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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From the White Plains Department of Public Safety. September 2, 2005: The White Plains Dept. of Public Safety encourages SAFE DRIVING throughout the Labor Day weekend. Traffic Safety checkpoints will be conducted by the Police Bureau for your driving safety. Drivers should not utilize hand held cellular telephones while operating a motor vehicle. DON’T drink and drive and always use the appropriate seatbelt and restraint device.
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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From The Mayor’s Office. September 1, 2005: Mayor Joseph Delfino announced today that the City of White Plains will be partnering with AmeriCares to raise money to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The relief efforts will last for six weeks, and will include a fund drive by children from the City of White Plains Youth Bureau, a benefit concert, and collaboration with local businesses.
“The destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina is truly horrific, and stands as one of the worst natural disasters in the history of this great nation. I am asking all sectors of our community to help us to reach out to those in need throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana, whose lives have been forever changed by this terrible disaster”, stated Mayor Joseph Delfino.
“The situation throughout the Gulf Coast area remains critical,” said Curtis R. Welling, president and CEO of AmeriCares. “We are extremely grateful for the support of the City of White Plains, which will allow us to help those who are in great need at this difficult time.”
AmeriCares is a nonprofit humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization that supports long-term medical assistance programs and provides emergency relief in the U.S. and around the world. Since it was established in 1982, AmeriCares has distributed more than $4 billion in humanitarian aid to 137 countries. For more information, visit the AmeriCares web site at www.americares.org or call 1-800-486-HELP.
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WPCNR NEWS COMMENTARY. By John F. Bailey. August 31-
What is President Bush expecting to see? What has he been doing since Monday noon?
Well, he and his government are now demonstrating perhaps the worst performance of a Presidential Administration in a national crisis in the history of the republic.
I tell you what I’d have done Monday afternoon if I were President, I would have gotten on the phone to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and said, get every available chopper unit, med unit, guard unit, aircraft, supplies, airlifts, on route to the gulf coast and have them there by 6 PM, pronto or you’re all fired.
He and all the president’s men and women should have had the brains to do this Sunday night.
Well, Wednesday afternoon 48 hours after the storm had left, the government has decided to route navy ships and a hospital ship to the area. The first of them, with hospital services on board, copters, and rescue crews will not arrive until Saturday, according to the ship Commander.
Is there something wrong with your television picture? You cannot make this performance of our government up. It is beyond belief.
It is beyond incompetent. It is negligent. It is stupefying.
Even the Mayor of New Orleans says he is very disappointed in the Federal Government response. He lost it Tuesday night on CNN, bitterly criticizing the Army Corps of Engineers. At least he is not playing the stern grim-faced news conference game played by the President’s Homeland Security Advisor, the FEMA head, and assorted other flunkies.
President Bush’s administration has dropped the ball big time on preparation, planning, response, and strategic management of a disaster, which they knew was coming.
There are no excuses, Mr. Bush, Mr. Rove, Mr. Brown, Mr. Homeland Security.
The buck stops with you all. Have you been seeing those people wading in waist-deep water because the Army Corps of Engineers had no plan to fix the levees if they broke?
In a news conference, the Army Corps of Engineers all but admitted this, saying they are going to try everything to see if they can stop the leaks. They have to get the materials first. They can’t get them there. Are you kidding me? It is a tad late to be ordering materials.
As I predicted right after 9/11, I predict there will be another congressional investigation of the decision making involved in disaster planning after this one.
.
As of
As I write this, the government is holding dueling press conferences assuring all that they are doing “working tirelessly to assure,” but what are they doing? They certainly did not work tirelessly planning for this storm, did they?
They are making this up as they go along because the governments, state and local, were not prepared for a Category 4 hitting the area.
The federal government had no plans in place just in case the levies breeched. A MNBC reporter, Steve Handlesman, I believe, revealed tonight that the big levy that broke was supposed to be new hurricane-proof levee.
Well, it did not work, he reported.
