The Oppenheimer Effect

Posted on January 12, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR BLACK COFFEE. News & Comment Special to WPCNR from Westchester County Roving Corrrespondent Nancy King. January 12, 2012:

Citing an impending shoulder replacement scheduled for sometime during the 2012 legislative session, Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D) from the 37^th legislative district, declared today that she will not be seeking re-election in 2013.

Suzi Oppenheimer. 2007

Oppenheimer’s district includes the municipalities of Mamaroneck, Rye, New Rochelle, White Plains, Scarsdale, New Castle, North Castle and Harrison. Senator Oppenheimer disclosed today that she will be undergoing major shoulder surgery in the near future. She has stated that the extensive rehabilitation that will follow this surgery would preclude her from running. Although it is unclear when this surgery is to take place, it is believed that it will be occurring sometime soon.

Senator Oppenheimer was elected to the state senate in 1984 after serving four terms as the Mayor of Mamaroneck. Her arrival in Albany came at a time when there were few women in office. During her tenure, we have seen more women who have not only run for elected office but who have been elected and serve. In those 28 years that Oppenheimer served, she sponsored more bills than any other Democratic Senator and worked on implementing 300 laws that are currently on the books.

In 2009, Senator Oppenheimer became the first woman to chair the Senate Standing Committee after serving on that committee for 24 years. While Senator Oppenheimer was always a voice for issues that concerned women, children and families, her passion was in the delivery of services that enhanced the educational experience of the students in the communities she served. Last year she was responsible for bringing 700 million dollars to state schools in Federal funding under President Obama’s Race to the Top educational initiative.

Scarsdale businessman and Republican Bob Cohen, who ran against Oppenheimer last year, and who came within 700 votes of defeating her announced today that he will be running for the seat again. His Democratic challenger will be Assemblyman George Latimer. Latimer has served in the Assembly since 2004 and currently resides in Rye City.

State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer to Retire, Not Run for Reelection

Posted on January 12, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. January 12, 2011:

Nancy King reported this morning on Twitter that State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer would not run for another term in November. Oppenheimer’s office confirmed this in a news release issued today. Here is that announcement:

State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) announced today that she will not seek re-election this November. The Senator made her decision upon recently learning that she will have to undergo major shoulder replacement surgery in 2012.

Said Oppenheimer:

“It had always been my plan to seek re-election in November and continue to serve the people of this district. When considering my responsibilities as Senator, the extensive effort that will go into rehabilitation and physical therapy following my surgery, and the added work of the hard fought campaigns I always wage, it became clear to me that I could do only two of those three important tasks.

I want to thank the people of my district for the honor and privilege of representing them. Wherever I go throughout Westchester County, I am buoyed by the well wishes and support of longtime friends and residents. I have enormous faith in the people of New York. If they are ever tough on their elected officials, it is only because they believe – as I do – that we, as a state, can and will be better.

I intend to make 2012 another productive year where I can tackle tough issues, move legislation and have an impact in areas where I have particular expertise. I am most excited about being part of Governor Cuomo’s efforts to bring much needed change to Albany by reforming, reorganizing and making state government effective again.

By the end of this term, I will have served 28 years in the New York State Senate, following eight years as Mayor of Mamaroneck. The Senate is an institution that I hold very dear to my heart, and I count many of my colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – among my closest friends.”

Senator Oppenheimer has always taken a bipartisan approach as an elected official. “I continue to believe that government at every level succeeds when we work together without regard to party to find solutions through discussion and compromise,” said the Senator.

She has been an outspoken leader in the Senate on a variety of concerns, including education, environmental protection, and issues affecting women and children. As a former League of Women Voters’ President, Senator Oppenheimer has long advocated for governmental reforms, including public financing of campaigns, open government at all levels and reform of the state budget process.

During her years in the Senate, Oppenheimer sponsored or co-sponsored over 300 laws, addressing such areas as education reform, the establishment of the Environmental Protection Fund, domestic violence, the open meetings law, and the needs of local governments and not-for-profits.

In 2011, Senator Oppenheimer sponsored more bills passing both houses than any other Democratic Senator. She sponsored important legislation involving Westchester, including the landmark law allowing Purchase College to develop a senior community housing facility integrated onto the campus. She also passed government reorganization legislation allowing the village and town of Ossining to merge their courts and thereby lower costs to taxpayers.

