WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER 3,374,995 VISITS IN ONE YEAR—65,000 VISITS A WEEK BY 985,281 VISITORS

Hits: 0

WPCNR THE POWER NEWS. January 31, 2006: The Mayor’s Office today stated that Mayor Joseph Delfino had no comments or statements either in defense or in support of Con Edison repair services during the windstorm of January 18 and aftermath.

 The Mayor did not send a representative to  the County Legislator Hearing (held two city blocks from City Hall), and conducted by Legislators Thomas Abinanti and Michael Kaplowitz on Con Edision performance during the windstorm of January 18 and subsequent repair period.  White Plains was fully restored to power by Sunday afternoon, after 1,000 households had lost power.

Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner, White Plains neighbor to the West, could not attend the hearing, but released the following statement to WPCNR which was read into the record at the hearing:

Honorable Legislators:

            I am unable to attend the hearing being held by the members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators re: the power outage today. I thank the Legislature for holding the hearing and want you to know that about 2000 Greenburgh residents were out of power the first day of the outage.  My family was out of power from Wednesday morning to Friday. It was cold, uncomfortable. Families with babies and the frail elderly could have suffered major health problems if the weather had been colder. Schools were closed for a few days in Dobbs Ferry and elsewhere- causing additional inconveniences to residents and students.

            Lessons could be learned from this power outage. First, Con Ed should make sure that independent living centers for the elderly and senior housing complexes get their power turned on sooner—rather than later. Some of the elderly are frail—a long power outage could create major health problems for the elderly. Second, Schools should be given priority attention. Some local schools were closed for 3 days –creating problems for teachers and parents.

            Finally, government has a responsibility to learn from this experience. Currently, the American Red Cross has agreements with every school in the county to house people in the event of an emergency. Woodlands, for example, is a reception center to receive people evacuated from within the 10 mile area surrounding Indian Point. The Greenburgh Police Department has worked with the Red Cross, Westchester County and Fire Agencies to set up and staff the center and decontaminate evacuees. Although some schools may have generators, I am not aware of many that do. This obviously impacts on the ability to provide heat, hot water for showers, power for cooking, lights, etc. 

            I have urged the Town of Greenburgh to also purchase generators for those town buildings that are capable of providing basic services to the public in addition to shelter (food, showers). Our buildings are also air conditioned which is essential in addressing the sheltering needs of people during emergencies that occur during the hottest months of the year. In a major event, the maintenance of government operations is essential to the community’s recovery, a generator should be placed at the multipurpose center, Theodore Young Community Center and at part of Town Hall.  Every locality and the county should purchase generators to be placed in government buildings.

            This wind storm created inconveniences for many. If the weather had been colder there would have been a greater need for shelter. If municipal buildings had been out of power our ability to provide services to the community would have been impacted. And, we could not have provided emergency shelter to those who need it.

            The county might wish to assist localities and school districts by providing financial assistance in paying for the generators. The town received a $75,000 grant from the state to purchase a generator for our multipurpose building. However, after we went out to bid we found that the generator would cost $150,000.  I am trying to persuade the Town Board to support funding for one  or more generators that can be used to help shelter the elderly and disabled.     

(Statement for the Record by Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner)    

Hits: 0

WPCNR Albany’s Amy. By Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. 88th Assembly District. January 30, 2006: As we begin this year and legislative session I would like to share with you some some of the accomplishments of 2005.   As you may have read, 2005 was one of the most productive sessions in legislative history and truly was a “Year of Reform.”  For the first time in 21 years, the budget was passed on time.  Most importantly, it is a good budget, giving more money to our schools and municipalities.  The Assembly is again committed to the adoption of a fair and on-time budget by April 1 of this year. 

(More)

“Year of Reform”

Reforming the way the two houses of the Legislature conduct business was a major step forward for the Legislature.  Now, lawmakers must be present to have their votes counted and, as of January 4, we are proud to be on cable television with unedited gavel-to-gavel coverage – channel 116.  The Legislature also agreed to require lobbyists seeking state contracts to disclose their fees and clients, closed a loophole that allowed state workers to evade ethics fines by quitting their jobs, and moved to increase oversight of the state’s many public authorities.  These important reforms make our government more open and more responsible.

