The Peekskill Guardian (http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/) has recently made two posts regarding the proposed "utility tax" on residents by the Peekskill school district (1} The School District's Proposed New Tax on Public Housing Residents is Unfair to the Poor, the Elderly, the Middle Class, and is defended by Illogic 2} Mathematical Proof Johnson’s Utility Tax is Designed to Punish Homeowners ) . The Guardian is incorrect in stating that the NCN has not covered this story. The fact is I brought this up last year in my columns ( SHINE THE LIGHT ON PEEKSKILL'S SCHOOLS 04/02/08) and ( Speak out on school budgets now 02/24/09). In between there have been at least four stories on this topic. As I was the first to report on this odious tax, I wanted to set the record straight. This does not take away the fact that you as tax payers should read these posts.
I have always advocated reform of how we fund our schools and in fact urged the passage of the "Cahill Bill" in the State legislature that would fund schools through income tax as that would be a means tested fair way to go. Nobody would be forced to sell their homes do to run away school taxes as this tax would be based on income and make tenants more involved in their school districts. Assemblywoman Galef who opposes this tax, though does not say so out right, opposed this tax by mudding the waters with her "circuit breaker" bill. Her bill only takes from Peter to pay Paul, where in the "Cahill Bill" only Peter pays. If the district were to propose this utility tax in lieu of property tax then it would be a fairer tax. It accomplishes the same objectives as the tax on income except it is not means tested, like the income tax would be.
You see it is important that tenants see a direct payment to their schools out of their income. While it is true that they pay school taxes as part of their rent, they really do not see it or feel it, and anyway in the era of class warfare so encouraged by the Democrats, they think their rent goes to greedy landlords so they may keep up their opulent life styles. Taxing income would encourage more people to be involved in their district meetings an school board and budget votes as they would be directly involved in funding, not through a second party as is now done through property taxes.
You can find more details about this topic in my archives ( Shifting Responsibilities 02/26/07 and New Ideas vs. The Status Quo 04/18/07). During the spring of 2007 I did two "Yorktown Watchdog Report" cable T.V. shows on this topic, one with then Putnam Valley Supervisor Sam Davis who was an earlier champion of school tax reform. My recent appearance on "The Yorktown Watchdog Report" was also on the topic of school taxes and the still playing Volpe Report with guest Ed Ciffon of the UTY focus's on school taxes.
So while other were just complaining about high school taxes, there were others, me included who have been trying to offer alternatives. As I have said before, it is just not what you are against that is important, more important is what you are for. I forgot to mention, it was Yorktown Councilman Nick Bianco who has been the lone voice (at least for a while) shining the light on the "Star Program", that with out his input, the Souzzi Group would not have had it on their radar. It was Nick Bianco who pointed out that people not paying taxes were receiving Star Tax rebate checks, which by the way Assemblywoman Galef had no problem with as they were receiving these state checks while she was running for re-election. Over 7 million dollars of these checks went to people who did not pay taxes.
For now it is important to fight this odious tax on utilities as it is a tax on all utilities so you must times that 3% by either 4 or 6 times per month(depending on how many of the taxed utilities you use) then times it by 12 and you will see it is not a 3% tax. On a final note, I would not use the class warfare argument as does the Peekskill Guardian, as I am not in favor of political divide and conquer, however who can blame them for using the Democrat's own hypocrisy against them. After all when you look up the dictionary definition of hypocrisy it say "see Democrat Party".
RAPID RESPONSE TO THIS POST FROM THE PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN:
Andy,
We didn't mean to imply you hadn't written about the topic. Our point
was that in last week's article, the other point of view was not
aired. Other newspapers edit their stories so that readers who aren't
familiar with all the facts get a balanced picture. Most people don't
have perfect recall of everything a newspaper has published in the
past (even editorial boards, as we pointed out, don't recall positions
they have taken in the past), and then some people don't have a chance
to read every issue. We share much in common on the school tax issue,
but you may not agree with our next post on the subject, where we will
lay out more fully why we don't think it makes sense for schools to
tax people in public housing.
