their excuse?). But at least we had Peekskill, and for most of us, that did just fine for a long time. Thanks again for all your work and reporting. I tend to agree with most of what you say, even if it's politically incorrect.
Patty V.
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YHO said...
Your family owned Nino's? It's been 30 years, and I still say that Nino's pizza was the best pizza I ever tasted. It had a sauce with big chunks of fresh tomatoes, and a very thin crust with semolina on the bottom, as I recall.
Care to share the recipe? :-)
MY REPLY:
SORRY IT IS A FAMILY SECRET
A.B.
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AN E-MAIL FROM PLUM-LINE FELLOWSHIP
Greetings Andy,
This is the email I sent to my network that included my favorite cabbie. I write to a distinctly Christian audience, the born again/ evangelical crowd so I refer much to scripture, church and the like. It is a handpicked audience I communicate with that includes many young adults I have mentored on the past or am currently mentoring. I cover theology, politics and current events that I think are educational putting my observations on it.
I hope you like it.
Kevin
Subject: He shoots, he scores, YESSSSSS
Greeting Beloved,
If you had an opportunity to speak directly to an influential Democratic operative, what would you say?
Yesterday I had an opportunity to do just that, speak truth to power. It was one of those occasions that you rarely if ever get to speak your mind to an influential person implementing policies that you think are wrong and harmful and trying to white wash it.
I was in a taxi going to my apartment from the train station in Peekskill. The Taxi driver is also a columnist in a local Westchester/Putnam county newspaper. He is a good conservative columnist who writes well and studies his subject. He hammers the Democrats every week exposing their policies and using his pen as a weapon. We have found much common ground in our conversations when I ride his cab to my apartment. I was in the front passenger seat. Behind me were two women in the back seat of the cab.
The conversation began with the Chicago events where the governor was arrested earlier this week. We were discussing which state has the most corrupt political machine, Illinois, Louisiana or NJ which are incidentally states with a heavily dominant Democratic political machine in control. I asked when we were going to get the data of who has more politicians behind bars, the Democrats or Republicans? The cabbie said it will never happen because the press is in cahoots with the Democratic party. Then he warned me that the lady sitting directly behind me was the head of the city of Peekskill Democratic party. She then spoke her mind implicitly acknowledging the problem of Democrats behind bars. She said it was likely due to their base is usually in cities where crime is more rampant. Not being satisfied with this lame excuse knowing that urban or rural setting don’t shape character but values taught and received do; I had to make a choice of being nice so she would like me or to speak truth to power. Having the situation of a captive audience in the cab with an ally driving the car, (I’m typically outgunned by a 20:1 margin in Brooklyn) I countered with another theory. I suggested that the demise of these Democratic politicians is because the party has embraced a corrupt ideology.
At this point my fellow conservative cabbie vociferously disagreed. He said it can’t possibly be corrupt ideology on the ground the Democrats don’t have any ethics or a sound definition of right and wrong. I had given them credit for having values by insinuating they had an ideology or world view. I countered that regardless of their moral bankruptcy, that their views are still based upon an ideology though one that refused to acknowledge possibility of the existence of absolute truths.
Changing the subject the cabbie said liberal policies are like having a venereal disease, it can be cured, it does not have to be fatal. He was very close to my feeling of the Democrats. I said they remind me of a whore that gives away what does not belong to them to stay in power (e.g. citizenship, social security, drivers licenses and education to illegals, stealing private property from the rich to buy votes, raping the constitution to get an immigrant elected to the presidency). The woman did not offer a defense and she could not because it is true. There is absolutely no moral equivalency between conservatives and the Democratic party. It’s not even close. Just look whose leaders are doing the jail time by large measure.
We arrive at this beleaguered woman’s home. As she left she asked for Christmas that the cabbies column would not hammer the Democrats. He said that was his intent, he would be nice to the Democrats for Christmas and that he had his sights on socialists instead. To me they are one in the same. It was a great day. I feel I was given an opportunity to cut through the smoke and mirrors and speak to a key Democrat and confront them on even terms and battle the constant stream of misinformation and confusion that this political party has taken to an art form.
Also, this is the second time I have watched this cabbie boldly speak truth to his customers. He gave an economic history lesson to another liberal rider who trashed the American economic mess as the worst since the great depression. He cited facts and figures to the Carter years in the 70’s that Reagan corrected by his conservative policies and values. The cabbie challenged this passenger to read a history book before spouting liberal propaganda. How I wish that moral courage existed in the church. I have seen too many pander for power and influence rather than speak truth to power no matter what may happen or where it takes them.
Kevin OReilly
Plumb-line Fellowship – Footwasher in training
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
ASSEMBLYMAN BALL ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF ‘THE PUTNAM PIONEERS’
Local Republicans make New Year’s resolution to keep Putnam, and take back New York
Prior to being sworn in for his second term, State Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson), announced the formation of a new political action committee known as the Putnam Pioneers. This ‘by invitation only’ organization is committed to getting serious conservative candidates elected throughout the Hudson Valley.
At his swearing in ceremony at Primavera in Croton Falls, NY in Westchester County the Assemblyman stated, "[b]y supporting Putnam Pioneers, you are helping to lay a strong foundation for maintaining a Republican Majority and getting reform minded candidates elected throughout the county, and beyond," Ball told a crowd of supporters.
The committee has already recruited over 40 committed Republicans, Conservatives, elected officials, business owners, and even Democrats throughout the Hudson Valley. Each member has made a $2500 financial commitment to help recruit credible candidates who espouse a simple philosophy of cutting taxes, rooting out corruption and cracking down on illegal immigration.
"The Putnam Pioneers will provide direct financial assistance, independent expenditures, research, media consulting, Web networking, and training for candidates and staff," Ball added.
Ball, one of the few remaining elected Republican officials in the Hudson Valley, said the organization, "was dedicated to rebuilding the infrastructure of the Republican party by recruiting, raising money, and targeting these resources to support maverick candidates willing to support a fiscally conservative and socially populist message to win local, county and state races."
"We are beginning to recruit a tremendous group of Republican candidates for 2009 and 2010", Ball said. "While our party has always had strong grassroots enthusiasm, one thing we have lacked is an organized ‘farm team’ of conservative Republican candidates who are ready to intelligently speak on an anti tax, pro legal immigration and anti cronyism agenda while moving our party forward."
The founding members, several of whom include rising stars in the state party and local officials who have run efficient races, are working a blueprint for success that will provide financial training, strategic assistance and campaign tools to other candidates.
www.Ball4Ny.com
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BALL TELLS GOV. PATERSON “SPORTSMEN ARE NEW YORKERS TOO”
Urges Paterson to save Reynolds Game Farm for Upstate Economy
A budget recommendation from the state Department of Environmental Conservation to close the Reynolds Game Farm in the town of Dryden Tompkins County drew consternation from Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) this week.
“While pheasant hunting continues to offer New Yorkers the ultimate and most popular upland game hunting experience and an excellent opportunity to introduce youngsters to the challenges and rewards of hunting birds with a trained dog,” Ball said, “Governor Paterson’s proposed budget effectively dismantles the only remaining pheasant farm left in the state.”
Ball delivered a letter on behalf of Hudson Valley sportsmen to the Governor asking if the present $750k annual cost of the program truly outweighs its benefits.
The letter emphasized the fact that the state pheasant program is not funded with taxpayer dollars, as funding to operate the Reynolds Game Farm comes exclusively from the Conservation Fund which is funded through license fees paid by hunters.
“Almost 600,000 hunters spend over $700 million annually on hunting and hunting related activities,” Ball said. “The alternative for many of these hunters who enjoy pheasant hunting is to spend their money in another state. What sense does that make?”
“While our state faces a financial emergency, the Governor’s proposals already produce $3.1 billion in new taxes and fee increases during a recession,” Ball added. “Meanwhile, as if the all-out tax assault on small businesses and working families wasn’t enough, the Governor’s plan contains no measures to help the upstate economy rebound.”
Figures provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation on DEC’s own website shows small game hunters spent approximately $600 per person per year on trip and equipment related expenses in 2006, contributing millions of dollars to the state economy.
“Budget reductions are a necessity and DEC must suffer along with other agencies,” Ball said. “However, a decision to close New York’s last remaining pheasant rearing facility, which provides millions in revenue to our economy, without seeking an input from the people who are paying for it – the sportsmen of New York – is disturbing at the least.”
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:
Assemblywoman Galef Announces Results of Constituent Survey on Ways to Reign in Property Taxes
89 Percent Favored a Tax Cap
(December 29, 2008) Assemblywoman Sandy Galef released the results of a constituent survey she conducted on property tax relief in the 90th NYS Assembly District. They were overwhelmingly in favor of change, with the vast majority supporting a property tax cap.
Following a seminar she held at Putnam Valley High School in June 2008 with Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Chairman of the NYS Commission on Property Tax Relief, she sent out a newsletter explaining some of the information about the Commission’s report, and asked constituents to weigh in with their opinions. Galef posed questions about a tax cap, local overrides to a cap, mandate relief and circuit breaker legislation.
“Many people said they felt that a tax cap would not be enough because it could only cap costs going forward,” said Galef. “We really need to approach this from both sides. It is critical that we look at ways to cut back on escalating costs as well as cap what we already pay. I have been focusing my attention on ways schools and municipalities can share services or consolidate areas of least impact. The Suozzi Commission’s latest report has some compelling recommendations, including working on mandate relief for school districts. We are all in this bad economy together. We need to take advantage of a bad situation to proactively overhaul our systems so that we can achieve good results.”
Over 500 respondents answered the questions as follows:
QUESTION Yes No
Are you in favor of a property tax cap? 88% 12%
If you favor a cap, do you think 4% or 120% of the Consumer Price Index (the lesser of the two) is reasonable? 62% 38%
The report calls for any school district that wants to exceed the cap to get approval by at least 55 percent of the voters and by 60 percent if the school district received a 5% or greater boost in state aid. Do you think this is reasonable? 70% 30%
Do you think a tax cap should be passed as its own legislation? 76% 24%
If not, would you support a cap in conjunction with a guarantee that school costs and state mandates for schools would be covered by state aid? 68% 32%
If you believe state aid is necessary to keep schools strong, would you be willing to have your income tax raised to support the aid? 32% 68%
Would you support circuit breaker relief in the form of a personal income tax credit against real property taxes paid in excess of a percentage of income? 64% 36%
If "yes" would you support replacing the current Middle Income STAR Rebate check with the new Circuit Breaker and use the state money that currently funds this STAR program to pay for the Circuit Breaker? 44% 56%
One constituent from Putnam Valley said “We need [tax] cap and [circuit] breaker, one without the other is no good.” Another constituent noted, “The cap will only work if the state pays for unfunded mandates and reforms the way teacher pensions are paid for…”
Galef will host a follow-up forum with Mr. Suozzi, Thursday, January 22nd from 7-9 pm at Croton Village Hall. For more information, contact the Assemblywoman at (914) 941-1111 or galefs@assembly.state.ny.us.
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I thank those who make my column possible.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
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CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) chanel 74 at 6pm (York.& Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dominec 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
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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
01/03/09
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Sunday, December 14, 2008
I WOULD RATHER LIVE IN POTTERSVILLE
Dear Readers:
I just watched "It's A Wonderful Life", and to tell you the truth I would rather live in Pottersville. Bedford Falls reminded me of Peekskill when I grew up. Yorktown where I grew lived and still live, like much of Cortlandt Manor, Putnam Valley and Continental Village was pretty much a bungalow community. Meaning much of the housing was summer housing. More than 50% of the population disappeared for the winter. Most of the side roads were not paved as it was not necessary. If you wanted to purchase anything or do your banking you had to go to Peekskill. You had one movie house, The Paramount, and during the summer the Hollowbrook Drive-in( I believe talking pictures made it to the area in the late fifties). The police, store owners and politicians knew you or your family.
It was my family back in 1949 that brought to Yorktown pizza, Chinese Food, and live entertainment with cabaret shows on weekends at Club Nino's at what is now Ceola Manor. Many a child were conceived after a nights entertainment at Nino's. (same thing at the Hollowbrook Drive-in). The local hang out was the Valley Lanes in Jefferson Valley. If you wanted adult entertainment you had to go to Mahopac where the Lake Lounge (now Teasers, I think with the same dancers) was.
As there were many woods and lakes (no pools), hunting, fishing, hiking were the norms as no licensees were really needed. Corporal punishment was allowed in public schools and the parents sided with the teachers. The local enforcement was pretty much assured that home justice would be more severe than criminal justice. It was a good time to be raising children.
However, when I reached the age to drive, it was New York City where I headed. Night life was night life. Hell, White Plains rolled up their side walks at 11PM. Being eighteen or in your twenties was pretty much boring up here. I could understand why George Baily wanted out of Bedford Falls. I also understood why a family business kept him there.
The one thing you must understand about "It's A Wonderful Life" is that for all the nickels and dimes that George's friends contributed to help him out at the end of the movie, it was his rich friend Waneright and his check that bailed him out. So the real moral of the movie is, while it is nice to have lots of friends, you still need one rich friend for emergencies. I had a dream of what life would be if I were not born, and it seemed that everyone was better off. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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CABLE T.V. UPDATE
NOTE: I will be the guest on the Yorktown Watchdog Christmas Show December 19 at 9:30PM and 24 at 4:30PM on channel 74 in Yorktown and Putnnam Valley.
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ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA:
FYI- I was interviewed for this show and should have some part of the segment. TruTV is channel 58 on cable with a box. You can see this segment on my web site (http://www.johngtesta.com/)
Also: My latest OnTopic show is done and will be shown this week on cable (Thurs. Channel 15 @ 9:30 PM), (Tues. @ 9:30 in Yorktown, channel 74) - it is online now at www.ontopicwithjt.com. It is the life story of Chauncey M. Depew 1834-1928.
