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Mayor-Elect Bradley Taps John Callahan Chief of Staff/Corp Counsel in new Gov.

Posted on December 22, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From the Transition Team of Mayor-Elect Adam Bradley. December 22, 2009: White Plains Mayor-Elect Adam Bradley has selected John G. Callahan, a former Corporation Counsel for the City, as his Chief of Staff. Callahan is an attorney who has spent most of his career representing government entities.

“I’m confident that John Callahan shares my vision for the future of White Plains. His experience and professionalism will help me lead the city in a new direction”, said Adam Bradley.

Callahan will take on a dual role as Chief of Staff and Corporation Counsel for the City of White Plains. He will oversee the day to day functions of the city and will supervise the City’s Law Department as well. Callahan says, “I am honored that Mayor-Elect Bradley chose me and I am looking forward to the challenge of holding both positions.”

Callahan informed Commissioner of Finance Gina Cuneo-Harwood, Commissioner of Recreation and Parks, Arne Abramowitz and Deputy Commissioner Debra Clay they would not be part of the Bradley administration Friday and rehired Commissioner of Building, Damon Amadeo Friday in the first steps towards shaping the new Bradley administration which takes over the city in 9 Days, Januart 1

Mayor-Elect Bradley is assigning one person to hold the two positions in an effort to save more than $175,000 for the taxpayers of White Plains. He has inherited an $18 million dollar budget deficit and this will be the first of many cost-cutting initiatives that won’t jeopardize services. “I wouldn’t give this job to just anyone. I know that John will be able to handle the additional responsibility.”

Callahan has years of municipal and governmental experience and is accustomed to working hard and getting results. He has held many positions as an attorney since 1976 in his own successful private practice and in local and state government representing the Cities of New Rochelle and Yonkers, the Town of Eastchester, and New York State. Callahan was also the Corporation Counsel for the City of White Plains from 1994-1998. “I am coming back home to a city I’ve represented in the past, with more energy and enthusiasm than ever before.”

Amadio Reappointed Building Commissioner Friday evening

Posted on December 21, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. Special to WPCNR. December 21,2009: Damon Amadio announced to WPCNR Monday afternoon that he was reappointed Commissioner of Building Friday evening at 7 P.M. by the incoming Bradley administration, not saying who had told him he was reappointed. Later that evening Mr. Bradley had said he could never confirm nor deny that any of the reported Commissioners not being carried over were either being continued or not rehired by his new administration.

Mr.Amadio told WPCNR this morning he was still the Building Commissioner, however, did not say he had been reappointed by the incoming Bradley administration.

Meanwhile, the other three Commissioners Arne Abramowitz, Debra Clay of the Department of Recreation and Parks, and Gina Cuneo-Harwood, Commissioner of Finance have told colleagues they are not coming back.

The incoming Bradley Administration as of yet has not announced officially who is staying or who is going.

Inauguration Ceremony Set

Posted on December 21, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From the Mayor-Elect Adam Bradley Transition Office. December 21,2009: The City of White Plains Mayor-Elect, Adam Bradley, has announced that he will be holding his ceremonial swearing-in and inaugural reception on Sunday January 3^rd, 2010 from 3:00 PM till 5:00 PM at White Plains City Hall, 255 Main Street, White Plains, NY.

The general public is invited to attend and meet the new Mayor in the rotunda at White Plains City Hall. Mayor-Elect Bradley commented, “This is the most appropriate venue to start my tenure as the people’s Mayor, in the people’s house. During these tough fiscal times, I think it is important to forego having any formal inaugural ball or reception. I look forward to meeting and greeting the fine people of the City of White Plains and to personally thank them for their trust and support in me. This is also an opportunity for me to say thank you to my many friends and supporters who have assisted me throughout my years in public office.”

The general public is invited to attend, light refreshments will be served.

New Bradley Administration to Shed 3 Commissioners, Mayor’s Develmnt Director

Posted on December 18, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. December 18, 2009 UPDATED Monday 1:30 P.M. E.S.T.: Reliable sources with first-hand knowledge of today’s events in City Hall have confirmed to WPCNR that the newly-elected Adam Bradley administration which takes office in two weeks, today informed five prominent members of the outgoing Delfino administration they will not be part of the new government.

Mayor-elect Adam Bradley returned WPCNR’s inquiry Friday evening and said he could “neither confirm or deny” the communications by John Callahan to at least commissioners and Mayor’s aid that they were not going to have jobs in his administration. He said he was looking for cuts of $1 to $2 Million in the administration staff he has control over.

Leaving will be Commissioner of Finance, Gina Cuneo-Harwood, Commissioner of Recreation & Parks, Arne Abramowitz, Deputy Commissioner of Recreation & Parks, Debra Clay, and Melissa Lopez, Director of Economic Development and Coordinator of Public Information,

Commissioner of Building, Damon Amadio, contacted WPCNR Monday morning to say he has not been informed of his status and how he fits into administration plans. He is as of Monday morning still the Commissioner of Building, Mr. Amadio says.

Commissioners Cuneo-Harwood, and Abramowitz have personally informed colleagues they were given notice by Mr. Callahan Friday.

Mr. Abramowitz confirmed to the WPCNR source in a phone call that he and Ms. Clay had been told they were going. A member of Mayor Joseph Delfino’s staff confirmed Ms. Harwood’s being told she would not be part of the new administration coming in in January.

With the four commissioners informed they were not returning, the city will save a total of $541,060 plus benefits. He appears to have $1.5 million so to go in administrative cutbacks.

“I’ve inherited Rome after Nero,” he said. “I was elected to make sure we have a lean government and a solvent government, a cost-concious government and that’s going to be my mission. I intend to save $1 to 2 Million dollars in the administrative end, otherwise I have no credibility when I go to ask concessions from the unions.”

Noting the city was 25% over budget (an$18 Million deficit, according to Bradley’s estimate on a $158 Million budget)compared to New York State being 15% over budget, Bradley said he had no choice, saying the city was on the bring of “financial disaster.”

Next week Mr. Bradley is expected to announce details about how his administration will start, and told WPCNR he would be announcing his Chief of Staff.

John Callahan of the Bradley transition team gave out the bad news to the Commissioners.

Susan Katz, City Hall Personality for 29-1/2 Years Celebrates Retirement

Posted on December 18, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. December 18, 2009: Susan Katz daughter of the legendary Sonny Katz, the former City Marshall, was the focus of the annual Traffic Department holiday party Thursday morning as a steady stream of well-wishers from the Department of Public Works, Finance and other city hall employees dropped by to congratulate Ms. Katz on her retirement after 29-1/2 years.

Susan Katz in “traffic” with Commissioner of Traffic, Tom Soyk,left, and Commissioner of Traffic, Bernard Adler, with whom she worked in her first job in Traffic.

Ms. Katz said she enjoyed working with so many people she has met over the years, and noted that she had learned over the years “to appreciate people for the good things they have to offer,” to “look for the good in all of her co-workers,” as her beloved father had always advised her.

Ms. Katz joined the city in 1980 in the Alfred Del Vecchio administration in the Department of Recreation and Parks, where she created the Pops in the Parks Program and the Noonday Concerts that exist to this day, and most other concerts under the direction of then Commissioner, the late Joe Davidson. She counts those concert series are her greatest achievement with the city. She then moved over to the Traffic Department in 1983 under Traffic Commissioner Bernard Adler who joined the party for the festivities with current Commissioner Tom Soyk.

Ms. Katz, a lifelong resident of White Plains plans to devote full-time to her work as Executive Director of Westco Productions, and tutor in a literacy program, and another non-profit organization.

Ms.Katz lamented that as of December 28, City Hall will no longer have a Katz in it. It will be the first time City Hall will be Katz-less in 40 years.

Details from Bradley on His Administration Next Week. Inauguration Planned

Posted on December 17, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. December 17,2009: Judith Chriss, spokesperson for Mayor-Elect Adam Bradley, informed WPCNR today Mr. Bradley would release details on how he planned to start his new administration, including including Commissioner and Deputy Commissionerships

Adam Bradley foreground with the Common Council that will begin his new administration January 1, shown Election Night. Left to right, David Buchwald, Beth Smayda, Thomas Roach, Benjamin Boykin, Dennis Power and Milagros Lecuona.

To date, Mr. Bradley has announced Ms. Chriss as his Administrative Officer. John Callahan, formerly Corporation Counsel with the Sy Schulman administration in the mid-90s, will be his Corporation Counsel, and David Chong, former Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety in White Plains from 2001-2004, and until earlier this month, Commissioner of the Mount Vernon Department of Public Safety takes over the Department of Public Safety, replacing interim Commissioner Daniel Jackson, who is running the Department in lieu of Dr. Frank Straub’s abrupt departure last month.

Ms. Chriss told WPCNR today that no commissioners currently on staff have given notice they are leaving. All commissioners have been interviewed by the Bradley Transition Team. She added that no commissioners or deputy commissioners have been informed by Mr. Bradley that they are not wanted in the new administration.

Ms.. Chriss announced today that Mr. Bradley will stage an Inauguration Ceremony at City Hall from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M., January 3. She said the public is invited and said the Mayor-Elect hopes it will be a great day to celebrate a new beginning in White Plains.

