JUNE 24– THE LATIMER LETTER FROM WASHINGTON

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Rep. George Latimer's header image

Dear Neighbor,

 

Our next quarterly virtual conversation will be held on Wednesday, July 9th at 6:30 p.m. You can RSVP for the Zoom link and submit questions here: https://forms.gle/WsKCKGP64TSGKcTb8

 

I find these larger virtual meetings are the best way to reach as many people as possible and make it convenient to participate from home.

Update from DC

The House recently voted on a cruel and senseless plan that will slash support for global AIDS prevention, reproductive health, and trusted educational content like Sesame Street. This package would codify the ridiculous cuts proposed by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Such actions continue to hurt America’s standing in the world and will allow for countries like China to fill the void. This makes us less safe and could unnecessarily hurt millions of people.

 

On a more positive note, I was very happy to welcome Joseph Piergiovanni from Eastchester High School to DC. You may remember that Joseph was our district’s 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner. It was an honor to host him in DC and show him where his artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year.

In the last newsletter I announced my Community Project Funding priorities for Fiscal Year 2026. This provides members with the opportunity to identify important local projects that would benefit from direct federal funding. Because the House Majority did not fund FY25 projects, I decided to resubmit the projects submitted last year by my predecessor.

 

The House Appropriations Committee has started to work on their government funding bills, and as they do, we will get a sense of which projects are funded and at what amount.

 

The first bill announced was the Homeland Security bill that includes three of our district’s projects. The bill, as it is currently written, provides $1.145 million to each of these projects:

  • Highbrook Avenue Drainage Improvement Project, Pelham: This project would improve stormwater infrastructure that was inadequately installed in 1924 that remains inefficient at both managing and mitigating flooding.
  • Yonkers Warburton Avenue Slope Stabilization Project, Yonkers: This project will help stabilize the steep hillside west of Warburton Avenue. By stabilizing the slope, it will mitigate the recurrence of mudslides and prevent future Metro North blockages as well as the destabilization of residences and municipal infrastructure.
  • New Rochelle City Park Drainage Improvements, New Rochelle: This project will allow for the design and construction of drainage improvements at Flowers (City) Park to address extreme flooding experienced during recent storms.

I hope to have more good news about Community Project Funding in the weeks to come.

At Home: Westchester and the Bronx

I recently joined Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins for a press conference at the New Rochelle Train Station to bring attention to the Trump Administration’s proposed 25% cut to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. This is one of the most heavily traveled Amtrak route in the entire country, and businesses and corporations rely on rail service for their employees. We do not need any more cars on the road. I am a weekly Amtrak rider, and I have seen the growth in ridership. This is a bad business decision. Here is local News12 coverage and coverage from the Hudson Valley Press.

It was an honor to present New Rochelle resident Colonel (Ret) Richard Gulley with a long-overdue Bronze Star Medal last week. Colonel Gulley bravely served our country for 30 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. He was previously awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his actions during a battle in Afghanistan in 2010. I am glad that it was upgraded to a Bronze Star. Here is coverage from the Mid Hudson News.

Last week, I was in the Village of Mamaroneck for a visit by the Army Corps of Engineers about the Flood Risk Management project. For anyone familiar with this area, it has been subjected to severe and persistent flooding during storms over the last decade. The Army Corps has assured us that this project is a priority and all parties are working cooperatively to address the many complex details involved to make sure this proposal becomes a reality.

 

We were glad to be joined by Mayor Sharon Torres and representatives from the County and the state Department of Environmental Conservation to provide the Army Corps with a clear picture of why this project is needed, and quickly.

I recently attended two community events in Co-op City. At the WizKids’ Books B4 Basketball Program banquet, we honored the athletes and coaches for their work and dedication during the 2024-2025 season. This is a great local program that provides mentorship and teaches important life skills.

I also attended “Calling All Men,” a colon cancer awareness event put on by the Co-op City NAACP. June is Men’s Health Month, and a good time to think about your health or the health of someone you love. If something is concerning you, speak with a healthcare provider. Don’t wait.