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THE VOLPE REPORT:
Andy-- Here is the schedule:
The Domenic Volpe report is pleased to announce the upcoming schedule. Our next guest will be the newly elected town Councilman from the Town of Cortlandt- Dr. Rich Becker. We delve into how he won a convincing election and how his CHOP plan(Cortlandt Heating Oil Plan) will save taxpayers in Cortlandt with rising fuel costs. The Domenic Volpe report will air Thursdays 8:00pm December 4, 11, and 18 on public access channel 15 in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area. The same show will broadcast on Wednesday 6:00pm November 26, December 3, 10, and 17 channel 74 in the Yorktown/Putnam Valley area.
--Domenic Volpe
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THE ISSUES WITH SAM DAVIS:
This week on The Issues, the topic is Peekskill Hollow Road. Dr. Kathleen O'Hoestra and I will be discussing the county's plans for Peekskill Hollow Road in Putnam Valley with host Sam Davis.
The Issues may be seen in the Yorktown Cablevision area on Thrusdays at 9PM on Channel 74.
The Peekskill area has been changed to Wednesday night at 9:30PM on Channel 15.
Please check ComCast for their schedule. The show is also available in the Mahopac Library.
Please send comments about The Issues to kikodylan@yahoo.com.
The email for the Friends of Peekskill Hollow Road is FriendsPHR@yahoo.com.
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A MESSAGE FROM COUNTY LEGISLATOR GEORGE OROS:
Any Tax Increase Is Unacceptable
Republican Conference Maintain Tough Times Demand Tough Decisions
From the onset of budget discussions, the Republican Conference steadfastly insisted it, could not support any spending plan for 2009 that called for a tax increase and even demonstrated a tax decrease could be accomplished if county government lived within its means and made the necessary spending cuts.
While it’s admirable that the Democratic majority saw fit to reduce the County Executive’s $1.77 billion proposed 2009 budget and accompanying tax increase from 2.97% to 1.77%, the efforts weren’t enough when so many taxpayers are struggling to financially stay afloat.
As a result, Minority Leader George Oros (R/Cortlandt) and legislators Jim Maisano (R/New Rochelle) and Gordon A. Burrows (R/Yonkers) voted against the adoption of the budget tonight and challenged their colleagues to find ways to operate county government leaner and more efficiently.
“We proposed to cut $18 million in spending and reduce the tax levy by one percent. It’s disappointing the Democratic majority didn’t look more closely at our budget, which was sound and secured all essential services,” Oros said. “Given the economic times there was no way we could support a tax hike of any kind.”
Over the past eight years, county taxes have risen an astronomical 60%, more than double the Consumer Price Index for the metropolitan region during the same period.
“This is the worst economy I have witnessed and this was the year to ensure there would be no tax increase,” Maisano said. “We have to be better leaders, in the movement to consolidate governments and make government more efficient.”
“I don’t believe the administration sufficiently understands the plight of the average county taxpayer,” Burrows said. “It’s a delicate balance when trying to provide for everyone in this county. We have to lead by example and better demonstrate to the citizens that we understand these are difficult economic times.”
Oros said he was disappointed that none of the Republican plans to consolidate departments were considered, such as dispersing the duties of the Consumer Protection Department to the county clerk, district attorney and New York State (netting a savings of more than $245,000), or the elimination of wasteful spending, such as the Mounted Police. He also pointed out the Democratic majority declined to cut the overtime budget.
However, Oros declared a minor victory for the Republican minority when raises for commissioners, deputies and department heads were scrapped
“Many municipal leaders have frozen their salaries, recognizing the unstable economy and the financial hardships. This administration acts as if there is no crisis, offering lame justifications,” Oros said. “Tough times demand tough decisions. Taxpayers deserve and expect better, and as we demonstrated, the county board could have done better by delivering a budget with no tax increase, and could have offered a tax decrease.”
Once again, the Republican Conference renewed its call to work with a private/public partnership to identify areas of waste, duplication and overlap in county government, which clearly exists. Similar to the state’s Berger Commission and the federal military base closing commission, this partnership’s recommendations would have to be accepted and enacted. It also supports reinvigorating the Westchester Council of Governments to examine consolidation with municipal partners.
“The public is tired and disgusted with business as usual with county government,” Oros said. “The Minority Conference has heard the public outcry and we hope to work in a more bi-partisan fashion moving forward.”
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY GOP:
News from New York Republican State Committee
For more information contact: Matthew Walter, 518-462-2601
Mondello Urges Paterson to Appoint Pete King to Senate
ALBANY, NY (12/11/2008; 1519)(readMedia)-- Declaring that tough economic times demand that New Yorkers are represented by a real fighter in the U.S. Senate, state Republican chairman Joseph N. Mondello today urged Governor David Paterson to appoint Representative Peter T. King to that body once Senator Hillary Clinton is confirmed as U.S Secretary of State.
"The Governor should put partisan politics aside and do what is in the best interests of the people of New York," Mondello declared. "We need a real fighter in the United States Senate, someone who, from the moment he steps onto the floor of that august body, never stops advancing the cause of the hard working men and women of the Empire State.
"Pete King's entire career has been about fighting for his constituents, standing up to the special interests, and never compromising his ideals and principles. With the financial turmoil on Wall Street driving state, city and many local governments to the brink of fiscal meltdown, New York needs a tough, no nonsense U.S. Senator who doesn't need any on the job training.
"Our state will need its A-team out on the floor of the U.S. Senate when the new Obama administration sends its economic recovery plan to Capitol Hill. With Pete King working the Republican side of the aisle and Chuck Schumer in the Democratic cloakroom, New Yorkers can be sure that our state's agenda will always be front and center.
"Instead of balancing the competing claims of Democratic special interest groups, or weighing which potential Senate appointment enhances his own re-election prospects, Governor Paterson should do something truly statesmanlike and reach across the aisle to name a U.S. Senator like Pete King, someone who has proven that he has the fundamental toughness to take on anyone or anything in Washington in order to get the job done for the people of New York," Mondello continued.
Noting New York's long history of being represented by some of the Senate's real "giants," Chairman Mondello said: "We live in perilous times that demand that New York send another Herbert Lehman, Jacob Javits, Patrick Moynihan or Al D'Amato to the U.S. Senate. With his experience as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, and his record on critical domestic issues, Pete King clearly has the potential of being counted among the very best to have ever represented New York as a Senator."
In closing, Chairman Mondello took notice of the growing media frenzy surrounding Governor Paterson's consideration of Caroline Kennedy as a potential Senator, and declared: "A seat in the United States Senate is not something you inherit. It's something you earn. Pete King is the son of a police officer who grew up in a working class Queens neighborhood. He's worked for everything he's achieved in life and knows from first hand experience the many tough challenges facing average middle class New Yorkers today.
"Governor Paterson should put partisan politics aside and send Pete King to the United States Senate."
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE PEEKSKILL GOP:
City of Peekskill Creates New Tax
Mayor Foster and Council Majority create new "Transfer Tax"
without public disclosure or State approval
Illegally include tax in recent budget passed by Common Council majority
On the heels of the recently reported discrepancies in the 2009 City of Peekskill budget, another disturbing fact has been uncovered. Along with inflated revenues and unrealistic spending projections, Mary Foster and her council majority passed a budget that included a new "Transfer Tax" to be imposed on those selling homes within the City of Peekskill.
The new tax was included in the 2009 budget without any public notice of the tax being created and, more importantly, without gaining permission from the NY State Legislature, as required by law. In fact, the local state representatives were not informed of this law request nor asked to introduce it for a vote by state lawmakers until after the budget was passed. Legally, a local municipality via public hearings must first vet such acts, properly followed with a public vote by the local governmental body; neither was done in this case. Mayor Mary Foster and her colleagues on City Council tried to stealthfully enact the new tax by hiding it within the budget. Not until the Council meeting on 12/8 did they disclose it to the public by voting to request sponsorship by the local State representatives, a full two weeks after passing the budget. The Council Majority resolution asks State Senator Vincent Leibell and Assemblywoman Sandra Galef to join them in their circumvention of the democratic process, which disenfranchises local taxpayers by refusing to allow the public to be heard on a new tax that will damage the already fragile local real estate market.
"This tactic is a clear slap in the face to all taxpayers in the City of Peekskill," stated Peekskill GOP Chairman Tim Warn. "Not only was this an underhanded move, but further proof of the lack of transparency this administration has shown since January. To create a tax on an industry already in dire straits is totally irresponsible," Warn added.
Councilwoman Cathy Pisani abstained from the 2009 budget vote. Despite not receiving the final budget changes until hours before the public vote, Pisani was able to discover a multitude of inaccuracies, spending additions and unrealistic projections that caused her to request further scrutiny before a vote was taken. Her request was denied. "Mayor Foster and Councilwoman Drew Claxton completely altered the Acting City Manager's budget and made changes that were not shared with me until I received their final budget alterations the day of the vote," stated Pisani. "Then to discover a completely new tax included in the budget that was never properly discussed by the Council or revealed to the public was outrageous," said Pisani.
"This budget isn't prudent. It's purely political," stated Chairman Warn. "In the short time we have had to review it, the deficit it will create for the City could be at least 12%, if not more. Mayor Foster and the Majority who voted for it may not have only broken the law by creating a new tax improperly, but has put the city in a perilous situation for the future," added Warn.
Go Peekskill
Contact Tim Warn, (914) 737-3448
http://www.peekskillgop.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:
Dear Winery Supporter,
Please join me on Saturday December 20th, 2008 for an update on the Winery project, the lawsuit filed against Yorktown and a Question & Answer session.
In addition to the update we will be showing a preview of artist Joseph Frazola’s work. Joe is the artist who painted a rendition of the original St. George window and the fresco on the ceiling in the powder room.
I hope you can come to enjoy this wonderful building with family & friends and taste some great wines.
I look forward to seeing you.
Date: Saturday December 20th, 2008
Time:2PM – Midnight
Location:1715 E. Main Street
Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
Please RSVP: (914) 455-4272
tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
http://www.thewineryatstgeorge.com/rsvp
Thanks
Tom
Tom DeChiaro
The Winery At St. George
PO Box 32
Baldwin Place, NY 10505-0032
(914) 455-4272
(914) 455-4273 - Fax
tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
http://blog.WineryAtStGeorge.com
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM OSSINING@BESTWEB.NET
FACT: Many of the salaries paid by Ossining Village are divided up THREE WAYS. 60% is charged to the GENERAL Fund, 30% is charged to the WATER Fund; 10% to the SEWER Fund.
EXAMPLE: Salaries of the 5 Board members totals $44,000. Of this amount, $22K is charged to GENERAL Fund; $17K charged to WATER Fund; $4,400 charged to SEWER Fund. Board feels that they spend 30% of their time working on "water issues" and 10% working on "sewer issues". This 3-way split is also done with the salaries of ALL employees who work for the following departments: Village Manager’s Office ($418,018 total salaries); Finance Dept ($176,101 total salaries); Corporation Counsel ($145,160); Personnel Dept ($168,955), etc., etc.
The Water Fund is supposed to be "self-sustaining". Revenue from selling water should cover salaries, maintenance of Indian Brook Filtration Plant, materials, supplies, etc. However, with so many salaries of people who really do NOT work for the Water Dept being charged to the Water Fund, Fund can’t break even. This is one reason water has been increased 30%. The Water Fund (and Sewer Fund) is being bilked.
This 3-way salary split has been questioned for years. Now, looking at the 2008 budget, there are more unanswered questions. The Administrator of Water Dep, who oversees the Filtration Plant, earns $124,293. In past year this employee oversaw the Municipal Building rehab. Though a WATER specialist, he was assigned to oversee sheetrock installation, video wiring, and also the maintenance and cleaning of the municipal building. This work was GENERAL Fund work. So why was this employee’s entire salary charged to the WATER Fund?
The ‘bilking’ of the Water and Sewer Funds is one of the reasons there’s a 30% increase for water in 2009.
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I update the "Saga of the Old Stone Church".You can read my column on this topic exclusively on line(see link below)or in this weeks NORTH COUNTY NEWS on sale now. I am worth the seventy-five cents. Look for my column IN MY OPINION(page 10) in the editorial section. Better yet as this column is exclusive to the North County News on a regular basis and will be covering the local political scene, take out a subscription. Click on the North County News link below and go to Subscribe. Between this blog and The North County News you will have all the information to make a vote based on substance.
************************************************************************
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.
************************************************************************************
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
***********************************************************************************
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/
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CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) chanel 74 at 6pm (York.& Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dominec 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
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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
12/14/08
I just watched "It's A Wonderful Life", and to tell you the truth I would rather live in Pottersville. Bedford Falls reminded me of Peekskill when I grew up. Yorktown where I grew lived and still live, like much of Cortlandt Manor, Putnam Valley and Continental Village was pretty much a bungalow community. Meaning much of the housing was summer housing. More than 50% of the population disappeared for the winter. Most of the side roads were not paved as it was not necessary. If you wanted to purchase anything or do your banking you had to go to Peekskill. You had one movie house, The Paramount, and during the summer the Hollowbrook Drive-in( I believe talking pictures made it to the area in the late fifties). The police, store owners and politicians knew you or your family.
It was my family back in 1949 that brought to Yorktown pizza, Chinese Food, and live entertainment with cabaret shows on weekends at Club Nino's at what is now Ceola Manor. Many a child were conceived after a nights entertainment at Nino's. (same thing at the Hollowbrook Drive-in). The local hang out was the Valley Lanes in Jefferson Valley. If you wanted adult entertainment you had to go to Mahopac where the Lake Lounge (now Teasers, I think with the same dancers) was.
As there were many woods and lakes (no pools), hunting, fishing, hiking were the norms as no licensees were really needed. Corporal punishment was allowed in public schools and the parents sided with the teachers. The local enforcement was pretty much assured that home justice would be more severe than criminal justice. It was a good time to be raising children.
However, when I reached the age to drive, it was New York City where I headed. Night life was night life. Hell, White Plains rolled up their side walks at 11PM. Being eighteen or in your twenties was pretty much boring up here. I could understand why George Baily wanted out of Bedford Falls. I also understood why a family business kept him there.
