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 Backroom Bulletin by John F Bailey. February 23, 2011:

The Republican Party threw open its tent today to outsiders, non-Republicans,to interview for the Republican nomination for Mayor.

City Republican Party chairman Brian Maloney told WPCNR this evening that the Republicans have established a nominating committee of (at present) four persons who will consider citizens of White Plains, who would like to run for mayor in the special election to complete the rest of Adam Bradley’s term for mayor.

 The special election date is expected to be a Tuesday in April (the 5th, 12th, 19th, or 26th) The county Board of Elections has not told WPCNR if the Common Council has picked a date that can meet Board of Election preparation requirements yet. Acting mayor Tom Roach told media on Tuesday he expected to have a date for the special election tomorrow.

The GOP’s Maloney told WPCNR that Republican personalities Tim Sheehan, Frank Cantatore, Iris Pagan  and a Special Senior Counsel, Alfred Del Vecchio, Mayor of White Plains from 1976 to 1993, will be on the nominating committee who will interview potential candidates to carry the Republican standard in the Special Election. Mr. Del Vecchio  will serve as a senior advisor, Mr. Maloney said, and would be  providing counsel to the members of the committee. He said other persons may be added to the nominating committee.

The main issue that the Republicans will concentrate on in the short campaign would be, Maloney said, “finances finances finances.” He said he did not believe that the city financial picture will be as good as Acting Mayor Tom Roach thinks it will be in 2012-13. He cited the unknown pension costs that the city (and the school district), will have to ante up to the state pension funds according to the latest projections by the Comptroller’s Officde.

He said that the committee will be  looking for candidate for Mayor  who will emphasize “policies, not politics.” To that end, Maloney said:

“We invite any person who would like to run for mayor even fiscally responsible Democrats. He said,  persons interested in interviewing with the Republican Party for the nomination should contact the party via e-mail at gopwhiteplains@gmail.com.

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WPCNR City Circuit by John F Bailey. February 22, 2011:

 

Acting Mayor Tom Roach on his first day in office after meeting with the Department of Public Works workers as they came to work this morning,called a news conference with the media Tuesday afternoon and in a freewheeling discussion of city issues answered his immediate feelings on key city issues.

 

Acting Mayor Tom Roach Meets Media at City  Hall

 

Mr. Roach said  he expected that a date for the special election for mayor would possibly be set Thursday. But he was not sure. John Callahan, City Chief of Staff told WPCNR at noon today that the City Clerk Anne McPherson was checking with the Westchester County Board of Elections on how possible dates could be set and procedures to be followed.

 

 Mr. Roach, Common Council President, is Acting Mayor of the City of White Plains, because Adam Bradley resigned his position as mayor on Friday afternoon. Ihe city charter required that Mr. Roach step in and become the acting mayor until a Special Election could be held in the next 60 days.

 

Firefighter Bring-Back top priority. 

 

Mr. Roach said his most immediate priority was to activate the SAFER grant, providing $1.9 million from FEMA office to put nine White Plains firefighters, eliminated last May by the Common Council, back on the payroll. He said he expected this would be brought to a vote in March. He said that it would be taken up at the Thursday work session this week.. He said it is not clear yet when the firefighters would start.

 

Budget Process Will Not Be Altered

 

Asked how the city budget would be affected under the unusual circumstances of his acting mayor situation, Mr. Roach it would proceed as scheduled with the Common Council reviewing the budget with the Department of finance as it has in past years, and reviewing department budgets.  He said his status as acting mayor would not change that. The Common Council is scheduled to take up review of expenses with various commissioners and departments in March, but the schedule has not been set yet Roach said.

 

IDA All the Way

 

Roach said he supported an industrial development agency for White Plains and would support Assemblywoman Amy Paulin’s  bill that she reintroduced recently in the assembly to execute an independent IGA for the city. Roach said that he did not expect immediate passage, but he’s supportive. Roach also said he had been in touch with Paulin, on the White Plains sales tax and also the increased ¼% sales tax last June, which need to be passed again by the legislatures, the two houses of the legislature  to continue the taxes.

 

Ridgeway Issues:

 

Regarding  in the former Ridgeway country club property now owned by the French American school of New York:

 

Roach said he had not been worked out yet with the school, how, but that he did expect the school to maintain the property. Roach said he expected the moratorium on approval of development on other golf courses, including the Ridgeway property and other recreational properties in the city to be voted on by the common Council in March after a public hearing scheduled for the March common Council meeting. He said a consultant to establish to prepare a study on possible uses of the properties covered by the moratorium has not been selected.

