In Wee Hours, Fair Housing Deal Approved–2 Hours After Vote Announced on TV

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From County Board of Legislators. (EDITED) with reporting by John F. Bailey.September 22,2009 UPDATED 1:15 A.M. E.D.T. UPDATED 9:55 A.M. E.D.T.UPDATED WITH SETTLEMENT COPY LINK 4:50 P.M. E.D.T. UPDATED WITH COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMENTS: The Westchester County Board of Legislators has approved a landmark fair housing settlement agreement and Bond act, by a vote of 12-5, the narrowest margin possible for approval.


 The vote occurred at 1:10 A.M. after a recess, following  a series of comments by opponents, though the media were informed  electronically the legislature had approved it two hours earlier, despite the “appearance” of a spirited debate that could go either way, still in progress, two hours later.




Legislators John Nonna, Tom Abinanti, and James Maisano noted that some of the major objections to the settlement were eased by  two letters received from the Justice Department clarified matters that were of concern to the legislators. Nonna said the Justice Department letters noted that if the county failed to meet the goal of 750 units of affordable housing in seven years, due to market conditions, the market conditions  would be taken into consideration in assessing of penalties.


Abinanti pointed out that the county legislature would have say in the implementation of the agreement, (the process of implementation has not been created by the HUD Regulator at this tie). Nevertheless Abananti and Maisano were two of the five legislators who voted against the agreement.


Spano Speaks


County Executive Andrew Spano, author of the settlement, whom Abinanti and Maisano said managed the suit terribly, issued this statement Wednesday:


“I commend the members of the Board of Legislators for their action  to approve the housing lawsuit settlement. They did their due diligence and then came to the same conclusion that I had: that this was the right decision for Westchester. I look forward to working with the legislators and with our communities as we put together an implementation plan. Westchester will be a model for the entire nation in dealing with fair and affordable housing.


 “This housing settlement has no tax implications and will create fair and affordable housing that is sorely needed in Westchester — something that Democratic and Republican county executives for decades have talked about. It also ensures  that the county’s municipalities will continue to receive $15 million in federal funds for infrastructure and other improvements.”


 


Premature Release Faux Pas:


 


An interesting development related to this vote,is that the news release announcing the agreement was released electronically to the media before the vote was taken at 11:49 P.M. just before midnight. 


This was odd, because  debate was still going on in the county chambers at 12:33 A.M. E.D.T.  giving the impression to viewers of the legislative “action” that the outcome was going down to the wire, when the news release  announcing the settlement approval  was received by WPCNR. The actual vote procedure occurred beginning at 1:10 A.M. and wrapping up about 1:45 A.M. this morning.


Editions of The New York Times and Journal News also had extensive reports on the meeting in this morning’s editions, despite the appearing “cliffhanger,” “down to the wire” atmosphere of what appeared to be earnest and anguished and conflicted legislators last night.


Actually the “beat” on this story was earned by NewsCenter 4 which had Chuck Scarborough announcing the settlement on the air at 11:10 P.M.


The legislators were still debating the issue when, “unbeknownst” to them, they had already approved it.


To read a copy of the settlement, click on the following link:  http://meetings.westchesterlegislators.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Download=Attachments&AttachmentID=2526&agencyname=westchestercounty  


 


 


 The settlement agreement was subject to and conditional upon approval of the county’s Board of Legislators.  The Board had to vote on the agreement no later than this week.  If the Board failed to provide its approval, the agreement would have been null and void, and all parties would have proceeded to trial. 


 “This has been a defining action for this Legislature.  Tonight, the Board took an important step toward expanding access to fair housing in our county,” said Board Chairman William J. Ryan (D, WFP-White Plains).  “Over the past month, we have heard from the Spano Administration, our Counsel, state agency heads and our own residents on both sides of this contentious issue.  After much review, amendment, negotiation and our own internal process of due diligence, we have approved an agreement that truly encompasses all of the viewpoints and concerns expressed by the Westchester legislators.  This action represents a consensus on an agreement that will improve access to fair housing for all Westchester residents.”