The one thing you must understand about "It's A Wonderful Life" is that for all the nickels and dimes that George's friends contributed to help him out at the end of the movie, it was his rich friend Waneright and his check that bailed him out. So the real moral of the movie is, while it is nice to have lots of friends, you still need one rich friend for emergencies. I had a dream of what life would be if I were not born, and it seemed that everyone was better off. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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CABLE T.V. UPDATE
NOTE: I will be the guest on the Yorktown Watchdog Christmas Show December 19 at 9:30PM and 24 at 4:30PM on channel 74 in Yorktown and Putnnam Valley.
**********
ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA:
FYI- I was interviewed for this show and should have some part of the segment. TruTV is channel 58 on cable with a box. You can see this segment on my web site (http://www.johngtesta.com/)
Also: My latest OnTopic show is done and will be shown this week on cable (Thurs. Channel 15 @ 9:30 PM), (Tues. @ 9:30 in Yorktown, channel 74) - it is online now at www.ontopicwithjt.com. It is the life story of Chauncey M. Depew 1834-1928.
***********************
THE VOLPE REPORT:
Andy-- Here is the schedule:
The Domenic Volpe report is pleased to announce the upcoming schedule. Our next guest will be the newly elected town Councilman from the Town of Cortlandt- Dr. Rich Becker. We delve into how he won a convincing election and how his CHOP plan(Cortlandt Heating Oil Plan) will save taxpayers in Cortlandt with rising fuel costs. The Domenic Volpe report will air Thursdays 8:00pm December 4, 11, and 18 on public access channel 15 in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area. The same show will broadcast on Wednesday 6:00pm November 26, December 3, 10, and 17 channel 74 in the Yorktown/Putnam Valley area.
--Domenic Volpe
***************
THE ISSUES WITH SAM DAVIS:
This week on The Issues, the topic is Peekskill Hollow Road. Dr. Kathleen O'Hoestra and I will be discussing the county's plans for Peekskill Hollow Road in Putnam Valley with host Sam Davis.
The Issues may be seen in the Yorktown Cablevision area on Thrusdays at 9PM on Channel 74.
The Peekskill area has been changed to Wednesday night at 9:30PM on Channel 15.
Please check ComCast for their schedule. The show is also available in the Mahopac Library.
Please send comments about The Issues to kikodylan@yahoo.com.
The email for the Friends of Peekskill Hollow Road is FriendsPHR@yahoo.com.
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A MESSAGE FROM COUNTY LEGISLATOR GEORGE OROS:
Any Tax Increase Is Unacceptable
Republican Conference Maintain Tough Times Demand Tough Decisions
From the onset of budget discussions, the Republican Conference steadfastly insisted it, could not support any spending plan for 2009 that called for a tax increase and even demonstrated a tax decrease could be accomplished if county government lived within its means and made the necessary spending cuts.
While it’s admirable that the Democratic majority saw fit to reduce the County Executive’s $1.77 billion proposed 2009 budget and accompanying tax increase from 2.97% to 1.77%, the efforts weren’t enough when so many taxpayers are struggling to financially stay afloat.
As a result, Minority Leader George Oros (R/Cortlandt) and legislators Jim Maisano (R/New Rochelle) and Gordon A. Burrows (R/Yonkers) voted against the adoption of the budget tonight and challenged their colleagues to find ways to operate county government leaner and more efficiently.
“We proposed to cut $18 million in spending and reduce the tax levy by one percent. It’s disappointing the Democratic majority didn’t look more closely at our budget, which was sound and secured all essential services,” Oros said. “Given the economic times there was no way we could support a tax hike of any kind.”
Over the past eight years, county taxes have risen an astronomical 60%, more than double the Consumer Price Index for the metropolitan region during the same period.
“This is the worst economy I have witnessed and this was the year to ensure there would be no tax increase,” Maisano said. “We have to be better leaders, in the movement to consolidate governments and make government more efficient.”
“I don’t believe the administration sufficiently understands the plight of the average county taxpayer,” Burrows said. “It’s a delicate balance when trying to provide for everyone in this county. We have to lead by example and better demonstrate to the citizens that we understand these are difficult economic times.”
Oros said he was disappointed that none of the Republican plans to consolidate departments were considered, such as dispersing the duties of the Consumer Protection Department to the county clerk, district attorney and New York State (netting a savings of more than $245,000), or the elimination of wasteful spending, such as the Mounted Police. He also pointed out the Democratic majority declined to cut the overtime budget.
However, Oros declared a minor victory for the Republican minority when raises for commissioners, deputies and department heads were scrapped
“Many municipal leaders have frozen their salaries, recognizing the unstable economy and the financial hardships. This administration acts as if there is no crisis, offering lame justifications,” Oros said. “Tough times demand tough decisions. Taxpayers deserve and expect better, and as we demonstrated, the county board could have done better by delivering a budget with no tax increase, and could have offered a tax decrease.”
Once again, the Republican Conference renewed its call to work with a private/public partnership to identify areas of waste, duplication and overlap in county government, which clearly exists. Similar to the state’s Berger Commission and the federal military base closing commission, this partnership’s recommendations would have to be accepted and enacted. It also supports reinvigorating the Westchester Council of Governments to examine consolidation with municipal partners.
“The public is tired and disgusted with business as usual with county government,” Oros said. “The Minority Conference has heard the public outcry and we hope to work in a more bi-partisan fashion moving forward.”
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY GOP:
News from New York Republican State Committee
For more information contact: Matthew Walter, 518-462-2601
Mondello Urges Paterson to Appoint Pete King to Senate
ALBANY, NY (12/11/2008; 1519)(readMedia)-- Declaring that tough economic times demand that New Yorkers are represented by a real fighter in the U.S. Senate, state Republican chairman Joseph N. Mondello today urged Governor David Paterson to appoint Representative Peter T. King to that body once Senator Hillary Clinton is confirmed as U.S Secretary of State.
"The Governor should put partisan politics aside and do what is in the best interests of the people of New York," Mondello declared. "We need a real fighter in the United States Senate, someone who, from the moment he steps onto the floor of that august body, never stops advancing the cause of the hard working men and women of the Empire State.
"Pete King's entire career has been about fighting for his constituents, standing up to the special interests, and never compromising his ideals and principles. With the financial turmoil on Wall Street driving state, city and many local governments to the brink of fiscal meltdown, New York needs a tough, no nonsense U.S. Senator who doesn't need any on the job training.
"Our state will need its A-team out on the floor of the U.S. Senate when the new Obama administration sends its economic recovery plan to Capitol Hill. With Pete King working the Republican side of the aisle and Chuck Schumer in the Democratic cloakroom, New Yorkers can be sure that our state's agenda will always be front and center.
"Instead of balancing the competing claims of Democratic special interest groups, or weighing which potential Senate appointment enhances his own re-election prospects, Governor Paterson should do something truly statesmanlike and reach across the aisle to name a U.S. Senator like Pete King, someone who has proven that he has the fundamental toughness to take on anyone or anything in Washington in order to get the job done for the people of New York," Mondello continued.
Noting New York's long history of being represented by some of the Senate's real "giants," Chairman Mondello said: "We live in perilous times that demand that New York send another Herbert Lehman, Jacob Javits, Patrick Moynihan or Al D'Amato to the U.S. Senate. With his experience as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, and his record on critical domestic issues, Pete King clearly has the potential of being counted among the very best to have ever represented New York as a Senator."
In closing, Chairman Mondello took notice of the growing media frenzy surrounding Governor Paterson's consideration of Caroline Kennedy as a potential Senator, and declared: "A seat in the United States Senate is not something you inherit. It's something you earn. Pete King is the son of a police officer who grew up in a working class Queens neighborhood. He's worked for everything he's achieved in life and knows from first hand experience the many tough challenges facing average middle class New Yorkers today.
"Governor Paterson should put partisan politics aside and send Pete King to the United States Senate."
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE PEEKSKILL GOP:
City of Peekskill Creates New Tax
Mayor Foster and Council Majority create new "Transfer Tax"
without public disclosure or State approval
Illegally include tax in recent budget passed by Common Council majority
On the heels of the recently reported discrepancies in the 2009 City of Peekskill budget, another disturbing fact has been uncovered. Along with inflated revenues and unrealistic spending projections, Mary Foster and her council majority passed a budget that included a new "Transfer Tax" to be imposed on those selling homes within the City of Peekskill.
The new tax was included in the 2009 budget without any public notice of the tax being created and, more importantly, without gaining permission from the NY State Legislature, as required by law. In fact, the local state representatives were not informed of this law request nor asked to introduce it for a vote by state lawmakers until after the budget was passed. Legally, a local municipality via public hearings must first vet such acts, properly followed with a public vote by the local governmental body; neither was done in this case. Mayor Mary Foster and her colleagues on City Council tried to stealthfully enact the new tax by hiding it within the budget. Not until the Council meeting on 12/8 did they disclose it to the public by voting to request sponsorship by the local State representatives, a full two weeks after passing the budget. The Council Majority resolution asks State Senator Vincent Leibell and Assemblywoman Sandra Galef to join them in their circumvention of the democratic process, which disenfranchises local taxpayers by refusing to allow the public to be heard on a new tax that will damage the already fragile local real estate market.
"This tactic is a clear slap in the face to all taxpayers in the City of Peekskill," stated Peekskill GOP Chairman Tim Warn. "Not only was this an underhanded move, but further proof of the lack of transparency this administration has shown since January. To create a tax on an industry already in dire straits is totally irresponsible," Warn added.
Councilwoman Cathy Pisani abstained from the 2009 budget vote. Despite not receiving the final budget changes until hours before the public vote, Pisani was able to discover a multitude of inaccuracies, spending additions and unrealistic projections that caused her to request further scrutiny before a vote was taken. Her request was denied. "Mayor Foster and Councilwoman Drew Claxton completely altered the Acting City Manager's budget and made changes that were not shared with me until I received their final budget alterations the day of the vote," stated Pisani. "Then to discover a completely new tax included in the budget that was never properly discussed by the Council or revealed to the public was outrageous," said Pisani.
"This budget isn't prudent. It's purely political," stated Chairman Warn. "In the short time we have had to review it, the deficit it will create for the City could be at least 12%, if not more. Mayor Foster and the Majority who voted for it may not have only broken the law by creating a new tax improperly, but has put the city in a perilous situation for the future," added Warn.
Go Peekskill
Contact Tim Warn, (914) 737-3448
http://www.peekskillgop.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:
Dear Winery Supporter,
Please join me on Saturday December 20th, 2008 for an update on the Winery project, the lawsuit filed against Yorktown and a Question & Answer session.
In addition to the update we will be showing a preview of artist Joseph Frazola’s work. Joe is the artist who painted a rendition of the original St. George window and the fresco on the ceiling in the powder room.
I hope you can come to enjoy this wonderful building with family & friends and taste some great wines.
I look forward to seeing you.
Date: Saturday December 20th, 2008
Time:2PM – Midnight
Location:1715 E. Main Street
Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
Please RSVP: (914) 455-4272
tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
http://www.thewineryatstgeorge.com/rsvp
Thanks
Tom
Tom DeChiaro
The Winery At St. George
PO Box 32
Baldwin Place, NY 10505-0032
(914) 455-4272
(914) 455-4273 - Fax
tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
http://blog.WineryAtStGeorge.com
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM OSSINING@BESTWEB.NET
FACT: Many of the salaries paid by Ossining Village are divided up THREE WAYS. 60% is charged to the GENERAL Fund, 30% is charged to the WATER Fund; 10% to the SEWER Fund.
EXAMPLE: Salaries of the 5 Board members totals $44,000. Of this amount, $22K is charged to GENERAL Fund; $17K charged to WATER Fund; $4,400 charged to SEWER Fund. Board feels that they spend 30% of their time working on "water issues" and 10% working on "sewer issues". This 3-way split is also done with the salaries of ALL employees who work for the following departments: Village Manager’s Office ($418,018 total salaries); Finance Dept ($176,101 total salaries); Corporation Counsel ($145,160); Personnel Dept ($168,955), etc., etc.
The Water Fund is supposed to be "self-sustaining". Revenue from selling water should cover salaries, maintenance of Indian Brook Filtration Plant, materials, supplies, etc. However, with so many salaries of people who really do NOT work for the Water Dept being charged to the Water Fund, Fund can’t break even. This is one reason water has been increased 30%. The Water Fund (and Sewer Fund) is being bilked.
This 3-way salary split has been questioned for years. Now, looking at the 2008 budget, there are more unanswered questions. The Administrator of Water Dep, who oversees the Filtration Plant, earns $124,293. In past year this employee oversaw the Municipal Building rehab. Though a WATER specialist, he was assigned to oversee sheetrock installation, video wiring, and also the maintenance and cleaning of the municipal building. This work was GENERAL Fund work. So why was this employee’s entire salary charged to the WATER Fund?
The ‘bilking’ of the Water and Sewer Funds is one of the reasons there’s a 30% increase for water in 2009.
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I update the "Saga of the Old Stone Church".You can read my column on this topic exclusively on line(see link below)or in this weeks NORTH COUNTY NEWS on sale now. I am worth the seventy-five cents. Look for my column IN MY OPINION(page 10) in the editorial section. Better yet as this column is exclusive to the North County News on a regular basis and will be covering the local political scene, take out a subscription. Click on the North County News link below and go to Subscribe. Between this blog and The North County News you will have all the information to make a vote based on substance.
************************************************************************
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.