The Senator’s announcement acknowledged many individuals who have helped her throughout her long and distinguished career:

“I would like to thank my superb staff in the district and in Albany. They are public servants in the truest sense of the word and without their dedication and tireless work ethic, I would not have been able to accomplish all that I did. Through the years, we have helped thousands of constituents with their personal issues, and we will continue to do so throughout the coming year.

I would also like to thank my husband Martin and my wonderful children, Marcy, Evan, Josh, and Ali. I could not have done my job all these many years without their unwavering support and encouragement.

Most important, it is the trust, partnership and support of Westchester residents over the past 28 years that have made service in the Senate so tremendously rewarding. When individuals or organizations bring a problem to my attention, they open the door for us to work together to solve it. This is the gift that democracy brings forth, and it has been an honor to advance the issues and needs of families in Westchester on a statewide basis.

While I will be out of elective office in 2013 for the first time in 36 years, I expect to continue my involvement and pursue new opportunities to serve our community and our state.”

A date for surgery has not been scheduled, but is expected to take place early in the 2012 Legislative Session.

WP Sales Tax $$ Up 1% Over Last Year at Halfway Mark. County Finishes 2% Up

Posted on January 12, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY QUILL & EYESHADE. Statistics From Geoffrey Gloak, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Projections:WPCNR January 12, 2012 UPDATED 3:30 P.M.E.S.T.:

The White Plains December sales receipts were down in 2011 compared to 2010 , by 1.5% ($80,094). December for the first time ever was not the high point of the sales tax year in White Plains. September 2011 is the high water dollar mark for WP, topping $5,000,000. After six months of its fiscal year that began in July the city is up 1% in sales tax collections.

If White Plains collects the $21.9 Million in sales tax receipts they received from January 2011 to June 2011, the city will earn $47.7 Million in sales tax exceeding city budgeted sales tax ($44.6 Million) by $3.1 Million. Should the 2% sales trend increase sustain itself the next six months the city will top $48 Million in sales tax receipts for fiscal 2011-12, that ends in June.

Westchester County sales tax collections in December were up 2% $47.8 Million to $46.8 Million, bringing the county total for its 2011 (January to December) fiscal year to $450,885,825, a 2% increase over the $441, 845, 931 total collected in 2010. The total figure for the 2011 year is slightly more than WPCNR predicted four months ago.

County Clerk: Mortgage Taxes Up 1%. Problem: Banks Tight-fisted.

Posted on January 11, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE HOUSING NEWS. From Timothy Idoni, Westchester County Clerk. (Edited) January 11, 2012:

“Despite lower interest rates and sagging housing prices, county mortgage tax collections in Westchester County continued to lag in 2011,” stated County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni. The Office of the Westchester County Clerk is responsible for collecting this important revenue for state agencies as well as the county and all of its municipalities.

Idoni confirmed today that the county portion of the mortgage tax only increased by 0.85 percent over 2010’s modest total.

As for 2012, Idoni noted that the housing market remains flat, with banks offering fewer mortgages.

“A fluid housing market is essential to a good Westchester economy,” shared Idoni. “The banks can continue to be conservative, but need to offer qualified borrowers financing as the failure to finance home buying is having a detrimental impact on local government finances.”

Mortgage Tax Collected (County Portion Only)

2008-2011

2008: $19,279,696

2009: $12,425,216

2010: $12,969,204

2011: $13,079,394

While the county had been on track to reach the $13.5 million budgeted for mortgage tax, the monthly average in the final quarter of 2011 fell below the monthly average of the first three quarters, leaving the county approximately $480,000 short, according to Idoni.

“Lower interest rates should be fueling home sales and increasing borrowing. However, we are simply not seeing a positive impact in the form of increased mortgage tax revenue,” shared Idoni. With interest rates a point lower than this time last year, Idoni had hoped to see new borrowing such as mortgages taken upon the purchase of a new home or additional mortgages taken for expenditures such as home renovations.

Despite the drop in mortgage tax revenue, the County Clerk’s Office has seen an increase in mortgage recording fees as the result of mortgage consolidations and modifications which result when lenders or borrowers attempt to renegotiate financing. As most of these mortgage modifications do not increase the amount borrowed, but instead lengthen the payment period or lower the interest rate, only recording fees and not mortgage taxes are generally due.