Now as I finish this article at
This brain freeze defies reason.
This is incompetent planning by the Federal Emergency Management Administration, and demonstrates, unfortunately, a naïve attitude on the part of the state governments of
The brave workers rescuing are not at fault. They just have very poor planners organizing emergency response.
In Mississippi for example, emergency crews and counties cannot talk to each other because there are no communications. People there have no food, no gas. They are roaming. Total anarchy.
Now, where are the food airlifts? Where are the water rescue units? Local people are doing it.
Where are the emergency housing plans? (Note: the military can set up bases in mere hours halfway around the globe. Let’s use that expertise for America.)
Meanwhile, my hat is off to the rescuers doing what they can, flying until they are exhausted. I regret you are not being supported by your federal government.
If you think I am being too harsh, and Wednesday morning quarterbacking, you can say that.
I think it needs to be said that there has been no quarterbacking at all.
The inept performance of FEMA and the Gulf State Governments themselves speaks for itself.
They never planned on what to do – to answer the question “What if the levee goes?” “How do we get everyone out of here?” They never planned on feeding people if they did have to evacuate. It is grimly obvious. What did they think might happen? What did they they think the people were going to eat?
Here’s what should be happening and what should have happened if they had been thinking, and what President Bush, if he were President, should be ordering as I pound this out:
The President announced he was sending them Wednesday.
6. A plan in place to build tent cities. The FEMA head Michael Brown was saying he may house them that way tonight. Well, where are they? How about having this thought out a little, Mike?
We built tent cities for refugees abroad. Why not here? I mean the anchor on CNN asked Brown if he had misjudged the storm and he did not really answer the question. He should have been asked, why are the facilities coming in by truck and not military cargo planes which can carry a lot more than trucks and do not need roads.
…the humans or the oil company profits.
WPCNR has learned from a correspondent in
Let’s have the oil companies contribute to the economy for a change, Mr. President, instead of looting it. Freeze those prices, and stop the profiteering. Let’s remember the oil companies have jacked prices about $1.00 already since the beginning of the summer. Now we’re giving them another 50 cents?
Now, here is the real question. Where was President Bush the 48 hours from Monday
I always thought you figured out what to do before disaster struck.
The task force meeting was the latest spin coming out of the all-news stations and television outlets at
Well, they have had 13 years of FEMA experience to prepare for big time hurricane disasters, and they have dropped the ball. Hundreds are dying, now about to starve because, hey, there’s no food in New Orleans. There’s a lack of water.
Wednesday evening, one official was leveling with the public, the Mayor of New Orleans predicted that thousands were dead in the city. This would mean that the toll of Katrina would well exceed that of 9/11.
Where’s a leader when you need one?
Sadly, America has no leaders. We just have politicians. Timid, vicious people who do not step forward, but wait and see and distribute the blame when their own incompetence compounds problems. Where are the Senators and Congressmen screaming for faster response? Not one has spoke up.
Hell, where are the Cessnas and general aviation planes that could be used to fly in food? Water? That’s what the Civil Air Patrol used to do?
Where were the supplies of water ready to go? The President said Wednesday afternoon, 400 trucks were being loaded today. Then Brown said on television last night, the trucks were loaded earlier but had trouble getting there. Again that kind of spinning is irresponsible. Get the story straight. Did we load them Wednesday, or are they somewhere stuck in traffic?
Where are the military cargo transports? We can drop water on forest fires in
This week we are seeing first hand the incompetence of created bureaucracies in action. Only this time it is costing lives due to their negligence and inability to plan or even think how to handle “the worst case scenario.”
They have played a hunch and the citizens of the
So somebody has to take charge of this situation.
It is the President’s job.
But Mr. Bush’s handlers are already saying well, he’s cut short his vacation to take charge. Well, do tell. What a good job!
How about picking up the phone, Mr. President and taking some action Sunday afternoon?
Friends I met in
No excuses. Everyone knew this was coming. This was no 9-11.