Appointed Chair of Task Force on People with Disabilities

I am honored to have been appointed Chair of the Task Force on People with Disabilities.  As chair, I launched a strong campaign to extend both the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage program (EPIC) and the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption program (SCRIE) to people with disabilities, the latter of which was successfully signed into law. 

Because the protections of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are in danger due to the frequent scrutiny by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Assembly also passed three bills that reinforce the ADA on the state level. 

Emergency Contraception – “Morning After Pill”

After much hard work, my Emergency Contraception Bill passed both houses of the Legislature.  This legislation would make emergency contraception more accessible by allowing licensed pharmacists to dispense it.  Women would be able to obtain emergency contraception from pharmacies on weekends and holidays when many doctors’ offices are closed.  Though Governor Pataki vetoed the bill, I will continue to fight to make it law this year. 

Domestic Violence

            As former Executive Director of My Sisters’ Place, I remain committed to eradicating domestic violence.  This year I organized “Walk With Me,” the first ever march in Westchester County to raise awareness of domestic violence.  Students, community leaders, concerned citizens and victims all participated in this march at Concordia College.  

I have also been working in the Assembly to extend the length of Orders of Protection for battered women.  Next year I hope to obtain the support of my colleagues and pass meaningful legislation.

Child Fatalities

          As a member of the Standing Committee on Children and Families, I was instrumental in holding a public hearing in Westchester County to determine what changes, if any, should the Legislature consider that would improve the fatality review process in New York State and what resources would be required to ensure effective change. 

Important Legislation

In terms of legislation, 2005 was a banner year; nine of my bills became law.  Highlights include:

• Gun Trafficking

My bill, which unfortunately came upon the heels of two deaths of New York City police officers, increases the penalties for both the sale and possession of illegal firearms and closes a loophole by aggregating the number of illegal firearms sold over the course of one year so that gun traffickers face stiffer penalties. 

• Crime Victims

Arising from a Westchester criminal case involving a child witness, this new law allows the Crime Victims Board to grant compensation to victims whose pre-existing condition was made worse by their unintentional involvement with a crime.

• Health

Prior to my legislation, post graduate podiatry residency programs were out of compliance with New York State law.  The law had to be changed if these podiatry residency programs were to remain open. It was estimated that without this new law, forty-two podiatry residency programs in New York State would have been forced to close.

• Animal Cruelty

It is well documented that cruelty to animals is often a precursor to subsequent crimes against humans.  My law requires those convicted of cruelty to animals to be fingerprinted and photographed.  This new law addresses a gap that previously allowed such abusers to go unnoticed, but now provides law enforcement and the courts with more complete information, placing perpetrators more concretely within the justice system. 

As the new year begins, I have been pleased to reflect on last year’s victories and lessons learned with an eye toward the challenges that lie ahead.  There is still much to do and I look forward to serving the 88^th Assembly district.  As always, feel free to contact me any time I can be of assistance. 

Have a happy and healthy New Year.

Hits: 0

ADAM IN ALBANY. By Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. 89th Assembly District. January 30, 2006: The governor’s budget calls for a $50 million increase in municipal aid through the Aid and Incentives for Municipalities program, called AIM. And while this is a good start, the Assembly has proposed raising this by $100 million more – a $150 million increase over last year in an attempt to keep property taxes down and to help local governments provide necessary services.

(More)

As the budget now stands, the governor provides AIM funding for the “Big Four” cities – Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers and Syracuse – and 38 smaller “high need” cities. Meanwhile, the state’s other deserving towns, villages and cities are not getting sufficient funding.

Under the Assembly’s plan, Westchester towns, villages and cities will receive an across-the-board increase.  All municipalities in the 89^th Assembly District will receive a 15% increase in revenue sharing this year – reflecting an overall increase of $786,217.  Those communities include: Bedford, Harrison Town and Village, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco Town and Village, New Castle, North Castle, Pound Ridge and the city of White Plains.

Skyrocketing property taxes have put New Yorkers across the state in financial jeopardy. By increasing help for local governments, we can make a significant difference in the ability of local governments to pay for police and fire protection, road and sidewalk repair, garbage pick-up and sanitation.