************************************************************************************
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
***********************************************************************************
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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) chanel 74 at 6pm (York.& Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dominec 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
**********************************************************************************
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
12/14/08
Sunday, November 30, 2008
TO TAX OR NOT TO TAX...THAT IS THE QUESTION
Dear Readers:
We have seen in Yorktown, Cortlandt, and Putnam Valley efforts by those respective elected officials to keep their budgets in check. All three refused to grant themselves pay increases and have kept over all tax increases below inflation. Even in Putnam Valley you saw probably one of the best budgets in a couple of years. Yorktown saw new Supervisor Don Peters present a budget with an increase below Cortlandt's which is something that has not happened in a long time. This should put to rest the argument that Yorktown needs a town manger. Don Peters showed that a business man with no prior political experience can tackle the intricacies of a town budget when one has the cooperation of the rest of the board. In these tough economic times it was a pleasure to see the board row the boat in the same direction. The Town of Cortlandt under the stewardship of Supervisor Puglisi again showed shrewed fiscal management which has been the hallmark of Puglilsi's tenure.
Peekskill's Mayor Foster and the city council did the other town's one step better, they have presented a minus budget. It seems the residents of Peekskill will see a decrease in their taxes. As the editorial in this weeks NCN pointed out, if these number hold up, this council should be congratulated. How ever during the public discussion before the vote, Councilwoman Pisani had disagreement with those numbers. She presented a compelling argument and that is how it should be, competing governing philosophies in the arena of ideas. Time will tell who's idea and numbers stands the test of time. All should hold judgment till that test comes. However as the least paid elected officials in the area, all on the council should be congratulated for putting in the hours necessary (long, long hours) to present to the public this budget and objections.
I do have one concern however. As this is not the time to be granting elected officials pay raises, this is also not the time to be creating new taxes. You see, this Monday 12/01/08, this Peekskill Council work secession will take up the matter of creating a mortgage transfer tax. I believe creating a new tax, especially on a sector reeling in this economy is not wise. Even if the idea is that this housing slowdown will not last forever, I would at least wait till this sector got on it's feet again. Besides with the neighboring communities not having their own transfer tax, why would someone move to Peekskill if they have to pay a tax they would not have to pay in one of the other communities? This is one idea that should be put on the back burner for the time being.
************************************************************************************
UPDATE ON CABLE T.V. SHOWS:
ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA:
FYI- I was interviewed for this show and should have some part of the segment. TruTV is channel 58 on cable with a box. You can see this segment on my web site (http://www.johngtesta.com/)
Also: My latest OnTopic show is done and will be shown this week on cable (Thurs. Channel 15 @ 9:30 PM), (Tues. @ 9:30 in Yorktown, channel 74) - it is online now at www.ontopicwithjt.com. It is the life story of Chauncey M. Depew 1834-1928.
***********************
THE VOLPE REPORT:
Andy-- Here is the schedule:
The Domenic Volpe report is pleased to announce the upcoming schedule. Our next guest will be the newly elected town Councilman from the Town of Cortlandt- Dr. Rich Becker. We delve into how he won a convincing election and how his CHOP plan(Cortlandt Heating Oil Plan) will save taxpayers in Cortlandt with rising fuel costs. The Domenic Volpe report will air Thursdays 8:00pm December 4, 11, and 18 on public access channel 15 in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area. The same show will broadcast on Wednesday 6:00pm November 26, December 3, 10, and 17 channel 74 in the Yorktown/Putnam Valley area.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! --Domenic Volpe
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE HARRISON APAR FIELD OF DREAMS FOUNDATION:
YORKTOWN ROCKS!
10:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Miracles Bar & Grill Harrison Apar 'Funraiser'
($5.00 Cover)
Classic Rock 'n' Roll from '60s, '70s, '80s
Performed Live by CLASS ACTION
[classactionmusic.net]
Rich Block, Gary Cusano, Matt Daus
Greg Kuczinski, Mike Latini
All Proceeds from $3.00 Draft Specials* Donated by Beer Distributors and
Miracles Owners Jimmy Bobolakis & Nick Halampalakis to
TO BENEFIT YOUTH SPORTS AND STUDENTS IN YORKTOWN
*Must be 21 and over to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages -- legal drinking age is strictly enforced at Miracles Bar & Grill
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation Funraiser at Miracles Bar & Grill to Benefit Youth Sports + Students in Academics & Performing Arts
DATE: Friday, Dec. 5, 2008
TIME: 10:00 p.m. until ?
LOCATION: Miracles Bar & Grill
345 Kear Street
(across from Mavis Tire)
(914) 245-9030
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation
a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit incorporated in the State of New York
member of New Yorktown Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1383
Yorktown Heights, New York 10598
914-275-6887
harrisonapar@optonline.net
www.yacsports.com
***********************************************************************************
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT TWELVE GRAPES N. DIVISION STREET PEEKSKILL
Our First Comedy & Music Night.
Sat, Dec 6th, Tickets on sale now.
Our First New Year's Eve Party
Wed, Dec 31--Two seatings 5:30 & 8:30pm.
8:30 is Prix Fixe Dinner with live music from Johnny Feds & Da Bluez Boyz.
See below for details. And, as always, please check 12grapes.com for weekly updates.
All the best,
Rich & Jeannie
**************
OTHER DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS:
Wed, Dec 6, Comedy & Rock Show (see below)
Mon, Dec 8, 8:00-10:00, Westchester Swing Band ($5 Cover)
Sat, Dec 13, 9:30 - 12:30, Roxy Perry ($5 Cover)
Sat, Dec 27, 9:30 - 12:30, Duchess Di & the Distractions
Wed, Dec 31, New Year's Eve Bash w/ Johnny Feds (see below)
Check our event calendar for weekly updates at
12grapes.com
Sat, Dec 6th, SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT DOUBLE FEATURE
Our First-ever Comedy Show
8:00 - 9:30 pm
Come for dinner and see 3 stand-up comics!
John Iavarone performs at Comic Strip Live, Carolines, Stand-Up NY, and others.
He was a 1st Place Improv Comedy Performer on MTV.
D.F. Sweedler is a veteran comic who has appeared and written for
David Letterman and has performed all over New York City.
Bill McCarty performs at NYC's Comic Strip Live. TV appearances--Late Night w/ Conan
O' Brian, Evening at the Improv, Caroline's Comedy Hour.
Tickets: $45 for Prix-Fixe Dinner & Comedy Show
Includes choice of soup, salad or appetizer, choice of entree and one drink.
Dinner reservations starting at 6pm
FOLLOWED BY GREAT CLASSIC ROCK FROM...
The Dragon Coasters
10:00 pm - 1:00 am
($10 Cover after 9:30)
An amazingly entertaining 8-piece band, The Dragon Coasters first performed at our
Grand Opening last April. With two female lead singers, their rich vocals are enhanced by fiddle, sax, keyboards and accordion. Come join the party.
Doors reopen at 9:30, following the Comedy show.
Music starts at 10:00.
$10 Music Charge.
BOOK YOUR
NEW YEAR'S EVE RESERVATION
at 12 Grapes
We'll have two seatings:
5:30 -- Dinner from our 12 Grapes Dinner Menu
8:30 -- Four Course Prix-Fixe Dinner & Live Music from
Johnny Feds & Da Bluez Boyz
New Year's Eve Prix-Fixe Dinner
$100 per person includes
Four Course Gourmet Dinner (Entrée choices: Filet Mignon, Duck a l'Orange, Red Snapper with Lobster Crepes, or Pasta)
Wine tasting with each course
Three hours of great, live music
Participation in our First Annual 12 Grapes Tradition
A Glass of Prosecco to Toast the New Year
Special samplings from the kitchen and bar throughout the night
A gift bag, with good wishes from 12 Grapes
Please call 914-737-6624 to make your reservation,
or email rich@12grapes.com
If you're a fan of 12 Grapes, we'd like to ask a favor. The 2009/10 Zagat Survey is underway. Please help us gain Zagat's attention by logging on to Zagat.com and telling them what you like about 12 Grapes. Complete their online survey by January 4, 2009 and receive a FREE copy of either or both of the 2009/10 Connecticut and Westchester/Hudson Valley Restaurant Guides.
As always, please check out 12grapes.com to view our calendar of events and photo gallery. Thank you for your patronage and friendship. And Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Rich & Jeannie Credidio
12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar
12 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY
(914) 737-6624
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM COUNTY LEGISLATOR OROS:
Dear Friends,
Yesterday the democrat majority on the Board of Legislators over Republican objections voted to move forward with a million dollars worth of pay raises for County Commissioners. It is an outrage! They voted to set a public hearing on the raises. My Republican Colleagues and I argued that we already heard from the public and the public is loudly and clearly saying NO to the raises. Once the story broke over the weekend, scores of taxpayers called and emailed in no uncertain terms saying ENOUGH is ENOUGH vote down the raises.
To add insult to injury the self anointed champions of the people's voice set the hearing for 10:30 in the morning on a workday (Monday December 8th). If they truly cared what the public thought, why not have the hearing in the evening? In fact, the same democrats actually scheduled a public hearing for the same date at 7:00PM on the issue of sewers!
Please get as many folks to this hearing as you can.
.
* Reach out to the senior citizens to attend the Dec 8th meeting to speak at 10:30 am
* Reach out to those of the working class that have flexible hours of work to attend the Dec 8th meeting.
* Any constituent that sends an email or letter needs to be answered back immediately urging them to speak at the Board Meeting on Dec 8th. "Let their voice be
heard."
* Make it clear that it is waste of time to even address the issue.
FYI: Its all over News 12---There poll question this evening was: Whether government officials should get pay raises during economic tough times?
Yes- 4%
No- 90%
http://www.news12.com/Home
This morning's Journal News has front page coverage that reports on the Republican fight on this issue.
Thanks as always for your support. Once again, we have the principles and the issues on our side. It is up to us to get it out there for the entire County to see.
Thank you,
George Oros, Minority Leader
Westchester County Board of Legislators
PS: There is a Budget Hearing on December 3rd at the County Office Building 7pm. The raises and other issues can also be addressed at these hearings.
***********************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION:
Supervisor Pulgisi:
I hope I am incorrect that this administration is not going to fully fund the DARE program for the Lakeland Middle School?
Apparently the town comptroller has informed Yorktown Officials that the Cortlandt town board will not ok an increase from $30,000.00 t0 $32,000.00. The SRO agreement anticipates possible increases and our kids need this attention.
Town of Yorktown and the Lakeland School district are paying their share? Our Town is not paying an additional $2000.00 That’s not fair to the Lakeland School district or Yorktown as I understand the agreement.
We don’t have a local police force and the DARE program is very important to our kids.
I can tell you first hand as an attorney in our own Justice Court there is a really need for this program. This is a priority.
In light of the money we wasted in CHOP for flyers maybe we can re- think this issue.
I am also concerned as this program is a joint program where we share costs with Yorktown and the Lakeland School District how is this in keeping with cooperation with neighboring communities to keep costs down?
Let’s not save a penny and lose a dollar here. This is shortsighted.
Thank you
Daniel Pagano, Esq.
Executive Director
Cortlandt Manor Civic Association
********************
Dear Ms. Supervisor;
I have been reviewing tax records and I am having a hard time understanding the bottom line.
In regards to your tax bill letter from April wherein you provide a letter informing the residents that there are four parts to your annual tax bill.
1. Town of Cortlandt 14%
2. Westchester county 18%
3. School District 66%
4. Special districts 2%
Unfortunately the tax bill you send out has nine separate “taxing purposes”.
1. Westchester county; 2. Highway; 3.Library; 4.General Town; 5.County refuse; 6.Mohegan Fire; 7. Cortlandt con. Water and 8.Cortlandt ambulance and 9. Schools
I believe Highway, Library, General town tax, County refuse(which is a bill from the county to take our garbage? User fee correct?) Cortlandt con water and Cortlandt amb are actually the town together. Who approves their budget? Who appoints the members if the case?
How are these taxes determined? i.e. county refuse: is that based upon how much garbage the town sends to the county incinerator? If so how is that a county tax but a town bill?
Why is Highway and Library separate from General Town?
Can you please inform me which of the above are part of the town responsibility and town budget?
Why not just have one Town line?
Thank you
Daniel Pagano
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GRAG BALL:
The "Fox & Hound" Soiree
A New Year's Eve Bash & Swearing In Celebration
Your are perrsonally invited by Greg Ball
New York State Assemblyman
99th Assembly District
December 31st, 2008
Wendesday at 9:30 PM - 1:00 AM
The Best Party North of Manhattan!
All Supporters, Friends and Elected Officials are welcome.
Come Celebrate a Stunning Victory...
...AND a big announcement!
Primavera Restaurant
592 RT 22, Croton Falls NY, 10519
www.primaverarestaurantandbar.com
$165 Per Person
$300 Per Couple
Exclusive Sponsorships Available
Rsvp encouraged by Dec 5, but not required
gball@ball4ny.com
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I give a history lesson on Thanksgiving and the economy.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.
************************************************************************
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.
************************************************************************************
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
***********************************************************************************
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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) chanel 74 at 6pm (York.& Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dominec 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
**********************************************************************************
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
11/30/08
We have seen in Yorktown, Cortlandt, and Putnam Valley efforts by those respective elected officials to keep their budgets in check. All three refused to grant themselves pay increases and have kept over all tax increases below inflation. Even in Putnam Valley you saw probably one of the best budgets in a couple of years. Yorktown saw new Supervisor Don Peters present a budget with an increase below Cortlandt's which is something that has not happened in a long time. This should put to rest the argument that Yorktown needs a town manger. Don Peters showed that a business man with no prior political experience can tackle the intricacies of a town budget when one has the cooperation of the rest of the board. In these tough economic times it was a pleasure to see the board row the boat in the same direction. The Town of Cortlandt under the stewardship of Supervisor Puglisi again showed shrewed fiscal management which has been the hallmark of Puglilsi's tenure.
Peekskill's Mayor Foster and the city council did the other town's one step better, they have presented a minus budget. It seems the residents of Peekskill will see a decrease in their taxes. As the editorial in this weeks NCN pointed out, if these number hold up, this council should be congratulated. How ever during the public discussion before the vote, Councilwoman Pisani had disagreement with those numbers. She presented a compelling argument and that is how it should be, competing governing philosophies in the arena of ideas. Time will tell who's idea and numbers stands the test of time. All should hold judgment till that test comes. However as the least paid elected officials in the area, all on the council should be congratulated for putting in the hours necessary (long, long hours) to present to the public this budget and objections.
