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Public Safety Hires 8 New Veteran Police Officers. On the Beat in June.

Posted on May 23, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. May 23, 2005: Commissioner of Public Safety, Dr. Frank Straub swore in 8 new White Plains Police Officers this afternoon at a traditional ceremony in the Public Safety Building. Each of the elite eight are being hired from other police departments.

Commisioner of Public Safety Dr. Frank Straub administers the Oath of Office to White Plains newest Finest. Six are from the New York Police Department, and two were previously officers with the Environmental Police, according to the Commissioner. The Commissioner said they would be assigned in neighborhood units to start their orientation to White Plains, but because they have been police officers, and have completed police academy training would be expected to be drawing regular shifts by June. Photo by WPCNR News.

“We were looking to hire veteran police officers,” Straub told WPCNR, “because we had vacancies we needed to fill. We had about 35 applicants, and were looking for officers with experience.” The Commissioner told WPCNR that if they had hired new recruits without police experience they would not be on the job for at least six months. Commissioner Straub is seen addressing the new police officers in the front row. In background are Deputy Commisioners of Public Safety, left to right, David Chong and Dr. Charles Jennings. At far right are Fire Chief Richard Lyman and Police Chief William Bradley. Photo by WPCNR News

Straub said the new police officers hired today put the White Plains Police force at a compliment of 200, and the eight fill vacancies. He said he hoped to hire 10 more officers in January of 2006 to bring the department to full strength. The eight are starting at the standard WPPD salary of $48,000 a year.

White Plains new Elite Eight: Veteran Police Officers. The eight officers sworn in today as patrol officers are Michael Abbruzzese, Antonio Cuervo, Gina Denapoli, Vincent Fasano, Michael Lanuto, Jr., Kirt Maddocks, Josef Miedreich, and Kathleen Provenzano. Photo by WPCNR News.

In his remarks, the Commissioner thanked the families, parents and spouses for sharing their loved ones with the department and the sacrifices they make by doing so. He welcomed the new recruits by saying they are joining a department that is being called on for advice and looked to nationally and called upon to address national conferences for its organization, its approaches to the demands on law enforcement today, and how it handles domestic violence.

The Commissioner closed his remarks by suggesting the new recruits take time to think about their oath of office every day to retain their focus on what their responsibility to the city is supposed to be.

Six are from the New York Police Department, and two were previously officers with the Environmental Police, according to the Commissioenr. The Commissioner said they would be assigned in the neighborhood units to start their orientation to White Plains, but because they have been police officers, and have completed police academy training would be expected to be drawing regular shifts by June.

The eight officers sworn in today as patrol officers are Michael Abbruzzese, Antonio Cuervo, Gina Denapoli, Vincent Fasano, Michael Lanuto, Jr., Kirt Maddocks, Josef Miedreich, and Kathleen Provenzano.

Mayor Joseph Delfino could not attend the ceremony because he was “out of town,” according to The Mayor’s Office.

Sullivan County Cries NYS Constitution Violation on Gambling

Posted on May 23, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. May 23, 2005:

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

One casino, two casinos, three casinos, four. Five casinos, six casinos,…how many more?

What will it be:- a continuing flagrant violation of the New York State Constitution? It’s absolute greed that is driving this issue, and the Constitution be damned as long as these politicos can have their way to elusive tax benefits and the political patronage it poses; all at the expense of the taxpayers who will pick up the costs of crime, traffic, and social problems.

This is the most outrageous proposition we have ever known. How can Gov. Pataki, Senators Bonacic,Larkin, and Bruno, the Sullivan County Legislature, and now the Town of Saugerties, all whom are chasing for a piece of the action, ignore and violate their constitutional oaths is beyond belief.

You politicians should be ashamed to show yourselves in our communities as you demolish the New York Constitution which specifically prohibits gambling. How dare you violate our Constitution. Stop this insidious demolition of our laws…now!

Submitted by: Paul Henderson,
Communications Director,
Constitution Party of New York
257 Yeagerville Rd.
Napanoch, NY 12458

A Reader has submitted a comment, as follows:

(877) 571-5479

John,

I’m submitting this as a reader comment to Mr. Hendersons’ letter :

Is he doing this because of a hatred of casinos and gambling,
or is he truly interested in preserving the sanctity of the NYS
Constitution?

Why isn’t he also barking about the state lotteries, which
are a form of gambling, too?

There’s a wonderful old Italian proverb: “A lottery is a tax on imbeciles.”

The Glen Hockley We Did Not Know. Until Now.

Posted on May 21, 2005 by John Bailey

WPNCR Names in the News. By Carl Albanese. May 21, 2005: At the Garden of Remembrance last Sunday, former Councilman Glen Hockley addressed the gathering, and the community learned something new about Mr. Hockley that we had not know before. Carl Albanese reports:

It was nice to see your coverage of “The Garden Of Remembrance” 60 Years Later story on your site posted May 9, 2005. My family and I attended the Memorial on May 15, unfortunately the news media coverage neglected to mention many significant elements and guest speakers at this great important ceremony.

One very significant and very important individual and family who played a major role in the history of the Holocaust and this particular ceremony on Sunday, May 15 in White Plains honoring the many Holocaust survivors is Mr. Glen Hockley, our very own, and his family.

