WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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WPCNR COUNTY TRAILS. From the Westchester County Department of Recreation and Parks. (Edited) March 24, 2004: The five Westchester County-owned golf courses will open for the season on Friday, March 26, weather and conditions permitting, with several new programs to make golf more accessible and enjoyable for patrons, County Parks Commissioner Joseph Stout has announced.

According to Stout, a new Frequent Golfer Rewards program and savings for Westchester residents who purchase a County Park Pass for the first time are just the newest enhancements that golfers can enjoy. In addition, convenient, online tee-time reservations will be available later this season.

“We continually strive to make golfing more enjoyable for our customers,” Stout said. “The new programs are part of our long-term commitment to enhance services, improve conditions and to keep golf affordable and accessible.”

The county courses nearest White Plains are Sprain Lake, Maple Moor in White Plains, and Saxon Woods in Scarsdale. Other courses are Dunwoodie in Yonkers and Mohansic in Yorktown Heights. Tee time reservations are now available by calling (914) 995-GOLF. The newest county course, Hudson Hills in the Town of New Castle, is slated for opening in mid- to late April.

 

FREQUENT GOLFER REWARDS

 

Stout said that the new Frequent Golfer Rewards program will debut this season. The program will enable golfers who hold a Westchester County Park Pass to earn points that can be redeemed for discounts on greens fees. Golfers who play at any of the course will be automatically enrolled in the program. After they reach a specified dollar-value plateau, they will receive a percentage discount on every subsequent round of golf they play. Details and start date are available at the courses.

Back by popular demand, golfers can play the back nine for an hour in the morning. Back nine times will be scheduled for 30 minutes after the first group of golfers begins play on the front nine. For County Park Pass holders, the rate is $21 weekends and $18 weekdays ($14 for seniors and junior golfers ages 11-18). The back-nine rate for non-park pass holders is $23 weekends or weekdays.

 

Golf Leagues & E-Z Reserve

 

Golf leagues will once again enable groups to utilize late afternoon tee times on weekdays at a reduced nine-hole rate. Each league must consist of a minimum of eight players, with substitutions allowed. Tee times will be scheduled between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., and league play will take place once a week for a period of 10 weeks during June, July and August. The fee is $360 per golfer, which covers greens fees and mandatory cart rental for the period. For more information about golf leagues, call (914) 864-7133.

The E-Z Reserve block tee-time sales program continues this year. The program allows foursomes of Westchester County-resident golfers to pre-pay to reserve a regular weekend tee-time slot for 25 weeks during the season at Maple Moor, Mohansic, Saxon Woods and Sprain Lake golf courses. At Dunwoodie, where construction on tees and greens is scheduled to begin this fall, EZ-Reserve covers a shortened, 20-week season. Priced at $250 per player ($200 per player at Dunwoodie), some EZ Reserve slots are still available at each course. Those interested should inquire at the course; EZ Reserve slots are not sold via the telephone reservation system.

County Park Passes

 

There’s extra incentive for Westchester resident golfers to take advantage of the lower resident greens fees this season, with a new offer that allows them to purchase a Westchester County Park Pass (required for resident rates) at $10 off the face value, or $35. New park pass applicants can pick up their $10 coupon at any course when applying for the pass. Passes, which are now valid for three years from date of issue (six years for senior citizens and disabled residents), also provide access to all county-owned park facilities and provides other discounts on park user and parking fees. Park passes will be issued at all five courses, seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the season. For more information about park passes, including other issuing locations and required proofs of residency, call (914) 864-PARK or log on to www.westchestergov.com/parks.

 

Greens Fees

 

Greens fees for 2004 are $23 weekdays and $27 Saturdays, Sundays and holidays for Westchester residents with a valid County Park Pass. Senior citizens with the pass pay $16 Monday through Friday. The fee for junior golf is $16, available weekdays only to park pass holders ages 11 through 18. Twilight golf is $18 with a county park pass. Twilight golf hours vary throughout the year, and golfers can call (914) 995-GOLF for updated information. Greens fees for non-park pass holders and non-county residents are $37 on weekends and holidays, $33 on weekdays, and $23 for twilight golf.