I do have one concern however. As this is not the time to be granting elected officials pay raises, this is also not the time to be creating new taxes. You see, this Monday 12/01/08, this Peekskill Council work secession will take up the matter of creating a mortgage transfer tax. I believe creating a new tax, especially on a sector reeling in this economy is not wise. Even if the idea is that this housing slowdown will not last forever, I would at least wait till this sector got on it's feet again. Besides with the neighboring communities not having their own transfer tax, why would someone move to Peekskill if they have to pay a tax they would not have to pay in one of the other communities? This is one idea that should be put on the back burner for the time being.
************************************************************************************
UPDATE ON CABLE T.V. SHOWS:
ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA:
FYI- I was interviewed for this show and should have some part of the segment. TruTV is channel 58 on cable with a box. You can see this segment on my web site (http://www.johngtesta.com/)
Also: My latest OnTopic show is done and will be shown this week on cable (Thurs. Channel 15 @ 9:30 PM), (Tues. @ 9:30 in Yorktown, channel 74) - it is online now at www.ontopicwithjt.com. It is the life story of Chauncey M. Depew 1834-1928.
***********************
THE VOLPE REPORT:
Andy-- Here is the schedule:
The Domenic Volpe report is pleased to announce the upcoming schedule. Our next guest will be the newly elected town Councilman from the Town of Cortlandt- Dr. Rich Becker. We delve into how he won a convincing election and how his CHOP plan(Cortlandt Heating Oil Plan) will save taxpayers in Cortlandt with rising fuel costs. The Domenic Volpe report will air Thursdays 8:00pm December 4, 11, and 18 on public access channel 15 in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area. The same show will broadcast on Wednesday 6:00pm November 26, December 3, 10, and 17 channel 74 in the Yorktown/Putnam Valley area.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! --Domenic Volpe
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE HARRISON APAR FIELD OF DREAMS FOUNDATION:
YORKTOWN ROCKS!
10:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Miracles Bar & Grill Harrison Apar 'Funraiser'
($5.00 Cover)
Classic Rock 'n' Roll from '60s, '70s, '80s
Performed Live by CLASS ACTION
[classactionmusic.net]
Rich Block, Gary Cusano, Matt Daus
Greg Kuczinski, Mike Latini
All Proceeds from $3.00 Draft Specials* Donated by Beer Distributors and
Miracles Owners Jimmy Bobolakis & Nick Halampalakis to
TO BENEFIT YOUTH SPORTS AND STUDENTS IN YORKTOWN
*Must be 21 and over to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages -- legal drinking age is strictly enforced at Miracles Bar & Grill
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation Funraiser at Miracles Bar & Grill to Benefit Youth Sports + Students in Academics & Performing Arts
DATE: Friday, Dec. 5, 2008
TIME: 10:00 p.m. until ?
LOCATION: Miracles Bar & Grill
345 Kear Street
(across from Mavis Tire)
(914) 245-9030
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation
a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit incorporated in the State of New York
member of New Yorktown Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1383
Yorktown Heights, New York 10598
914-275-6887
harrisonapar@optonline.net
www.yacsports.com
***********************************************************************************
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT TWELVE GRAPES N. DIVISION STREET PEEKSKILL
Our First Comedy & Music Night.
Sat, Dec 6th, Tickets on sale now.
Our First New Year's Eve Party
Wed, Dec 31--Two seatings 5:30 & 8:30pm.
8:30 is Prix Fixe Dinner with live music from Johnny Feds & Da Bluez Boyz.
See below for details. And, as always, please check 12grapes.com for weekly updates.
All the best,
Rich & Jeannie
**************
OTHER DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS:
Wed, Dec 6, Comedy & Rock Show (see below)
Mon, Dec 8, 8:00-10:00, Westchester Swing Band ($5 Cover)
Sat, Dec 13, 9:30 - 12:30, Roxy Perry ($5 Cover)
Sat, Dec 27, 9:30 - 12:30, Duchess Di & the Distractions
Wed, Dec 31, New Year's Eve Bash w/ Johnny Feds (see below)
Check our event calendar for weekly updates at
12grapes.com
Sat, Dec 6th, SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT DOUBLE FEATURE
Our First-ever Comedy Show
8:00 - 9:30 pm
Come for dinner and see 3 stand-up comics!
John Iavarone performs at Comic Strip Live, Carolines, Stand-Up NY, and others.
He was a 1st Place Improv Comedy Performer on MTV.
D.F. Sweedler is a veteran comic who has appeared and written for
David Letterman and has performed all over New York City.
Bill McCarty performs at NYC's Comic Strip Live. TV appearances--Late Night w/ Conan
O' Brian, Evening at the Improv, Caroline's Comedy Hour.
Tickets: $45 for Prix-Fixe Dinner & Comedy Show
Includes choice of soup, salad or appetizer, choice of entree and one drink.
Dinner reservations starting at 6pm
FOLLOWED BY GREAT CLASSIC ROCK FROM...
The Dragon Coasters
10:00 pm - 1:00 am
($10 Cover after 9:30)
An amazingly entertaining 8-piece band, The Dragon Coasters first performed at our
Grand Opening last April. With two female lead singers, their rich vocals are enhanced by fiddle, sax, keyboards and accordion. Come join the party.
Doors reopen at 9:30, following the Comedy show.
Music starts at 10:00.
$10 Music Charge.
BOOK YOUR
NEW YEAR'S EVE RESERVATION
at 12 Grapes
We'll have two seatings:
5:30 -- Dinner from our 12 Grapes Dinner Menu
8:30 -- Four Course Prix-Fixe Dinner & Live Music from
Johnny Feds & Da Bluez Boyz
New Year's Eve Prix-Fixe Dinner
$100 per person includes
Four Course Gourmet Dinner (Entrée choices: Filet Mignon, Duck a l'Orange, Red Snapper with Lobster Crepes, or Pasta)
Wine tasting with each course
Three hours of great, live music
Participation in our First Annual 12 Grapes Tradition
A Glass of Prosecco to Toast the New Year
Special samplings from the kitchen and bar throughout the night
A gift bag, with good wishes from 12 Grapes
Please call 914-737-6624 to make your reservation,
or email rich@12grapes.com
If you're a fan of 12 Grapes, we'd like to ask a favor. The 2009/10 Zagat Survey is underway. Please help us gain Zagat's attention by logging on to Zagat.com and telling them what you like about 12 Grapes. Complete their online survey by January 4, 2009 and receive a FREE copy of either or both of the 2009/10 Connecticut and Westchester/Hudson Valley Restaurant Guides.
As always, please check out 12grapes.com to view our calendar of events and photo gallery. Thank you for your patronage and friendship. And Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Rich & Jeannie Credidio
12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar
12 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY
(914) 737-6624
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM COUNTY LEGISLATOR OROS:
Dear Friends,
Yesterday the democrat majority on the Board of Legislators over Republican objections voted to move forward with a million dollars worth of pay raises for County Commissioners. It is an outrage! They voted to set a public hearing on the raises. My Republican Colleagues and I argued that we already heard from the public and the public is loudly and clearly saying NO to the raises. Once the story broke over the weekend, scores of taxpayers called and emailed in no uncertain terms saying ENOUGH is ENOUGH vote down the raises.
To add insult to injury the self anointed champions of the people's voice set the hearing for 10:30 in the morning on a workday (Monday December 8th). If they truly cared what the public thought, why not have the hearing in the evening? In fact, the same democrats actually scheduled a public hearing for the same date at 7:00PM on the issue of sewers!
Please get as many folks to this hearing as you can.
.
* Reach out to the senior citizens to attend the Dec 8th meeting to speak at 10:30 am
* Reach out to those of the working class that have flexible hours of work to attend the Dec 8th meeting.
* Any constituent that sends an email or letter needs to be answered back immediately urging them to speak at the Board Meeting on Dec 8th. "Let their voice be
heard."
* Make it clear that it is waste of time to even address the issue.
FYI: Its all over News 12---There poll question this evening was: Whether government officials should get pay raises during economic tough times?
Yes- 4%
No- 90%
http://www.news12.com/Home
This morning's Journal News has front page coverage that reports on the Republican fight on this issue.
Thanks as always for your support. Once again, we have the principles and the issues on our side. It is up to us to get it out there for the entire County to see.
Thank you,
George Oros, Minority Leader
Westchester County Board of Legislators
PS: There is a Budget Hearing on December 3rd at the County Office Building 7pm. The raises and other issues can also be addressed at these hearings.
***********************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION:
Supervisor Pulgisi:
I hope I am incorrect that this administration is not going to fully fund the DARE program for the Lakeland Middle School?
Apparently the town comptroller has informed Yorktown Officials that the Cortlandt town board will not ok an increase from $30,000.00 t0 $32,000.00. The SRO agreement anticipates possible increases and our kids need this attention.
Town of Yorktown and the Lakeland School district are paying their share? Our Town is not paying an additional $2000.00 That’s not fair to the Lakeland School district or Yorktown as I understand the agreement.
We don’t have a local police force and the DARE program is very important to our kids.
I can tell you first hand as an attorney in our own Justice Court there is a really need for this program. This is a priority.
In light of the money we wasted in CHOP for flyers maybe we can re- think this issue.
I am also concerned as this program is a joint program where we share costs with Yorktown and the Lakeland School District how is this in keeping with cooperation with neighboring communities to keep costs down?
Let’s not save a penny and lose a dollar here. This is shortsighted.
Thank you
Daniel Pagano, Esq.
Executive Director
Cortlandt Manor Civic Association
********************
Dear Ms. Supervisor;
I have been reviewing tax records and I am having a hard time understanding the bottom line.
In regards to your tax bill letter from April wherein you provide a letter informing the residents that there are four parts to your annual tax bill.
1. Town of Cortlandt 14%
2. Westchester county 18%
3. School District 66%
4. Special districts 2%
Unfortunately the tax bill you send out has nine separate “taxing purposes”.
1. Westchester county; 2. Highway; 3.Library; 4.General Town; 5.County refuse; 6.Mohegan Fire; 7. Cortlandt con. Water and 8.Cortlandt ambulance and 9. Schools
I believe Highway, Library, General town tax, County refuse(which is a bill from the county to take our garbage? User fee correct?) Cortlandt con water and Cortlandt amb are actually the town together. Who approves their budget? Who appoints the members if the case?
How are these taxes determined? i.e. county refuse: is that based upon how much garbage the town sends to the county incinerator? If so how is that a county tax but a town bill?
Why is Highway and Library separate from General Town?
Can you please inform me which of the above are part of the town responsibility and town budget?
Why not just have one Town line?
Thank you
Daniel Pagano
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GRAG BALL:
The "Fox & Hound" Soiree
A New Year's Eve Bash & Swearing In Celebration
Your are perrsonally invited by Greg Ball
New York State Assemblyman
99th Assembly District
December 31st, 2008
Wendesday at 9:30 PM - 1:00 AM
The Best Party North of Manhattan!
All Supporters, Friends and Elected Officials are welcome.
Come Celebrate a Stunning Victory...
...AND a big announcement!
Primavera Restaurant
592 RT 22, Croton Falls NY, 10519
www.primaverarestaurantandbar.com
$165 Per Person
$300 Per Couple
Exclusive Sponsorships Available
Rsvp encouraged by Dec 5, but not required
gball@ball4ny.com
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I give a history lesson on Thanksgiving and the economy.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.
************************************************************************
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.
************************************************************************************
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
***********************************************************************************
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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) chanel 74 at 6pm (York.& Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dominec 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
**********************************************************************************
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
11/30/08
Sunday, November 23, 2008
THE OLD STONE CHURCH SAGA CONTINUES
Dear Readers:
This is an excerpt from the Winery At St. George's web site: (www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com )
" In the interest of trying to move this process out of litigation and save both the Yorktown Taxpayer and myself legal expense, my attorney and I have contacted the town and the town attorneys to see if they were interested in talking. As I expected, the Town refuses to meet"
I know this weeks NCN also has an updated story on the "Saga of the Old Stone Church" you should and can check out on line. I have been and continue to be on record as favoring the opening of this business. I also said it was a mistake to go to court. If as I am lead to believe that this present town government has majority in favor of opening this business, then I think they interested parties should sit down and meet. Cases are settled out of court all the time, this should be one of those times. This should not be a case of who blinks first, but of who has the best interests of the town first.
I have grown tired of towns such as ours (I am a Yorktown resident) using zoning codes and traffic studies as an end run around the rights of private property owners. Right now you have new construction going on right next to Wallour's. They are going to build a bank on Mohegan Ave. Apparently traffic has no baring on these new projects. It insults one's intelligence to think that the proposed winery could have a worse adverse affect at these already approve projects. It is starting to look like in my opinion, the winery's owners civil rights are being abused.
There is nothing to dangerous that it cannot be talked about. It is time for our elected officials to sit down and talk, lawyers advise be damned. In this economy it makes no sense that a job creating, sales tax generating and other taxes paying business should be prevented from opening. This does not have to play out in court, nor should it. I implore our officials to think about what's best for the town instead of what's best for them.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:
Dear Yorktown Resident,
The Winery lawsuit continues to move forward, albeit very slowly.
In the interest of trying to move this process out of litigation and save both the Yorktown Taxpayer and myself legal expense, my attorney and I have contacted the town and the town attorneys to see if they were interested in talking. As I expected, the Town refuses to meet. We have a serious problem with the Yorktown leadership. They are currently over budget by $100,000 just on legal fees and they clearly don't care much about the cost of this litigation to Yorktown residents.