Glen’s mother herself is a Holocasut survivor who proudly attended the Garden of Remembrance — 60 years Later ceremony with her family proudly at her side in honor of the many who did not survive the events of World War II. Mr. Hockley attended, as a private citizen proudly embracing his personal history and Jewish heritage paying respect to those who gave their lives to save his own mother. A moving story that I personally feel should be told here in our own city of White Plains, a story significantly worth telling as one of our own political leaders.

A story that touched me personally on Sunday watching Mr. Hockley’s mother Ruth, proudly standing among her family and many other survivors of the death camps when asked to rise among the crowd. A moment for me embellished with happiness and sadness respectfully proud to experience this moment. Witnessing Mrs. Hockley standing honorably her family at her side sixty years later as a survivor of the death camps is a moment I will always remember. Never to forget, Mrs. Hockley giving life to two generations of her own family sixty years later at her side in this moment of remembrance.

I forward this information to you with the hope that you would consider writing a story on the Garden of Remembrance ceremony, acknowledging the fact that Westchester County, White Plains has a personal history and connection to the events of the Holocaust of World War II. Respectfully paying honor and tribute to all those who survived the death camps, all those who perished, and all those who proudly died and fought as Americans during the events and history of World War II, our honorable World War II veterans.

Best,

Carl Albanese

WPCNR Notes:

Glen Hockley of White Plains, former White Plains Councilman and Director of Marketing for Trans-Continental Credit & Collection Corporation in White Plains, has been named to the Advisory Board of the Westchester Holocaust Education Center (WHEC), it was announced by Richard Laster (Chappaqua), Chairman of the WHEC Board of Directors.

Mr. Hockley, who currently serves on WHEC’s Membership and Garden Committees, is a dedicated community activist and volunteer. He was the founding chair of the White Plains Interfaith Holocaust Committee, a group that brought together priests, rabbis, ministers and other community leaders to build awareness of and intolerance toward hate crimes and bigotry in the White Plains community. He served as president of B’nai B’rith of Westchester (1996-2000) and was a founding member of the Second Generation of Jewish Holocaust Survivors of New York City.

In 2002, he was a member of the Westchester County Hate Crimes Task Force, headed by County Executive Andrew Spano; the group was instrumental in creating an anti-bias law that defined hate crimes as a felony. Mr. Hockley is a founding member of the White Plains Junteenth Heritage Week, the first city-supported African-American historical / cultural event and parade, and was chosen as the 2004 Westchester ARC Government Advocate of the Year

“We are pleased to have Glen Hockley join WHEC’s Advisory Board,” said Richard Laster. “His professional involvements, enormous energy and deep personal commitment to promoting human rights and Holocaust education have already proven invaluable to our organization.”

“As the son of Jewish Holocaust survivors who were protected by Christians during World War II, I grew up understanding the importance of respecting people from all different backgrounds. As a result, I believe that, regardless of race, religion, or gender, everyone deserves the same consideration and opportunity. Working with the Westchester Holocaust Education Center gives me an opportunity to help advance the values with which I was raised,” observes Hockley.

Founded in 1990, the Westchester Holocaust Education Center (WHEC) is a not-for-profit, interfaith, Holocaust and human rights education organization dedicated to assisting middle- and high-school educators in teaching the universal lessons of the Holocaust and their relevance for today. WHEC carries out its mission through a wide variety of programs and special events for teachers and students, as well as for the general public, to raise community awareness of the Holocaust and its relationship to human rights issues, past and present. For more information, please call 914-696-0738 or visit www.holocausteducationctr.org

The Incredible Kulk Masters Arlington, 1-0, The Ash Drills Winning Single

Posted on May 20, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. May 20, 2005: In an elegant softball game this afternoon, The White Plains Fast Pitch Tigers behind Kelsey Kulk’s changeup from another planet, whitewashed Arlington, 1-0 in White Plains first step in the Sectionals. It was the first time ever a Tiger team has gotten past the fast pitch power house from the Minisink Valley.

Three for the Win: The Kulkster throwing the final third strike Friday afternoon with the tying run on third. Ashley Encarnacao on first, drove in Sandra Mastrangelo, the catcher, with the winning run, singling for the only Tiger hit. while Kelsey Kulk pitched a 3-hit shutout with two threats. Photo by WPCNR Sports

The winning run was scored in the Tiger fourth when Sandra Mastrangelo worked a walk with one out on a 3-1 count. Kulk hitting next was fooled on a change and hit a slow roller to second that allowed the tow-headed catcher to reach second, while Arlington’s second sacker had to go to first for the out. Good as a sacrifice.

That brought up Ashley Encarnacao, Tiger First Sacker, who took one and then concentrating all the way got down on a knee-high strike and ripped a snake up the middle just beyond the reach of the Arlington “Hoover” at short who’d been making plays all afternoon.

Into centerfield it went. Coach O’Donnell calmly directed Sandra winging around third to the plate! The centerfielder was slow picking up the ball and threw high to home. Mastrangelo slid in in plenty time and the Tigers had their run. Observers noted Sandra would have been out if the centerfielder had not blooped the throw. The only mistake Arlington made.

FIRST PITCH. Million Dollar Infield: Dena Frederick at third, shortened up, Kelsey Kulk delivering in the circle. Carrie Abbott short, Candace Abbott at second and Ashley Encarnacao at first. Christine Younkin is out in right field. Photo by WPCNR Sports

The Tigers play the winner of R.C. Ketcham-Yonkers either Monday or Tuesday.