Holidays for 2004 are Memorial Day (Monday, May 31), Fourth of July (Sunday, July 4), and Labor Day  (Monday, September 6).

 

Reservations

 

Reservations can be made by calling (914) 995-GOLF. Golfers who wish to play during the first two hours of operation can still make their reservations in person at each course seven days in advance of the play date. Any unreserved tee times for those first two hours will then be made available through the telephone system at 7 p.m. each evening. As an added convenience, walk up reservations will now be listed in the automated system, so golfers can modify or confirm their reservations as necessary. Golfers who do not have a touch-tone telephone or have difficulty making a reservation can receive assistance by calling the Golf Helpline, Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at (914) 864-7050.

            Reservations, whether made in person or by phone, are accepted up to seven days in advance for county park pass holders and up to four days in advance without a park pass. There is a $3 reservation fee for non-park pass holders only.

Each of the five Westchester County golf courses is equipped with lockers, showers, a restaurant and a halfway house, golf shop and golf professional. Driving ranges are located at Dunwoodie and Mohansic.

            For more information about the county’s golf courses and for a complete list of 2004 tournaments, call the Parks Department at (914) 864-7000. For general information about county parks, log on to www.westchestergov.com.

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. March 24, 2004, UPDATED 5:30 P.M. E.S.T.: Assemblyman Adam Bradley’s Election Law Reform Bill he is sponsoring in the Assembly, and attempting to find backers for in the New York Senate, contrasts with Attorney General Elliot Spitzer’s Election Law Reform in that Bradley’s would not give Supreme Court Justices the power to declare the winner in an election dispute. Spitzer’s does.

The Bradley bill does allow judges to call for a new General Election to resolve a dispute for a proceeding contesting the results of an election to commence “within 14 days after the election or 3 days after the completion of a recanvass.” Bradley noted to WPCNR Tuesday that these time frames are open to negotiation.

 

The Bradley bill grants to the Supreme Court Judge a new power in evaluation of protested general elections:

 

“The court, in a proceeding involving a dispute over the winner of a general or a special election, shall order that a new election be held, if there is clear and convincing evidence that the wrong candidate was or would be determined to be the winner.”

 

Eliminates Usurpation.

 

Mr. Bradley’s bill, in enacted,  would prevent a repetition of the Glen Hockley-Larry Delgado situation where Mr. Hockley still occupies a Council Seat after 1 year and 3 months as an alleged “usurper” by Mr. Delgado’s quo warranto suit.

 

The Bradley Solution would carryover the existing officer currently in the contested office, so there would be no disruption of the ability to conduct government business while a new election was awaited to resolve the dispute between deadlocked or “in doubt” contests. The language of the bill reads:

 

“The provisions of section five of the public officer’s law shall apply to any candidate who held the office of the disputed candidates prior to the election that yielded the disputed results.”

 

Would Have Resolved Delgado Problem Faster.

 

Bradley, speaking to WPCNR by phone Wednesday, said that the current situation whereby Mr. Hockley occupies a council seat while Mr. Delgado is asking to be appointed to it, and Mr. Hockley removed, would not occur under this law. Speaking hypothetically, Bradley said either Pauline Oliva or Mr. Delgado, the incumbent, would continue to serve in the seat until the new general election called for by the judge were to be held.  Bradley’s bill would call for a new election, “the sixth Tuesday after the court’s determination is issued.”

 

“Dangerous” to Have Judges Declare Winners.

 

Bradley was asked why he did not concur with Attorney General Elliot Spitzer’s bill which gives judges the power to declare a winner in a disputed election.

 

He said he felt judges had the right to determine issues on the validity of ballots, but felt that allowing them to make a judgement on who the winner is would be a dangerous precedent, considering judges are themselves elected.

