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WHAT WAS THE COST?
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE?
IS IT SUCCESSFUL?
HOW DID THE RESIDENTS ACCEPT IT?
PLUS MR. PAYNE’S UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL VIDEOS OF THE WIND TURBINES IN ACTION
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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2019. By John F. Bailey. August 1, 2019:
Chairman of the Board of Legislators Benjamin Boykin told WPCNR this afternoon that he expects final legal department-approved bond legislation to buy 50 ELECTION BOOKS and 30 Plan B Election Machines capable of displaying multiple district ballots to be to the Board of Legislators “shortly.”
After that authorizing legislation is provided, Boykin said it would be sent out to the Public Works Department and Budget and Appropriations committees for review, and he expected the full Board of County Legislators to approve it at the meeting of September 16 , if not earlier.
Election Books and new voting machines are the “hardware” required to enable a registered voter from anywhere in Westchester County to walk in and vote at the currently 16 designated polling places where you may vote early beginning October 26 through November 3.
Reginald Lafayette Commissioner of the Westchester County Board of Elections, told WPCNR the machines have already been ordered from companies Election Systems & Software, and Dominion Monday afternoon after an hour and a half meeting with the County Legislature Budget & Appropriations Committee Monday morning.
He expects deliveries to begin within two weeks and would begin training of force of 100 early voting election supervisors to run the 16 Early voting polling places in the county as soon as machines arrive.
He said election books and voting machines are available now because the manufacturers had anticipated the demand for the machines the early voting legislation (approved eight months ago with the New York State Budget) mandated.
Lafayette reports to WPCNR his department has been working with the County Attorney’s office for an official draft of the bond request and would have a final bill ready for the Board of Legislators “shortly”.
This afternoon, he and Boykin each estimated the cost of the Election Books and new voting machines, including training would be $750,000. He also anticipated more purchase of voting machines and Election Books for next year’s Presidential Election.
Asked if this was a dry run for next year’s early voting system, Mr. Lafayette said, “absolutely.”
In the meeting Monday morning, the issue of early voting in local elections came up, and Mr. Lafayette said currently the state legislation passed does not extend to early voting in local village and town elections. He said it is an issue the state legislature did not address.
Mr. Lafayette announced steps to prevent double-voting.
He and his Co-Commissioner Douglas Colety, would review whether to add a 17th Early Voting Polling Place at the Mamaroneck Town Center. Though it should be pointed out that the Board of Legislators had gone along with Mr. Lafayette and Mr. Colety selections of the 16 Polling places selected for Early Voting in July. Since then, the Board of Elections elminated one Mount Vernon location (leaving City Hall as the Early Voting Place), and added one in the Town of Greenburgh.
The Election Books include ballots for all election districts in the county and registered voters, Mr. Colety said Monday. At each Early Voting Location, an election official looks up the early voter’s name, and election district, then prints out a ballot for his district.
At the close of the Monday meeting, Mr. Colety explained how forgetful early voters who vote on election would be identified. He said that early voting ends November 3. The county will safeguard against “double-voting,” Colety said by running printouts by district from the Election Books of persons who have voted early by matching votes on the early voting machines at the actual Election Day on November 5.
Voters should be the alert for postcards the Board of Elections will send out prior to the start of early voting announcing where they can vote early.
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation to establish an up to 30-day waiting period for individuals who are not immediately approved to purchase a firearm through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (S.2374/A.2690) and to close existing statutory loopholes to prohibit ownership or sale of a bump stock (S.2448/A.2684).
Extending the Background Check Waiting Period
Current federal law requires gun dealers to conduct a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check on a potential purchaser prior to selling a firearm, which immediately provides the dealer with one of three possible notifications. These notifications include “proceed,” “denied,” or “delayed.” In the case of a “delayed” response, the dealer must wait three days before completing the sale.
The FBI may continue to investigate the individual past the three-day timeframe but oftentimes by the time law enforcement has determined that the potential purchaser is ineligible, the sale has already been completed. By extending the waiting period up to 30 days, law enforcement is provided with sufficient time to complete a background check and help ensure that only those eligible to purchase and own a firearm are able to do so.