Kulk was “on” today, pitching her finest game of the season under pressure. After a leadoff double to start the game, Kulk induced a pop to short and fanned the three and four hitters. Arlington did not threaten again until the seventh. Kels struck out seven and did not walk anybody. Arlington’s only walk of the game (issued to start the bottom of the fifth)lead to the winning run. Jen O’Toole pitched superbly for the Admirals, allowing only Ashley’s one hit.

Kulk had her changeup dazzling the Arlies today. It hung up there like tantalizing fruit making the Arlington big sticks swing haltingly. The thing comes in like a rainbow curve, you cannot wait to swing then it steals away down, almost like a drop ball. It was so effective Kelsey threw it twice in a row to the same hitters at least three times and they looked worse on the second consecutive change than they looked on the first.

Gloves Golden.

“The Ash” (Ashley Encarnacao) in addition to driving in the winning tally, had soft sure hands today at first base stretching like a ballerina to secure outs at the number one bag. In the sixth, Dena Frederick playing third, made a lightning strike “Ole” to her glove side snaring a wicked hop and winged it to first. The Ash stretched and picked it 3 inches off the ground for the out.

In the top of the seventh, after the tying run had been sacrificed to second, Carrie Abbott at short saved the game with a quick dash to her right in the hole, making a nifty sure backhand stop, planted and got off a long low throw to a stretching Encarnacao at first nabbing the runner for out number two — instead of the game being tied.

Encarnacao, O’Donnell says, has an incredible stretch at first. Friday afternoon it meant a big difference.

“Dr. K” Fans 7

In the circle Kelsey Kulk had wonderful command of a changeup that yours truly felt she must have learned from Gaylord Perry or Lew Burdette. I was thinking she might have put some lip gloss on it it was so slippery, darting and alive. The thing was incredible today acting more like a knuckleball, diving down like it was falling off a table.

Arlington’s Axe Swingers hit 8 popups to the infield off it, four infield grounders and had only three drives to the outfield. Kelsey walked no one and fanned seven.

Senior Captains Candace Abbott, left and Christine Younkin go out for the traditional meeting at home plate. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

Three Outs! Three Down and No One Got Around. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

Rolling This Weekend at the City Center

Posted on May 20, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCREEN GEMS. From National Amusements. May 20, 2005: Monster-In-Law, the remake of The Longest Yard and Madagascar are the new flickers flickering at the City Center De Lux this weekend in White Plains. Here’s the schedules and playing times:

Madagascar Four zoo animals are shipped back to their homeland by an animal rights group that feels they belong in the wild. When the ship capsizes, the animals find themselves stranded in Madagascar. Having had humans care for them their entire life, they know nothing about survival and must work together with the locals to help them fit in. (PG )

The Longest Yard Pro quarterback Paul Crewe and former college champion and coach, Nate Scarboro are both doing time in the same prison. Asked to put together a team of inmates to take on the guards, Crewe enlists the help of Scarboro to coach the inmates to victory in a football game “fixed” to turn out quite the other way. (PG-13)

LOOKING FOR AN ENTERTAINING GRADUATION GIFT?

http://www.nationalamusements.com/cindercard.asp

Click on showtime to purchase tickets.

Showtimes are occasionally subject to change without notice.

Thursday, May 19, 2005

Crash (R ) 12:40 3:05 5:25 7:55 10:20 pm.
House of Wax (R ) 11:15 am 1:45 4:10 6:50 9:20 pm.
Kicking & Screaming (PG ) 10:10 am 12:00 12:25 2:20 2:50 4:40 5:10 6:55 7:45 10:15 pm.
Kingdom of Heaven (R ) 12:35 4:00 7:20 pm.
Mindhunters (R ) 9:35 pm.
Monster-in-Law (PG-13) [Director’s Hall;Reserved Seating] 12:15 2:45 5:15 7:40 10:05 pm.
Monster-in-Law (PG-13) 10:20 am 12:45 3:20 5:40 8:10 10:35 pm.
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (PG-13) 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 am 12:30 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 5:30 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:30 10:00 10:30 pm.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (PG ) 10:15 am 12:55 3:35 6:45 9:15 pm.
The Interpreter (PG-13) 10:05 am 1:05 3:50 6:40 9:25 pm.
Unleashed (R ) 10:45 am 1:20 4:05 7:10 9:45 pm.

Friday, May 20, 2005

Crash (R ) 12:40 3:05 5:25 7:55 10:20 pm 12:35 am.
House of Wax (R ) 11:15 am 1:45 4:10 6:50 9:20 11:55 pm.
Kicking & Screaming (PG ) 10:10 am 12:00 12:25 2:20 2:50 4:40 5:10 6:55 7:45 10:15 pm 12:25 am.
Kingdom of Heaven (R ) 12:35 4:00 7:20 10:40 pm.
Mindhunters (R ) 9:35 pm 12:15 am.
Monster-in-Law (PG-13) 10:20 am 12:45 3:20 5:40 8:10 10:35 pm.
Monster-in-Law (PG-13) [Director’s Hall;Reserved Seating] 12:15 2:45 5:15 7:40 10:05 pm 12:20 am.
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (PG-13) 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 am 12:30 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 5:30 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 pm.
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (PG-13) 12:30 am.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (PG ) 10:15 am 12:55 3:35 6:45 9:15 11:50 pm.
The Interpreter (PG-13) 10:05 am 1:05 3:50 6:40 9:25 pm 12:10 am.
Unleashed (R ) 10:45 am 1:20 4:05 7:10 9:45 pm 12:05 am.