 

Bradley said the right to call a new election had to be based on “clear and convincing evidence,” which the bill in the form sent to WPCNR, does not spell out.

 

Clear and Convincing Evidence is Very High Standard: Bradley

 

Mr. Bradley, contacting WPCNR Wednesday afternoon, clarified to WPCNR  that the term “clear and convincing evidence” is a legal term and does not have to be spelled out, and constitutes a very high legal standard.

 

Bradley patiently explained that  “clear and convincing evidence”  was a standard term where circumstances in which a new election could be called did not have to be “spelled out,” and that what constituted “clear and convincing evidence” would vary upon the situation. 

 

Asked if the affidavits that Larry Delgado submitted to show proof that persons disenfranchised by the jammed voting maching in District 18, would be “clear and convincing evidence,” Bradley said “maybe, but at least the judge would have the right to call for a new election. Under present law, the judge does not.”

 

 

In the “Memorandum In Support of Legislation,” Mr. Bradley concludes,

 

“This law is important because it contains a mechanism to ensure fairness and transparency in elections throughout New York State by giving courts a meaninful remedy, and insuring that an aggrieved candidate can obtain a new election when it is clear that a losing candidate would otherwise be declared the winner.”

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WPCNR COMING ATTRACTIONS. From Cinema de Lux. March 24, 2004: See Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed at City Center 15 Cinema De Lux this weekend (March 26 -28) and receive great Scooby Doo 2 prizes including t-shirts, activity books, boook covers and much more! FREE (one item per customer, while supplies last)
Showtimes are occasionally subject to change without notice.
Click on a showtime to purchase tickets.

OPENING FRIDAY, March 26th

SCOOBY-DOO 2: MONSTERS UNLEASHED — Scooby and the gang launch an investigation when an anonymous masked villain wreaks mayhem on the city of Coolsville. Shaggy and Scooby don a series of far-out disguises in their search for clues as Velma investigates a key suspect, museum curator Patrick Wisely. Meanwhile, Fred and Daphne attempt to determine the identity of the Evil Masked Figure who is unleashing the monsters in an attempt to take over Coolsville. Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar return in this kooky comedy sequel. Rated PG

THE LADYKILLERS — From the directors of Raising Arizona and O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Tom Hanks stars as Goldthwait Higginson Dorr III, an eccentric professor-turned-criminal-mastermind. Dorr has assembled a gang of experts for the heist of the century; however, their plans are thwarted by his seemingly innocent little old landlady Mrs. Munson when she stumbles onto their plot. Dorr and his crew decide that they need to remove Mrs. Munson from the equation, but doing so proves to be more difficult than they expect. Irma P. Hall, Marlon Wayans and Stephen Root also star in this hilarious comedy caper. Rated R

JERSEY GIRL — Ollie Trinke is a smooth, Manhattan music publicist who just married the love of his life and has a child on the way – a perfect life that is upended when he suddenly finds himself a single father. Before long Ollie’s big city lifestyle clashes with fatherhood. After losing his job, he’s forced to move back in with his father in the New Jersey suburb where he was raised. With the help of a beautiful young friend and a daughter who gives him the courage to keep going, he begins to realize that sometimes, you have to forget about who you thought you were and just accept who you are. Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler and Jennifer Lopez star in this quirky romantic comedy. Rated PG-13

NEVER DIE ALONE — A hard-boiled kingpin drug dealer called King David returns to his hometown seeking redemption, but ends up facing death. His final moments are spent with an aspiring journalist named Paul. Although they have only a brief time together, reflecting on the consequences of his volatile life, King David makes a life long impression on Paul. DMX and David Arquette star in this thoughtful action drama. Rated R.