Previously new Mayors to this reporter’s recollection have been sworn in at a Common Council meeting the first meeting of the new term. The first Council meeting in January is January 4. Technically, Mr. Bradley becomes Mayor at midnight, December 31, according to the City Charter

Democrats Dump Bill Ryan as Chairman of Board of Legislators. Ryan: It Was Time.

Posted on December 17, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. December 17,2009 UPDATED 5:10 P.M.E.S.T.: Phil Reisman, the columnist for the Journal News, reported exclusively this afternoon that Democratic members of the Board of Legislators have voted to oust Bill Ryan of White Plains as Chairman of the Board of Legislators, replacing him with Ken Jenkins of Yonkers. The ouster carries with it a pay cut for Mr. Ryan and an increase for Mr. Jenkins, and comes within hours after Mr. Ryan called for a Charter Revision Commission to reorganize county government to make it more efficient.

The news of Mr. Ryan’s ouster was not promulgated by the County Board of Legislators Press Office.

Bill Ryan, in the County Chairman of the Board of Legislators Seat, July, 2009, on a Board webcast. WPCNR Photo Archive.

Ken Jenkins, County Legislator from Yonkers, Replaces Bill Ryan as Chair of the Board of Legislators. Shown July, 2009. WPCNR Photo Archive.

Mr. Ryan, speaking to WPCNR this afternoon on his denouement, said he was not surprised since he has served three consecutive terms as Chairman of the Board of Legislators, and over the course of the year, other legislators had talked with him about the possibilities of someone else having an opportunity to serve as Chairman. Ryan said that in the final vote to replace him in favor of Mr. Jenkins that it was simply a choice between him and Jenkins.He said he did not campaign hard to stay on but did make it clear that for the purposes of continuity with the new administration, he would be glad to stay on for a fourth term, “I wasn’t going to start and recite my accomplishments to them the Democratic legislators. So anyway, we do the vote. They felt three terms was long enough.”

Asked about what a Board of Legislators run by two legislators from the two most distressed areas of the county, Yonkers and Mount Vernon, would mean, possibly more county dollars and interests shifted there at the expense of other areas of the county, Ryan had this to say:

Ryan praised the choice of Lyndon Williams, the legislator from Mount Vernon as Vice Chair of the Board of Legislators, saying that Mr. Williams was “sensible to the need for balance” in matters, and that his background at Citibank and service on the legislature budget committee was very thoughtful and understanding of the problems the county faces. In the matter of Mr. Jenkins, Ryan told WPCNR, he thought he (Ryan) was the better choice to guide the legislature in its relations with the new County Executive, because of Ryan’s three terms as Chair and his knowledge of the system.

Asked if Mr. Jenkins supported Mr. Ryan’s legislation for a Charter Revision Committee to identify ways the county could achieve “the four key words, consolidate, streamline, efficiency and economy” Mr. Ryan said he (Ryan) had talked with 7 legislators who supported it and expected that the rest of the legislature was on board.

Ryan said he would be looking for additional employment starting in two weeks, since his salary will be cut in half. He said he would be President of the New York State Association of Counties in 2010, but that was not a paying position.

He said he would, instead be paying partisan attention to his White Plains and Scarsdale constituency, and “be ever vigilant in protection our (White Plains/Scarsdale) fair share.”

Arbitrator Awards Firefighters Parallel Wage Settlement with Police.

Posted on December 17, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. December 17, 2009: Joe Carrier, President of the White Plains Professional Firefighters announced to WPCNR today that Roger Maher, the aribitrator handling the firefighter binding arbitration with the city has awarded firefighters a 3.75% in the first year (2008-2009) and 4% in the second year (2009-10).

Lieutenants will also receive a 1% differential in pay raising them from 18% to 19% higher than a beginning firefighter’s salrary, beginning in the second year of this contract (the current fiscal year).

The city was also directed to pay $50 per fire fighter into the firemen’s welfarefund which provides eye and dental coverage.

Mr. Carrier said “The decision is out and it’s final. It’s identical to that of the police department. Number 1, I’m glad it’s over, and Number 2, both sides (city and firefighters) spent a lot of money and we are in the same place we were a year ago. I am looking forward to working with the new administration and the new Commissioner of Public Safety.”

Carrier said the city scored some victories, too. “We did not get a third year at 4% .. We did not get an increase in the lieutenant’s differential from 18% to 20% as asked. We respect the arbitrator’s decision.”

Negotiations for 20010-11, when the police and fire contracts are again up for renewal are expected to begin some time after Mayor-elect Adam Bradley takes office in 15 days.

Feiner Praises Ryan Charter Revision Commission Proposal

Posted on December 17, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. December 17,2009: Paul Feiner, Supervisor of the Town of Greenburgh welcomed County Chair of the Board of Legislators to the effort to downsize county government today, telling the CitizeNetReporter, Ryan’s introduction Wednesday of legislation creating a commission to review how the county government could work better was better late than never.