My constituent services team held several mobile office hours recently in White Plains, Tuckahoe, and Port Chester. I am glad we can bring these services directly into the communities throughout Westchester and the Bronx.

Floor Speeches

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Stay in Touch

Make sure to follow me on Instagram, FacebookBlueskyTwitter/X and YouTube to stay up-to-date on what I am working on. If this newsletter was sent to you by someone else, you can sign up for it here: https://latimer.house.gov/contact/newsletter-subscribe

 

As always, reach out to my offices with concerns or questions. We are here to serve you!

 

More soon.

Sincerely,

Rep. George Latimer's signature image

Rep. George Latimer

Member of Congress

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JUNE 23 — PROFESSOR ROLANDI’S NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL PRIMARY FORECAST

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V

Good morning, John,

Here is my forecast for tomorrow’s Democratic Party Primary for Mayor of New York City — feel free to run it in your web-site.

Best,

Professor Stephen R. Rolandi

 

What you have been waiting for …….

 

DEMOCRATS – MAYOR – FIRST ROUND:

 

Cuomo            37%

Mamdani        34%

Lander             13%

A. Adams          6%

Stringer             4%

Myrie                 3%

Blake                  1%

Tillson               1%

Ramos &

others              >  1%

 

FINAL ROUND – AFTER RE-ALLOCATION 

of eliminated candidates:

 

CUOMO                       50.5%

MAMDANI                  49.5%

 

Turnout: 1 Million or 33% of registered Democrats

FINAL ROUND – AFTER RE-ALLOCATION 

of eliminated candidates:

 

CUOMO                       50.5%

MAMDANI                  49.5%

 

Turnout: 1 Million or 33% of registered Democrats

 

Comments:  

 

– Crime issue predominates Cuomo to City Hall.

– Mamdani is a rising star in NY politics, and I expect to see him run for statewide office in the not-too-distant future.

– Adrienne Adams likely ends up on next year’s Democratic ticket with Gov. Kathy Hochul.

– Expect to see Cuomo campaigning in Iowa and New Hampshire two years from now for POTUS.

– Lander runs for State Controller in ’26.

– Jessica Ramos probably becomes Deputy Mayor or Commissioner (OLR?) in a Cuomo mayoral administration.

– Mayor Adams (I) will get the GOP line to replace Curtis Sliwa.

 

FINAL ROUND – AFTER RE-ALLOCATION 

of eliminated candidates:

 

CUOMO                       50.5%

MAMDANI                  49.5%

 

Turnout: 1 Million or 33% of registered Democrats

 

Comments:  

 

– Crime issue predominates Cuomo to City Hall.

– Mamdani is a rising star in NY politics, and I expect to see him run for statewide office in the not-too-distant future.

– Adrienne Adams likely ends up on next year’s Democratic ticket with Gov. Kathy Hochul.

– Expect to see Cuomo campaigning in Iowa and New Hampshire two years from now for POTUS.

– Lander runs for State Controller in ’26.

– Jessica Ramos probably becomes Deputy Mayor or Commissioner (OLR?) in a Cuomo mayoral administration.

– Mayor Adams (I) will get the GOP line to replace Curtis Sliwa.

 

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GOVERNOR HOCHUL STATEMENT ON NEW YORK SAFETY

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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL

“My top priority is the safety of New Yorkers.

“Last night, following President Trump’s announcement, I convened my senior public safety team and spoke with colleagues in the federal and local government. I’ve been in close contact with State Police Superintendent Steven G. James and our homeland security, counterterrorism and cybersecurity experts.

“We are not aware of any specific or credible threat to New Yorkers. However, given New York’s distinctive global profile, we are taking this situation extraordinarily seriously. All State agencies, utilities and other critical infrastructure facilities are on high alert to monitor for any possible disturbances.