Wednesday, March 24, 2004  
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (PG) –12:05;2:20;4:35 pm. ;
Dawn of the Dead **(R) –1:25;4:20;7:20;10:00 pm. ;
Taking Lives **(R) –1:30;3:55;7:05;9:40 pm. ;
Starsky & Hutch **(PG-13) –6:55;9:20 pm. ;
Hidalgo (PG-13) –12:45;3:45;6:45;9:45 pm. ;
50 First Dates (PG-13) –1:15;3:50;6:20;9:05 pm. ;
Starsky & Hutch (PG-13) –12:25;2:45;5:05;7:25;9:50 pm. ;
Dawn of the Dead (R) –12:00;2:25;4:50;7:50;9:30;10:30 pm. ;
Taking Lives (R) –12:00;2:35;5:10;7:35;10:10 pm. ;
Spartan (R) –12:20;10:05 pm. ;
Secret Window (PG-13) –1:10;2:50;4:00;5:20;6:35;7:40;9:15 pm. ;
Agent Cody Banks: Destination London (PG) –12:15;2:30;4:45;7:05 pm. ;
Twisted (R) –1:20;4:05;6:30;9:25 pm. ;
The Passion of The Christ (R) –12:10;12:40;3:10;3:40;6:10;6:40;9:00;9:35 pm. ;
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (R) –12:10;2:40;5:15;7:45;10:15 pm. ;

Thursday, March 25, 2004  
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (R) –12:10;2:40;5:15;7:45;10:15 pm. ;
The Passion of The Christ (R) –12:10;12:40;3:10;3:40;6:10;6:40;9:00;9:35 pm. ;
Agent Cody Banks: Destination London (PG) –12:15;2:30;4:45;7:05 pm. ;
Hidalgo (PG-13) –12:45;3:45;6:45;9:45 pm. ;
Secret Window (PG-13) –1:10;2:50;4:00;5:20;6:35;7:40;9:15 pm. ;
Spartan (R) –12:20;10:05 pm. ;
Taking Lives (R) –12:00;2:35;5:10;7:35;10:10 pm. ;
Dawn of the Dead (R) –12:00;2:25;4:50;7:50;9:30;10:30 pm. ;
50 First Dates (PG-13) –1:15;3:50;6:20;9:05 pm. ;
Starsky & Hutch (PG-13) –12:25;2:45;5:05;7:25;9:50 pm. ;
Dawn of the Dead **(R) –1:25;4:20;7:20;10:00 pm. ;
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (PG) –12:05;2:20;4:35 pm. ;
Taking Lives **(R) –1:30;3:55;7:05;9:40 pm. ;
Starsky & Hutch **(PG-13) –6:55;9:20 pm. ;
Twisted (R) –1:20;4:05;6:30;9:25 pm. ;

Friday, March 26, 2004  
The Passion of The Christ (R) –1:50;4:30;7:10;10:00 pm;12:30 am. ;
The Ladykillers **(R) –1:50;4:20;7:00;9:30 pm;12:10 am. ;
The Passion of The Christ **(R) –1:20;4:00;6:45;9:25 pm;12:00 am. ;
Starsky & Hutch (PG-13) –12:30;2:50;5:15;7:45;10:35 pm;12:45 am. ;
Dawn of the Dead (R) –12:00;2:25;4:50;7:15;7:50;9:45;10:15 pm;12:00;12:35 am. ;
Taking Lives (R) –1:40;4:25;7:05;9:50 pm;12:10 am. ;
Jersey Girl (PG-13) –12:00;2:30;4:55;7:25;9:55 pm;12:20 am. ;
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (PG) –12:00;12:10;2:00;2:40;4:00;5:00;6:00;7:20;9:45 pm;12:05 am. ;
Hidalgo (PG-13) –12:15;3:15;6:15;9:15 pm;12:15 am. ;
The Ladykillers (R) –12:00;2:25;4:50;7:30;10:10 pm;12:30 am. ;
Never Die Alone (R) –12:30;2:45;5:10;7:35;8:15;10:05;10:40 pm;