This is an excerpt from the Citizens for an Informed Yorktown web site: http://www.citizensforaninformedyorktown.org/tb%2011-1-2008%20budget.html
“Town attorney John Buckley reported an unanticipated “triple play” that has caused the town to overspend it's $20,000 2008 budget line for outside legal services. To date, $117,000 has been spent and there are substantial additional bills that will have to be paid by the end of the year. Mr. Campisi noted that if the town wins the winery/old stone church case, it could get some money back. Some of the money spent for tax certiorari cases were for preparing for trials that never opened because the cases were settled.”
I am planning to have a question and answer session on the Winery and the lawsuit in the coming weeks. Please let me know if you would be interest in attending.
In the meantime, I have updated the Winery website with the latest filings in Federal Lawsuit. I have also created a Blog for residents to post comments and feedback. Please visit both sites and let me know what you think. Also, please pass this e-mail on to anyone who may be interested.
Make sure you read the latest Yorktown Corruption Story in the North County News posted on the Winery Blog: http://blog.WineryAtStGeorge.com
Check out the updated Winery Website:
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
Please read the Winery Blog for latest News and Post your comment
blog.WineryAtStGeorge.com
Send and e-mail to tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com to have you name added to the distribution list.
Thank you and have a Happy Thanksgiving.. :-)
Tom
Tom DeChiaro
The Winery at St. George
PO Box 32
Baldwin Place, NY 10505-0032
(914) 455-4272
(914) 455-4273 - Fax
tomde@thewineryatstgeorge.com
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com:
http://blog.WineryAtStGeorge.com – Winery Blog
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM BRUCE APAR PUBLISHER AND EDITOR IN CHIEF NCN:
Join me on North County News:
We're trying out "Ning" for its social media features as a test for what we want on our new site. We want everyone to sign on and create your own page and communicate with each other.
Click to Join: http://ncnlocal.ning.com/?xgi=iAcZLWL
Bruce Apar
About North County News
Weekly newspaper targeting Westchester and Putnam Counties in New York.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM JOHN TESTA:
FYI- I was interviewed for this show and should have some part of the segment. TruTV is channel 58 on cable with a box. You can see this segment on my web site (http://www.johngtesta.com/)
Also: My latest OnTopic show is done and will be shown this week on cable (Thurs. Channel 15 @ 9:30 PM), (Tues. @ 9:30 in Yorktown, channel 74) - it is online now at www.ontopicwithjt.com. It is the life story of Chauncey M. Depew 1834-1928.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM YORKTOWN COUNCILMAN NICK BIANCO:
RE: SCHOOL TAX REBATE UPDATE:
Our town assessor was notified by the State of New York Office of Real Property that the School Tax Relief (STAR) exemptions for the 2009-2010 School Year will be reduced again by 11 % for enhanced and 10% for basic. This means that even if our four school districts in the school year 2009-2010 go with a O % tax increase every homeowner will see a $125.00 to $400.00 tax increase in the Town of Yorktown and I am sure throughout Westchester and Putnam County.
I have notified our state representatives about my concerns. The ironic thing is that this process began in April 2008 when there was little or no concern of a financial meltdown. While we are constantly being told that STAR is not being cut. The reality is that it is.
2008-2009 Enhanced Exemption $4,020; Basic $2130.
2009-2010 Enhanced Exemption $3580; Basic $1900.
Yorktown Councilman Nick Bianco
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
Below is a link to an enrichment video that was done by ten JFK 3rd graders, Brewster Central School District, Putnam County, New York. They are trying to win a contest for the most hits. Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1kap-hWt7U
Thank you.
Greg Ball
Web site: www.putnamcountyny.com/kpb
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE VILLAGE OF OSSINING:
TO ALL OSSINING RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES:
If you are interested in learning about Ossining Village's 2009 Budget, or have questions about it, please attend the Special Village Board Meeting. Particulars are:
Date: Monday, November 24th, 2008
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Municipal Building, 16 Croton Avenue, First Floor, Ossining, NY
At present, Tentative Budget calls for an increase of 18.1%. The Administration,
Manager, and department heads have worked hard to keep the tax increase as low as possible. As we all know, taxes impact homeowners and renters alike, so input from the public is vital, and suggestions and questions from residents of Ossining are encouraged.
The 2009 Tentative Budget is on Village's official website.
http://www.villageofossining.org/Documents/TENTATIVE_BUDGET_2009_ver._2.pdf
We look forward to seeing you on November 24th !
Just in case you can not attend the meeting, don't hesitate to share your
suggestions or questions with one or all of the following:
Mayor Bill Hanauer wrhanauer@optonline.net
Trustee Catherine Borgia catherine_borgia@yahoo.com
Trustee Marlene Cheathem mcossining@aol.com
Trustee Michael Curry Mike@curryrockefellergorup.com
Trustee Sue Donnelly SueDonnelly53@yahoo.com
You will not be receiving further emails about the Ossining Village Budget. If you have received this email in error, please delete it.
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss more liberty abuses by our county goverment.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.
************************************************************************
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.
************************************************************************************
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
***********************************************************************************
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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) chanel 74 at 6pm (York.& Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dominec 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
**********************************************************************************
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
11/23/08
This is an excerpt from the Winery At St. George's web site: (www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com )
" In the interest of trying to move this process out of litigation and save both the Yorktown Taxpayer and myself legal expense, my attorney and I have contacted the town and the town attorneys to see if they were interested in talking. As I expected, the Town refuses to meet"
I know this weeks NCN also has an updated story on the "Saga of the Old Stone Church" you should and can check out on line. I have been and continue to be on record as favoring the opening of this business. I also said it was a mistake to go to court. If as I am lead to believe that this present town government has majority in favor of opening this business, then I think they interested parties should sit down and meet. Cases are settled out of court all the time, this should be one of those times. This should not be a case of who blinks first, but of who has the best interests of the town first.
I have grown tired of towns such as ours (I am a Yorktown resident) using zoning codes and traffic studies as an end run around the rights of private property owners. Right now you have new construction going on right next to Wallour's. They are going to build a bank on Mohegan Ave. Apparently traffic has no baring on these new projects. It insults one's intelligence to think that the proposed winery could have a worse adverse affect at these already approve projects. It is starting to look like in my opinion, the winery's owners civil rights are being abused.
There is nothing to dangerous that it cannot be talked about. It is time for our elected officials to sit down and talk, lawyers advise be damned. In this economy it makes no sense that a job creating, sales tax generating and other taxes paying business should be prevented from opening. This does not have to play out in court, nor should it. I implore our officials to think about what's best for the town instead of what's best for them.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:
Dear Yorktown Resident,
The Winery lawsuit continues to move forward, albeit very slowly.
In the interest of trying to move this process out of litigation and save both the Yorktown Taxpayer and myself legal expense, my attorney and I have contacted the town and the town attorneys to see if they were interested in talking. As I expected, the Town refuses to meet. We have a serious problem with the Yorktown leadership. They are currently over budget by $100,000 just on legal fees and they clearly don't care much about the cost of this litigation to Yorktown residents.
This is an excerpt from the Citizens for an Informed Yorktown web site: http://www.citizensforaninformedyorktown.org/tb%2011-1-2008%20budget.html
“Town attorney John Buckley reported an unanticipated “triple play” that has caused the town to overspend it's $20,000 2008 budget line for outside legal services. To date, $117,000 has been spent and there are substantial additional bills that will have to be paid by the end of the year. Mr. Campisi noted that if the town wins the winery/old stone church case, it could get some money back. Some of the money spent for tax certiorari cases were for preparing for trials that never opened because the cases were settled.”
I am planning to have a question and answer session on the Winery and the lawsuit in the coming weeks. Please let me know if you would be interest in attending.
In the meantime, I have updated the Winery website with the latest filings in Federal Lawsuit. I have also created a Blog for residents to post comments and feedback. Please visit both sites and let me know what you think. Also, please pass this e-mail on to anyone who may be interested.
Make sure you read the latest Yorktown Corruption Story in the North County News posted on the Winery Blog: http://blog.WineryAtStGeorge.com
Check out the updated Winery Website:
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
Please read the Winery Blog for latest News and Post your comment
blog.WineryAtStGeorge.com
Send and e-mail to tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com to have you name added to the distribution list.
Thank you and have a Happy Thanksgiving.. :-)
Tom
Tom DeChiaro
The Winery at St. George
PO Box 32
Baldwin Place, NY 10505-0032
(914) 455-4272
(914) 455-4273 - Fax
tomde@thewineryatstgeorge.com
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com:
http://blog.WineryAtStGeorge.com – Winery Blog
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM BRUCE APAR PUBLISHER AND EDITOR IN CHIEF NCN:
Join me on North County News:
We're trying out "Ning" for its social media features as a test for what we want on our new site. We want everyone to sign on and create your own page and communicate with each other.
Click to Join: http://ncnlocal.ning.com/?xgi=iAcZLWL
Bruce Apar
About North County News
Weekly newspaper targeting Westchester and Putnam Counties in New York.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM JOHN TESTA:
FYI- I was interviewed for this show and should have some part of the segment. TruTV is channel 58 on cable with a box. You can see this segment on my web site (http://www.johngtesta.com/)
Also: My latest OnTopic show is done and will be shown this week on cable (Thurs. Channel 15 @ 9:30 PM), (Tues. @ 9:30 in Yorktown, channel 74) - it is online now at www.ontopicwithjt.com. It is the life story of Chauncey M. Depew 1834-1928.
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM YORKTOWN COUNCILMAN NICK BIANCO:
RE: SCHOOL TAX REBATE UPDATE:
Our town assessor was notified by the State of New York Office of Real Property that the School Tax Relief (STAR) exemptions for the 2009-2010 School Year will be reduced again by 11 % for enhanced and 10% for basic. This means that even if our four school districts in the school year 2009-2010 go with a O % tax increase every homeowner will see a $125.00 to $400.00 tax increase in the Town of Yorktown and I am sure throughout Westchester and Putnam County.
I have notified our state representatives about my concerns. The ironic thing is that this process began in April 2008 when there was little or no concern of a financial meltdown. While we are constantly being told that STAR is not being cut. The reality is that it is.
2008-2009 Enhanced Exemption $4,020; Basic $2130.
2009-2010 Enhanced Exemption $3580; Basic $1900.
Yorktown Councilman Nick Bianco
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
Below is a link to an enrichment video that was done by ten JFK 3rd graders, Brewster Central School District, Putnam County, New York. They are trying to win a contest for the most hits. Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1kap-hWt7U
Thank you.
Greg Ball
Web site: www.putnamcountyny.com/kpb
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE VILLAGE OF OSSINING:
TO ALL OSSINING RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES:
If you are interested in learning about Ossining Village's 2009 Budget, or have questions about it, please attend the Special Village Board Meeting. Particulars are:
Date: Monday, November 24th, 2008
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Municipal Building, 16 Croton Avenue, First Floor, Ossining, NY
At present, Tentative Budget calls for an increase of 18.1%. The Administration,
Manager, and department heads have worked hard to keep the tax increase as low as possible. As we all know, taxes impact homeowners and renters alike, so input from the public is vital, and suggestions and questions from residents of Ossining are encouraged.
The 2009 Tentative Budget is on Village's official website.
http://www.villageofossining.org/Documents/TENTATIVE_BUDGET_2009_ver._2.pdf
We look forward to seeing you on November 24th !
Just in case you can not attend the meeting, don't hesitate to share your
suggestions or questions with one or all of the following:
Mayor Bill Hanauer wrhanauer@optonline.net
Trustee Catherine Borgia catherine_borgia@yahoo.com
Trustee Marlene Cheathem mcossining@aol.com
Trustee Michael Curry Mike@curryrockefellergorup.com
Trustee Sue Donnelly SueDonnelly53@yahoo.com
You will not be receiving further emails about the Ossining Village Budget. If you have received this email in error, please delete it.
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss more liberty abuses by our county goverment.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.
************************************************************************
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.
************************************************************************************
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
***********************************************************************************
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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) chanel 74 at 6pm (York.& Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dominec 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
**********************************************************************************
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
11/23/08
Monday, November 10, 2008
THE KINGDOM OF YORKTOWN STRIKES AGAIN
Dear Readers:
The Kingdom of Yorktown strikes again. The owner of I Luv My Kids bought the old Sunshine Pizza on Rt. 202 so they could move their store to a bigger location. Now one would think if the lot was okay for a restaurant a baby store would be a no brainer. You would be wrong. You see as with the Old Stone church, the Yorktown government has other ideas. They want an access road built behind the building to empty on the road next to the New City Diner. You see, the lot's entrance and exit is not good enough for them. Not only do the owners have to gut and build a new interior for the store, the town wishes them to spend their own money on a new road. There is no law, ordinance or what ever to mandate this from either the state or town comprehensive plan. This is just a whim from the town government.
One must remember that pregnant women and families with young children would be the primary customers of this establishment. The seperate entrance and exit would be safer than the access road the town wants. You have to wonder sometimes what these officials are smoking when they come up with these ideas.
I was under the impression we elected Don Peters Supervisor to stop this nonsense. It is time for the town government to stop acting like a kingdom. These owners acted in good faith when they bought the property. The town has not, changing the rules in the middle of the game. So now the Old Stone Church still sits vacant, not creating need employment in these recessionary times, not generating sales taxes that the town receives a portion of and could definitely use. This same town government that forced the owner of the Old Stone Church to sue for the right to open (case still pending), now for no good reason other then they have the power to interfere, is doing the same thing to the owners of I Luv My Kids. It is time for this town to stop being anti-business or as this next election cycle is for the local government, face the wrath of the voters. The town government can consider this my opening salvo. There will be more if they do not change their ways.
P.S.: You can read the full story on this in this weeks NCN sill on sale
*************************************************************************************
MY APPEARENCE ON THE VOLPE REPORT IN NOVEMBER:
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the that the next guest for Domenic's upcoming show is none other than this blog's and political commentator for the North County News- Anthony Bazzo. Come watch and listen to some back and forth commentary on many topics and get an insight into Anthony's political thinking. Airtimes and dates are as follows: Peekskill/Cortlandt area- November 13 and 20 Thursdays at 8:00pm. Yorktown/Putnam Valley area- November 12 and 19 Wednesdays at 6:00pm.