For more information about the Office of the Westchester County Clerk, please call (914)995-3080 or visit www.WestchesterClerk.com.

2 Police Recruits Join Department of Public Safety

Posted on January 10, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. January 10, 2011:

The Department of Public Safety hired two new Police Recruits Friday morning in a ceremony conducted by Commissioner of Public Safety David Chong, attended by Mayor Thomas Roach, who welcomed Elizabeth Barksdale and Nicole Maselli to the Department as Westchester Police Academy Recruits. The two scored 1-2 on the recent police exams out of 30 persons taking the test,Commissioner Chong said.

“To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.”

Flanders Fields

Commissioner of Public Safety David Chong with new Police Recruits, Nicole Maselli,to Mr. Chong’s left and Elizabeth Barksdale, third from left, with Mayor Thomas Roach.

Commissioner Chong, setting the tone for the upbeat event, said the two are joining a department in a city where “The Mayor believes in public safety, and considers it utmost in his priorities,” and characterized the two recruits as “outstanding.”

He said that Ms. Barksdale (being sworn in by Commissioner Chong above) was a dispatcher for six years with the White Plains Police Department, and is fluent Spanish.

Ms. Maselli, being sworn in. Mr. Chong said she was a former dispatcher in the Mount Pleasant Police Department.

The commissioner observed that as dispatchers, they were familiar with police operations on the inside and now they were going over to the other side of dispatching, responding to calls and situations.

He described the job they were taking on as a tough job, where they would be asked to be adept at employing many skills in fluent, fast-moving situations: police officer, social worker, psychologist, problem-solver that “they would see some of the worst things in the world people would ever see.” He said the new officers would be “the face of the city” that people would see, and the department would be there for them to train them and help them to be successful.

Mayor Roach with Elizabeth Barksdale’s family.

Mayor Roach (right with the Maselli Family

He encouraged the families present to love them and understand that some days, they would come home with a “heavy heart,” and “not want to talk.” He asked the families to understand.

Ms. Maselli’s mother pins on her new Department of Public Safety Badge, while her father Nicholas Maselli, former liaison with the Westchester County District Attorney looks on.

At the conclusion of the swearing in families pinned on the shiny new badges and careers of service had begun. The two recruits started their assignment at the Westchester County Police Academy Monday, and will spend five and a half months in training there. Chief James Bradley said he expected them to go on active duty as patrol officers in November.

County Building of Affordable Housing Marches on– AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Posted on January 9, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE HOUSING NEWS. From Westchester County Department of Communications. January 9, 2011:(EDITED BY WPCNR)

Westchester County is a year ahead in meeding the demands of providing more affordable housing under the federal government terms of the county’s settlement (negotiated by the former Spano administration) with Washington on affordable housing deficits.

As of this month, the county has 206 housing units approved by the federal housing monitor, of which 182 have all financing in place and 108 units have building permits in place.

Under the terms of the settlement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the county was only required to have 100 units with financing and 50 units with building permits by the end of 2011. The settlement calls for 200 units with financing and 125 with building permits by the end of 2012. The county expects to meet these benchmarks by March.

Last week, a lottery was held by the Housing Action Council, a non-profit agency with whom the county works closely, for the 18 Rye Cottage Townhomes located at Edgar Place on Cottage Street. These units are comprised of one-bedroom and one-bedroom plus den condominiums that will sell for $150,000 and $165,000 respectively.

One of the previous lotteries held was for 83 units as part of the 92 unit development known as Roundtop Commons, located along Rt. 9A in Montrose. These one- and two-bedroom rental units are available to households earning up to 50 and 60 percent of the county’s AMI. Rents are expected to range from $870 to $1,067 for a one-bedroom unit and from $1,035 to $1,270 for a two-bedroom unit. Separate lotteries were held for the units in Pleasantville and Pelham.

Anyone interested in these or future units is encouraged to start working with a housing counseling agency now so they are credit-ready at the time units become available. People are also encouraged to sign-up to receive information and unit applications on the county’s Homeseeker section of its Web site. Last year this site was updated to include a mapping tool that allows interested homeseekers to view developments in construction or available for rent and sale, and see what educational, transportation, job and commercial opportunities are available in the areas surrounding the homes. (See www.westchestergov.com/homeseeker)

And in the latest indication of the county’s progress, a lottery was held (last) Thursday for 18 nearly completed units in Rye City that will be ready for occupancy by April. Previously, lotteries were held for 83 units in Cortlandt, one unit in Pleasantville and a three-family house in Pelham.