The Peekskill Guardian
MY RESPONSE TO THE PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN:
Dear Guardian:
The one thing in favor of a utility tax in lieu of property tax is that those who work off the books, those who are here illegally, those who make their money not in a completely honest way would be supporting a school district they or their children use. No politician in his or hers right mind would even acknowledge these people exist or are using the system. Can you imagine the outcry of racism or xenophobia or any other phobia or ism you can think of that would be hurled at the politician who spoke that truth? None the less there must be a way to get people not paying into the system to pay into it, and not in addition to property taxes! The problem with the Peekskill proposal is it penalizes property owner as they would still be liable for those taxes.
The other problem which I did not mention is that each municipality in Westchester must out of their tax base be responsible for the collection of these taxes and must out of their tax base make up any short fall. By going the income tax route which is means tested or the utility tax, the local municipalities are no longer burdened with that responsibility and as such can lower payroll by not having to employ those who must account for those monies.
Andy
RAPID RESPOSE FROM THE PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN:
Andy,
Not sure it creates that much overhead for the Comptroller to collect the school tax and pay the School District. But as you say, the current system might not be the best way to fund schools. As to the utility tax, right now, the law caps it at 3% which is insufficient to fund the entire school budget. An income tax would be preferable to a utility tax, but then we are faced with Albany dictating how much each district gets. So much of this school stuff comes down to home rule. And the bigger question for another day is whether in our current technological age, traditional geographical boundaries and legislative bodies make economic sense. (If economic things get worse, the debate may arise.) Our biggest gripe with Johnson's utility tax is that Judith budgets the tax to yield $700k in revenue, when it will reap much more than that, three to four times more. As we said, it's a trojan horse they are selling with bad arguments. We just posted why we think the utility tax unfairly hurts Peekskill's neediest residents.
The Peekskill Guardian
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MY NEW POST ON GOPAC:
Where Leadership Begins….The Party Of Ideas Part 2
by Anthony Bazzo on Mar.21, 2009, under Blogs
Dear Readers:
Mr. Chris Covucci has recently made two posts that advocate exactly what the Republican Party must NOT do. He is accepting the Democrat premise to an argument. You can not beat them on those terms. You can not say that the public is ” justifiably, in an anti-corporate mood and here is the perfect opportunity to score some populist points”. The public is in an anti-corporate mood because of misinformation and out right lies. The Democrat Party has controlled congress since 2007, and since then the economic roof has caved in. They screamed during the elections of 2006 about the deficit and then they increased it! They controlled the purse strings not Bush. They could have reigned in his budget proposals, and not only chose not to, but increased it. Now with control of both the executive and legislative branches of government, they have now, according to the CBO have increased the deficit to 1.8 trillion dollars and it is still climbing!
If the Republican Party can not make the argument that this fiscal melt down is a direct result of Democrat control of the purse strings then they deserve to lose elections nationally and even state wide. Since 2003, using Senate Parliamentary maneuvers Democrats blocked all reform and attempts to reign in the financial shenanigans, there by causing last September’s melt down. To the Republican Party’s shame, they voted TARP 1 giving the Treasury Secretary unfettered use of a trillion dollars, which I believe was unconstitutional.
This is what happens when a party checks its principals at the door and gives in to panic.
As for this recent populist outrage against AIG, those bonuses were allowed by a special amendment to the stimulus package demanded by Obama’s Treasury Secretary and voted for by all N.Y.S Democrat elected officials in congress and the senate, a bill which they DID NOT READ before voting. To add insult to injury all our Democrat congressional representatives except one from Staten Island have now voted to tax those who received those bonuses, which is directly against the constitution they swore to uphold upon taking office. If the Republican Party can not make the argument that our Democrat Congressional Representatives are making a mockery out of our constitution, again they deserve not to win national elections.
It is wrong for the Republican Party to buy into this anti-big business populism. This tax on these bonuses will cost N.Y. business and tax coffers a fortune, which we can not afford to lose, and again I think is unconstitutional. Our congressional and senate representatives sold out the state they are suppose to protect and represent, hoping to get class warfare brownie points. This is the argument to be made, not some sort of anti-corporate-lite.