Domenic Volpe
*************************************************************************************
MY APPEARENCE ON THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG REPORT:
Andy:
The show is on Wednesday November 12 at 4:30 P.M. both channel 74. (Ykt. & Put. Valley only)
Ed
P.S.: see you in Dec. for the Christmas show. I will let you know the date and time.
************************************************************************************
A NEW RESTAURANT OPENS:
Hi Andy,
You were correct originally way back when you heard Pleasantville was the location of our favorite chef Louie's new restaurant.
In any event he opened this weekend in Pleasantville at 160 Marble Ave. Its called Jessies Villa. Nice looking place, its huge and pretty much the same menu we have come to know and love.
Pamela sends her regards to you and Tommy. Hope we run into you there.
Marty
************************************************************************************
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT TWELVE GRAPES, N.DIVION STREET PEEKSKILL:
Coming up: Thanksgiving Eve, Nov 26, The Straight Up Dirties, a classic rock band from 9:00-12:30. They're young, hot, and really, really good. $10 Cover.
Dec 6th, our first ever Comedy & Music Night. Tickets on sale now--$45 for Comedy Show & Prix Fixe Dinner, followed by live music from The Dragon Coasters, an 8-piece classic rock band.
New Year's Eve, Dec 31, Johnny Feds & Da Bluez Boyz. A 12 Grapes favorite!
As always, keep checking 12grapes.com for weekly updates.
All the best,
Rich & Jeannie
*****************
Wed, Nov 12, 8:30-11:00
Greg Aulden (Acoustic)
Greg is an accomplished guitarist, singer/songwriter and storyteller. His connection with the audience is immediate. His sets at times "seem more like a comedy show", but his vocals are delivered with deep emotion. Greg has the ability to stay true to the artist's intent while making the song uniquely his own. An entertaining evening is assured.
gregaulden.tripod.com
Thu, Nov 13, 8:30-11:30
OPEN MIC NIGHT with Petey Hop
We look forward to the diversity, surprise and talent that always accompanies Petey's Open Mics. We invite all talented artists to come enjoy the music, the stage and Petey. He opens the evening with one of his versatile and creative acoustic sets. Sign up begins at 8pm.
peteyhop.com
Fri, Nov 14, 9:30-12:30
Geoff Hartwell (Blues-Rock)
An incredible Blues-Rock slide guitarist, Geoff Hartwell plays classic rock with perfection and style. As a songwriter, Geoff is fresh and original. His new CD, "PERFECT STRANGER" can be heard on his website. Slide guitar legend Sonny Landreth is featured on two songs on the CD.
Let Geoff and his band take you to slide guitar heaven. Free admission.
geoffhartwell.com
Sat, Nov 15, 9:30-12:30
The Mojomatics!
Authentic Chicago-style Blues a la Muddy Waters, these guys deliver an explosive array of originals and covers. The Mojomatics have attracting a loyal following throughout the HV region, and at 12 Grapes in particular.
Their CD, "MY KIND OF CRAZY", is available on CD Baby.
themojomatics.com
Sun, Nov 16, 6:00-9:00
Singer/Songwriter Showcase
Three accomplished acoustic artists take the stage in alternating sets. Manny Cortez has a voice like Cat Stevens, and belts out his songs with emotion and conviction. Lisa Freider has an impressive repertoire of original songs. Her guitar work and vocals are amazing.
Cassandra Frake's vocals are soft, sweet and moving.
COMING UP:
Wed, Nov. 19, 8:30 - 11:30, "Reds Whites & the Blues" Jam
Thu, Nov. 20, 8:30 - 11:30, Johnny Feds Invitational Blues Jam
Fri, Nov 21, 9:30 - 12:30, The Blues Dogs
Sat, Nov 22, 9:30 - 12:30, Bennett Harris
Sun, Nov 23, 6:00 - 9:00, Singer/Songwriter Showcase
with Anthony & Joe Melillo & Sheri Miller.
Check out 12grapes.com to see our lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch menus. You can view our calendar of events and photo gallery to see what's happening at 12 Grapes each week.
Thank you for your patronage and friendship.
Sincerely,
Rich & Jeannie Credidio
12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar
12 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY
(914) 737-6624
12grapes.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM LEGISLATOR GEORGE OROS:
The Republicans Will Return
The Republicans took it on the chin big time. It was not like we couldn't see the punch coming either. The party seemed to be flagging about, wildly throwing all kinds of punches but the body blows did nothing to the opposition. It simply left our chin exposed where our opponents struck with a swift and powerful left hook that wiped us out.
Republicans need to grow up. With the likes of Fox News, Rush Limbaugh and the internet, we can no longer moan and groan about media bias (though it exists). With many of the voters who elected Ronald Reagan against what was then a sea of blue now passing on, we can no longer use his legacy (as grand as it was) to rally democrats and independents to our cause.
Republicans need to take their heads out of the sand. Intellectually, on principles and the issues, Republicans do have it right. But there is a vast disconnect with the people. Lectures and questioning motives of an opponent means little to voters worried stiff about if they will have a job next week or how do I pay for my retirement. Republicans have sound programs to address those concerns, but we failed miserably on getting those across in a simple easy to understand way. Economic policies that promote job growth are a Republican hallmark. We are the party of small and medium business, of the entrepreneur, but somehow with all the weaving and swinging in this campaign, we lost that message and instead hit the canvas unfairly characterized as the party of Wall Street.
Writing off the young and the new class of immigrants will insure keeping the Republican Party in the minority for a long time. Many young people I speak with have a jaded view of Republican principles. That is not the fault of mainstream media or the presence of the teachers union in the classroom, as much as it is the fault of the Republicans dismal failure to engage young voters on their issues. Too often Republicans down play or ridicule the youth vote. Like it or not, “Rock the Vote” and whether a candidate wears boxers or briefs are important to young voters and must be recognized. The lack of engagement between new voters and our party is a glaring weakness that must be addressed.
Most immigrants are decent hard working people who like my grandparents are here seeking a better life. Republicans need to embrace that, not mock it. Yes, we need to enforce immigration laws, yes we need to protect our borders and yes we need to make sure that those who work are paying their fair share, but first we need to understand. "Putting up our dukes" (think that is an old boxing analogy) will not address the challenges of securing our borders and assimilating the newest waive of Americans into our Country.
Above all else, Republicans are paying a dear price for the corruption and failure during the period we had control. Congressman Foley and Senator Ted Stevens became the symbol of our party. While it is true representative Charlie Rangel has his own ethical lapses, are we to persuade the American people that our party should lead because we can be as corrupt as the other guys? Hardly a testament to our philosophy of accountability.
We start today. The Republican Party in my life time has faced more daunting odds than those we face today. In 1964, the presidency was lost in a landslide, four years later the White House was Republican. In 1976, the scars of Watergate cost the party dearly. Yet in 1980 we witnessed the Reagan Revolution and a Republican Senate. After George HW Bush squandered a great opportunity for our party in 1992, two years later Republicans controlled the House and Senate. Fundamentally our principles, our issues and our message is sound and what the majority of Americans support. The problem seems to be we are sometimes so self assured that we forget that politics and elections are not about candidates - but about voters. We fail to connect, to assure, and frankly to lead.
P.S.: Dear Friends:
Your thoughts and comments are most welcomed. Thanks!
Sincerely,
George Oros
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss the question of a town manager for Yorktown.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.
************************************************************************
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.
************************************************************************************
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
***********************************************************************************
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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) chanel 74 at 6pm (York.& Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dominec 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
**********************************************************************************
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
11/01/08
The Kingdom of Yorktown strikes again. The owner of I Luv My Kids bought the old Sunshine Pizza on Rt. 202 so they could move their store to a bigger location. Now one would think if the lot was okay for a restaurant a baby store would be a no brainer. You would be wrong. You see as with the Old Stone church, the Yorktown government has other ideas. They want an access road built behind the building to empty on the road next to the New City Diner. You see, the lot's entrance and exit is not good enough for them. Not only do the owners have to gut and build a new interior for the store, the town wishes them to spend their own money on a new road. There is no law, ordinance or what ever to mandate this from either the state or town comprehensive plan. This is just a whim from the town government.
One must remember that pregnant women and families with young children would be the primary customers of this establishment. The seperate entrance and exit would be safer than the access road the town wants. You have to wonder sometimes what these officials are smoking when they come up with these ideas.
I was under the impression we elected Don Peters Supervisor to stop this nonsense. It is time for the town government to stop acting like a kingdom. These owners acted in good faith when they bought the property. The town has not, changing the rules in the middle of the game. So now the Old Stone Church still sits vacant, not creating need employment in these recessionary times, not generating sales taxes that the town receives a portion of and could definitely use. This same town government that forced the owner of the Old Stone Church to sue for the right to open (case still pending), now for no good reason other then they have the power to interfere, is doing the same thing to the owners of I Luv My Kids. It is time for this town to stop being anti-business or as this next election cycle is for the local government, face the wrath of the voters. The town government can consider this my opening salvo. There will be more if they do not change their ways.
P.S.: You can read the full story on this in this weeks NCN sill on sale
*************************************************************************************
MY APPEARENCE ON THE VOLPE REPORT IN NOVEMBER:
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the that the next guest for Domenic's upcoming show is none other than this blog's and political commentator for the North County News- Anthony Bazzo. Come watch and listen to some back and forth commentary on many topics and get an insight into Anthony's political thinking. Airtimes and dates are as follows: Peekskill/Cortlandt area- November 13 and 20 Thursdays at 8:00pm. Yorktown/Putnam Valley area- November 12 and 19 Wednesdays at 6:00pm.
Domenic Volpe
*************************************************************************************
MY APPEARENCE ON THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG REPORT:
Andy:
The show is on Wednesday November 12 at 4:30 P.M. both channel 74. (Ykt. & Put. Valley only)
Ed
P.S.: see you in Dec. for the Christmas show. I will let you know the date and time.
************************************************************************************
A NEW RESTAURANT OPENS:
Hi Andy,
You were correct originally way back when you heard Pleasantville was the location of our favorite chef Louie's new restaurant.
In any event he opened this weekend in Pleasantville at 160 Marble Ave. Its called Jessies Villa. Nice looking place, its huge and pretty much the same menu we have come to know and love.
Pamela sends her regards to you and Tommy. Hope we run into you there.
Marty
************************************************************************************
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT TWELVE GRAPES, N.DIVION STREET PEEKSKILL:
Coming up: Thanksgiving Eve, Nov 26, The Straight Up Dirties, a classic rock band from 9:00-12:30. They're young, hot, and really, really good. $10 Cover.
Dec 6th, our first ever Comedy & Music Night. Tickets on sale now--$45 for Comedy Show & Prix Fixe Dinner, followed by live music from The Dragon Coasters, an 8-piece classic rock band.
New Year's Eve, Dec 31, Johnny Feds & Da Bluez Boyz. A 12 Grapes favorite!
As always, keep checking 12grapes.com for weekly updates.
All the best,
Rich & Jeannie
*****************
Wed, Nov 12, 8:30-11:00
Greg Aulden (Acoustic)
Greg is an accomplished guitarist, singer/songwriter and storyteller. His connection with the audience is immediate. His sets at times "seem more like a comedy show", but his vocals are delivered with deep emotion. Greg has the ability to stay true to the artist's intent while making the song uniquely his own. An entertaining evening is assured.
gregaulden.tripod.com
Thu, Nov 13, 8:30-11:30
OPEN MIC NIGHT with Petey Hop
We look forward to the diversity, surprise and talent that always accompanies Petey's Open Mics. We invite all talented artists to come enjoy the music, the stage and Petey. He opens the evening with one of his versatile and creative acoustic sets. Sign up begins at 8pm.
peteyhop.com
Fri, Nov 14, 9:30-12:30
Geoff Hartwell (Blues-Rock)
An incredible Blues-Rock slide guitarist, Geoff Hartwell plays classic rock with perfection and style. As a songwriter, Geoff is fresh and original. His new CD, "PERFECT STRANGER" can be heard on his website. Slide guitar legend Sonny Landreth is featured on two songs on the CD.
Let Geoff and his band take you to slide guitar heaven. Free admission.
geoffhartwell.com
Sat, Nov 15, 9:30-12:30
The Mojomatics!
Authentic Chicago-style Blues a la Muddy Waters, these guys deliver an explosive array of originals and covers. The Mojomatics have attracting a loyal following throughout the HV region, and at 12 Grapes in particular.
Their CD, "MY KIND OF CRAZY", is available on CD Baby.
themojomatics.com
Sun, Nov 16, 6:00-9:00
Singer/Songwriter Showcase
Three accomplished acoustic artists take the stage in alternating sets. Manny Cortez has a voice like Cat Stevens, and belts out his songs with emotion and conviction. Lisa Freider has an impressive repertoire of original songs. Her guitar work and vocals are amazing.
Cassandra Frake's vocals are soft, sweet and moving.
COMING UP:
Wed, Nov. 19, 8:30 - 11:30, "Reds Whites & the Blues" Jam
Thu, Nov. 20, 8:30 - 11:30, Johnny Feds Invitational Blues Jam
Fri, Nov 21, 9:30 - 12:30, The Blues Dogs
Sat, Nov 22, 9:30 - 12:30, Bennett Harris
Sun, Nov 23, 6:00 - 9:00, Singer/Songwriter Showcase
with Anthony & Joe Melillo & Sheri Miller.
Check out 12grapes.com to see our lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch menus. You can view our calendar of events and photo gallery to see what's happening at 12 Grapes each week.
Thank you for your patronage and friendship.
Sincerely,
Rich & Jeannie Credidio
12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar
12 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY
(914) 737-6624
12grapes.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM LEGISLATOR GEORGE OROS:
The Republicans Will Return
The Republicans took it on the chin big time. It was not like we couldn't see the punch coming either. The party seemed to be flagging about, wildly throwing all kinds of punches but the body blows did nothing to the opposition. It simply left our chin exposed where our opponents struck with a swift and powerful left hook that wiped us out.