The lawsuit, which was originally brought by the Anti-Discrimination Center (ADC), accused the county of making false statements on federal applications about its efforts to integrate housing.  The approved settlement would require Westchester to spend $50 million over seven years to build 750 homes, in areas that are overwhelmingly white and affluent.  During tonight’s special meeting, the following actions were approved:




  • An Act authorizing the settlement of the lawsuit entitled United States of America, ex rel, Anti Discrimination Center of Metro New York, Inc. v. Westchester County, New York.

 A (Bond) Act authorizing the County of Westchester to issue up to Thirty-Six Million ($36,000,000) Dollars in bonds to fund costs related to the settlement of United States of America, ex rel, Anti Discrimination Center of Metro New York, Inc. v. Westchester County, New York.


 An additional Act, which will set forth policies and procedures which must be utilized by Westchester County in furtherance of the commitments established by the Stipulation and Order which settled the federal litigation commenced by the Anti Discrimination Center of Metro New York, Inc. (“ADC”).


 


Over the past few weeks, the Board of Legislators had conducted several public meetings thoroughly reviewing the agreement, involving its outside counsel from Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. and County Attorney Charlene Indelicato, representatives of the Spano Administration, our bond counsel, and State agency heads.  Legislators, also, met with the proposed federally-appointed monitor, James Johnson, and with officials from the U.S. Department of Justice.  “Throughout this process of review, I pledged to the members of the Legislature that we would meet with all relevant parties to get all the information we deem necessary for the full Board to make the correct decision on this matter,” said Chairman Ryan. 


 


Throughout the review of this agreement, the legislators made specific inquiries into the history of the litigation, and what is authorized by the federal False Claims Act; the federal court decision on the parties’ respective motions for summary judgment; changes in HUD policy and expectations; certifications to “affirmatively further fair housing;” HUD acceptance of County submissions; federal government intervention in the lawsuit and the right to settle; fines and fees; the monetary element of the proposed settlement; a monetary cap; rejecting the settlement and proceeding to trial; the risk of an adverse verdict and the damages that could be charged to the County (our internal analysis showing a range of $180 million to $200 million dollars on the low end, and up to $540 million dollars on the high end); possible disqualification from participation in HUD programs and the loss of community development block grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program, Emergency Shelter Grants and other federal funding; roles of the Monitor and the consultant; assessing the County’s “best efforts” and adjusting the obligations concerning the number of affordable AFFH units to be built. 


“This may well have been the most complex matter to ever come before the Board of Legislators and our decision here was one of the most important decisions any legislative body has had to make in the history of this county.  It has been our primary focus ensuring that the members of the Legislature and our residents were fully informed and prepared to make the correct decision for all of the people and taxpayers of Westchester County,” said Chairman Ryan.


 


FINAL VOTE TALLY:


 












































YES (in favor of approval)

NO (not in favor of approval)


Alvarado, Jose

Abinanti, Thomas


Bronz, Lois

Burrows, Gordon


Burton, William

Maisano, James


Harckham, Peter

Oros, George


Jenkins, Kenneth

Rogowsky, Martin


Kaplowitz, Michael

 


Myers, Judith

 


Nonna, John

 


Pinto, Vito

 


Ryan, William


 


Spreckman, Bernice

 


Williams, Lyndon

 


 

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Donations Requested for Iraq Wounded

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WPCNR COMMUNITY. From Volunteer Center of the United Way. (EDITED) September 22,2009: The Volunteer Center of the United Way needs hundreds of volunteers to help alleviate the hunger, loneliness, and emotional suffering that are all too prevalent in this time of economic depression and war. Volunteers are needed for two collection drives: a food drive to help feed the hungry and a drive for care packages for injured soldiers returning home for a hospital stay.


 


On October 24, “Make A Difference Day”, volunteers will staff central collection centers.  Volunteers will also have a chance to help package gift boxes and sort food on this national day of service.


 


For more information on Make a Difference Day and on volunteering, visit The Volunteer Center’s website at www.volunteer-center.org or contact Eridania at 914-227-9313, eridania@volunteer-center.org.