 

Roach Answered Questions for a full hour, ad-lib.

 

Downtown Economic Recovery Efforts

 

He expressed hope to establish an economic development effort to showcase vacant properties within the White Plains Business Improvement District, and the Mayor taking a proactive role in attracting possible tenets to empty storefront space. Roach said he had met with the bid within the last two weeks and that the members present “gave him an ear full.”

 

Schools

 

Roach said he’d be meeting with White Plains Superintendent of Schools  Dr. Christopher Clouet  to discuss the city’s relationship with the school district. Ae said the recent meeting between the school district Board of Education and the Common Council in which some $75,000 in savings in school vehicle maintenance by  having the city do it was the start.

 

Roach hoped for more savings by consolidating services between the city and school district, and he would work towards more in that area. Asked by WPCNR if the school district was reluctant to give up certain responsibilities they now administer,  Roach said that the $75,000 was just the start, and there would be more areas in which money could be saved for the school district.

 

He ruled out sharing any city sales tax receipts with the school district in the near future but did not rule it out. In regards to the city’s current financial position. Mr. Roche said that the city will be in much better shape in the budget year 2013 -2014  as more sales tax receipts could be drawn from the fund balance stabilization fund to fund  the budget. He ruled out seeking any further advance in sales tax at this time.

 

Shaking the hands of the city workers

 

Mr. Roach began his day by greeting member’s of the Department of Public Works, as they went out on their various assignments. After the news conference he was planning to meet police officers coming off their day shift and he is in the process of making the rounds of all departments to assure city workers how much he appreciated how hard they work and what a great service they do for the city.

 

He said he has been a councilman for nine years and he knows many of the workers, and he knows what a good job they do, and had terrific respect for them. “As a Mayor I can tell them that,” he said.

 

Council Role in Labor Negotiations

 

On the labor negotiations coming up, whether the common Council would be more closely included in negotiations with the unions, Mr. Roach said that he plans to work closely with the Council and include them in the procedure. In the past, the Common Council has charged that the Delfino administration had not included them on many of the offers to the various unions negotiations the past. Mr. Roach indicated that that would not be the case with him.

 

Mr. Roach said that he knows the commissioners of the various departments of the city. He’s work with them a long time, and at the present time. He is very happy with them. It should be pointed out, that while he is Acting Mayor, Mr. Roach may not make any appointments or dismissals of city personnel.

 

After the special election, which Mr. Roach said the date would be determined, hopefully Thursday, should he be elected as mayor in the special election, Roach said that the common Council would have the right to fill his seat with a selection of their own and elect a new Council president.

 

Unprecedented News Conference

 

The freewheeling question-and-answer session in where media  was invited to ask the mayor any questions on any topic was unprecedented in the 11 years your correspondent has been covering White Plains.

 

 Mr. Roach arriving at 2:05 answered every question for an hour. He was forthright. He projected confidence. Command. He fielded touchy questions. Asked if the  media could look forward to more sessions like this, Roach said “Yes.”

 

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WPCNR RETROSPECTIVE. By John F. Bailey. (Reprinted from the CitizeNetReporter, 2003): Tomorrow  is George Washington’s Birthday again. The time when we remember the first leader and the best. It is instructive to look at our first leader, George Washington, the father of our nation. 

 

The Jacob Purdy House, a National Historic Site, was built c. 1721, and served as Washington’s Headquarters both during the Battle of White Plains, on October 28, 1776 and again in 1778.
(Photo, WPCNR NEWS ARCHIVE)

One cannot help be reminded of the snowy winter at Valley Forge, when the bedraggled, poorly equipped rebel army suffered but held together, and attacked the Hessians in Trenton on Christmas Eve, 1776, crossing the Delaware River at night. What kind of man was he that George Washington could inspire his troops against all odds?

Washington was a man of tremendous character. Where did he get this character? He specialized in self-control at an early age:

 

 

Reenacters Marching to Raise Old Glory at Purdy House in Honor of George Washington’s Birthday. Photo, 2003 WPCNR News Archive.

According to The American President, Washington, at sixteen, had formed a code of conduct. He had written a book of etiquette with 110 “maxims” to guide his conduct in matters. In this etiquette book he had written,

Every action done in company ought to be done with a sign of respect to those who are not present. Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop;…Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave…Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

The character sketch provided by the authors of The American President,  indicatesthis personal “rulebook” was a book that Washington wrote over the years and referred to it often, “for self-control, to avoid temptation, to elude greed, to control his temper. Reputation was everything to him. It had to do with his strength, his size, his courage, his horsemanship, his precise dress, his thorough mind, his manners, his compassion. He protected that reputation at any cost.”