On the Patterson proposal to sell wine in grocery stores, again Mr. Chris Covucci has accepted the Democrat premise. He states “Here’s another idea: Allow grocery stores to sell wine, but the new licensing revenue would be spilt among the state’s current liquor store owners at a rate that would compensate them for their lost sales. You’ld have to fine tune the details, and make sure that store owners were adequately compensated for their loses, including the decline in the value of their stores. But consumers would have more choices and the state would be living up to its obligations to these small business owners”.
I have written in my column in the NCN and my blog which are posted here the argument against any compromise on this proposal. You do not comprise principal. Encouraging the prosperity of small business and the people they employ is a principal, damn it! You do not try to buy off a business best interests with these proposed new monies from fees.
It is up to the Republican Party to offer alternative ideas on their premise, not tweak Democrat ideas on their’s. You have lost election because you compromised your principals, in an effort to retain power. This election philosophy has instead cost you power. Either become the party of ideas that promote the economic engine capitalism, or forever take a back seat, whining from the bleachers.
BAZZO 03/21/09
RESPONSE FROM YORKTOWN GOP VICE-CHAIRMAN LARRY CASSIDY:
Anthony,
You are right, the constitution is no longer the tool used to build this great nation, but is being used as a weapon to destroy it! Democrats do not agree with the Constitution because of its use of God and self reliance. Democrats do not understand that just the mere suggestion that certain people should be singled out and have the government use the tax code to punish behavior that it deems unacceptable violates the very soul of the Constitution. Government is NOT the answer, in fact in more cases than not, it is the problem.
If the AIG execs can be punished in this way via the misuse of the tax code, what chance do we "little people" have once the government sets its sights on our wealth? At one time Mario Cuomo wanted to convene a constitutional convention II, so that he could see to it that the provisions in it complied with present day attitudes and habits. His argument was that the Constitution is a living, breathing document. He could not be more wrong. The Constitution by its very nature is and should be "etched in stone". If not, the Constitution is no more than a document of suggestions as to how our government should run. Democrats do not believe in the Constitution nor in the Bill of Rights. They vest their trust in men and not laws.
My friend we are on the same slope that the Roman Empire slid down, only we are going on the expert hill!
See ya Soon Anthony
Larry Cassidy
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INTRODUCING A NEW BLOG: (YOU CAN FIND THE LINK IN MY "SITES TO LINK TO"):
Hi, Andy.
I've started a new blog. It's really more of a news aggregator, I suppose. Here's the address: http://www.dailydoseofdumb.com/
Feel free to share the link with anyone who you think might enjoy it.
Thomas G.
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AND A NEW WEBSITE:
Please visit my website Padovanofineart.com. I have updated it and added new paintings.
Thanks.
Rob
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A MESSAGE FROM TOWN OF CORTLANDT SUPERVISOR LINDA PUGLISI:
RE: MTA TAX
Cortlandt is against the new tax and will also pass a resolution at our next Town Board meeting of April 14, 2009.
Linda Puglisi
Supervisor
ED. NOTE: Congrats. to the Townn Of Cortlandt and it's Supervisor and town board. Now where the hell is Peekskill and Putnam Valley on this issue?
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A MESSAGE FROM THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG:
TEA PARTY RSVP - Can you send a bag? They are in Hot
water. And pleanty of pork
There's a storm abrewin'. What happens when good, responsible people keep quiet? Washington has forgotten they work for us. We don't work for them. Throwing
good money after bad is NOT the answer. I am sick of the midnight,
closed door sessions to come up with a plan. I am sick of Congress
raking CEO's over the coals while they, themselves, have defaulted on
their taxes. I am sick of the bailed out companies having lavish
vacations and retreats on my dollar. I am sick of being20told it is
MY responsibility to rescue people that, knowingly, bought more
house than they could afford. I am sick of being made to feel it is my
patriotic duty to pay MORE taxes. I, like all of you, am a responsible citizen. I pay my taxes. I live on a budget and I don't ask someone else to carry the burden for poor decisions I may make. I have emailed my congressmen and senators asking them to NOT vote for the stimulus package as it was written without
reading it first. No one listened. They voted for it, pork and all. O.K.
folks, here it is. You may think you are just one voice and what you think won't make a difference.