Saturday, May 21, 2005

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (PG-13) 10:30 am.
The Interpreter (PG-13) 1:15 3:50 6:40 9:25 pm 12:10 am.

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Ron Jackson Volunteers to Run for Mayor for the Democratic Party.

Posted on May 20, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR BACKROOM BULLETIN. By John F. Bailey. May 20, 2005, UPDATED 6 P.M. E.D.T (UPDATES IN BOLD FACE):

Ronald Jackson is running for Mayor.

Mr. Jackson, 60, long described by WPCNR as “The Last Activist,” host of the city TV program, Winbrook Like It Is, tireless advocate for the residents of Winbrook, former member of the White Plains Housing Authority, (to which he was elected three times), declared his candidacy for Mayor on the top of the Democratic ticket in November with committee-recommended council candidates, Rita Malmud, Tom Roach and Glen Hockley tonight from his home on Harmon Avenue in Battle Hill.

Ron Jackson, “The Last Activist,” right, appearing on a past edition of White Plains Week with The CitizeNetReporter, John Bailey. Mr. Jackson announced his candidacy for Mayor, the only prominent Democrat to step forward to challenge Mayor Joseph Delfino Photo, WPCNR News Archive

As of Thursday night, before Jackson announced exclusively to WPCNR, no seasoned Democrat politician has stepped forward to say they will oppose Mayor Joseph Delfino.

The Democratic City Committee Nominating Committee notified District Leaders of the party last week, they could find no suitable candidate to run against Mayor Joseph Delfino. No one has raised their hand to volunteer to run against Mayor Delfino as of Thursday evening. (See the list of potential candidates who have turned down the call in last week’s story, “Democrats Plead Nolo Contendere”)

Jackson said the unwillingness of anyone to step up is why he has stepped forward.

Campaign Team In Place. Campbell Withdraws.

Jackson named the politically savvy Charlie Booth, 25 year Executive Director of the Slater Center would be his Campaign Manager, and that the respected Fifth Vice Chair of the Democratic Party, William Campbell, would be his Treasurer. He said he would commence fundraising activities if he could get the party to endorse him as soon as he was nominated from the floor at the City Democratic Committee meeting Tuesday, March 24.

However late this afternoon, Mr. Campbell telephoned WPCNR and denied he had agreed to handle Mr. Jackson’s finances. He said “I want you to withdraw that statement that Ron Jackson put in there pertaining to Bill Campbell, but i want it to be withdrawn because it was put in there without my authorization. And I want it so stated that it was put in the paper (website), without my authorization, that I do not support him.”

Mr. Jackson told of Mr. Campbell’s statement to WPCNR, said “I accept and respect his decision, and I will announce a new Treasurer shortly.”

Bill Ryan, County Legislator, long thought to be the strongest candidate the Democrats could run, formerly withdrew from the race Monday in an exclusive announcement to the CitizeNetReporter. Mr. Ryan is holding a $250 to $1,000 a head fundraiser for his County Legislator reelection campaign June 15 to amass against an as yet unnamed opponent.

The Man Who Speaks Up and The City Listens.

Jackson has taken up a series of causes in the last several years that have represented his district, Winbrook, well.

His foremost achievement the last two years, in addition to a lifetime of being involved in community issues, was his starting the grass roots effort to save open space on the Bethel Baptist Church square, by leading the petition drive in Winbrook to block erecting a new Housing Authority Headquarters on that square.

Jackson’s liaison work with Mayor Joseph Delfino, the city Planning Department, Mack Carter of the Housing Authority and Councilman Glen Hockley helped bring about a consensus that the new White Plains Housing Authority Headquarters should be incorporated into 225 South Lexington Avenue, a breakthrough that is now being built, after the project had stalled for twenty years. Without Jackson’s relentless drawing of attention to the headquarters issue and its effect on residents if poorly situated, the solution most likely would not have come about.

In the last year, he advocated and personally lobbied for the renaming of Ferris Avenue to Jerome “Bump” Robinson Boulevard to memorialize a city icon in the African-American community.

Most recently he brought to light the city’s quiet plans to revitalize the South Lexington Avenue corridor near Winbrook which had not been discussed at all with his constituents.

In the past, he has spoke up to developers, requesting minorities be given equal opportunity for jobs, and in the distant past, he and Jerome Bump Robinson organized and gave voice to the city’s Winbrook neighborhood.

Jackson, perhaps more than any elected official today questions issues honestly and is fearless in raising issues that others will not touch.

Democratic Chair Informed. He is Ready.

Asked if he had discussed his candidacy with Liz Shollenberger, Chair of the White Plains Democratic City Committee, Jackson said he told her he wanted to run, but she had no reaction to his willingness to challenge Delfino.

His qualifications, Jackson said, included his experience with the White Plains Housing Authority, as well as his forty years of community advocacy.

Asked about his writing an unauthorized check while serving on that board, he said he made restitution. He said that was in the past, and in no way should that mistake which he paid for prevent him from seeking office. The charge was a misdemeanor, he said.