 

Honor Guard Strikes the Colors to a Drum Roll. Photo, WPCNR News.

Earning respect by example. Quelling rebellion with a few words.

Washington inspired by example. He lived with his troops. He shared hardships with them, and there  was so much  respect for him that he was able to talk them out of armed rebellion at the end of the American Revolution. Washington had been asked by the army to join them to overthrow the Continental Congress, and make himself King.

Washington had been asked by one of the officers of the rebels to join them, and he wrote them,

You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. Banish these thoughts from your mind.

Hearing that the rebels who were planning insurrection against the new country due to not having been paid by the Continental Congress, Washington rode to Newburgh, New York, on March 15, 1783, to meet with the dissident insurgents. Washington spoke to the rebellious group, saying,

“Gentlemen, as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common Country; as I never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty; as I have been the constant companion and witness of your Distresses…it can scarcely be supposed …that I am indifferent to your interests. But…this dreadful alternative, of either deserting our Country in the extremest hour of her distress, or turning our Arms against it…has something so shocking in it that humanity revolts from the idea…I spurn it, as every Man who regards liberty…undoubtedly must.”

The would-be rebels fell silent, digesting what he had said. Then Washington withdrew a letter from Congress, but could not read the text, withdrawing some eyeglasses from his tunic, remarking,

“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”

The men present were reported to have tears in their eyes at this gesture of Washington’s and abandoned their plot out of respect for their leader.

Washington retired from the military, surprising the entire new country. His action surprised King George III of England, who was astonished that Washington had refused to hold on to his military authority and use it for political or financial gain. The defeated King of England, remarked, “If true, then he is the greatest man in the world.”

Seeker of Diverse Views

As President, George Washington invented the Presidential Cabinet, whom he referred to as “the first Characters,” persons who possessed the best reputations in fields and areas of the jobs he was filling. Washington said on political appointments, “My political conduct and nominations must be exceedingly circumspect. No slip into partiality will pass unnoticed…”

Washington tolerated the relentless clashes between Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, but lectured them on the necessity for tolerance and moving beyond partisanship:

 

 “I believe the view of both of you are pure, and well meant. Why then, when some of the best Citizens in the United States, Men…who have no sinister view to promote, are to be found, some on one side, some on the other…should either of you be so tenacious of your opinions as to make no allowances for those of the other? I have great esteem for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out by which both of you could walk.”

The Constitution Should be Protected

When George Washington left office after two terms, he made a farewell address which warned future generations of Americans about foreign entanglements and partisanship in the republic:

I shall carry to my grave the hope that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the Constitution may be sacredly maintained; and that free government…the ever favorite object of my heart…will be the happy reward of our mutual cares, labors and dangers.”

Washington died in 1800, three years after leaving office in 1797. He was saluted on the floor of congress as being “First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

The Jacob Purdy House where George Washington planned strategy at  the Battle of White Plains,  Photo, WPCNR News Archive

Note: The American President By Philip B. Kunhardt, Jr., Philip B. Kunhardt III, and Peter W. Kunhardt (Riverhead Books. Penguin-Putnam, Inc.,1999) is the source for this information on George Washington.

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WPCNR CITY Circuit. Special to WPCNR from Peter Katz, February 19, 2011:

 

At approximately 1 pm Saturday, Council President Tom Roach was sworn in as Acting Mayor of White Plains, New York, USA. Mr. Roach replaces former Mayor Adam Bradley as stipulated by the City Charter.  Mr. Bradley  resigned the Office of Mayor Friday afternoon under the cloud of his convictions on domestic abuse.

 

 

Judge Jo Ann Friia  of White Plains City Court swore in Mr. Roach (shown above with his wife and children) at a small ceremony including former Councilperson Rita Malmud.Also present were city Chief of Staff, John Callahan, City Clerk Ann McPherson, and reporters. WPCNR readers can see the ceremony in its entirety on www.whiteplainsweek.com.

 

Peter Katz reports that Mayor Roach does not plan any special meetings of the Common Council this week, but they do have a work session coming up.  Roach also did meet with Commissioners and Chief of Staff and Corporation Counsel John Callahan Saturday morning.

 

Former Mayor Adam Bradley did not attend the swearing-in ceremony, but he was in City Hall cleaning out his office.

 

Officially, according to the City Charter, Mr. Roach retains his seat on the Common Council while serving as Acting Mayor.

 

After a special election is held in approximately 60 days, (as stipulated by the City Charter), if Mr. Roach, who intends to run for the job of Mayor to fill out the remainder of Mr. Bradley’s term of two years and seven months, is defeated, he will still retain his Common Council seat.

 

Should Mr. Roach win the special election for Mayor, he would become full-time Mayor and the Common Council could appoint someone to fill Mr. Roach’s Council Seat. Should Mr. Roach win the special election for Mayor there would be two council seats available for newcomers in November: Mr. Roach’s seat and Dennis Power’s seat.

 

Last week, Mr.Power said he would not run for reelection. This afternoon, former Councilman Glen Hockley told WPCNR’s John Bailey that he will run for Mayor in the special election. Hockley said he is registered as an independent and, therefore, can get on the ballot on his own without a party endorsement. He added, however, that he would welcome an endorsement from any established political party. “The people of White Plains need a leader who cares about them and [believes] the people of White Plains come first,” Hockley said.  

 

 

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FLASH!

BULLETIN! BULLETIN! BULLETIN!

UPDATE 2!

 

CITY HALL CIRCUIT. BY JOHN F. BAILEY. FEBRUARY 18,2011 UPDATED 11:30 P.M. E.S.T. UPDATED 1:20 A.M. E.ST. February 19, 2011:

Mayor Adam Bradley resigned as Mayor of White Plains today at a news conference at City Hall at 5 PM Friday.

According to Edward Dunphy, former Corporation Counsel for the city,speaking to WPCNR this evening, the Special Election for Mayor will be supervised by the Westchester County Board of Elections. The change to county supervision, Dunphy said, is mandated by the Help America Vote Act. Two years ago if this had happened, the election would have supervised by the City Clerk, Ann MacPherson. The Special Election, if held sixty days from now, by WPCNR reckoning, would be on Tuesday, April 19, or the week after going strictly by calendar days.

With Council President Thomas Roach at his side, Bradley said he resigned to concentrate, full-time, on clearing his name in his conviction of Attempted Assault, Contempt and three charges of Harassment

Bradley said Mr. Roach would take over as Mayor at 11:59 Friday evening until a Special Election could be held in 60 days to fill the remaining two years and 8 months of Mr. Bradley’s term after the Special Election.

Bradley said he would work with Mr. Roach over the days ahead to transition him into the leadership role.

A Special Election will be held in 60 days to fill the office. Mr. Roach, of course could choose not to run in the Special Election.

The complete video of the Mayor’s news conference will be viewable on www.whiteplainsweek.com

Council President Roach told reporters that he and Bradley would be working over the holiday weekend on the transition of power. Bradley and Roach went back into the Mayor’s Office, where they met with the City’s commissioners. Roach said that he was especially concerned that work on the city’s budget proceed in a smooth, uninterrupted manner. WPCNR was told that Roach would be signing an appropriate document in the city clerk’s office and the type of swearing-in ceremony which people are accustomed to seeing is not necessary when there is a power transition.

Roach said he did not learn of the Mayor’s plans until 2:15 Friday afternoon, and he had met with members of the Common Council at city hall this afternoon to  discuss the change in power.

The City Charter states in Section 46-C:

If a vacancy shall occur in the office of Mayor, the common Council shall initiate the proceedings available to it, for the purpose of ordering a special election to be held within 60 days of the occurrence of the vacancy, unless such vacancy arises within six months of the general election (after June 1), and prior to September 20 of any year in which case the vacancy shall be filled at the general election. If the vacancy is filled, either by special election or at the general election, the person elected mayor shall take office upon election and shall serve as mayor for the balance of the unexpired term. If the vacancy is filled, either by just by special election or had the general election, the person elected mayor shall take office upon election and shall serve as mayor for the balance of the unexpired term.

WPCNR interpets this to mean, as WPCNR reported last week that the winner of the winner of the Special Election will serve the final two years and six months remaining in Mr. Bradley’s term.

One of the few non-reporters obviously informed of the event was Zelle Andrews, the National Organization for Women advocate, who has called for the Mayor’s resignation since his conviction December 9.

Andrews told WPCNR, “It’s sad. It’s a sad occasion. I think it was a necessary step for Mr. Bradley, but I’m sad that it had to happen, and I’m sure the City (Democratic) Committee of White Plains will support Tom Roach with vigor and confidence in his abilities.”

Asked if Legislator Bill Ryan  might run to get the nomination for the special election, Andrews said,”I don’t know.”

WPCNR also learned tonight from a source close to the Mayor that the Board of Ethics investigation of the Mayor now becomes a moot issue, since as of midnight, the Mayor is no longer the Mayor.