Well,yes it will and YES, WE CAN!! If you are disgusted and angry with the way Washington is handling our taxes. If you are fearful of the fallout from the reckless spending of BILLIONS to bailout and "stimulate" without accountability and
responsibility then we need to become ONE, LOUD VOICE THAT CAN BE HEARD FROM EVERY CITY, TOWN,SUBURB AND HOME IN AMERICA.
There is a growing protest to demand that Congress, the President and
his cabinet LISTEN to us, the American Citizens. What is being done in Washington is NOT the way to handle the economic free fall. So,here's the plan. On April 1, 2009, all Americans are asked to send a TEABAG to Washington , D.C. You do not have to enclose a note or any other information unless you so desire. Just a
TEABAG. Many cities are organizing protests. If you simply search, "New American Tea Party", several sites will come up. If you aren't the 'protester'type, simply make your one voice heard with a TEABAG.
Your one voice will become a roar when joined with millions of
others that feel the same way. Yes, something needs to be done but the lack
of confidence as shown by the steady decline in the stock market
speaks volumes.This was not my idea. I visited the sites of the 'New American Tea Party' and an online survey showed over 90% of thousands said they would send the teabag on April 1. Why, April 1?? We want them to reach Washington by April 15. Will you do it? Iwill.
Sendit to:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20500 ...
Visit the website below for more information about the 'New American Tea Party'.
http://newamericanteaparty.com/about/
I would encourage everyone to go ahead and get the envelope ready to mail,
then just drop it in the mail April 1. Can't guarantee what the postage will be by then, it is going up as we speak, but have your envelope ready. What will this cost you? A little time and a 40 something cent stamp.
What could you receive in benefits? Maybe, just maybe, our elected
officials will start to listen to the people. Take out the Pork. Tell us
how the money is being spent. We want TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. Remember, the money will be spent over the next 4-5 years. It is not too late.
************************
Andy
Can yot put our meeting notice on your blog.
Ed
-----Original Message-----
From: Bobbie Anne Cox, Esq.
To: Ed Cifone
Cc: Dennis Tate
Sent: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:22 pm
Subject: March 25 meeting
Ed:
As per your request, attaced is the flyer for our March 25 meeting at
Town Hall.
Looking forward to seeing all of you then.
Bobbie Anne Cox
Attorney At Law
66 Palmer Ave., Suite 33-A
Bronxville, N.Y. 10708
Ph.(914)779-6299
Fax(914)337-3619
www.coxlawyers.com
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MESSAGE FROM ACCOUTING FIRM OF DEWEY, CHEETUM AND HOWE:
RE: N.Y.S. TAX TO PAY YOUR TAXES:
Sent on behalf of Louis Grumet
Dear NYSSCPA member:
The NYSSCPA has called upon legislative leaders in the New York State Senate and Assembly to exempt CPAs from proposed tax preparer registration and the annual $100 registration fee that would be required of CPAs in Budget Bill S.59-A/A.159-A at Part VV Section 6.
Under this budget proposal, beginning with tax returns filed on or after December 31, 2009, each tax preparer who prepares at least one tax return for compensation in a calendar year must electronically register with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance (T&F) for that calendar year, and re-register annually. In addition, each tax preparer must electronically pay an annual $100 fee to T&F, if he or she prepares ten or more returns in the preceding calendar year and will prepare one return in the current year, or prepared fewer that ten returns in the preceding calendar year but ten or more returns in the current calendar year. T&F will issue a unique identification number to each register tax preparer, which must be used on each return the tax preparer required to sign.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please write to your Senator and Assembly member to request an exemption for CPAs from the proposed annual tax preparer registration and fee and include the following points in the letter (a sample draft letter is attached):
1. CPAs already pay a $245 triennial registration fee (including a $35 continuing professional education fee) to the State Education Department to practice their profession, and are licensed to provide tax preparation and tax advisory services.
2. The new accountancy law signed by the Governor in January (Chapter 651 of 2008) includes tax services by CPAs within the regulated scope of practice and disciplinary authority of the State Education Department and the Board of Regents.