As a precaution, the MTA and Port Authority have activated counterterrorism protections in partnership with local law enforcement. The State Police will continue safety patrols outside houses of worship and other at-risk sites — efforts that have been underway since the onset of this crisis.

“I recognize this is a time of fear and uncertainty for New Yorkers. We have some of America’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities, and many have loved ones in the region. As we work to keep New Yorkers safe, we pray for the safety of our American troops, for speedy de-escalation of this conflict, and for durable peace in the region.”

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COUNTY POOLS OPEN

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY POOLS AND BEACHES TO OPEN EARLY FOR HEATWAVE

Cool off at the pool and beach!


 

[Ardsley, NY] — To help residents escape the heat, select Westchester County pools and beaches will open for the season beginning Monday, June 23.

 

Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle, Playland Beach in Rye, Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Sprain Ridge Pool in Yonkers and Willson’s Wave Pool in Mt. Vernon will open daily beginning Monday, June 23, through Labor Day, Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; last entry at 6 p.m.; weather permitting. Admission fees apply; parking fees apply at Glen Island and Playland; proof of Westchester County residency is required at Saxon, Sprain and Willson’s pools as well as Glen Island Beach.

 

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “We’re lucky to have such great pools and beaches right here in Westchester where people can cool off when the temperature rises. Staying cool in this kind of weather is so important and we’re glad to be able to open early to offer residents relief from the heat.”

 

Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Kathy O’Connor said: “Our pools and beaches give families a fun and easy way to stay cool during the heatwave. Our staff and lifeguards are ready to welcome patrons back for another great summer!”

 

Playland Pool in Rye and The Brook at Tibbetts in Yonkers will open as scheduled on Friday, June 27, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; last entry at 6 p.m.; weather permitting. Parking and admission fees apply; proof of Westchester County residency is required at Tibbetts. Croton Point Beach is open weekends and holidays only; weather permitting; parking and admission fees apply.

 

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JUNE 21-BEACH CLOSINGS IN WESTCHESTER CAUSED BY STORM WATER RUNOFF

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June 20, 2025


The following beaches have been closed until further notice due to 2 separate samples, collected on June 16 and June 18, 2025, that have exceeded the upper value of the density of bacteria as outlined by NYSSC 6-2.15 (c)(1)(iii) 104 enterococci per 100ml of marine water.

  • Hudson Park East Beach             New Rochelle
  • Harbor Island Beach                    Mamaroneck

The following beaches must remain closed until further notice due to the continued presence of a Harmful Algae Bloom in the swim areas.

  • Mohegan Colony Association       Mohegan Lake
  • Mohegan Beach Park District       Mohegan Lake

Beaches are sometimes closed due to excessive rainfall

Based on studies by the Westchester County Department of Health, heavy rainfalls in the watershed of the Mamaroneck River greatly impact the quality of water in the Mamaroneck Harbor. Echo Bay in New Rochelle is similarly affected impacting Hudson Park Beach and Echo Bay Yacht Club.

Beach closures are based on the number of inches of rain on the watershed. Heavy rains and discharges from stormwater drains directly affect these waters. As a result, these waters may contain high levels of harmful bacteria that may cause illness after a heavy rain.

Threshold levels have been established to promote a guide for the closing of beaches located within the protected area of these harbors.

  • Greater than 1/2 inch of rain = 1 day closure
  • Greater than 1 inch of rain = 2 day closure
  • Greater than 2 inches of rain = to be determined

If you plan on going to any of these beaches after a rainfall, check to make sure they are open by calling the beach.

Beaches within Mamaroneck Harbor

  • Harbor Island
  • Beach Point Club
  • Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club
  • Orienta Beach Club

Beaches on open water in Rye

  • Coveleigh Club

Beaches in Davenport Neck, New Rochelle

  • Davenport Club
  • Greentree Club
  • Surf Club 

Beaches within Echo Bay, New Rochelle

  • Hudson Park Beach
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JUNE 20 —- MEDICAID CUTS COULD COST NEW YORK STATE 13 BILLION

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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER JUNE 20, 2025:

 

Good afternoon,

Last night, we spoke about the federal government’s possible Medicaid cuts and their impact on ID/D services.