 


Collections will be done from now until “Make A Difference Day”, October 24th when they will be distributed to those in need.



More than 200,000 Westchester residents are at risk of going hungry: 50% of these are children, 36% are seniors who may have to choose between food and medicine. Consider running a food drive with your friends, school, or co-workers to help feed the hungry right here in our neighborhoods.


Many young men and women return from Iraq and Afghanistan physically and emotionally wounded. Doctors and nurses play a key role in their healing process, but we can help too. Running a care package drive in your community will let our injured troops know how much we appreciate their sacrifices.


 


Among the items needed for the wounded veterans are: international phone cards, full size toiletries, hand-held games, DVDs, Wii games, playing cards, gym shorts, and grocery gift cards among others. 


 


Donors can obtain a full list of needed items as well as an updated list of drop-off sites at The Volunteer Center or on the their web site, www.volunteer-center.org. 


  


The Volunteer Center has been inspiring meaningful community change for 60 years and engages more than 15,000 volunteers at over 500 nonprofit agencies in Westchester and Putnam annually. Through a variety of programs and services, the Center encourages people from all walks of life – including businesses, nonprofits, schools, families, seniors and youth — to volunteer and help deliver solutions that address community needs.

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Spano to Khadafy: Not Welcome. Libyan Leader to Stay in Bedford

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. September 22, 2009. UPDATED September 23, 2009: County Executive Andrew Spano  confirmed Wednesday afternoon that Westchester is the reluctant host to Moamar Khadafy, the Head of State of Libya. The County Executive issued this statement: 


 


“We have been told by the Secret Service that at some point Khadafy will be in Bedford. The Secret Service has asked the county police – along with the state police and the town police – to help protect him.


 


“We have no choice but to help with law enforcement, but I remain outraged that our taxpayers have to help protect someone that we don’t want in this county.”


 


Tuesday, the County Executive said the leader was not welcome:


 


“I have heard unconfirmed reports that Khadafy may in fact be staying in Westchester. There is no legal way to prevent this as he is a head of state, despite the fact that he has a long history as a terrorist.  However, from my point of view, he is not welcome in Westchester.” 


Khadafy was reported tonight by News 12 as renting an estate in Bedford, New York.


 


Khadafy is reported to be a guest at an estate owned by Donald Trump, though The Trump Organization has denied this according to news reports.

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City Faces $2.5 M Pension Hike in 2011; Schools, Possibly $4.5M.

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. By John F. Bailey, and The New York State Office of the Comptroller Press Office. September 22, 2009 UPDATED 6:10 P.M. E.D.T.:  The City of White Plains faces a WPCNR-estimated $2.5 Million increase, (a 7% increase in property taxes)  to $10.6 Million in the city contribution to the New York State Employee Retirement System and the state Police and Fire Retirement System payable in part in 2011-2012, according to new rates issued by the State Office of the Comptroller Tuesday.  The announcement of the new rates was long expected and warned of by the Comptroller’s Office previously.


 


The White Plains City School District will face a projected payment of $12,138,000, an increase of $4.5 Million in Retirement Benefit contributions, if its pension contribution increases at the same rate as the rates applied to municipalities. Those payments from the School District would come due to the state in 2011-2012, and based on present numbers would require a 3% property tax increase. Fred Seiler of the school district said, though the percentages for the school district have not been issued yet by the Comptroller’s Office, the increase would be budgeted for in the 2010-11 budget year.


 


State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli held out the possibility of cities and municipalities “amortizing” the 11.9% increase in the Employee Retirement System (for Civil Service Employee Association members)and the 18.2% increase in police and fire contribution. The Comptroller’s news release did not provide an indication of how much relief in postponed payments cities could expect.


 


The White Plains City School District pays into the Employee Retirement System and the Teachers Retirement Fund, and those percentages have not been calculated yet by the Comptroller’s Office.  The district is paying 7.63% and 7.90% of its $102 Million in salaries into the Employees Retirement System and the Teachers Retirement System in the current 2009-10 school budget.


 


The news release from the Comptroller’s Office stated the increase in pension fund contributions is required because state retirement fund assets declined in value 26.3% at the end of the state fiscal year, 2008-2009.


 


What this may mean to White Plains.


 


Assuming union increases of 4% retroactive  to this year and in effect next year as a result of voluntary binding arbitration talks, total salaries will top $36.2 Million for the police and fire services at the close of 2010-11, and salaries for the Civil Service Employees Assocation and Sanitation workers, $27.1 Million.


 


Applying the 11.9% increase to the Employee Retirement System contributions from the CSEA and Sanitation union projected salaries, the city would owe about $3.2 Million to the state in 2011-12 .


 


Taking the police and fire handle which by 2011-12 will, based on local average wage settlements approach $36.2 Million (up from $33.5 Million in 2009-10) and figuring 18.2% of that WPCNR comes up with a ballpark figure of $6.6 Million contributed on behalf of the police and fire employees.


 


This creates a total pension fund contribution based on union salaries of about $9.8 Million.


 


 Assuming no increases in Commissioner, elected officers, and managerial salaries, the pension contribution bubbles up to $10.6  Million, $2.4 million more than the city is paying this year. That is equivalent to a 7%  property tax increase in 2011-12 alone, unless the city is able to amortize a portion of it, as Comptroller DiNapoli suggests.


 


Meanwhile, at 5 Homeside Lane


 


Meanwhile over on the other side of town, where the school district has a payroll now of $102 Million that will go up to approximately $105 Million by the end of 2011, assuming the pension fund contributions increase is 12%, the district will face about a $12.6 Million pension fund contribution, up $4.5 Million from the present annual contribution of approximately $8 Million. (In the 2009-2010 current school budget, there is no isolated line stating the current actual contribution,only the percentage of contributions to the State Employees System and the Teachers Retirement System. )


 


The school district would face a 3% property tax increase, assuming property assessments stay the same, if pension contributions in 2011-12 were pegged at 12%– the same as the Employee Retirement System.


 


The State Numbers.(From Comptroller’s News Release)


The New York State Comptroller’s office  announced Tuesday that the employer contribution rates for the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) and the Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS) will increase in 2011. The impact of the global recession on the $116.5 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) will drive the average ERS rate up to 11.9 percent (up from 7.4 percent in 2010). The average PFRS rate will be 18.2 percent (up from 15.1 percent in 2010).


Despite the Fund’s negative 26.3 percent return for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, the Fund remains one of the strongest, most secure public pension plans in the United States, the comptroller’s office said.


“While the pension fund has handled the market collapse better than most other public funds, there is no question that it’s been hit by the crumbling economy,” State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said. “The Retirement System’s Actuary has determined that employer contribution rates have to increase. In the past, when the market performed well, the rates decreased. Similarly, when the markets perform poorly, the rates have to increase.


Amortization Suggested to Ease the Pain. No details.


“We must give local governments the tools they need to manage through these tough times, and we must enact reforms that will give taxpayers a break. For the short term, I’ve offered a proposal to mitigate the impact of higher contribution rates on state and local governments by allowing employers to amortize a portion of the increased costs over time, which will provide government employers with tens of millions of dollars of budget relief while ensuring the Fund remains strong. I will work with the Governor and the Legislature to address the challenges facing local governments.


“The more difficult challenge is to address the long-term costs. One positive sign is the agreement reached between Governor Paterson, the Civil Service Employees Association and the Public Employees Federation earlier this year. Once this agreement is enacted, it could save state and local governments an estimated 19 percent in future contributions for each new employee. These pension reform discussions need to continue with all parties to help protect taxpayers and the Fund for years to come.”


The Comptroller’s office mailed letters to State and local government employers yesterday, informing them of the contribution rate increase for 2011.


Click here to view the Fund’s historical employer contribution rates.


Mayor’s reaction to rate increase.