3. CPAs already have a license number issued by the State Education Department, and CPAs who prepare tax returns typically have a Personal Identification Number and a Centralized Authorization File Number issued by the IRS. Another unique identification number from T&F is unnecessary for CPAs.
4. This budget bill’s tax preparer registration and fee requirements will apply to out-of-state CPAs and may cause other states to impose similar fees on New York CPAs who prepare returns for filing in other states. It will also contradict a provision in the new accountancy law which allows out-of-state CPAs with a principal place of business in the other state to practice tax (non-attest services) in New York without notice or fee.
5. In the interest of consumer protection, the issuance of a Tax Preparer Registration Certificate to non-licensed tax preparers will mislead taxpayers to conclude that the preparer is qualified, when there are no minimum qualifications, education requirements or examination for such a certificate. The goal to reduce the budget deficit in New York should not have the unintended consequence of granting non-licensed tax preparers a state credential.
You can find the names and addresses of your state Senator and Assemblymember, from the homepage of www.nysscpa.org. Click on “Contact Reps” from the list in the left-hand column. Then click on New York State Senate Members or New York State Assemblymembers. Next click on the name of your Senator or Assemblymember, or click on “Find Your Representative by Zip Code.” The Contact information is available on each legislator’s webpage.
If you have any trouble obtaining the name and address of your state Senator or Assemblymember, please contact Paulette White at 212-719-8367 or email her for assistance at pwhite@nysscpa.org.
Please note that the text of Part VV Section 6 of Budget Bill S.59-A/A.159-A is found on the homepage of the NYSSCPA website under the Gov’t Center.
Louis Grumet
Executive Director
NYSSCPA
Dear Senator________: Dear Assemblyman___________: or Dear Assemblywoman:________
I urge you to exempt CPAs from the proposed tax preparer registration and the annual $100 registration fee in Budget Bill S.59-A/A.159-A at Part VV Section 6, adding a new Tax Law section 32.
Under this budget proposal, beginning with tax returns filed on or after December 31, 2009, each tax preparer who prepares at least one tax return for compensation in a calendar year must electronically register with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance (T&F) for that calendar year, and must re-register annually. In addition, each tax preparer must electronically pay an annual $100 fee to T&F, if he or she prepares ten or more returns in the preceding calendar year and will prepare one return in the current year, or prepared fewer that ten returns in the preceding calendar year but ten or more returns in the current calendar year. T&F will issue a unique identification number to each register tax preparer, which must be used on each return the tax preparer required to sign.
CPAs should be exempted from the proposed annual tax preparer registration and fee in Budget Bill S.59-A/A.159-A Part VV Section 6, for the following reasons:
1. CPAs already pay a $245 triennial registration fee (including a $35 continuing professional education fee) to the State Education Department to practice their profession, and are licensed to provide tax preparation and tax advisory services.
2. The new accountancy law (Chapter 651 of 2008) includes tax services by CPAs within the regulated scope of practice and disciplinary authority of the State Education Department and the Board of Regents.
3. CPAs already have a license number issued by the State Education Department, and CPAs who prepare tax returns typically have a Personal Identification Number and a Centralized Authorization File Number issued by the IRS. Another unique identification number from T&F is unnecessary for CPAs.
4. This budget bill’s tax preparer registration and fee requirements will apply to out-of-state CPAs and may cause other States to impose similar fees on New York CPAs who prepare returns for New York clients for filing in such other states. It will also contradict a provision in the new accountancy law which allows out-of-state CPAs with a principal place of business in the other state to practice tax (non-attest services) in New York without notice or fee.
I am also concerned that this budget proposal will require T&F to issue a Tax Preparer Registration Certificate to non-licensed tax preparers, which will mislead taxpayers to conclude that the preparer is qualified, when there are no minimum qualifications, education requirements or examination in the proposal. Your efforts to reduce the budget deficit in New York should not have the unintended consequence of granting non-licensed tax preparers a state credential. The issuance by T&F of a unique personal identification number would be sufficient to identify the registered tax preparer, without issuance of a Tax Preparer Registration Certificate.