As promised, I am including slides from a presentation I attended this week. All Republican congresspeople voted FOR these cuts, and all Democrats voted against it. All we need is ONE republican to flip this around.

The proposed changes to the ACA would cost the state of New York over $13 billion.

Please help us protect Medicaid for our residents and our staff.

Paca Lipovac

Paca Lipovac MD, MPT, CWS

President/CEO

Richmond Community Services

272 North Bedford Road

Mount Kisco, NY 10549

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TONIGHT AT 7: WHITE PLAINS WEEK THE JUNE 20 REPORT FIOS TONIGHT CH 45 WP OPYIMUM CH 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

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WITH JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS

YOU CAN’T SAY THAT! ATTORNEY CHARGED WITH HARASSING JUDGE

D.A ASKS LEGISLATURE FOR SWIFT PASSAGE OF BILL ELIMINATING COMMON DEFENSE STRATEGY OF DEFENSE LAWYERS’ COMMON DEFENSE OF MALES ACCUSED OF RAPE.

\\

 

PLANS FOR DOWNTOWN SAFETY

 

CALMING CHANGES

 

JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS

THIS WEEK EVERY WEEK

ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK SINCE 2001 AD

CLASSIC NEWS NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH SO HELP ME GOD

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JUNE 20–AS THE HEAT MOVES IN–THE FOLLOWING BEACHES ARE CLOSED.

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS CLOSED THE
FOLLOWING BEACHES

 

The following beaches have been closed until further notice due to 2 separate samples, collected on June 16 and June 18, 2025, that have exceeded the upper value of the density of bacteria as outlined by NYSSC 6-2.15 (c)(1)(iii) 104 enterococci per 100ml of marine water.

·         Hudson Park East Beach            New Rochelle

·         Harbor Island Beach                    Mamaroneck

The following beaches must remain closed until further notice due to the continued presence of a Harmful Algae Bloom in the swim areas.

·         Mohegan Colony Association       Mohegan Lake

·         Mohegan Beach Park District       Mohegan Lake

 

 

 

 

 

Chelsea Pagano (She/Her/Hers)

Office of Westchester County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins

Communications and Marketing Manager

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JUNE 19–JUNETEENTH THE FIGHT GOES ON. IT DOES NOT END.

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WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT. By John F. Bailey June 19,2025:

June 19 is a day that is more important than ever  today.

It is in a time when the political climate is  attempting to reframe the image of America to  downplay the role of diverse ethnic and inclusivity of different nationalities in building America.

The anti-DEI  effort seeks to give the white settlers and  leaders of the old South the lead role in American history.

America’s bloodiest war was the civil war — fought because the southern states leaders mostly aristocratic landowners who bought slaves to till their plantations and kept slaves in bondage for 200 years using them to build their businesses. The cotton industry used them as free labor  and treated them like property to be  used for whatever whim that satisfied them.

The novel Gone With the Wind the book published in the 1930s white washed the antebellum south as idyllic a harmonious family of white aristocracy and their slaves.  The movie also promoted this image of the south. Both book and the movie made of it projected not  the true history of slavery and horrifying true nature of slavery.

The book softened the way  slavery was, sweetened  it with good relations between slaveholder and slaves.  Though somewhat unintentionally the best seller and movie performed a public relations effort across the country to lift up the white race role in building America and misleadingly glamorized how the ruling elite of America treated the people who worked for them—free for life.

The “masters” underpaid them. Whipped them. Made them live in squalid conditions. I have seen the slave quarters on President Andrew Jackson’s property in Nashville. I saw a building that housed 19 persons, smaller than my first apartment.

If you want to believe slavery was ok. It was not. Slavery has long been the best source of labor.