Mayor Joseph Delfino was reported by  Aman Ali of The Journal News this morning as having this to say about the Comptroller’s Office pension increases:


“I’m hoping more revenue will begin coming into our communities between now and next year. I’m not saying the recession is anywhere near over. But the trends are looking good, and the comments from Washington are saying that it’s getting better…There’s ways to find money,and people just have to look harder.”

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Legislators Postpone HUD FAIR Housing Settlement Vote Until Tuesday

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Tara L. Martin, County Board of Legislators. September 21, 2009: Westchester County Board Chair Bill Ryan (D-WFP, White Plains) announced that the proposed fair housing settlement agreement and Bond act, due for a vote at tonight’s Board of Legislators meeting has been postponed for additional review. “Board members are not prepared, at this time, to vote on this measure,” said Ryan.  The legislators will consider action again Tuesday evening at 7:30 P.M.



Chairman of the Board of Legislators: White Plains Bill Ryan. (June, 2009)


“The time spent thus far in deliberations,” Ryan said in a statement, “gathering important information and gaining additional understanding of the county’s obligations and responsibilities in this proposed settlement agreement, has been invaluable.  More time, however, is needed by the Board to continue its necessary work.”  


 


 


The proposed measure is in response to a lawsuit brought against Westchester County by the Anti-Discrimination Center (ADC).  The settlement agreement is subject to and conditional upon approval of the county’s Board of Legislators.  The Board must vote on the agreement no later than September 24th.  Should the Board fail to provide approval, the agreement shall be null and void, and all parties would proceed to trial.



A special meeting has been called to consider action on this landmark agreement for Tuesday, September 22 at 7:30pm in the Chambers of the Westchester County Board.  At that time, the following actions will be considered



  • An Act authorizing the settlement of the lawsuit entitled United States of America, ex rel, Anti Discrimination Center of Metro New York, Inc. v. Westchester County, New York.



  • A (Bond) Act authorizing the County of Westchester to issue up to Thirty-Six Million ($36,000,000) Dollars in bonds to fund costs related to the settlement of United States of America, ex rel, Anti Discrimination Center of Metro New York, Inc. v. Westchester County, New York.



  • An additional Act which will set forth policies and procedures which must be utilized by Westchester County in furtherance of the commitments established by the Stipulation and Order which settled the federal litigation commenced by the Anti Discrimination Center of Metro New York, Inc. (“ADC”).


“We have heard from the Spano Administration, our Counsel, state agency heads and our own residents on both sides of this contentious issue,” said Chairman Ryan. “I want to make sure that we can come up with an agreement that truly encompasses all the viewpoints expressed by the Westchester legislators.  I’m confident that, through this process, we can agree consensus on an agreement that will improve access to fair housing for all Westchester residents.”


 


 

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Department of Public Safety Promotes

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. September 21, 2009: Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Daniel Jackson has announced that  that Madeline Cano has been promoted from detective to Sergeant and is the first female hispanic sergeant in the history of the Department.



Additionally Luis Muniz was promoted to Detective 3rd grade. He is the current president of the Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Officers Assn.  j


Matthew Kittelstad was promoted to detective, second grade.

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Scoop The News Duck Explains the White Plains Garbage Chaos

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WPCNR THE COLLECTION NEWS. Special Investigative Report from Scoop the Newsduck of White Plains Week. September 21, 2009: As another week of garbage collection begins in White Plains, it is quite apparent that White Plainsians are confused about what kind of garbage gets picked up when every week under the new Commissioner Nicoletti Rules that went into effect September 1.


 


 Scoop the Newsduck, the well-known, intelligent-for-a-duck commentator on the weeky news roundup show, White Plains Week has prepared this special report to help viewers cope with what gets picked up when in White Plains


 



WRONG-0 DUMP-O


 


 


 


Scoop has compiled photographic evidence that the new Garbage Calendars are not making it clear what gets picked up when. Here Scoop demonstrates “Commingles” being put out for collection on Wednesday last week,  the “wrong day.” What’s behind this? Scoop wants to know. Could it be the unfortunate use of the  rarely used word “Commingle?”