[Add a paragraph about your tax practice or CPA firm]
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours truly,
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A MESSAGE FROM ANDY POLAY:
Hello Everyone,
Things have been really busy as we ramp into the great Spring weather (I don't know about you, but I'm really ready for it this year!). Before I give you the latest, I'd like to thank those who came to the Niles Cocktail Party last week. They gave a great bash and Rahn and I provided the music. We had a great time as always. Thanks for saying hello.
Next week we get really busy with 3 shows on 3 consecutive days. The good news is that each one of these will be different from the other two ....
March 26:
I'll have the trio down in NYC as we play to a private party in none other than the Rainbow Room. Sorry I can't invite you all to be there, but I promise to make it up to you!
March 27, 7:00PM:
We'll have the trio back together in night one of what I'll affectionately call "Jazz Weekend in Peekskill". That evening, we'll be back at the Bean Runner on Esther St. in Peekskill starting at 7PM. We'll play eclectic jazz, standards our way, and one of our favorites- our tribute to the great Herbie Hancock. Of course we'll also treat you (and ourselves) to some great Bop and Hard Bop and standards we represent the works of Miles, Monk, Coltrane, and many more, including original fare. Also on the menu in our "little slice of Soho" will be some very special friends of ours as they treat you to some great works of poetry. This one I can invite you to, so I hope to see you there. Rahn Burton on the keys, Lester Harper on the bass, and yours truly on the drums.
March 28, 9:00PM:
It is with special pride that I announce a fund raiser for a great cause as we play at the First Hebrew Congregation on Main St./Route 6 in Peekskill, near the Beach shopping Center and next door to the Chase Bank (see attached flyer and by all means, please print it, post it and spread the word). On that evening, a wonderful group of volunteers will transform the building into a fantastic late night club- complete with free desserts and a cash bar ... and The Trio. Tickets are being sold for this event and proceeds go to the Synagogue to help maintain it. If you are planning to go to "night one" of our whirl-wind tour in Peekskill, I hope you'll make some time to come to this- "night two". I promise you will not see the same exact show, and, this is for a great cause. Rahn, Lester and I will start at 9:00PM, so have dinner, save room for desert, grab some friends and continue your Saturday night with us! Thank you very much for your support and hope to see you at the shows!
Andy
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION:
Dear Ms. Supervisor,
I know we need to schedule a meeting, my personal/business commitments prevented me from putting together the results of our questionnaire which we intended to use to know what issues we would be seeking to discuss. Now that I went through them with some of our board members here are some of the issues we would like to discuss. I apologize for not getting back to you sooner I did ask a board member to contact you but he also was not able to get this organized.
Maybe we can meet mid March? As we discussed in February.
Issues to discuss:
We received close to one hundred and thirty responses to a questionnaire sent to our members and the issues raised in the questionnaire are below.
1. Taxes: Town Taxing record, does it include all aspects of tax liability or just the “town tax line” so what is the actual tax record?
2. Chop program is it legal to use town funds to advance the project and are residents actually saving money?
3. Development in the Town: some interesting proposals ie: the bungalow conversion on route 6 looks goods so far; also the project proposed across from the Hudson Valley Hospital pursuant to recently approved special permitting law; is this development in keeping with last political campaign which promised to focus on re development of unused parcels rather than developing “virgin” properties?
4.Our tax bill; why does the receiver of taxes send tax bills for the schools showing the percentage tax increases/impact every year yet the town tax bill has only provided this information on the 2002 or 2003 tax bills? Why not every year for every taxing line show such information. Concern that the true extend taxes are not being shown and therefore difficult to understand claims regarding tax policies in the town.
5. Cortlandt property taxes are similar to the Town of Yorktown, yet we don’t have a police department or comparable services; why aren’t our taxes with comparable properties significantly lower than Yorktown?
6.Several members question why is the Town Attorney’s office not in Town Hall. Concern for conflicts of interest as none of the staff is full time.
7. Why are there budget transfers during the year when you pass an annual budget?
8. Can Our web site also be a link to the town web site?
9. One member, I will assume they are a town employee was questioning why is the parking organized in such a way employees have to walk? Not sure what to make of this issues. Some humor here.