“These are important accomplishments and clearly show that the county is more than meeting its obligations under the 2009 housing agreement with the federal government,” Astorino said. “Our progress is the result of working cooperatively with our local communities and experienced developers. We have reviewed more than 200 potential sites across every one of the 31 eligible communities that are part of the settlement.”

The following is a thumbnail sketch of some of the developments that are proceeding:

RYE CITY

This project was the focus of the lottery last week, with 61 families applying.

The Rye Cottage Townhomes, located at Edgar Place on Cottage Street, contain 18 fair and affordable one-bedroom and one-bedroom plus den condominium ownership units, which will sell for $150,000 and $165,000 respectively. These units will be available to households earning up to 80 percent of the county AMI. A one-person household can earn up to $60,400, while a two-person household can earn up to $69,100.

Financing: The county is providing grants of $1,356,000 from its Fair and Affordable Housing (FAH) capital fund and $880,000 in federal HOME funds towards the total development cost of $5,761,000. The complex will also include four market-rate units, which will be privately funded.

CORTLANDT

This project was the focus of a lottery in September, which drew from 524 entry applications.

Roundtop Commons, located along Rt. 9A in Montrose, contains 91 fair and affordable one- and two-bedroom rental units, all of which will be available to households earning up to 50 and 60 percent of the county’s AMI. A one-person household can earn up earn up to $37,800 for a 50 percent AMI unit or up to $45,360 for a 60 percent AMI unit; and two-people households can earn up to $43,200 for a 50 percent AMI unit and $51,840 for a 60 percent AMI unit. There also will be a unit for the superintendent. Eighty-three units in the complex will count towards the county’s commitment to help develop 750 units of fair and affordable housing. Rents are expected to range from $870 to $1,067 for a one-bedroom unit and from $1,035 to $1,270 for a two-bedroom unit.

Financing: The county is providing loans of $5,474,000 in FAH funds and $1,607,000 in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and a grant of $1,659,000 in New Homes Land Acquisition (NHLA) funds towards the total development cost of more than $30 million.

YORKTOWN

The Freedom Gardens for the Handicapped development will provide three fair and affordable rental units for physically handicapped households at or below 60 percent of the AMI, in a new building on a portion of their approximately 5-acre site located at 1680 Strawberry Road in Mohegan Lake. The apartments will rent for $1,353 a month, with additional assistance being provided through the Section 8 voucher program.

Financing: The county is providing a grant of $225,000 of federal HOME funds toward the total development cost of $952,000.

Also in Yorktown, a new 26-unit fair and affordable townhouse development will begin construction in early 2012 on Old Crompond Road. The three bedroom, two and one half bath units will be available for households earning up to 80 percent of the county’s AMI. The units are expected to sell for just over $225,000.

Financing: The county is providing a grant of $1,420,000 in FAH funds for the acquisition of the land, $1,500,000 for infrastructure work, and $500,000 in HOME funds for construction of the modular units.

PLEASANTVILLE

This unit was the focus of a lottery in December, which drew 19 entries.

The Pleasantville Housing Development Fund Company has acquired a two bedroom condominium units within a complex and is offering it for resale at a below market level. The unit at 393 Manville Road will be sold to a family earning at or below 80 percent of the AMI.

Financing: The County contributed a grant of $52,500 and has given a loan in the amount of $160,000 to purchase the unit and resell it at a lower sales price. Upon the resale of the unit, the County’s $160,000 loan will be repaid.

Also in Pleasantville, a house, located at 55 Pleasant Avenue in the village of Pleasantville, will be rehabilitated and slightly expanded to allow for an accessory apartment to be added to the original house. The owner’s unit will have three bedrooms and will be available for a household earning up to 80 percent of the county’s AMI. The one bedroom apartment will be available for a household earning up to 60 percent of the county’s AMI. A three-person household can earn up earn up to $77,700 for the ownership unit, or a four-person household can earn up to $86,300. The accessory unit would be available for a one person household earning up to $45,360.