 


Scoop notes residents need to understand that recyclables have been separated as to when they are picked up by the sanitation convoys that fan out across the metropolis twice a week. Here for those unable to read the very fine print on the DPW Calendar, Scoop has prepared these visual aids.


 


 


The key to smooth pick-up is for you to know when your first garbage pick up  day of the week is and when your second day of the week pickup IS.


 


Instead of setting  one day for all Recyclables (stuff that can be reused) the city  has gone to a two-step collection:  picking paper  recyclables on Wednesdays as in the past, but shifting  container “Commingled” recyclables on residents’ second garbage pick up days each week (the second time you may put out regular nasty old garbage out for pickup).


 



 


Paper Recyclables are picked up as in the past, on Wednesday, and “Commingled  Recyclables on your 2nd Garbage Pickup of the week.


 


How to tell the difference!


 



 



Paper Recyclables are newspapers, magazines, catalogs, telephone books, paper bags, home officepaper and cardboard shipping boxes are picked up, as previously on Wednesdays. (Be sure though to breakdown and flatten the cardboard boxes)


 



 


Commingled Recyclables – Scoop calls them “Commies”  are picked up on your  2nd Garbage Pickup Day of the Week. Containers to be included are glass bottles, metal cans, plastic bottles(#1 & #2)  and jars


 



 


Scoop reminds you that, leaf pickup and those leaves are beginning to come down has to be put into bags this year and pickup will begin October13.


 


However, the city is reviewing whether the leaf bagging policy and the backyard pickup policy will still be in effect.


 


Hopefully backyard pickup will also be exercised in the larger yards in White Plains in Haviland Manor Hillair Circle and Saxon Woods, where it has quietly been dropped. It has been years since I saw a sanitation person in my backyard looking for my garbage receptables. This just quietly stopped.  Hopefully if backyard pickup is reinstated it will apply with equal  opportunity pickup in all neighborhoods

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Bagging Leaves and Elimination of “Backyard Pickup” Under Review

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WPCNR THE COLLECTION NEWS.  September 21, 2009: The Mayor’s Office informed WPCNR today  that the city has received between 50 and 100 telephone calls in the last three weeks, demanding the city return to its policy of the past: picking up fall leaves at the curb and reinstate the so-called “backyard pickup,” where sanitation workers enter the homeowners’ property and transport the garbage containers to their trucks.


 


Melissa Lopez, of the Mayor’s Office announced today  that Joseph Nicoletti, Commissioner of Public Works,  architect of the new leaf-bag and no backyard pickup policy, is devising an alternative plan and the cost of returning to the former practice of  sending crews to sweep up the leaves and retrieving garbage receptacles from backyards. Lopez said the other changes of separate day pickup for recyclable paper and recyclable containers was not being reviewed and would remain in effect.


 


Lopez said if leaf-bagging is eliminated and backyard pickup is reinstated, some other service or services would have to be eliminated. Lopez said the Mayor said, “this is a policy decision,” implying this was in the purview of the CommonCouncil.


 


“The Nicoletti Alternatives” will be presented Thursday at a Common Council Work Session, a meeting where the current state of the White Plains City Budget will be presented. Presently the budget is running a deficit of 12-1/2% in sales tax collections alone, which if reversed will result in a $6 Million deficit in sales collections this year.


 


The city budgeted that it would collect $47.3 Million in sales taxes in 2009-10, and are on a pace to collect only $41.5 Million with ten months to go. A record holiday season is needed for the city to get back on track.


 


It should be noted that not all neighborhoods in the city, especially in the southend of town  with big property do not enjoy “backyard pickup.” In Haviland Manor, there has not been a sanitation worker seen in a backyard in years. Somehow the backyard pickup policy appeared to have been conveniently forgotten a number of years ago. If backyard pickup is resumed, perhaps the Department of Public Works will refresh sanitation crews that they need to conduct full backyard pickups for all the neighborhoods in the city.