Mr. Feiner issued this statement to WPCNR: I’m very pleased with Ryans proposed legislation. The consensus is developing that the county government needs to be leaner, more efficient and has not been working. A charter revision commission is an initiative that I have advocated for a long time.

Many people are complaining that Ryan waited till the end of his chairmanship to initiate the commission. I disagree with the criticism. Better late than never.

Tomorrow Joe Dioguardi and I are holding a press conference at the county center at 11 to discuss other reforms and a petition drive to restructure the county government. The press conference will be held at the county center.

Sales tax: town revenue down 12.5%.

Ryan Proposes Charter Revision Commisson to Study Streamlining–Due March 2011

Posted on December 16, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Tara L. Martin, Westchester County Board of Legislators (EDITE) December 16,2009 Updated 9 P.M. E.S.T.:Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Bill Ryan (D-WF, White Plains) today announced the launching of Westchester Renewed, a far-reaching initiative creatiing a citizen-run Westchester County Charter Revision Commission to study and recommend how to make Westchester County more efficient and cost-concious.

The commission, assuming the legislature creates by passage of Mr. Ryan’s bill, will have until March 1, 2011 to make it’s report, and the County Board of Legislators will be required to act upon its recommendations within 3 months (approximately June, 2011), meaning any reform is at least 24 months away.

“It’s time to take a thorough look at how Westchester County government is running, how it operates and how it can be improved. What steps should we take to right-size our government? How can we streamline its operation and make it more efficient and less expensive. We need to come up with a revised Charter that reflects today’s realities and tomorrow’s hopes.”

Westchester’s Charter Revision Commission would be made up of 31 members representing a cross-section of the county, reflecting the resident taxpayer, business, non-profit, labor and government sectors of the Westchester community. It would examine structural innovations for, and alternatives to the current form and structure of County government. Recommendations would be submitted to the Board of Legislators for implementation or, depending on what’s proposed, brought before voters in a referendum.

The Charter Revision Commission shall be composed of total of 31 members to be appointed as follows:

· Each of the seventeen County Legislators shall individually appoint one (1) member to the Commission

· The Chairman of the County Board of Legislators shall also appoint one (1) additional member to serve as the Chairperson of the Charter Revision Commission

· The Westchester County Executive shall appoint two (2) members to the Commission

· The County Clerk, District Attorney, Chief Administrative Judge of the 9^th Judicial District shall each appoint one (1) member to the Commission

· By a majority vote of the County Board of Legislators, one (1) member shall be appointed from each of the following seven organizations: the Westchester County League of Women Voters, the Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body, the Civil Service Employees Association, the State Association of School Boards, Westchester County Municipal Officials Association, the Business Council of Westchester, and the Westchester County Association, and one (1) member from a non-profit agency providing services in Westchester County

Ryan said “The Charter Revision Commission should examine all the alternative forms (of county government) and come up with a recommendation. If it recommends changing Westchester’s two-branch government (County Executive and the Board of Legislators), the people will have a chance to decide in a countywide public referendum.”

Ryan said other types of issues that could be considered include:

· Consolidating/merging/eliminating various county departments and functions

· Centralizing various services now handled by municipalities; consolidation of local functions and programs and regional service delivery as needed

· Turning over certain discretionary county services to local municipalities and/or community based organizations

· Reducing the size of the Board of Legislators; changing the form of the legislative body

· The need for and composition of a Board of Acquisition and Contract

· Establishing an Office of County Comptroller

The role and structure of the Board of Legislators should also be examined, but could not be abolished, Ryan said:

“The county legislature is required under State Law,” Ryan said. “Because of this, abolishing it is not an option and certain of its functions and responsibilities cannot be altered. However, the size and composition of the legislature and the way it operates can certainly be changed if that’s deemed appropriate.”

Ryan also said that doing away with Westchester county government was not an option to be explored.

“Those who argue for this obviously know nothing about local, county or state government,” Ryan said. “New York is run through counties, Getting rid of Westchester county government would require getting rid of county governments throughout the state. Anyone arguing for that can speak to their state representatives. This Commission is designed to be productive, generating real options that could improve our government and deliver benefits to our residents and taxpayers sooner rather than later. The Commission would not engage in meaningless exercises.”

Westchester Renewed will be independent of county government, except for the responsibility of county government to see to it that it has the resources it needs to function. That includes reasonable funding for consulting and support services.

The Commission will also review the work of Westchester 2000—an earlier citizen study on consolidation of government services—to see if any of its recommendations should be reintroduced. That group looked at Charter revision, although that wasn’t its primary charge.