Financing: The county is providing grants of $100,000 in FAH funds, and $26,000 in Lead Safe Westchester funds toward the total development cost of about $435,000.

The housing settlement entered into in 2009 by former County Executive Andrew J. Spano, the Board of Legislators and HUD requires the county government to ensure the development of 750 units of fair and affordable housing over a seven-year period in 31 mainly white communities. The agreement includes benchmarks for financing and obtaining building permits that must be in place by the end of each year. It also requires the county to market the housing in a way to reach non-white populations, not only in Westchester but also in New York City and surrounding counties. The county faces severe financial penalties if it fails to meet certain benchmarks. –

HUD’s current dispute with Westchester is not over what is in the settlement but over actions taken by the federal agency attempting to impose requirements the county believes are outside the settlement.

Specifically, the dispute has to do with a document called an Analysis of Impediments (AI). Prior to the settlement, HUD routinely approved the AIs the county submitted. But HUD has rejected the county’s AI tied to the settlement five times.

On May 13, 2011, HUD sent a letter to the county saying the AI must go “beyond the four corners of the settlement.” The county’s position is that it will live up to all of its obligations in the settlement but that HUD has no legal authority to dictate new terms.

“Westchester is a diverse, welcoming community and I will vigorously defend the rights of people to live in any community of their choosing,” said Astorino. “But the settlement applies equally to all the parties, which means HUD can’t make up its own rules.”

The various housing units being developed include both ownership and rental units that are marketed to the public, particularly in minority communities. As they become available, the units are sold or rented based on a lottery of interested applicants who meet certain income criteria. In the order names are drawn, applicants are given appointments to begin the qualification process.

Westchester is the fourth most diverse county in New York in terms of Hispanic and African American population, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. It is virtually tied with Manhattan, ahead of Staten Island and only trails Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. If Westchester were a state, it would rank seventh in Hispanic population and 14th in African-American population.

Over the last 10 years, the 31 mostly white communities covered in the settlement have seen their Hispanic and African-American populations increase by 56 percent through natural market forces.
The settlement’s units are available to income-eligible individuals and families, irrespective of race or ethnic background. Depending on the unit (and the kind of financing it received) the income limits are set at varying percentages of the county’s “area median income” (AMI). A chart with these percentages based on family size can be found at http://homes.westchestergov.com/resources/hud-income-guidelines.

More Job Losses,Service Losses Ahead at WMC? Medical Services at Risk?

Posted on January 9, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR BLACK COFFEE News & Comment by WPCNR Westchester County Roving Correspondent, Nancy King. January 9, 2011:

Michael D. Israel, CEO of the Westchester Health Care Corporation, a public benefits corporation DBA Westchester County Medical Center appears to be continuing with his plan to turn the WMC into a not for profit institution even if he has to disassemble it one piece at a time. Since taking over as CEO of the medical center in 2007, Israel has cut the following programs and services.

1. In 2009, Israel announced that the Taylor Care Facility, a long term skilled nursing and rehabilitative building would be closing. Once known as “The County Home”, the Ruth Taylor Institute, a facility that was home for those nursing home patients that were difficult to place and those who were in permanent ventilation. Of course, most of these patients were on Medicaid. And of course there is no money to be made from those patients who receive Medicaid. So it was decided that this facility would be closed, patients moved elsewhere and the Taylor Facility became the newly renovated executive wing of the WMC. In this building, the several dozen Vice Presidents maintain lush offices and conference rooms.

2. Soon to follow was the elimination of Ward 29, the floor of the hospital that provided inmate care to those who were incarcerated at the County Jail and Penitentiary. However, Ward 29 also serviced inmates from other facilities in the area. Of course it was staffed by staff employed by the medical center in addition to County correction officers. Again, not a money maker and when newly elected CE (County Executive)Rob Astorino decided to save a few bucks, he contracted with a Tennessee company to provide inmate care at a lower cost. In a classic tug of war between the two executives, Astorino eventually did replace Ward 29 and those who provided care to those inmates, lost their jobs.

3. Not long afterwards, it was announced that the Westchester County Health Care Corporation would no longer be providing laundry service to the Grasslands Reservation. And so the old laundry building that one passes on the entrance to reservation was abandoned and replaced with hourly workers from Sodexho.

Sodexho already was on site providing cafeteria service to patients and staff alike but now they were providing laundry service and soon to follow would be providing courier/patient transport services as well.

4. The Behavioral Health Center has also been a long term staple of the Westchester Medical Center. It provides inpatient care to many of the most violent mentally ill patients in the lower Hudson Valley. And since mental illness doesn’t discriminate between youth and adults, BHC provides services to patients of all ages.

In the summer of 2011, Israel and the Board of Directors made a decision to discontinue CPEP, the community outreach mental health crisis team. This is the same team that would go out into the county and deal with those people in crisis who could possibly be a threat to themselves and those around. Again, the seriously mentally ill are often on Medicaid and therefore are not big profit makers for the institution. And again, the neediest population was left without an important safety net and those workers were left without a job.

5.Finally on the first week of 2012, Mr. Israel sent a general email to staff that within the next eightthere would be a general re-organization of BHC itself (Behavior Health Center). That component of World Class Medicine would be privatized and taken over by Pennsylvania based Liberty Health Care Corporation. More than 100 staff members would be losing their jobs.

Israel did inform those staffers however that it was not all doom and gloom; they could re-apply for their jobs with Liberty. Of course, they might be able to get their jobs back at a $20,000 reduction in annual salary and they will have fewer benefits if any with the new company. So it seems that again, it’s the patients and the staff who once again may pay the price for dismantling this public benefits corporation piece by piece.

It is no secret that the CEO and the Board of Directors would like to dismantle this public benefits corporation. It was reported that the CEO and board members had traveled to Albany last spring to explore how quickly this could be done.

Since it takes a long time to restructure that sort of corporation, it seems the decision has been made to expedite the process by picking apart the WMC piece by piece. At its very core, a PBC,(Public Benefits Corporation) provides care to all regardless of their ability to pay for their care.

A non-profit, private hospital can choose to care for whomever they want and it is obvious that only those who have great insurance or are a private pay will be welcomed at what the board hopes will become this region’s premier teaching hospital.

As the article goes to press, CMS, (Centers for Midicare & Medicaid Services) the Federal Agency that oversees, whether a facility is worthy of not only Medicaid and Medicare payments arrived Monday morning to inspect the WMC.

Their findings are just as important as a Joint Accreditation Review. Their inspection is expected to last up to 45 days. It is unclear whether they will weigh in on the Westchester Medical Center’s outsourcing of valuable services.

County Executive Taps Pisco to Head DPW, Transportation

Posted on January 9, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Jessica Proud, Westchester County Department of Communications. January 9, 2011:

Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino today announced the appointment of Jay T. Pisco, an engineer and executive manager with over 30 years of experience, as Commissioner of the Department of Public Works and Transportation. The appointment follows the retirement of John J. Hsu.

County Executive Robert Astorino, left, congratulates Jay Pisco, right on his appointment Monday. Photo, Courtesy, The Westchester County Department of Communications.

Jay T. Pisco. New Westchester County Commissioner of Public Works & Transportation.

Pisco has experience working on municipal and private projects in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Louisiana and Puerto Rico. He is a licensed engineer in five states and holds a Biomedical Engineering degree from Manhattan College and a Master’s in Computer Science from Iona College. His most recent position was vice president of BSG Engineering, Surveying & Landscape Architecture in White Plains.

“Jay’s deep background managing both the design and construction of projects will be a tremendous asset in evaluating and overseeing the county’s infrastructure, especially at a time when the challenges of delivering services and stretching tax dollars are so great,” Astorino said.

Pisco, 53, is the past president of the Board of Directors for the New York State Chapter of Solid Waste Association of North America. Prior to his position at BSG, Mr. Pisco served as a vice president of HDR Engineering, also in White Plains, and a mechanical engineer with the New York Power Authority and Burns and Roe, a global construction and engineering company based in New Jersey.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of Westchester County,” said Pisco. “County Executive Astorino understands the critical role infrastructure plays in ensuring our economic viability and has been a leader in this area, while keeping costs in line for taxpayers. I look forward to bringing my experience managing both private and municipal projects to the administration.”

Astorino thanked John Hsu for his service, saying: “John has led the department professionally, successfully delivering many important projects over the years. We are thankful for his service to the people of Westchester and wish him the best of luck in his retirement.”

Hsu, whose last day in the office was Friday, is expected to take two weeks of vacation before he formerly hands in his retirement papers. “It’s been a pleasure working with the Astorino administration,” said Hsu. “I’m extremely proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish. I’ve greatly enjoyed working so many years with the many people in Westchester County government and I wish them much success.”

The salary for this position is $155,245, the same as the outgoing commissioner, John Hsu.

White Plains Schools Budget Process Starts Wednesday the 11th

Posted on January 5, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Michele Schoenfeld, White Plains Schools. January 5, 2011:

The White Plains Board of Education has announced the district 2012-13 budget planning process, continuing the successful community-wide forums held last year. Board President Rosemarie Eller said, “Next year’s budget will be a tremendous challenge, responding to the state-imposed

2% property tax levy cap, in addition to the difficult economic situation.

With proposed carry-forward increases of $4.5 million in salaries, pension costs and reductions in aid, the district will need to consider about $1 million in budget reductions to remain within the cap.”

The district is seeking broad input on the budget from the community, beginning with two Budget Forums to be held in January: The first is Wednesday, January 11, at 7:30 P.M., in the B-1 Room at White Plains High School. The second is Wednesday, January 18, at 7:30 P.M. in the Church Street School Cafeteria.

Following the distribution of the preliminary Proposed Budget in March, two additional forums will be held for community response. The first will take place on March 14^th, at 7:30 P.M., at Post Road School and the last at the High School, on March 21^st.

Additional meetings will take place in the community and any group or organization wishing to host such a meeting may contact the Superintendent’s Office at 422-2033. Discussions have also been held with staff to solicit their input.

All residents are invited to attend these sessions, to participate in focused dialogue on spending efficiencies, areas of concern, budget priorities and creative ways to increase revenues. A review of the district financial situation, the state and city financial constraints, and other issues relating to development of the budget will be presented.

The district will also hold two Public Hearings: the first on March 12th, on the Preliminary Proposed Budget, and the second on May 7^th, on the Board of Education’s Adopted Proposed Budget. Both hearings will take place at Education House, 5 Homeside Lane, at 7:30 P.M.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher P. Clouet said, “We hope to work together with the community to develop a budget that maintains the high quality of education in White Plains and that is fiscally responsible and can be supported by the taxpayers in the May 15^th vote.”

The community is encouraged to visit the district’s website, www.whiteplainspublicschools.org

for information on the budget.

Westchester Medical Center to privatize mental unit. 150 employees affected

Posted on January 5, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR County Clarion Ledger. Special to WPCNR. January 5, 2011:

An informed source has told WPCNR, the Chief Executive Officer of Westchester County Medical Center, Michael Israel has announced the Behavioral Health Center (mental health unit) at the Medical Center will be privatized in the next two months. A total of 150 current employees are now being reported as affected and will be given the opportunity to apply for their old jobs with the new manager, Liberty Healthcare Corporation. The new arrangement was announced in this memo, obtained by WPCNR:

“Westchester Medical Center has begun a partnership with Liberty Healthcare Corporation to provide and manage direct patient care and treatment to the patients at our Behavioral Health Center, one of the region’s leading providers of comprehensive behavioral health services for adults and children.

Psychiatric services in our country are being threatened by dramatic reductions in reimbursement and we must be strategic in our steps to preserve these programs for our region, while also focusing on continued improvement in the services and the quality of care we provide. Liberty Healthcare has a proven record in quality and safety, while bringing efficiencies and effectiveness to organizations around the nation. We are enthusiastic about this new partnership because engaging Liberty Healthcare will better position WMC to deal with a challenging fiscal situation caused by various factors, including reduced Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements.

Established more than 25 years ago, Liberty Healthcare is a privately-owned health care delivery and management organization located just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a national company, Liberty has more than 700 doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, therapists and others working in 16 states and Bermuda offering medical, psychiatric, rehabilitative and behavioral services in public and private settings. We have posted additional information on iCare.

The full transition with Liberty Healthcare will take approximately two months. Every staff member who is impacted by our partnership with Liberty Healthcare will have the opportunity to apply for a position with the new organization. While we recognize the transition period can be a concern for staff and patients alike, as professionals our responsibility is to provide the highest level of care and service to our patients, their families and our colleagues. I want to thank everyone for their professionalism, cooperation and support as we continue to work to improve Westchester Medical Center.”

Michael Israel

President and CEO

Westchester County Medical Center