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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY

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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY. By the WPCNR Flying Photographer. September  20, 2009: Today’s photo is of the famous Reader’s Digest headquarters in Chappaqua, New York. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the company may move from the site. The company is in bankruptcy, a far cry from the once proud company founded by DeWitt Wallace and Lila Acheson Wallace. Its spire at the left, with its pegasus horses was a proud landmark overlooking the Saw Mill Parkway, once standing  for corporate and public service excellence, bringing culture, music books and news at reasonable prices to masses.  It was once a place where you could find Cezannes and Picassos hanging by copying machines. Those days are gone.


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Tigers Lick Chops, Finish off Lincoln, 41-14. Schuler,Sewitch & Cardon Deliva

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. September 17, 2009: The triple threats, Doug Sewitch,Daryl Schuler and Anthony Cardon sliced up Lincoln swiftly in White Plains first series Thursday evening when Sewitch took-in a 12 yard swing pass from the effortlessly smooth QB Mike Trapp  for one first down at the Tiger 43, Number 23 Daryl Schuler took a hand off  and slipped off tackle and thundered, spun and deked 13 yards to the Lancer 43. That worked so well Trapp gave the ball to Schuler again, who swept around left end to the Lincoln 32.  On the next play with 3rd and 2 at the 32, the third member of the TD team, Anthony Cardon cruised around left end down the sideline for 32 yards and 6 points. Three minutes had gone by. That’s the kind of night it was.



Daryl Schuler (23) headed to the Lincoln 32 on WP’s opening 5 play 67 yard drive to open their 41-14 win over Lincoln Thursday night. Doug Sewitch (3) escorts him.


White Plains moved the ball at will, cruising to a 41-6 lead at half-time.Two long pass plays from Lincolin’s Anthony Phynn to Keven Perez for a first down on the Tiger 35, and a 19 yarder to Brian Collado gave Lincoln a 7-6 deficit, after White Plains opening touchdown. But then the Tigers turned on the Sewitch and Schuler switch.



Doug Sewitch the Man in Black makes  an over-the-shoulder, in-full-stride catch of a 39-yard perfectly thrown pass from Mike Trapp at the Lincoln 20, setting up the Tigers fourth touchdown (lugged in by who else, his law partner, Mr. Schuler), with 8 minutes to go in the first half for a 28-6 lead.


Earlier in the first quarter Sewitch  leapt high in the air to catch a halfback option pass from Schuler, for a 36 yard completion  giving WP a first down on the Lincoln 4 and  Schuler completed the legwork for his first touchdown of the night, make it 14-6 WP at the 6 minute mark of the first quarter. 


After the Tiger second TD  in six minutes in the Opening Quarter, White Plains forced Lincoln to punt from their own goal line in the last minute of the First Quarter. A bad snap forced the Lincoln punter to bobble and drop the ball. Justin Lamply pounced on the fumble at the Lincoln 4. Mr. Schuler filed a 4 yard touchdown brief in the opening minute of the second quarter and the score was 20-6.


Schuler scored his third touchdown of the first half on a 35 yard run around right end with 4 minutes to go in the half and it was 34-6 with 4:40 left in the half. Joe Sperduto threw an 11-yard Touchdown pass to Anwar Barrett-Bell in the closing minutes of the first half. The score was 41-6 at the half.


The Tigers second team contained Lincoln in the second half and controlled the ball, holding Lincoln to 3 first downs in the second half. A pass in the final minute produced Lincoln’s final score.


Coach Skip Stevens attributed the team’s crisp play to his depth of the squad, which has produced, he said realistic practices, resulting in the almost penalty free first two games of the season, and blocking that has made Schuler and Sewitch  and Cardon look on occassion like Doc Blanchard, Glenn Davis and Jim Brown. Mike Trapp has not had one mix-up on a hand-off in two games, and has poise and accuracy in getting the ball downfield.


It was a Tiger night.



WhitePlains Public Access Television Televised Thursday’s football game on tape delay for telecast on Channels 76/77 (45/46) possibly next Wednesday evening. That’s White Plains Public Access’ John Vorperian and 1995-1996 Tiger great, Jaquai Ganson at the microphone.



The Cheerleaders were airborne.



The White Plains High School Band looked positively collegiate with an elaborate half-time performance.


 


 

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