The Assembly’s Municipal Aid initiative builds on my on-going efforts to deliver local property tax relief.  Last year we worked in a bipartisan fashion and passed an on-time budget that provided local property tax relief by:

·        Capping local Medicaid costs – saving Westchester County taxpayers more than $23 million in 2006 – increasing to $112 million in 2008

·        Securing $5.1 million in aid for Municipalities in the 89^th Assembly District

·        Restoring community college aid to $115 per student, providing Westchester Community College with nearly $1.2 million more per year.

I am committed to easing the burden of high property tax bills by providing additional funds to help municipalities meet their financial needs. Providing the necessary funds will offset rising expenses and reduce the need to further burden Westchester taxpayers.

Eminent Domain

Hits: 0

WPCNR THE HOMELESS NEWS. By Geoffrey Ruff. © 2006, The CitizeNetReporter. All rights reserved. January 28, 2006: Today, Mr. Ruff, a homeless persons since 1994, and participant in the past in DSS programs, concludes his report that was presented to the Westchester County Department of Social Services Commissioner January 23 during a meeting a dialogue between Mr. Ruff and the Commissioner. In the final installment of this report, prepared at the Open Arms Shelter by Mr. Ruff, he makes some observations:

Proposal

Idea

The Department of Social Services is in dire need of additional, and/or change, targeting standards, and protocol in regards to the proposed.

(More)

Eligible Resident Occupancy Support Services Program

And

Employment Support Services Program

These Programs could target the hard-to-accommodate, whether they are in the Shelter System, or in Private residence. Some of these men and women happen to be down on their luck without the need for Mental Health Service.

I propose an assistance program which provides for a very assertive, and aggressive identification of, and referral to secure permanent employment, and housing in the community sector, without special, but limited assistance – Thus creating a Reformed Homeless Intervention Program which conforms to, and is pursuant to NYS Law:

Article 2-A-Shelter and Supported Housing

Title 2  Single Room Occupancy Support

Sections 45-45g

Title 4  Homeless Intervention Program

Sections 48-52

Opinion

A majority of us at the Drop-In wish not to waste Taxpayer money utilizing the current program of Social Services. We want to work, live and exist just as all the rest of the Citizens, friends and family. The current program procedures mentioned, and the procedures unmentioned only hamper our opportunity to reintegrate back to being productive Human Beings, and Citizens.

A number of us have Criminal backgrounds which, that in itself, create and unmovable obstacle to proper employment, thus hampering our chances at securing adequate, and permanent housing, which also hampers becoming productive tax-paying citizens of Westchester County, where I was born and raised.

(Geoffrey Ruff has been homeless since 1994. He sleeps nightly at 85 Court Street in White Plains, the County’s new Drop-In Shelter.

This report was written by Mr. Ruff and presented to the Commissioner of Social Services of Westchester County January 23 during a meeting with Mr. Ruff with the Commissioner, which Mr. Ruff describes to the CitizeNetReporter as positive. Mr. Ruff also notes that Volunteers of America treatment of residents at 85 Court Street has improved. Mr. Ruff tells WPCNR that a cource within DSS told him it costs $850 per person per night to provide one Emergency Bed in shelters throughout the county, enough to purchase hotel rooms for several Homeless persons at local hotels on a nightly basis.  

Mr. Ruff reports to WPCNR he spends his days looking for jobs outside the DSS program. He is looking for computer services work. He has a felony drug conviction which automatically finds most companies rejecting him on applications. He has been out of prison 12 years.  He may be reached at the Open Arms Shelter, 948-9881, or by e-mail, rugggeoffrey@yahoo.com )

Hits: 0

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. January 27, 2006: Sources in White Plains and Fort Lauderdale have reported to WPCNR that Ted Lawson, White Plains Director of Economic Development, wuth the Mayor’s Office for about 2-1/2 years, has been hired by the City of Fort Lauderdale to hear their Public Information Office. Mr. Lawson was reported on vacation by the Mayor’s Office, and could not be reached for comment on his new good fortune.  Lawson was originally hired as the ciy’s grant writer and has been instrumentle in obtaining by WPCNR estimate about $200,000 in grants for the City of White Plains. Lawson is also on the Board of Directors of the White Plains Performing Arts Center.

Lawson is the second White Plains City Hall staffer to join the Fort Lauderdale city government in two years. Kathleen Gunn, left White Plains to be the Assistant City Manager of that south Florida City.