This legislation builds on New York’s strongest in the nation gun laws, including the Red Flag Bill signed in February that prevents individuals who show signs of being a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing a firearm.
“For too long gun violence has plagued communities across our nation and while the federal government turns a blind eye, New York continues leading the way forward to protect our families and our children,” Governor Cuomo said. “By signing these measures into law we are strengthening our nation-leading gun laws – banning devices whose sole purpose is to create the most bloodshed in the shortest timeframe and providing law enforcement the tools they need to stop firearms from falling into dangerous hands.”
“As gun violence continues to affect communities across the state and the nation, we are advancing our efforts to strengthen our laws and protect New Yorkers,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “This legislation extending the background check waiting period and banning bump stocks will help to ensure that firearms do not get into the wrong hands and bans the use of devices that have been used to wreak havoc. We are committed to building on our nation-leading policies to stop senseless gun violence and save lives.”
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For the first time in over a decade, Westchester County will welcome a new ride at Playland as County Executive Latimer will officially open “Dragonator” to the public Tuesday.
“Dragonator” holds 24 riders and is designed with a back restraint which leaves both arms and legs free to move as riders are spun around and travel along a “U” shaped track. The ride is part roller coaster and part spinning ride.
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Richard Liebson (White Plains, New York), passed away today, July 28, 2019, at the age of 61, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Richard Liebson to show support.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 30th 2019 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 30th 2019 at 6:00 PM at the Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, White Plains, New York.
George Latimer, Westchester County Executive had this to say about Mr. Liebson’s career:
“All of Westchester County mourns the passing of longtime Journal News reporter Rich Liebson. Rich was a talented writer who put all of his being into following and investigating stories that mattered to the people of Westchester.
Rich had a number of beats over the years working for The Journal News, from education to government to public safety. A White Plains resident, he kept us all informed and engaged as a beat reporter– for that we can never thank him enough. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this very difficult time.”
Peter Katz, the longtime ABC television reporter and editor knew Mr. Liebson and shared this thought about the reporter’s life:
“I knew him not only as a top-notch journalist, but also as a decent and honorable person. He knew how to report a story accurately, fairly, interestingly and always with the highest ethical standards. “
The Journal News published a tribute to Mr. Liebson in an editorial Sunday at this link:
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WPWeek 7/26 ONLINE NOW
youtube link — https://youtu.be/e4BqgNJoeg0
wp link… http://www.whiteplainsweek.com/
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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. JULY 25, 2019: Westchester County Police announced they charged a woman production contractor with the New York Streets Arena Football League team’s dance squad with committing two thefts during home games at the Westchester County Center totaling $4,000,
Aniyah Booker, 18, of Hamden., Connecticut, was apprehended Thursday, July 25 following an investigation by detectives from the Westchester County Police General Investigations Unit. She is charged with two misdemeanor larceny charges
The first first occurred when a member of the New York Streets dance team reported $1,000 in cash from her bag while it was left unattended in a changing room used by dance team members.
On Sunday, July 21, during the Streets’ final home game of the season, the Carolina Cobras football team reported that someone entered their locker room before halftime and removed cash and a ring from multiple lockers. The missing cash was estimated at about $3,000, police said.
She returns to court August 8
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. January 25, 2019:
County Executive George Latimer has written to municipal leaders asking them to create their own local Complete Count Committee.
The Committees would focus on planning media and outreach campaigns and identifying trusted partners to work with local government, faith-based, nonprofit and educational organizations.
Latimer said: “ Getting an accurate count of Westchester’s residents during is of critical importance for the County and its communities. The best way to achieve an accurate count of residents is to have a grassroots-based, locally focused effort; and, this is best coordinated by a local Complete Count Committee. We have a lot of barriers to participation to overcome, and we can only do that through a combined effort of local governments with community leaders and advocates.”