10.Can we increase support for the DARE program in our schools?
11.Need for more soccer, baseball etc fields for our kids.
12.Police protection, need for more community policing rather than just traffic control and enforcement.
13.Proposed rezoning of Annsville circle not feasible or desired
14 Concerned for Town board legislating to target individual property owners.
15.Need for more recycling in the town to prevent landfill
16.Why zoning changes being proposed so soon after a comprehensive master plans?
17.Has Cortlandt done its’ fair share of affordable housing? What projects are pending that have affordable housing as a component? If we have met our mandate should we stop further development of such?
18.Have elected officials considered salary cuts for themselves? Do members of the council receive health benefits?
19.What efforts done to attract business development; that assists with the tax burden.
Thank you for your efforts and we look forward to meeting with you.
Regards
Daniel Pagano.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:
Bourn giorno (Good morning)
I can’t stress enough how thankful I am for all your kind & encouraging words. I’m still hopeful we can come to an amicable resolution with the Yorktown board and I’m counting on your continued support to reach that goal.
I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
March Open House Dates:
Dates:Saturday March 28th
Time:1PM until 2AM
Where:The Winery at St. George – 1715 E. Main Street – Mohegan Lake NY (914) 455-4272
See today’s latest News and Updates - http://www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
Sincerely
Tom DeChiaro
Thomas DeChiaro
The Winery at St. George
PO Box 32
Baldwin Place, NY 10505
tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
blog.wineryatstgeorge.com
(914) 455-4272
(914) 455-4273 - fax
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A MESSAGE FROM BOB MEYERS:
Thanks to our hosts Bruce and Chris.
Last week's jam was great! Thanks to all the musicians and folks who were there.
I am very excited to again be presenting a jazz jam in Northern Westchester at Fulgums Bar and Restaurant 2151 Albany Post Road, (Route 9A)Montrose, NY 10548
(914) 737-0172.(across the street diagonally from Hendrick Hudson High School).
This Sunday, Mar. 22nd. We start at 6PM with the Trio playing the 1st set.
Then all musicians are welcome to sit in until 9:30.
This Sunday we again present Neil Alexander playing keyboards, Lew Scott playing bass and myself playing drums & cymbals. Its FREE! There is no minimum.
The food is good. The venue is friendly. Kids welcome!
YOUR presence and [for musicians] participation is what makes this jam possible! Please come out and support the music.
Thanks,
Bob
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef Announces That New York’s Toy Recall Law Has Gone Into Effect
(March 17, 2009) Assemblywoman Sandy Galef announced that legislation concerning New York’s toy recall has taken effect. This new law, the Children’s Product Safety and Recall Effectiveness Act of 2008, requires manufacturers and retailers to provide better safety and recall information to consumers.
“Regulation is very important to stop defective toys from reaching the shelves and homes of our families,” Galef said. “The old voluntary system was not an effective way to prevent these harmful toys from reaching the hands of our children. This new law mandates that manufacturers alert the public, and that stores selling recalled products will post notices alerting their customers about any recalls.”
The Children’s Product Safety and Recall Effectiveness Act of 2008 will require manufacturers to provide better safety and recall information by:
· Requiring the manufacturers of baby products such as cribs, car seats, high chairs, and playpens to include a “product safety owner card” with their product at the time of sale.
· Requiring certain children’s products to have a label listing the manufacturer and importer and lot/batch information where applicable.
· Mandating manufacturers and importers of children’s products to notify consumers, distributors, retailers, the state attorney general, and the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) of any recalls or warnings.
· Once a recall is initiated, requiring manufacturers and retailers to remove the product from shelves and websites, alerting the initial purchaser about the product, if possible, and posting recall notices in a conspicuous place.
· Authorizing the CPB and the attorney general to enforce these requirements and impose civil penalties.
“This new labeling and notification system will help customers know if the product they bought is defective so it can be returned or discarded. The products we buy for our children are supposed to be safe. Toys are supposed to be fun and educational. This law will ensure that dangerous toys are kept off the shelves and parents are alerted to recalls for toys already in homes, so that these flawed items are out of the hands of our children,” concluded Galef.