Wasn’t Mr. Bush a Boy Scout?
Well he was not prepared. He is not serving. He is not even thinking. How can you go to
How can you not personally, before the hurricane hits, check in with the states “in harm’s way” (one of Mr. Bush’s great overworked phrases), and assure yourself that Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have everything ready and in place in case just this thing happens? Or order in backup battalions. Or take charge, and say, you know, we’re sending in the marines anyway.
Talk and words which I write, are cheap.
Action takes brains, guts, savvy, and judgment. I have them this President does not.
Well I did not see those qualities from any official in Mr. Bush’s administration in the last 72 hours. Just calming blathering. Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama people are coping as best they can, but their government has let them down.
Mostly African-Americans from New Orleans poorest neighborhoods, they have shocked looks on their faces, not believing what has happened to them, and still is happening to them. They are so damn brave, it brakes your heart. With spirit.
And what a great idea: School buses to Houston? How about buses to a flotilla of commercial 747s in the nearest functioning jetport? Bus them to the jets. Come on Delta, we’re ready when you are.
And, hey, how long does it take to go from San Diego to D.C.? 6 hours right? The President could have been back in D.C. at nightfall Tuesday night. Instead all his other flunkies are holding news conferences for him and giving no specifics, filling time until all the president’s men decide what do we do now?
But the longer the President was in the air, the longer he did not have to deal with the problem. I mean has any reporter asked why he has not left San Diego a little earlier? I mean they must have flown Air Force One at Cessna speed.
Sounds a lot like the Mr. Bush performance in 9-11. Doesn’t it?
Sadly, brains, savvy, judgment and guts are lacking in the Commander-In-Chief, who once again has left the bridge in a crisis, abdicates command, and shows he does not know how to act decisively when the nation needs that from somebody. No one in this administration acts decisively.
No excuses. I don’t want to hear “This was a big storm.”
Ask the poor people I watched on television tonight, who are 90% African-American, elderly, and young, if they think their government is doing a good job. How about the rescuers greeting those rescued with a bottle of donated Poland Spring. That would be a nice product tie-in on a real reality show.
Let’s hear an airhead ask that question, just once. And put the answer on.
Nobody in government aside from the Marines, our Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the Army gets things done.
On talk radio Wednesday, a member of the 101st Airborne in
The military is there ready to help their own people.
It was not until
I want to repeat that. The President did not take any questions on the biggest damn disaster this country has ever seen.
He said one other thing: four pathetic words that say a lot:
After listing the four priorities the task force was going to oversee and detailing the trucks, the ships, the medical supplies, and other steps, the President added brightly,
“And we’re just starting.”
Exactly, we’re just starting.
48 hours too late for thousands of persons they could not evacuate in time. 48 hours too late for those on rooftops in attics waiting for the rescue they thought would come.
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WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. By Mayor Joseph Delfino. August 31, 2005: The Mayor of the City of White Plains responds to his challenger, Dennis Power, who in a news release chided the Mayor for not signing on to an anti- global warming initiative:
Mayor Joseph Delfino. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.
John, I would appreciate the opportunity to respond to the statements made
by Mr. Power regarding the environment.
Thanks
Mr. Power’s charges are without merit. No one from the organization that Mr.
Power is referring to ever contacted me about participating in this noble
cause. I truly wish Mr. Power had simply picked up the phone and called me
about this letter rather than accusing me of not caring about the
environment. I have always been a proponent of environmental protection
initiatives and will continue to advocate for preservation of our vital
resources. I recently received the endorsement of the New York League of
Conservation Voters (NYLCV), because of my proven commitment to preserving
and protecting the environment.
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WPCNR HEARTBEAT. August 31, 2005: The American Red Cross in White Plains advised WPCNR that residents desiring to pitch in and help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, can send checks to American Red Cross, 106 North Broadway, White Plains, NY, 10603, and mark on the check, how you would like the money used to help. Mark the checks “Hurricane Katrina,” and the Red Cross will forward the money to the national organization.