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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. Special to the CitizeNetReporter. July 22, 2019 UPDATED 5:30 PM EDT:
At the Westchester County Center, Sunday night July 21st the New York Streets last home game for the season stalled at halftime with the playoff-bound Carolina Cobras on top 46-0.
Late Monday afternoon, Kieran O’Leary of the Westchester County Police furnished this report to WPCNR:
“Here’s what I have on the county center incidents:
Last night, at half time of the arena football game between the New York Streets and the Carolina Cobras, the visiting team reported that someone had entered their locker room and had stolen cash and a ring from multiple lockers. (The game started at 7 p.m. I am not exactly sure when half time was).
In total, about $3,000 in cash was reported stolen from various members of the visiting team.
I do not have a value on the ring that was stolen from one of the players.
The second half of the game was not played. You would need to ask representatives of the teams whether that was the result of this incident. That’s more of a football matter, not a police matter.
2nd Incident
A similar theft occurred during a New York Streets game on July 5 at the County Center. In that incident, a member of the Streets dance team reported that someone had stolen $1,000 in cash from her bag. That bag was left unattended in a changing room (not a locker room, no lockers in there) used by the dance team. The theft was not reported until July 7.
Both of these larcenies are under investigation by Westchester County Police. There is a person of interest in this investigation that detectives are looking to speak with.
There are a few media reports out there referring to the incidents as a robbery or robberies. Just to clarify, LARCENY is the crime(s) committed here.
Security in and around the locker rooms is the responsibility of the arena football league under the contact it has with the Parks Department.”
The third quarter never started as individual players from both teams wandered back and forth from the turf and into the hallway leading to the clubhouses. After an extended time period of this agitation and movement, all players took off their helmets and along with coaching staff and left the gridiron.
This morning through a spokesperson the National Arena League issued the following statement.
During Sunday night’s Carolina Cobras vs New York Streets National Arena League game, the Cobras’ locker room was accessed and players and coaches personal items were removed without permission. Because of this, the game was halted at halftime.
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Westchester County Police are working with the Streets, the Cobras and the league by reviewing security footage of the area.
New York started Quarterback Cody Williams (Assumption College). Williams is now the third player to be switched into this key position this year. Last week in Columbus, GA against the Lions, Williams was sent in for David Legree (Syracuse/Hampton). Against the fierce Carolina defense William was sacked twice but had five completed passes for 42 yards. His top target was Rob Jones (Delaware) who had two catches for 28 yards.
Carolina quarterback Charles McCullum (Stillman College) was 10 for 15, 151 passing yards with three TDs.
Streets defensive backs EJ Frain (Simon Fraser University) and Anthony Johnson accounted for 7 tackles against the Cobra scoring machine.
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The NYS Complete Count Commission will hold a public hearing on plans for the upcoming 2020 Census on Thursday, July 25 in White Plains:
Thursday, July 25, 2019, 6 p.m.
NYPA Headquarters
Jaguar Room
123 Main Street
White Plains, NY
The hearing is open to the public and media.
Public testimony will be heard during the latter part of the hearing on a first-come, first-served basis. Each public speaker’s comments will be limited to three (3) minutes.
As a convenience, the Commission is permitting individuals wishing to testify to pre-register for a single three-minute speaking slot at the event. Members of the public wishing to testify at the July 25 census hearing may pre-register to speak via online registration. The pre-registration period for the White Plains event ends at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 24. Depending on the number of pre-registration slots taken, additional three-minute speaking slots may be available at the event on a first-come, first-served basis.
Written testimony may be submitted to Commissioners or staff at the events or emailed to hearing@labor.ny.gov.
The Complete Count Commission is tasked with building upon the sweeping efforts already underway to prepare for next year’s federal Census. With these meetings, the Commission is undertaking a multi-year, collaborative strategy involving all state agencies, local and county governments, non-profits and local stakeholders across the state.
For more information about the Complete Count Commission and New York’s efforts to ensure a full count in 2020, please visit www.ny.gov/census2020.