“People need a change,” Jackson with great dignity told WPCNR speaking from his home Thursday evening. “A leader with street smarts. I’m willing to be the candidate, and will be the people’s Mayor and do the best for my city.”

The Jackson Declaration of Candidacy

Mr. Jackson made this extemporaneous statement to WPCNR on his past and why he is running while no other Democrat personality has chosen to do so:

“I ran for the Housing Authority as a Tenant Commissioner, and from 1972 to 1979 every two years I was reelected. During that time, I committed some indiscretions. I wrote a check, previously made restitution. Went to court and I got five years probation. Now after that, I have kept my nose to the grindstone, and have done the best I can as a district leader for the Democratic Party.

All my life I’ve been a Democrat. Looking at the Party today and with this upcoming election coming, and after consulting with several people, I have made up my mind that I will seek the office of Mayor of the City of White Plains. I would like to run. I’d like to be considered (by the Party).

I’d like people to know this is not a joke. This is no game. This is a reality check to anyone that if you can’t find anyone, I am here for the asking. Just ask me and you shall see.

Whether I win or lose, at least I’ll have an opportunity to address the issues as it relates from this side of the yard. This side of the yard has been a quiet yard. It hasn’t said much. But there’s a lot to be said as to what the quality of life is here in White Plains, and whether or not, are we getting all of our due process? of all of what we are entitled to in the way of affordable housing, our senior citizens, development, arts, whatever the issue is.

Many people will say to you, is the only issue he knows anything about is Winbrook. Well, yes, you’re right about that, but it wouldn’t be hard to learn about neighborhood associations, neighborhood associations are just like people and if they have the opportunity to let someone (me) be their voice, speak for them, they would consider people who have the honesty and sincerity about wanting to do the job and are not politically connected to anyone.

I’m not saying anyone’s connected. All I’m saying is that party time is over. Party time has been business as usual. The same brooms sitting in closets. Well, it’s time to sweep the closet. Time to put a new broom some fresh blood. Do ideas. New abilities. The reason for doing whatever you can for the quality of life for the residents of White Plains.

The guy in the office and I come from the same school. And the school is about what do we have to offer. I already know what he does. Let’s hear what I can do.

Stunned at Reluctant Knights and Ladies.

“To me it’s an insult to look at the list of people who have been asked to run for the office of Mayor and they refused ( Adam Bradley, Benjamin Boykin, Rita Malmud, Dennis Power, Tom Roach, Bill Ryan). Did they refuse for their personal agenda, or the party’s interests? And if they did it for the party’s interest, that’s a poor representation of the party’s interests. Since some one in the party does not believe we have interests, I said to them, if you can’t find anybody, I’ll run.

I’m now saying publicly, I’d like to seek the office of Mayor, and I am saying at the next City Committee meeting, which is the 24^th, I would hope that my name would be placed on the floor as a serious candidate for Mayor.

I do not own a house. I do not have a garage But I live in a building with some people and that should not be exclusionary, I hope not.

I still live in America. When I got up this morning I’m in America, and I say to you tonight, Mr. Bailey,let me just move forward with what I think is the most simple idea in the world, go out there and see what you can do for the betterment of people that you care about.

I’ve always been about caring. Whether people believe me or not, I think I can do the job. I think I have just as much ability (as the Mayor). I do not have a Master’s Degree but I have street smarts.

I’m a new broom to sweep clean. Those brooms have been in the closet so long. They’re tired. The brooms are tired.

Now we’re going in the 21^st century. Let’s see if we can find something new, refreshing, a breath of life. I think I can be just the breath of life to at least inspire our young people, whether they be African Americans, or just people to get out to be involved.

We know our city is a growing city. I’d like to be given the opportunity to serve all our residents. To hold the most sincere thing is the quality of life in White Plains, I will do that to the best of my ability.

I’m here for the asking. Come see about me.

There’s Something About Those Tigers

Posted on May 19, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER BLEACHER. By Fastpitch Johnny. May 19, 2005: The Fastpitch White Plains Tigers won the League 1-B Pennant yesterday, beating Yorktown, 6-2 on Kelsey Kulk’s three-run natural homer and stalwart defensive play, ousting New Rochelle from a first place tie. Here, Fastpitch Johnny is moved to pen a new ode to this mix of young women who overcame adversity, injuries to key players, and exemplified the Tiger ability to pull together under pressure. Congratulations to them as they head into the Sectional Championships.

But, no matter what is to come, they are Champions forever, and here from the Bard of the Basepaths, the Grantland Rice of Softball is a poem saluting the 2005 League B-1 Fastpitch Softball Champions, the White Plains Tigers:

There’s Something About Those Tigers

By Fastpitch Johnny

There’s something about Tigers, those fastpitch fillies

In Orange and Black, serious of demeanor

Giggling teens capable of everyday sillies,

In WPHS halls, but with softball and bat, beware them, Senor!

(More)

Around windy O’Donnell’s Bluff they roam,

In serious drills under watchful eye of Teddy Ballgame,

The chessman of the bench, of meticulous preparation

Aided by Tireless Stevens, and efficient Cronk on their diamond home.

Endless hours they practice so they play on a higher plain.

With flowing locks and orchestrated pigtails

They take the field to create glory days like before

When their diamond days are done, matching the feats

Of fastpitchTiger legends of yore.

With cries of “Three Outs,” “Three Down,”

“Nobody Gets Around,” they take their stations in the softball sun.

To shine on the Elysian Fields of Tiger renown.

Conquering adversity, growing by game they emerge champs when season is done

Behind the plate is Sandra of wicked arm and deft catcher’s glove,

Agile Ashley at first of elegant stretch and efficient fetch,

The acrobatic Abbotts, Candace at keystone sack , she of catlike coverage to love.

With sister Carrie strong to the hole, quick to her left the shortstop ketch.

Dena The Dreama on hot corner, with lightning reflex and rifle arm

To snare the killer liner, smother every bunt, and in cloud of dust nail the OUT!

Anchored by the Incredible Kulk in pitcher’s circle, with risers that snarl

Curves, changes, drops that bedazzle with elegance and rack up the strikeout!

In the far reaches on the glorious green, the rangy Christine

Nabs screamers to right with unerring eye, turns ground singles into outs.

In straightaway unerrin’ Erin drifts back to haul towering drives and gappers between.

Juliana, the Little Engine in left, given the call rises tall to the occasion bringing shouts.

Lest we forget the Redoubtable Danielle Third Sackerrette struck from lineup

By injury in heat of play. Her presence every game inspired

Scoring pitch by pitch when she’d rather be playing,

With encouragement and word-up ,

Unselfish, a leader to her team, helped create the play desired.

From Killer Kel’s relentless bat, blasting drives of Babe Proportions,

To Lauren’s laced liners, to Dena’s leadoff deuces and rally starters

Ashley’s up-the-middles, Bailey’s pinch sacs and baseline darts,

From Cookie’s slashes to Cristine’s bashes, every hitter was a contributor

Each won a game with their bat and with their leather

On the bench, fresh talent awaited ready to fill

If one Tiger went down, another was waiting to warm up

From Egypt’s puttin’ it in play to move ‘em, Meghan’s pinch hits

To Kailey’s hitting behind the runner, they are a team together.

One by one, their turns came to be the heroines and the savers.

From Kelsey’s perfect game, to Ashley’s Inside-the-Parker to rock New Ro.

Erin’s three bagger that yanked one from Yorktown. Dena’s double to take North Ro.

The Little Engine’s squeeze to closeout Voorhees. Christine’s Crush on Mechanicsville

Each took their turns giving their fans a thrill.

The hits to remember stud the scorebooks of another championship season.

Frederick’s 3 RBI Day knocking down North Rockland;

The Kulkster’s 3-run dinger to win the flag.

Sandra’s deadly sweep tag.

Now another extraordinary Tiger season of stress, challenge, choice and strife

Fades into memory. Another team photograph goes up in Tiger Hall,

Commemorating the unlikely Tigers with mix of vets and new life.

They stayed together, grew together, played together to hang another banner on the wall

Another Tiger season is done, fulfilling the fastpitch tradition on old O’Donnell’s Bluff,

Where girls stride on to the diamond and young women come off.

They discover their depths in the clouds of March’s crust

On the basepaths of glory, the rich green where memories of their stuff

Set goals for the little girls who come after them to take the test of the dust.

Congratulations, Tigers from The CitizeNetReporter!

Tigers Fastpitchers Win Pennant on Final Day 6-2 over Yorktown As New Ro Fades

Posted on May 19, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. May 19, 2005: In perhaps Coach Ted O’Donnell’s finest coaching season, his White Plains Tigers behind Kelsey Kulk’s steady pitching and three run homer backed by flashing leather work, disposed of Yorktown to win the League 1-B Championship, 6-2 under the softball sun on O’Donnell’s Bluff.

Put-It-In-the-Books! Tigers dash off the field celebrating a tie for the Pennant Wednesday afternoon. They won the title outright when last place Ursuline blasted New Rochelle, 19-4, dropping New Ro out of a first place tie with the Tigers. It is White Plains’ 2nd straight League Championship, and 8th crown in 10 years with Coach Ted O’Donnell at the helm. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

Kelsey Kulk, The Incredible Kulk, won her own game with towering clout in the third inning off Roberta Marro, the changing speeds specialist who was popping the Tigers up the first two innings. Erin Cook leading off the Tiger third, singled, was sacrificed to second by Candice Abbott. Dena Frederick in the lead off spot turned on the pitch sharply and scorched one of the Yorktown third sacker’s glove for a tough error and the Tigers had runners on first and third. After Marro fanned the next hitter there were two out and The Kulkster was up.

Here the Yorktown coach made a bad decision, he decided to let Marro pitch to Kulk.

Kulk had already hit a towering can of corn to the rightfield fence in the first inning. On a 2-1 pitch, Kulk got a Marro pitch fat on the bat and drove a majestic fly to dead centerfield, up in the 10 knot northeasterly wind blowing out.

It was drilled. It was deep, would it be downtown?

Back, back, back drifted the centerfielder. She seemed to have it lined up for the catch. It took forever for this ball to come down. Five steps in front of the White Plains Softball Sign she appeared to have it, but the O’Donnell’s bluff breeze caught the fly and drifted it over the fence out of the centerfielder’s forlorn reach for a three run homer.

Kelsey Kulk Nailing Down the Pennant in the 7th. Dena Frederick’s at Third. Ashley Encarnacao at First. Photo by WPCNR Sports

It stayed 3-0 until the last of the sixth when with one out, Christine Younkin walked. Carrie Abbott was safe on another error by the third baser who appeared to have lost her concentration. With runners on second and third, Abbott reaching on the error, Juliana Bailey singled sharply to left through the shortstop hole, scoring Younkin to make it 4-0. Another error at third plated a run to make it 5-0, and Dena Frederick drove in the final run with a single to make it 6-0.

Defense Supports The Kulkster.

The game was highlighted by Bailey in left throwing out a runner trying to move from first to second on a flyball in the second inning when it was still scoreless.

Third Sacker Dena Frederick’s snare of a line drive in the 4th with Yorkies on first and second, no one out, converted a double play when she caught the second base runner way off the bag, to break the back of a Yorktown threat. Bailey executed another gem when on a single with a runner on second, Bailey threw the runner out at the plate on the fly. Bailey brought the fans to their feet with another running over-the-head, backhand catch on a dead run in the leftfield corner to save another run in the sixth, retiring the side.

Coming together In Adversity.

In many ways this has to be one of Coach O’Donnell’s best coaching jobs. When third sacker and big bat, Danielle Szabo tore a ligament eight games into the season, and players in and out of the lineup, the coach had to figure a new infield combination and move players around, move the runners, and build runs.

The team responded by learning new positions, each player improving skills and in each game, different players stepped up to make big plays in hard games. The doubleheader win in the Mohawk Valley. The wins against North Rockland, Yorktown, and the outstanding 1-0 win over New Rochelle, when Ashley Encarnacao kept pennant hopes alive with legging out an inside-the-park homer after the famous 4-strike game loss to New Ro, showed great heart, great defense, and perseverence.

Szabo supported the team while rehabbing her injury, keeping score, being there and supporting her teammates, like a fourth coach.

Kulk won her 19th game, which is the most victories in a season ever for a Tiger pitcher. She breaks Kristin Roselli’s record, set in 1997.

Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors, left, and WPHS Principal Ivan Toper were at the game viewing the Pennant Winning Game, watching the WPHS “product:” Photo by WPCNR Sports

Meanwhile in another part of the County… Koalas ROAR, Rip New Ro, 19-4.

New Rochelle took the field against Ursuline, having to win to keep pace with the O’Donnells and hold their first place tie with the Tigers. Ursuline has fallen on hard times winning only 4 of 20 games. New Rochelle had the crafty Jillian Schonberg. However, bad luck took a hand.

Ms. Schonberg, our New Rochelle on-the-field correspondent reports, took sick before the game, and had a sore arm,

Ursuline pounced on the New Ro back-up pitcher. Here is our New Rochelle correspondent’s report from the bleachers:

“When a pitcher is being roughed up to that extent, the coach needs to shake things up, which he did not do for some reason. Jillian was sick today. She was quite ill. We had the coach’s back-up pitcher pitch today, and she was throwing okay, but they hit her.

We were not on the field, if you know what I mean. Lots of physical errors, mental errors, misplays. You name it. Just one of those days. Four times the shortstop had the ball less than a foot from 2nd base with a force on there, and didn’t step on the bag. PLUS… we couldn’t hit their pitchers — 3 of them!!!

We sent their first pitcher to the hospital — ambulance took her, the whole bit — a pitcher who turned 14 TODAY — on a bang-bang tag at home by our catcher.

Then Ursuline brought in their secret weapons… 2 weak lob slingshot pitchers, and we could do nothing.”

The Tigers now go to the Sectionals Friday. They win the League B-1 Championship with a 10-1 mark to New Rochelle’s 9-2. The Tigers post and overall record of 19-4. But, they have already won in a fine comeback down the stretch. Kulk actually has better than a 19-4 record, with wins over Voorhees and Mechanicsville and Islip, making her22-4.

Student Athletes Rule! Photo of Tiger Bobblehead Doll by WPCNR Sports.

Voters Pass White Plains School Budget by 1,063 to 331. 5% vote.

Posted on May 17, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. May 17, 2005, Updated with Reaction, Interviews 11:09 P.M.: At 9:23 P.M. at Education House this evening Michelle Schoenfeld, Clerk to the Board of Education chalked up the last results from Mamaroneck Avenue School, and the $154.7 Million 2005-2006 White Plains School Budget had passed. The result, 1,063 Yes’s to 331 voting “No”, representing a turnout of 5.5% of the 25,000 voters eligible to vote in the election, was a continuation of the series of 3 to 1 approval margins that the school district has enjoyed in recent years

William Pollak (Center) was reelected to his second three year term on the school board, and Rosemarie Eller (Left) was elected to her first. They were unopposed for the two seats. Timothy Connors, Superintendent of Schools, right, joins them in front of the vote tally board at Education House Tuesday evening. Photo by WPCNR News.

Ms. Eller told WPCNR, ” I’m very happy and it is a privilege to be part of the White Plains School System. I’ll work very hard for this very good team.”

I’m forward to working on the Achievement Gap and to really close that gap, monitor our performance better and work towards that end. It’s a primary interest. We need to evaluate our resources, what’s working and what’s not working and address that and move forward.”

Asked about her thoughts on reining in the “ever escalating school budget,” Eller said, “I have thought about that. There are certain financial things going on and I hope to learn more about it and provide more input as I get more intimate with the details surrounding it.”

WPCNR asked Mr. Pollak why he returned to the Board for a second term. He explained:

“I decided there were still a lot of important things to do. I didn’t see any exciting candidates on the horizon to do them, so I felt a responsibility to step up to the plate.”

Asked what he hoped to achieve, Pollak was strong on the issues he is known for: “I think we’ve made some significant strides in trying to narrow the achievement gap. I still don’t think we have the tools we need to evaluate test results and I’d like to keep the pressure on to make that happen. I’d like to continue the process of evaluating our curriculum and see if we can do a better job of reaching out to the community at large.”

Superintendent Attributes Vote as One of Confidence.

Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors told WPCNR: “We’re appreciative of the community’s coming out to vote and the 76.23% of the people who voted in favor of the budget. We’re also very pleased with the Board Members who are here, that Mr. Pollak is back and he is a known quantity and has been very supportive. We’re going to miss Maria Valentin, but we welcome Rosemarie Eller, I think she’s a smart woman who will provide good leadership and fit into the overall dedication to our youngsters that our Board of Education has. We’re happy with the outcome of the budget vote and we’ll continue to strive to earn the support of the community in trying to provide the best quality education we can for the youngsters in White Plains.”

Asked if he would be involving the Annual Budget Committee in the 2006-2007 Budget process earlier this year, as the ABC Committee requested, Connors said: I think, as you know, John, we got some good suggestions. I believe a large part of our success in getting the budget passed is the support of the ABC Committeem the fact that they come, ask the tough questions, take a real interest and go back out in the community and tell the folks what we’re doing and what are the issues. I think that perhaps the two most important groups in getting the budget passed are the Board of Education and their concern for being fiscally responsible, and the ABC Committee for their concern for that same fiscal responsibility but asking the tough questions but causing us in the schools to make sure we’ve got an eye on the bottom line as well as to provide a quality education for all our students.”

WPCNR asked what the top budget priority next year’s budget considerations. Connors said, “How do we make sure we use the dollars we have wisely for the things they were budgeted for, so that hopefully we can generate some reserves so we can look at those things such as tax certs and the retirement issue that we need to try to always be cognizant of those. Our top priority across the board is we need to watch our programs. Is this the best use of dollars?”

Apathy or Confidence?

Asked if this was a confidence vote or an apathy vote, Connors came down on confidence:

“I don’t think it’s apathy. When you get large numbers, it usually says there’s a problem. I’m proud of the fact that our administrators, our teachers, our staff, our Board of Education and the City we all work closely to do the best job we can for the children. If we definitely weren’t doing that the folks would be out in different numbers. I think it’s a vote of doing well and knowing what we’re doing. I don’t see this as apathy at all. I know this district, if they weren’t pleased with the schools they’d be out in large numbers.

Because things are moving in the right direction.We’ve got good leadership from our Board of Education, from our school Principals, and great things going on in our classrooms, I think the community is pleased with what they’re seeing.”

Getting the message out.

In his message to the voters before today’s vote, Connors noted the budget just maintains existing programs in place. He reported only three new teaching hires (at the high school), no funding for new programs, and that class size at five elementary schools will be maintained at 19-20 students.

He reported the Math scores at the 8th grade level have shown gains, as have results on 4th grade Languare Arts Chores.

Goals for the District.

The District goals for the year are to

1.) Enhance student achievement for all students with the goal of closing the achievement gap.

2.) Maintain essential programs and services.

3.) Provide professional development for staff.

4.) Maintain favorable class sizes.

5.) Implement new New York State curriculum and assessment requirements.

6.) Support technology initiatives.

7.) Expand enrichment programs and opportunities for all students.

8.) Develop a 3-5 year capital improvement program.

9.) Undertake program evaluation for cost effectiveness and efficiency.

Police Reach New Three Year Contract with City UP 4% A Year Through 2008

Posted on May 17, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. May 17, 2005, UPDATED May 18, 2005 11 P.M. E.S.T. : The Department of Public Safety issued a statement to WPCNR on the new White Plains Police contract reported exclusively by this reporterTuesday afternoon.

The Department statement says: “Commissioner Straub and the Department of Public Safety are pleased that the successor contract was resolved as timely as it was. It is an example of what all parties working together can accomplish.”

The White Plains Police Benevolent Association announced Tuesday to WPCNR that its members have ratified a new contract with the City of White Plains covering fiscal years 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08. Jim Carrier, President of the WPPBA, reported to WPCNR today the police have agreed to a 4% a year wage increase across the board for each of the three years, and detectives have received an additional 1% a year over the life of the three year contract.

Carrier said the union negotiated the contract without outside consultants, with the Commissioner of Public Safety, Dr. Frank Straub, who participated directly in the union negotiations. Carrier said that in addition to the 12% increase, the union received an extra personal day, and increases in dental and optical plans.

Carrier said his union members ratified the contract last Friday by a vote of 154-30. He said he was very happy that the contract was wrapped up two and a half months prior to expiration of the current contract June 30. Carrier added it was the first time in memory that negotiation on a new contract had been completed early. He stated the 12% package was achieved “with no givebacks and no concessions (on work rules).”

Carrier added, that to his knowledge, the White Plains Professional Fire Fighters union was still in negotiations with the Department of Public Safety.

David Maloney of the Mayor’s office asked for a statement Tuesday by this reporter, said “The Mayor’s Office has no statement to make to WPCNR.”

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