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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2005. From PowerforMayor. August 30, 2005: Dennis Power, Candidate for Mayor of White Plains has issued a statement on the city’s failure to support environmental initiatives to control global warming:
“Global warming is affecting everyone and it must be dealt with at the local level as well as at the state, national and international levels. It is discouraging that the Mayor of White Plains was not one of the signers of a letter to the governors of New York and eight other Northeast states urging the adoption of a regional plan to regulate greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Mayors and Supervisors of six Westchester municipalities and nearby neighbors in Connecticut, including Stamford, Bridgeport and New Haven, were part of a team of forty-two officials in the Northeast who are making it a policy priority to reduce global warming pollution.
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“As reported in The New York Times August 25, leaders of mostly small to medium-size cities released a general outline of the plan called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Coordinated by the environmental group, Clean Air-Cool Planet, the group emphasizes the benefits of reduced carbon pollution to local communities and fully supports the ongoing development of a cap-and-trade system for the power sector to lower carbon pollution across the Northeast.
“The White Plains administration must begin to think globally and act locally, especially when it comes to environmental issues. Being in the forefront with other regional leaders is important, but putting environmental planning into concrete action is critical. As Mayor, I will call for researching the very latest in clean-burning and alternative fuels and attempt to integrate their use into the city’s vehicles and buildings. I know that we can require by ordinance the use of low sulfur fuels. Having a few hybrid vehicles is a good first step, but does not put us in the forefront of modern technology. We need to apply energy-saving approaches to more city vehicles, as well as to our buildings.
I would also encourage the use of solar photovoltaic cell arrays wherever possible. White Plains should be encouraging ‘green’ building design for new developments. I would also encourage pilot projects for the use of alternative biofuels, such as pelletized fuels, in compliance with the Governor’s request. This use of alternative fuels and energy sources would enable us to reduce our use of oil, reduce carbon emissions and enhance air quality in our region, thereby improving respiratory health and reducing health care costs. White Plains should show by example and be a regional model in reducing emissions.
“Smart environmental growth calls for the placement of air quality monitors in downtown areas to make sure we are in compliance with federal and state air quality standards. The one air quality monitoring station we have up by the water plant should be moved to the heart of downtown. We can then better understand the problem of air pollution, and effect policy change if needed.
“I would also like to see some small shuttle transportation around the city to alleviate the heavy traffic congestion and reduce carbon monoxide emissions. I would encourage, through economic rewards, car pooling for the large businesses and organizations in our city. This would also be of tremendous help to so many seniors around the city who have no way to travel when shopping for food and other necessities.
“White Plains needs to be in the forefront on important issues such as enhancing environmental quality and needs to cooperate with regional government partners in effecting positive change. We must act locally and think globally. When a group of forward-thinking officials takes a stance on improving the quality of life for millions of people in the Northeast, White Plains needs to stand with them.”
Dennis Power is the Democratic and Working Families Party candidate for Mayor and a former member of the White Plains Common Council. He is a 26-year resident of White Plains.
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WPCNR PRESS BOX. August 29, 2005: The New York Juggernaut fell 6-3 to the Chicago Bandits in the twilight Saturday night in Lisle, Illinois, on a three-run homer by Jennie Finch off Jodie Cox in the last of the seventh. The loss ended the Nauts’ bid to repeat as National Pro Fastpitch Champions.
The Akron Racers, eased past the Texas Thunder 1-0 in Saturday evening’s nightcap to move on to the NPF Championship game against the Banditas Sunday afternoon.
It was the Racers’ Day, as the Akrons overcame a 4-run deficit, beating the Bandits and Finch in extra innings, 5-4 to win the second NPF Championship.
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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey.