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss Peeksill's political scene. You can read my column on this topic exclusively on line(see link below)or in this weeks NORTH COUNTY NEWS on sale now. I am worth the seventy-five cents. Look for my column IN MY OPINION(page 10) in the editorial section. Better yet as this column is exclusive to the North County News on a regular basis and will be covering the local political scene, take out a subscription. Click on the North County News link below and go to Subscribe. Between this blog and The North County News you will have all the information to make a vote based on substance.
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FYI:ATOM TAXI INC. AIRPORT SERVICE:
Dear Readers:
This gives me a chance to plug my business ATOM TAXI INC. As you are planning your holiday or business or vacation travel? Instead of the headache of trying to find Airport parking, we do Airport Service to The Westchester County Airport(and ALL other airports) 24/7. Just call 1(914)879-6121 and my partner Tommy, will be glad to take you in our Airport Taxi. You will also be provided with a free copy of your local paper of record The North County News. If this is a business trip we also provide a professional receipt, just tell Tommy at the time of booking. The cost of a one-way trip to LaGuardia Airport the cost is Ninety dollars plus tolls. The cost to JFK and Newark Airports is one hundred-twenty-five dollars plus tolls. The tolls are $10.00 Westchester County Airport and Stewart cost $75.00. We do not take credit cards, sorry.
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E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS:
Dear Readers:
It has come to my attention the difficulty in posting a comment on this blog. If you wish to comment, e-mail me at the link posted below, putting "Manifesto Reader" in the subject matter, and I will "cut and Paste" your comments myself. If you DO NOT wish your comments posted, but just wish to communicate with me, please make your wishes known in the e-mail.
LINKS: atom_taxi@yahoo.com(as this a yahoo address make sure you put an underscore (-) between atom and taxi)
For immediate reply: atomtaxi@aol.com
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SITES TO LINK TO:
JOHN G. TESTA: www.johngtesta.com
ON TOPIC W/ JOHN TESTA: www.ontopicwithjt.com
CARS & US: www.doverracing.com
THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE: http://www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
PLAN PUTNAM: planputnam@googlegroups.com/
PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN: "http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/
NORTH COUNTY NEWS:"http://northcountynews.com/
THE JOURNAL NEWS:http://thejournalnews.com/
PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATS:http://www.peekskilldems.com/"
PEEKSKILLREPUBLICANS:http://peekskillgop.com/
YORKTOWN SUPERVISOR DON PETERS: http://www.donpetersforyorktown.com/
PUTNAM VALLEY SUPERVISOR BOB TENDY:http://www.bobtendyforsupervisor.com/
THE PEEKSILL NEWS:http://thepeekskillnews.blogspot.com/
CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION: www.cortlandtcivic.com
GOPAC: gohudblogs.com
PEEKSILL NEWS: http://peekskillnews.blogspot.com/
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: www.yorktownopengov.org
DAILY DOSE OF DUMB: http://www.dailydoseofdumb.com/
PADAVANO FINE ARTS: Padovanofineart.com
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CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) chanel 74 at 6pm (York.& Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Domenic Volpe
THE ISSUES: Thursdays at 9:PM chanel 74 Peekskill Mondays at 8PM chanel 15
Hosted by; Sam Davis
ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA: Thursdays at 9:30PM chanel 15 (Peekskill & Cortlant)
Tuesdays in Yorktown & Putnam Valley 9:30 chanel 74
Hosted by: John Testa
CARS & US: Fridays 10 PM chanel 15(Peek. & Cortlant) 74(York. & Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dennis Tate
SPEAK OUT WITH SANDY GALEF: Yorktown chanel 74 Wednesdays at 7:30PM..Ossining/Peekskill chanel 15 Wednesdays at 8PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
DEAR SANDY: Yorktown chanel 74 Fridays 7:30PM...Ossining/Peeksill chanel 15 Fridays
9PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
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EDITOR'S NOTE:
All articles re-printed in this blog from the North County News are with the permission of Bruce Apar Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
03/21/09