Slavery was the way civilizations were built for the last 7,000 years.

if you conquered a tribe or an empire, you enslaved the people and used them as free labor. To build your ziggurats, palaces, baths, forums, pyramids, tombs.

The  monuments  of  The Roman Empire so glamorized by history courses i took built their monuments, the forums, the roads, the  arches the markets, their palaces with captured slave labor. Romans did not work.  S laves did.  The Persian Empire, the Greek city states, they all used slaves.

America was the first nation to outlaw slavery when Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves.

It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States.

Today is the day when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War.[8][9]

 Slavery came to an end in various areas of the United States at different times. Many enslaved southerners escaped, demanded wages, stopped work, or took up arms against the confederacy of slave states. In january 1865, congress finally proposed the thirteenth amendment to the United States Constitution for national abolition of slavery.

By June 1865, almost all enslaved were freed by the victorious union army, or abolition laws in some of the remaining U.S. States. when the national abolition amendment was ratified in December, the remaining enslaved in Delaware and in Kentucky were freed.

After the Civil War, President Andrew Johnson, a southern sympathizer, adopted policies that allowed southerner leaders to return to govern and the policy of Jim Crow began and gangs of whites terrorized former slaves. When President Ulysses S. Grant assumed the Presidency he rounded up and prosecuted the raiding gangs and repressed the violence toward the former slaves.

However prejudice towards blacks, and other immigrant races continues, labor practices paid low wages 80 hour work weeks and the corporate leaders of business made them work long hours, employed child labor.

The union movement arose because of the way workers were exploited by the “Captains” of industries Standard Oil, the owners of the railroads, (where President Grover Cleveland sent in Federal Troops to stop the Pullman Strike because the mail could not go through and Federal troops  killed strikers).

Sadly prejudice against people of color, immigrants continues through today.

Today the banks, the insurance industry, the healthcare industry, the real estate industry, the financial investment industries the drug companies, continue to practice their businesses by the owners for the owners and for the biggest bottom line and stockholders benefit and fire employees when necessary to show profits.

How do they do that?

The Uria Heeps of  American business continue practices that by their present practices prevent the poor and the disadvantaged whether persons of color or white, legal immigrants or persons just starting their careers are given unfair demands to advance, high costs of education, usurious loans and high loan interest rates because the Uriah Heeps make more profit that way. They rig the  system

Slavery was  and is, the most barbarian practice. No Captain of Industry could stand it.

Now we have a more insidious continuation  of the utter disdain and sang froid of policies that today’s “Captains of Industry” share with the plantation owners.

Today’s congressmen and women, and Senators, who should know better and judges who cannot judge, and yes, cabinet members think nothing for the people whom they share and treat the same way  the slaveowners of the past  did down through the decades, that have been used to take advantage of people. Because they can.

The fight for truth, justice, and the American way is not over.

The have-nots have been traditionally treated poorly by American business, in a sense it is not prejudice against any one group, but it is prejudice against the poor all poor people.  And of course women of all races or people the establishment leaders don’t approve of, whom business likes to exploit and want to keep in their place and continue being exploitees.

The role of the impoverished, the minority, the have-not is to work for the Captains of Industry, making the most money as possible for the “Captains of Industry.” Be paid as little as possible. Given benefits that hardly cover what they need.

Meanwhile,  the Captains of Industry break laws, discriminate, cheat and  are admired for doing it, glamourized by  Hollywood, even. Tough nasty business leaders are admired.

It is still the way it is in the land of the free and the home of the Brave.

You have to be brave, courageous to be a have-not and survive.

The powerful run things to keep have-nots not having anything.

Have-nots are tough, brave determined and never give up.

The book There is No Place For Us, by the intrepid Brian Gladstone, (Crown Publishing)  documents in horrifying detail the experiences of 5 families trying to live in Georgia and the legal fees apartment owners are charge that the state has enacted that have resulted in  people who have jobs that are so low-paid they cannot afford a home or rental of their own.

 

So Juneteenth celebrants, the fight is ongoing.

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