Republicans need to grow up. With the likes of Fox News, Rush Limbaugh and the internet, we can no longer moan and groan about media bias (though it exists). With many of the voters who elected Ronald Reagan against what was then a sea of blue now passing on, we can no longer use his legacy (as grand as it was) to rally democrats and independents to our cause.
Republicans need to take their heads out of the sand. Intellectually, on principles and the issues, Republicans do have it right. But there is a vast disconnect with the people. Lectures and questioning motives of an opponent means little to voters worried stiff about if they will have a job next week or how do I pay for my retirement. Republicans have sound programs to address those concerns, but we failed miserably on getting those across in a simple easy to understand way. Economic policies that promote job growth are a Republican hallmark. We are the party of small and medium business, of the entrepreneur, but somehow with all the weaving and swinging in this campaign, we lost that message and instead hit the canvas unfairly characterized as the party of Wall Street.
Writing off the young and the new class of immigrants will insure keeping the Republican Party in the minority for a long time. Many young people I speak with have a jaded view of Republican principles. That is not the fault of mainstream media or the presence of the teachers union in the classroom, as much as it is the fault of the Republicans dismal failure to engage young voters on their issues. Too often Republicans down play or ridicule the youth vote. Like it or not, “Rock the Vote” and whether a candidate wears boxers or briefs are important to young voters and must be recognized. The lack of engagement between new voters and our party is a glaring weakness that must be addressed.
Most immigrants are decent hard working people who like my grandparents are here seeking a better life. Republicans need to embrace that, not mock it. Yes, we need to enforce immigration laws, yes we need to protect our borders and yes we need to make sure that those who work are paying their fair share, but first we need to understand. "Putting up our dukes" (think that is an old boxing analogy) will not address the challenges of securing our borders and assimilating the newest waive of Americans into our Country.
Above all else, Republicans are paying a dear price for the corruption and failure during the period we had control. Congressman Foley and Senator Ted Stevens became the symbol of our party. While it is true representative Charlie Rangel has his own ethical lapses, are we to persuade the American people that our party should lead because we can be as corrupt as the other guys? Hardly a testament to our philosophy of accountability.
We start today. The Republican Party in my life time has faced more daunting odds than those we face today. In 1964, the presidency was lost in a landslide, four years later the White House was Republican. In 1976, the scars of Watergate cost the party dearly. Yet in 1980 we witnessed the Reagan Revolution and a Republican Senate. After George HW Bush squandered a great opportunity for our party in 1992, two years later Republicans controlled the House and Senate. Fundamentally our principles, our issues and our message is sound and what the majority of Americans support. The problem seems to be we are sometimes so self assured that we forget that politics and elections are not about candidates - but about voters. We fail to connect, to assure, and frankly to lead.
P.S.: Dear Friends:
Your thoughts and comments are most welcomed. Thanks!
Sincerely,
George Oros
************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss the question of a town manager for Yorktown.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.
************************************************************************
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.
************************************************************************************
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
***********************************************************************************
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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) chanel 74 at 6pm (York.& Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dominec 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
**********************************************************************************
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
11/01/08
Saturday, November 01, 2008
MY ENDORSEMENTS
Dear Readers:
Whether you have drank the kool-ade or still am of open mind, I want you to think about the following before you vote. What I am about to tell you is based on votes already cast, words out of candidates own mouths and research on platforms which can be found on line. before you vote it is not enough to hear the eloquence of Obama's words, you must also listen(listening is wanting to hear) what he is saying. As we do live in an affluent area, I implore you to think about your vote and the consequences
On taxes, you are being taken down the garden path. Where what started at the debates a $250,000.00 level at which taxes will rise has now become $100,000.00 as per his 30 minute infomercial this past week. In the infomercial he said "families" making $200,000.00 would not see tax increases. This breaks down to $100,000.00 individually. This is because, according to his proposed answer to the social security shortfall, he wishes to remove the cap. So now those making $103, 000.00 will see a 6% increase in taxes. As congress has already voted in May(I wrote about this at that time) to let the "Bush tax cuts for the rich" expire, this makes those individuals making $103,000.00 see a combined 11% increase in taxes.
If you work or own a small business, forget about raises, bonuses or help as that income used to fund those will now be spent in taxes. Business will not hire or more likely let people go to escape these taxes. Businesses do not exist to create jobs, they exist to make money. They create jobs in that quest, but if they can get away with out creating jobs to make money they will. Obama and congress are not talking about taxing wealth, they are talking about taxing income. There is a difference.
By voting to let the tax cuts expire, Congressman Hall who voted for this has assured everybody who works will see a tax increase. The lowest bracket created in the 2001 tax relief package, in which the first $10,000.00 anybody makes is taxed at 10% disappears. So those on the lowest end will see a 5% increase as their tax bracket rises to 15%. It does not take rocket science to see these are not rich people, but their taxes will rise just the same. So will yours as all other tax brackets rise 5%. Also the marriage penalty reappears and child exemption decreases by $500.00 per child. Also the tax on capital gains and dividends will increase. This affects your retirement plans. This is not opinion but fact as the votes have already been cast. They will be reaffirmed when congress reconvenes after this election. Both Nancy Pelosi and Barney Frank have said so. John Hall has voted with them 100% of the time.
Obama and the democrat leadership in which our congressman John hall has voted with 100% of the time believe the government should be the arbiter of our rights. Our constitution says our rights are not granted by any government body. We are born with them. They believe either through law or if that fails judicial fiat that the premise of limited government as spelled out in the bill of rights should be overturned, not though the amendment process as spelled out in the constitution they have sworn to uphold.
I believe in enumerated limits on government. I believe that they are public servants, not that we are the servant public. I believe in the encouragement of success not its punishment. I do not believe you can make poor people rich by making rich people poor. I do not believe in the confiscation of after tax profits for the purpose of redistribution. I do not believe profit is a crime, nor through class warfare should it be treated as such. I do not believe that the government should be the arbiter of how much is enough. It is for these reasons, plus the others I have outlined in past posts and columns in the NCN, that I cannot vote for either Obama or Hall. I hope you will think about this before you vote.
THIS IS HOW I WOULD OR WILL VOTE:
PRESIDENT: MCCAIN
CONGRESS: LALOR
ASSMBLY 99 DISTRICT(MINE): BALL
ASSEMBLY 90 DISTRICT(NOT MINE): GOULDMAN
************************************************************************************
MY APPEARENCE ON THE VOLPE REPORT IN NOVEMBER:
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the that the next guest for Domenic's upcoming show is none other than this blog's and political commentator for the North County News- Anthony Bazzo. Come watch and listen to some back and forth commentary on many topics and get an insight into Anthony's political thinking. Airtimes and dates are as follows: Peekskill/Cortlandt area- November 6, 13 and 20 Thursdays at 8:00pm. Yorktown/Putnam Valley area- November 5, 12 and 19 Wednesdays at 6:00pm.
Domenic Volpe
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE HARRISON APAR FIELD OF DREAMS FOUNDATION:
Miracles are on tap!
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation
Anthony D'Alessandro
Miracles Bar & Grill
Invite You to Be Our Special Guest at Grand Opening Reception of
Miracles Bar & Grill
4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday, November 3
Brookside Park, Kear Street, Yorktown Heights
(opposite Mavis Tire)
Your friends and colleagues also are welcome. We will toast the official opening with a ribbon-cutting and brief ceremony as we warmly welcome another new business to Yorktown.
Miracles Bar & Grill is making a generous donation to community charity Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation, which supports the youth and families of our area with scholastic, sports and performing arts donations, including a fundraising partnership with Yorktown Athletic Club and Yorktown Police Benevolent Assocation.
Watch for Miracles' first Friday Draft Special, with all proceeds earmarked for the Apar Foundation charity, thanks to owner Jimmy Bobolakis and managing partner Nick Halampalakis
We look forward to seeing you November 3 at the
Grand Opening Celebration.
TO RSVP and for more information:
Harrisonapar@optonline.net (914) 275-6887
DATE: Monday, November 3, 2008
TIME: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Miracles Bar & Grill, Brookside Park
Kear Street, Yorktown Heights
(opposite Mavis Tire)
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation*
P.O. Box 1383
Yorktown Heights, New York 10598
Harrisonapar@optonline.net (914) 275-6887
*501(c)(3) not-for-profit incorporated in State of New York
*************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss why you should vote, the human cost. 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.
************************************************************************
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.
************************************************************************************
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
***********************************************************************************
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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CHIFFON
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: Dominec 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
**********************************************************************************
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
11/01/08
Whether you have drank the kool-ade or still am of open mind, I want you to think about the following before you vote. What I am about to tell you is based on votes already cast, words out of candidates own mouths and research on platforms which can be found on line. before you vote it is not enough to hear the eloquence of Obama's words, you must also listen(listening is wanting to hear) what he is saying. As we do live in an affluent area, I implore you to think about your vote and the consequences
On taxes, you are being taken down the garden path. Where what started at the debates a $250,000.00 level at which taxes will rise has now become $100,000.00 as per his 30 minute infomercial this past week. In the infomercial he said "families" making $200,000.00 would not see tax increases. This breaks down to $100,000.00 individually. This is because, according to his proposed answer to the social security shortfall, he wishes to remove the cap. So now those making $103, 000.00 will see a 6% increase in taxes. As congress has already voted in May(I wrote about this at that time) to let the "Bush tax cuts for the rich" expire, this makes those individuals making $103,000.00 see a combined 11% increase in taxes.
If you work or own a small business, forget about raises, bonuses or help as that income used to fund those will now be spent in taxes. Business will not hire or more likely let people go to escape these taxes. Businesses do not exist to create jobs, they exist to make money. They create jobs in that quest, but if they can get away with out creating jobs to make money they will. Obama and congress are not talking about taxing wealth, they are talking about taxing income. There is a difference.
By voting to let the tax cuts expire, Congressman Hall who voted for this has assured everybody who works will see a tax increase. The lowest bracket created in the 2001 tax relief package, in which the first $10,000.00 anybody makes is taxed at 10% disappears. So those on the lowest end will see a 5% increase as their tax bracket rises to 15%. It does not take rocket science to see these are not rich people, but their taxes will rise just the same. So will yours as all other tax brackets rise 5%. Also the marriage penalty reappears and child exemption decreases by $500.00 per child. Also the tax on capital gains and dividends will increase. This affects your retirement plans. This is not opinion but fact as the votes have already been cast. They will be reaffirmed when congress reconvenes after this election. Both Nancy Pelosi and Barney Frank have said so. John Hall has voted with them 100% of the time.
Obama and the democrat leadership in which our congressman John hall has voted with 100% of the time believe the government should be the arbiter of our rights. Our constitution says our rights are not granted by any government body. We are born with them. They believe either through law or if that fails judicial fiat that the premise of limited government as spelled out in the bill of rights should be overturned, not though the amendment process as spelled out in the constitution they have sworn to uphold.
I believe in enumerated limits on government. I believe that they are public servants, not that we are the servant public. I believe in the encouragement of success not its punishment. I do not believe you can make poor people rich by making rich people poor. I do not believe in the confiscation of after tax profits for the purpose of redistribution. I do not believe profit is a crime, nor through class warfare should it be treated as such. I do not believe that the government should be the arbiter of how much is enough. It is for these reasons, plus the others I have outlined in past posts and columns in the NCN, that I cannot vote for either Obama or Hall. I hope you will think about this before you vote.
THIS IS HOW I WOULD OR WILL VOTE:
PRESIDENT: MCCAIN
CONGRESS: LALOR
ASSMBLY 99 DISTRICT(MINE): BALL
ASSEMBLY 90 DISTRICT(NOT MINE): GOULDMAN
************************************************************************************
MY APPEARENCE ON THE VOLPE REPORT IN NOVEMBER:
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the that the next guest for Domenic's upcoming show is none other than this blog's and political commentator for the North County News- Anthony Bazzo. Come watch and listen to some back and forth commentary on many topics and get an insight into Anthony's political thinking. Airtimes and dates are as follows: Peekskill/Cortlandt area- November 6, 13 and 20 Thursdays at 8:00pm. Yorktown/Putnam Valley area- November 5, 12 and 19 Wednesdays at 6:00pm.
Domenic Volpe
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE HARRISON APAR FIELD OF DREAMS FOUNDATION:
Miracles are on tap!
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation
Anthony D'Alessandro
Miracles Bar & Grill
Invite You to Be Our Special Guest at Grand Opening Reception of
Miracles Bar & Grill
4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday, November 3
Brookside Park, Kear Street, Yorktown Heights
(opposite Mavis Tire)
Your friends and colleagues also are welcome. We will toast the official opening with a ribbon-cutting and brief ceremony as we warmly welcome another new business to Yorktown.
Miracles Bar & Grill is making a generous donation to community charity Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation, which supports the youth and families of our area with scholastic, sports and performing arts donations, including a fundraising partnership with Yorktown Athletic Club and Yorktown Police Benevolent Assocation.
Watch for Miracles' first Friday Draft Special, with all proceeds earmarked for the Apar Foundation charity, thanks to owner Jimmy Bobolakis and managing partner Nick Halampalakis
We look forward to seeing you November 3 at the
Grand Opening Celebration.
TO RSVP and for more information:
Harrisonapar@optonline.net (914) 275-6887
DATE: Monday, November 3, 2008
TIME: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Miracles Bar & Grill, Brookside Park
Kear Street, Yorktown Heights
(opposite Mavis Tire)
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation*
P.O. Box 1383
Yorktown Heights, New York 10598
Harrisonapar@optonline.net (914) 275-6887
*501(c)(3) not-for-profit incorporated in State of New York
*************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss why you should vote, the human cost. 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.
************************************************************************
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.
************************************************************************************
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
***********************************************************************************
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/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CHIFFON
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: Dominec 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
**********************************************************************************
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
11/01/08
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