Commissioner of Public Works Joseph “Bud” Nicoletti on direction of the Mayor’s Office, told WPCNR this evening that
SILVER LAKE, 2002: When the County leased the Lake to White Plains for Liberty Park. The
.A “stench” has been smelled coming from the lake for at least two months according to a restaurenteur, Chef Andrea. The business owner, who owns Chef Andrea’s on Lake Street said that the
At no time has there been a public notice from the City of
A WPCNR reader informed WPCNR of the closing of the park this afternoon, which was never officially announced or confirmed by the city or the county until today when WPCNR contacted the Department of Recreation and Parks. Apparently the only notice is a closed sign at the park.
Debra Clay the Deputy Commissioner of Recreation and Parks for the City of White Plains confirmed that Liberty Park was closed but told WPCNR to contact the Mayor’s office for further information. She had no comment on why the park was closed.
Answering Machine Answers at the Mayor’s Office.
WPCNR contacted the Mayor’s Office at
WPCNR contacted the Department of Public Works of White Plains, and the DPW employee picking up the telephone said he did not know why the park was closed.
WPCNR contacted the Department of Communications of
A White Plains Department of Public Safety source, speaking on condition of anonymity told
Contacting the Harrison Department of Public Works, WPCNR was told I was to contact the Westchester County Executive’s Office who could inform me, so I called the County Executive’s Office, and Larry Schwartz, Deputy County Executive office and was transferred to an answering machine, then I was transferred back to the Department of Communications, which again they said they would have someone get back to me on the park closing and alleged pollution.
In conversation with County Legislator Bill Ryan Friday evening, Ryan told WPCNR that he first heard about the closing problem the beginning of August, when he received calls from residents about it.
Ryan told WPCNR “dye tests” were done on the
Mystery Stench.
Ryan was asked had the cause of the pollution in the lake been pinpointed. He said “No one knows.”
Ryan said there was some speculation by officials that the heavy rain of July 18th might have overflowed the sewers or storm drains and caused a back up of polluting waters into the lake.
It could not be determined by WPCNR Friday evening, whether it was technically possible for the sewer lines to back up raw sewage into the lake, or whether the storm water drains could cause such pollution that would cause the sewage-like stench that has plagued the lake for approximately a month.
Ryan said that under the terms of the City of
Ryan said that the City of
No Announcements?
That Legislator Ryan is familiar with the problem raises the question of why the City of
In the latest development of this unfolding story, a statement from Commissioner Joseph “Bud” Nicoletti of the White Plains Department of Public Works, confirms the lake’s water has a “fairly high levels of bacteria:”
He stated exclusively to WPCNR Friday night,
“We did some bacteria tests as late as last week, and the results came back with fairly high levels of bacteria in the water. I had forwarded those on to the County Health Department, and I am waiting for their opinions, as to what to do for the water, whether to open the park for water sports and so forth.
But, not hearing back from them yet. I’m just playing it conservative, and it’s my recommendation the park be closed on the
I have been in close contact with the County Health Department, and this is going back the last month or so. I did a second round of bacteria tests just last week, and high counts of bacteria were indicated, and these were done by the county lab. I still haven’t gotten the actual written reports yet, but I have got a verbal. I forwarded that on to the County Health Department.
I’m waiting for them to make a judgment or to give me their take on it.”
HAPPIER DAYS: October 29, 2002, County Executive Andy Spano, left, and Mayor Joseph Delfino of White Plains sign the agreement where the County leased 23 acres of Liberty Park land on the West Side of Silver Lake with the stipulation that White Plains was responsible for maintenance and condition of both the parkland and Silver Lake. Bill Ryan in “Westchester” jacket looks on. Photo, WPCNR News Archive
The City of White Plains spent approximately $600,000 to open the park its first year in 2003 and was scheduled to spend an additional $300,000 to complete the park. It is open in the spring and summer months for boating and kayaking, and fishing.
According to Legislator Ryan the park has been closed for the last month due to the unrelenting stench, unreported until this time.
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WPCNR SCREEN GEMS. From National Amusements. August 26, 2005: Friday Night, the Redeye and The 40 year-old Virgin highlight the marquee at the City Center Cinema De Lux. The rundowns and the showtimes follow:
