School Bus Contractors, Districts Plea with Albany for Diesel Fuel Relief.

Posted on by

Hits: 0

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. July 1, 2008:  John Silvanie, President of White Plains Bus Company told WPCNR today he saw no relief in sight for the 50% increase in diesel fuel prices his company is facing due to the runup in diesel fuel.  He told WPCNR his company is locked in to a transit contract with the White Plains  City School District that entitles his company to fee increases tied strictly to the state Consumer Price Index, which he said this year is 4%. 



 The district is presently protected against school bus transportation increases, however they face possible monthly increases in their cost of electricity from the New York Power Authority. (The authority has the right to increase the cost of electricity they sell the district, at one third less than consumers pay, a spokesperson told WPCNR last week.)


Silvanie said that the State School Bus Contractors Association and other school districts across the state are mobilizing an effort to get the state legislature to provide more school aid to offset the doubling of transportation fuel costs.  A bill has been introduced in the Assembly by Assemblyman Peter Rivera to roll back fuel taxes for school bus operations (the state gets 70 cents a gallon for every gallon of diesel fuel), and also force school districts into a 4-day school week to conserve fuel costs. Presently the legislature is on vacation, and expects to be on vacation the rest of the year, pending the governor’s calling them back into session.



Last  week WPCNR asked Silvanie if he had any recourse in extracting more fuel money from the White Plains School District, he told me again today what he told WPCNR then  – “We don’t have any recourse. There’s nothing in the New York State Municipal Bid Law that allow us to be paid an additional amount for the (additional) cost of the fuel. I know there is some talk in the industry about trying to get a bill passed in Albany that would provide some relief.”


WPCNR asked if he was planning to consolidate bus routes in White Plains. “We really can’t. We’re not the ones to decide what the bus routes are the school district  does. We commingle the routes as much as we can so we use as little equipment as we possibly can. The district does not pay me to run one bus and run another an hour later on an elementary school trip or something like that. There’s no place we can go, in terms of our municipal customers, not that I haven’t thought about it. The same is true of our contracts with Westchester County.”


How does your company survive,WPCNR asked:  “Not easily, we’re tightening our belt as much as we can. We’re trying to get the best deals we can out of our fuel suppliers. But the reality is the cost of fuel is up almost $2 a gallon.”


We asked, how long do you feel you can hold on at this level? “We just did a multi-year extension (contract)with White Plains. We’re contracted to do that. We have a moral and legal obligation to do it, so we’re going to do it.”


What do you anticipate the cost of living increase the state will give you? “The CPI this year (2008) is 4%. So the state has approved CPI increases of 4%. And our guess is, going forward  it’s going to be more than 4% (next year). When the cost per fuel goes up $2 a gallon,  2,3 or 4% isn’t going to take a big dent out there.”


State could change law on CPI relief.


The state cannot, Silvanie said increase the CPI allowance more than once a year according to the Municipal Bid Law, Silvanie said unless they changed the law.  “If they change the law, we certainly would try and get our school districts to help out.”


I asked what the other transportation companies are doing about this problem. “I know they have been talking in Albany about the potential of passing a bill that would allow contractors to get reimbursed from the school districts for the additional cost of fuel, and I think part of that was to also provide additional state aid for it because the school districts clearly don’t have the money to do that. Tax money doesn’t come from nowhere.”


Fuel Efficient Vehicles.


WPCNR asked if he  anticipated adding to his fleet with more fuel-efficient vehicles:


 “School buses migrated in the 50s and 60s when they were gas-powered to where they were diesel-powered. There were two reasons for that, diesel was much less expensive at the time than gasoline and diesel engines are more efficient so they burned less fuel. A gasoline powered school bus in the 70s and early 80s got 5 miles a gallon, where diesel vehicles got 7 miles a gallon. Everybody in the industry migrated to diesel powered equipment.


“With the most recent 2007 and 2010 emission requirements on diesel engines, they are starting to be less efficient. People who are running 15-20 passenger school vans that are gasoline powered, they are finding there isn’t a big difference in consumption between diesel and gasoline-powered equipment and so the mpg are much closer. And the cost of diesel is significantly more than gasoline now.


So the reality is, as we buy new equipment we may migrate the smaller vans back from diesel to gasoline. It would take some time.”


How long can he sustain? Non-Contract Customers Raised 5 to 15%


WPCNR explored long he could operate under these fuel conditions.


“We don’t envision going out of business as a result of this. We’re raising rates for our non-contracted customers and so we’re doing what we need to do to stay in business. In the 86 years we’ve been in business there have been upturns anddownturns in the business climate and we’ve managed to stay in business and it’s our intention to continue to be in business.  It depends on the customer, anywhere from 5 to 15%.


Sports Consolidations


As far as field trips for the schools, WPCNR asked, does he anticipate increasing costs for those. “The reality is, with respect to the school district they are under contracted numbers. We really can’t. We will probably ask the school district to limit the non-educational field trips. Athletic trips, if we can double teams we’re going to do that as well. Instead of two buses we send one bus.”


Albany Attitude


I asked about the enthusiasm in Albany for perhaps giving bus companies relief:


“You have to remember that the children in New York State get school buses. Half of the school buses in New York State are owned by private contractors like our company, the other half are owned by school districts, so the school district operations have the same fuel problem the private bus companies have.


There obviously has to be a great deal of pressure on the non-contracted districts,  because  their cost of fuel has gone up the same $2 a gallon my cost has gone up. So there has to be pressure on those school budgets,which means that they’re going to be putting pressure on the elected representatives in Albany to find some relief for.


 


 

Posted in Uncategorized

Teachers Contract Not Settled . New Members Sworn. $1M in conslting apprvd

Posted on by

Hits: 0

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. July 1, 2008 UPDATED 3:15 P.M. EDT: An announcement of a possible new contract with the White Plains Teachers union which expired at midnight last night, will not be announced tonight at the Reorganization an the first meeting of the 2008-2009 Board of Education. Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors and White Plains Teachers Association President Kerry Broderick have not returned calls as of noon today from WPCNR asking whether  a new tentative contract has been reached.


 


A member of the Board of Education has informed the CitizeNetReporter  moments ago that an agreement has not been reached yet, noting that  “There is no settlement yet and discussions are progressing.  There is no impasse.  It just hasnt happened yet.”


 



New member of the School Board Randy Stein, left, and re-elected member Rosemarie Eller right will be sworn in this evening and a new Board of Education President appointed.


 


The School District will hold its Reorganization Meeting for the coming school year this evening, followed by a regular school board meeting of the newly constituted Board The new Board is expected to approve a series of consultant spending contracts totaling $822,404.


 


The Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors will discuss test scores and the capital improvement project, and the Board expects to approve the purchase of Infinite Campus a new “student information system” that is expected to provide at last, longitudinal Kindergarten through high school individual and collective student performance by grade and class,on in-district academics and state achievement tests, vastly improving the district ability to gauge the effectiveness of their curriculum and teacher performances.


 


In spending approvals, the Board is expected to approve contracts for a Hearing Officer for $60,000; Donna Klein & Associates for Occupational Therapy Evaluations and Services for $300,000; Blythedale Children’s Hospital for Occupational and Physical Therapy Evaluations and Services for $150,000; MBF Investigative Services for residency investigations/surveillance and special assignments to verify legal residency of students for $60,000; and to the Children’s Literacy Initiative for 2008-2009 for $252,374.


 


The agenda:


 


 


 PUBLIC HEARING ON CONTRACT FOR EXCELLENCE PROPOSAL AGENDA


I. Opening of Meeting:


Pledge of Allegiance Moment of silence in memory of June Fleary, George Knies, Sylvia Kotch and Mark McKenzie, former and current staff members Oral Announcements by the Board President and Board Members II. Communications:


III. Public Participation: (The Board will entertain comments from the public on any issue, with a time limit of three minutes per person, and a maximum total of 25 minutes.)


IV. Superintendent’s Report: Graduations and School Closing Test Scores Capital Project


V. Summary Action Items:


1. Recommended approval of minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 9, and the Special Meetings of June 2, and 23, 2008.


2. Recommended approval of the district calendar for 2008-09 as amended. 


3. Recommended approval to add Nokia Corporation and Encounter Church to the list of organizations permitted use of facilities.


4. Recommended acceptance of the following donations:


$5,000 from the Shinnyo-en Foundation to establish the Mayor Joseph Delfino Community Service Scholarships $1,000 from the Bronzo Group of Wachovia Securities for their Scholarship Award


$1,000 from 15 donors to establish the Charlie Jenkins Scholarship Award $1,000 from over 30 donors to establish the Pasquale Evangelista Scholarship Fund


5. Recommended approval of the appointment of Physicians, Physician Assistants and Nurses for the 2008 Summer School.


6. Recommended approval of consultant agreements with:


a. George Hagans Consulting, to serve as a Hearing Officer and provide other services, for the amount of $60,030


b. Donna Klein & Associates, for Occupational Therapy Evaluations and Services, for an amount not to exceed $300,000


c. Blythedale Children’s Hospital, for Occupational and Physical Therapy Evaluations and Services, for an amount not to exceed $150,000


d. MBF Investigative Services, for residency investigations/surveillance and other special assignments, for an amount not to exceed $60,000


e. Children’s Literacy Initiative for 2008-09, for the amount of $252,374


7. Recommended approval to arrange for the appropriate program and services for students with disabilities, as recommended by the Committee on Special Education: 157 cases, as per attachment.


8. Recommended approval to arrange for the appropriate program and services for students with disabilities, as recommended by the Committee on Preschool Special Education: 52 cases, as per attachment.


9. Recommended approval to appoint Chairpersons and Parent Representatives for Special Education Committees and Subcommittees for the period of 7/1/08-6/26/09, as per attachment.


10. Recommended approval that all employees previously granted a conditional appointment and who have not received conditional clearance from the State Education Department be granted another conditional appointment for 20 days. Civil Service Staffing:


11. Recommended acceptance of the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Geraldine Bellantoni, Media Aide, Education House, effective 7/1/08.


12. Recommended acceptance of the resignation of Dreama Donohue, Administrative Assistant, Education House, effective 6/28/08. 


13. Recommended approval of a request to extend the unpaid leave of absence for Yasmine Murana, Office Assistant II-Spanish Speaking, Adult Education, from 6/30/08 to 9/15/08.


14. Recommended approval of a request for an unpaid leave of absence for Lisa Zareski, Treasurer, Education House, effective 7/16/08-9/1/08.


15. Recommended approval of the 26-week probationary appointments of the following:


Patricia Cacsire, Office Assistant I-Spanish Speaking, Adult Education, effective 7/7/08 (from list OC #2007-3) Andrew Vena, Senior Custodian, Church Street, effective 6/6/08 (has been serving provisionally, from list OC #66-380)


Christian Reyes, Senior Custodian, Post Road, effective 6/6/08 (has been serving provisionally, from list OC #66-380)


16. Recommended approval of the provisional appointment of Joseph Paulo, Senior Custodian, George Washington School, effective 7/3/08 (replacing D. Robertin).


17. Recommended approval of the second provisional appointment of Antonio Moronta, Head Custodian, High School, effective 6/6/08.


18. Recommended approval of a resolution to abolish the positions of Media Aide, Education House and High School, effective 9/1/08.


19. Recommended approval of the temporary salary adjustment, as per attachment.


20. Recommended approval of the substitute and summer appointments as per Board approved “Substitute, Summer School and Supplemental Rates,” as per attachment.


21. Recommended approval of the revised “Substitute, Summer School and Supplemental Rates” as per attachment, effective 7/1/08. Teacher Staffing


22. Recommended acceptance of the resignation of the following Teaching Assistants:


Rosanna F. Maiuolo, Church Street School, effective 6/28/08


Elizabeth Marouk-Coe, Newcomer Center, effective 7/2/08


Rachel Martin, Mamaroneck Avenue School, effective 7/1/08 23.


Recommended acceptance of the resignations of: Monica Bermiss, Instructional Specialist, ELA K-5, Districtwide , effective 7/2/08


Maria Zenon-Park, ESOL Teacher, George Washington School, effective 8/31/08 24.


Recommended acceptance of the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Kayreitha Smalls, Adult & Continuing Education Teacher, Rochambeau, effective 8/8/08.


25. Recommended approval of requests for childcare leaves for: Melissa Staar, Science Teacher, Middle School-Highlands, effective 9/1/08-9/30/08 Maribeth Milkowski, ESOL teacher, Middle School-Highlands & High School, effective 9/11/08-11/10/08


26. Recommended approval of an extension of the childcare leave for Amy Frishman-Amir, Elementary Education Teacher, Ridgeway School, effective 7/1/08-6/30/09.


27. Recommended approval of the appointment of 2008 Summer School staff for the New York Presbyterian Hospital Program, at the agreed rate of pay, as per attachments.


28. Recommended approval to rescind and appoint 2008 Summer School Staff, as per attachment.


29. Recommended approval of the appointment* of district-wide per diem substitute teachers, as per attachment.


30. Recommended approval of compensation for the following, as per attachments:


a. 2008 Summer School Curriculum Writing


 b. 2008 Summer School CPSE and CSE meeting preparation


 c. 2008-09 Professional Development Stipends d. 2008-09 Resource Specialists as Chairpersons


e. 2007-08 WISE Mentors


f. 2007-08 stipends for trips abroad


g. 2008-09 Technology Trainers, Computer Lead Teachers, Subsite Directors


h. 2008 Summer School Technology positions


i. 2008-09 Family Literacy K-PASS positions


31. Recommended approval of the Part-time appointment of:


Lauren Stipo* (Replacing J. Palkaunieks) BA – Adelphi University (Political Science) MBA – Pace University (Management) Certificate: Pace University (Secondary Education) Certification: Initial, Business & Marketing & Social Studies 7-12 Assignment: Business Education Teacher, High School, 80% of full time Dates of Service: 8/31/08-6/30/09


32. Recommended approval of the Regular Substitute appointments of: Valerie Browne* (Replacing S. Pak, reassigned) BA – Manhattanville College (English and Education) Certification: ELA 5-12 Assignment: Grade 6 ELA Teacher, Middle School-Eastview Dates of Service: 8/31/08-6/30/09


Sara Natlo (Replacing A. Pedulla) BS – SUNY/Oswego (Elementary Education) M. Ed. – University of Maryland/College Park (Curriculum & Instruction/TESOL) Certification: Initial, Childhood Education 1-6 and ESOL Assignment: Elementary Education Teacher, Ridgeway School Dates of Service: 8/31/08-6/30/09


Eileen Murphy (Re-appointment) BS – Long Island University (Public Accounting) MA – College of New Rochelle (Early Childhood Education) Certification: Permanent, Elementary Education N-6 with Gifted/Talented extension Assignment: Elementary Education Teacher, PreKindergarten Program Dates of Service: 8/31/08-6/30/09


 Ann Baker (Replacing L. Green) BA – Goucher College (Economics) MAT – Manhattanville College (Elementary Education) Certification: Permanent, Elementary Education N-6 Tenure Area: Elementary Education Assignment: Elementary Education Teacher, Church Street School Dates of Service: 8/31/08-2/1/09 33.


Recommended approval of the Probationary appointments of: Karen Jordan* (Replacing K. Kushnir) BS – Long Island University/CW Post College (Special Education) MS – CCNY/CUNY (Special Education) Certificate – SUNY/New Paltz (School Leadership) Certification: Permanent, Special Education, Professional, SDL & SBL Tenure Area: Special Education Assignment: Chairperson Special Education, Districtwide Probationary Period: 8/31/08-8/30/10


Carolyn Chapman (Replacing L. McKenzie) BS – Marymount College (Special Education) MSE – College of New Rochelle (Reading Education) Certification: Permanent, Reading, Elementary Education N-6 and Special Education K-12 Tenure Area: Reading Assignment: Reading Teacher, Middle School-Highlands Probationary Period: 8/31/08-8/30/10


Elizabeth Galvin* (Replacing C. Gruder) BA – Manhattan College (Elementary Education) MA – Lehman College (English) Certification: Permanent, Elementary Education N-6 & Professional, ELA 7-12 Tenure Area: Elementary Education Assignment: ELA Grade 6 Teacher, Middle School-Highlands Probationary Period: 8/31/08-8/30/10


Tara Simmons-Crawford (Replacing A. Williams, reassigned) BA – Mt. St. Mary College (Mathematics) Certification: Initial, Mathematics 7-12 Tenure Area: Mathematics Assignment: Mathematics Teacher, Middle School-Highlands Probationary Period: 8/31/08-1/30/11


Maria Csikortos* (Replacing L. Lyman) BA – John Jay College (Forensic Psychology) MS Ed – St. John’s University (School Counselor w/ Bilingual Extension) Certification: Permanent, School Counselor Tenure Area: School Counselor Assignment: School Counselor, High School Probationary Period: 8/31/08-8/30/11


Ryan Fischer* (Replacing E. Farrell) BS – St. Thomas Aquinas College (Recreation and Sports Management) MA – Manhattanville College (Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy) Certification: Initial, Physical Education Tenure Area: Physical Education Assignment: Physical Education Teacher, Districtwide Probationary Period: 8/31/08-8/30/11


Catherine Sheldon-Dagher (Replacing M. Steinberg) BA – Santa Monica College/UCLA (Political Science) MBA – Thunderbird School of Global Management (International Business) MPS – Manhattanville College (Education) Certification: Initial, Students with Disabilities, 5-12 & Social Studies 5-12 Tenure Area: Special Education Assignment: Special Education Teacher, New York Presbyterian Hospital Program Probationary Period: 8/31/08-8/30/11


Libna Diaz* (New position) BA – SUNY/Purchase (Biology) MA – Long Island University (Bilingual Education PK-12) Certification: Provisional, Biology 7-12 Tenure Area: Science Assignment: Science Teacher, High School Probationary Period: 8/31/08-8/30/11


Sissi Johnson* (Replacing R. Vincent) BA – Hampton University (Psychology) M.Ed. – Claremont Graduate University (Teaching) Certification: Initial, Biology 7-12 Tenure Area: Science Assignment: Science Teacher, Middle School-Highlands Probationary Period: 8/31/08-8/30/11


Thomas Hauser (Replacing G. Kressin) BA – SUNY/Purchase (Graphic & Package Design) Certification: Initial (pending), Technology Tenure Area: Technology Assignment: Technology Teacher, Middle School-Highlands Probationary Period: 8/31/08-8/30/1


 *All of these appointments are conditional appointments, subject to and contingent upon, the satisfactory completion of the finger printing process and investigatory background check required by the New York State Education Law. The Board of Education reserves the right to rescind these appointments without notice, upon receipt of any unsatisfactory report resulting from the aforementioned background check.


VI. Other Action:


1. Recommended approval of the extension of the probationary period for Jodi Nestle, Elementary Assistant Principal, Post Road School, effective 7/31/08-7/31/09.


 2. Recommended approval to abolish the position of Director, Newcomer Center and Coordinator of ESOL K-5, effective 6/30/08.


3. Recommended approval to create the position of Director of ELL Programming K-12, District-wide, effective 7/1/08.


4. Recommended acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report for the month of May, 2008.


5. Bids and contracts: Athletic Training Supplies, Athletic Uniform Reconditioning, Project Management for Computer Projector/Whiteboards, Asbestos Abatement at Post Road School, Elevator Maintenance and Testing


6. Recommended approval to authorize Michael Lynch to sign Westchester County and City of White Plains permit applications for backflow prevention systems for district properties.


7. Recommended approval of the purchase of Infinite Campus, a new student information system.


 VII. Board Discussion: 1. Board Committee Reports

Posted in Uncategorized

Filene’s Basement Original City Center Tenant Will Leave City Center

Posted on by

Hits: 0

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. July 1, 2008: Filene’s Basement, an original City Center tenant that  opened for business in April, 2004, confirmed what Filene employees had been saying last week, that the City Center store would be closing August 31.


Pat Boudrot, a spokespersons for Filene’s released a statement to WPCNR late Monday afternoon, saying “Filene’s regrets that dut to material violations of the lease, Filene’s will be closing August 31, 2008.” Asked what specifically those material violations were, Ms. Boudrot declined.


Neither the owner of City Center, nor Filene’s would confirm the rumors of the closing when asked about the closing by WPCNR Friday. 


 

Posted in Uncategorized

Ryan Returns from Surgery. Recovering at Home

Posted on by

Hits: 0

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Board of Legislators. June 30, 2008: Legislator Bill Ryan, Chairman for the Westchester County Board of Legislators, was released from the hospital this weekend after undergoing heart bypass surgery last week. He has returned home and is said to be making a steady recovery.

The Ryan family extends its thanks for the many expressions of comfort and well-wishing during this time.

Posted in Uncategorized

Pilla Pillories Paulin on Ignoring Property Tax Cap Issue

Posted on by

Hits: 0

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2008. June 30, 2008: White Plains resident and New Rochelle native Anthony Pilla was introduced by County Republican Chair Douglas Colety in downtown White Plains this morning as the challenger for Amy Paulin’s Assembly Seat in the 88th New York Assembly District. Pilla wasted no time in announcing his main theme that Ms. Paulin in eight years had done nothing to stop the rise in property taxes affecting the middle class. A property tax cap, Pilla said, was his number one issue. He said he scheduled his announcement for 10:30 this morning to symbolize that he would be out working for constituents early every day instead of taking vacation when the state was in serious financial trouble, referring to the Albany legislature announcement  they would not meet again until January.



 


Anthony Pilla (left) was introduced as a man who roots in not only White Plains, but in New Rochelle, where he grew up, and in Pelham, where he has family. Colety, (right) the party chair called him a fresh face  who would bring a new perspective in Albany. Colety charged Paulin with a record of voting for 8 years for more taxes on Westchester families and that Pilla is someone new who can “clean up the mess of Amy Paulin and Sheldon Silver.”



 A real estate associate, Pilla (shown with his three children),  said he had strong financial support from New Rochelle, and would be campaigning hard in all areas of the 88th. The 88th Assembly District encompasses the northwest corner of White Plains (Battle Hill),  Eastchester, Scarsdale, New Rochelle and Pelham. Pilla poked fun at Paulin’s record of sponsoring bills that dealt with personal issues – such as a hotline to report dog fights — and her record of not attacking problems that face the majority of voters today. He promised to fight the soaring taxes he said that Paulin had gone along with the last eight years, and promised full-time representation: “I will not be sleeping in, or deciding to take a vacation when people need me in Albany.”


 



Anthony Pilla, Republican Candidate for the 88th District and Rob Biagi, Republican Candidate for the 91st Assembly District in Harrison — both are firmly committed to seeking a property tax cap to slow the rate of property tax impact on middle class. Mr. Pilla said the Republicans may still nominate an opponent to run against Adam Bradley in the 89th Assembly District.

Posted in Uncategorized

Amy Paulin’s Albany: Legislative Report.

Posted on by

Hits: 0

WPCNR’S AMY PAULIN’S ALBANY. By Assemblyperson Amy Paulin. 88th Assembly District. June 29, 2008: With the close of the 2008 legislative session, I am very pleased that a remarkable number of the bills I authored passed the Assembly and the Senate: a total of 18. Here is a summary:














 










 Protecting Our Children
To ensure that our children remain healthy and well protected, my legislation:


  • obligates parents to financially support their children until age eighteen, instead of sixteen (Chapter 70).

  • aims to reduce underage drinking.  This bill encourages bar and restaurant owners to provide employee training on how to identify underage drinkers and the legal consequences of serving minors.  Restaurant owners will receive an insurance incentive for offering this training (A.537b).
  • prohibits smoking in dormitories and on-campus residence halls to eliminate the adverse health effects of second-hand smoke, reduce the number of college students who become regular smokers, and mitigate the possibility of fires (A.538a).
  • requires the Crime Victims Board to reimburse hospitals and child abuse advocacy centers when they call in child abuse pediatricians to identify children who have been abused or mistreated (A.5206a).

  • establishes state-funded fellowships in child abuse pediatrics to encourage physicians to become trained specifically in identifying, treating and preventing child abuse and maltreatment.  Currently, there is a shortage of such experts in the state (A.9628b).
  • creates a uniform least restrictive restraining procedure for children placed in mental treatment programs.  This will eliminate the confusion of deciding which procedure to use during an intervention thereby protecting both the distressed students and the persons caring for them (A.11231).




Fighting Crime and Domestic Violence
Named “A Leader in the Fight Against Domestic Violence“ by the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV), I have passed legislation to protect victims against domestic violence and other crimes.  Such legislation:




  • protects victims of domestic violence by establishing a criminal penalty for those who prevent a person from calling 911 or seeking any other kind of emergency assistance (Chapter 69).

  • requires the State to reimburse domestic violence agencies for emergency shelter they provide to undocumented human trafficking victims (A.10228).

  • clarifies that the crime of sodomy is included in the list of crimes for which there is no statute of limitations.  This bill eliminates a loophole in an existing law which had the unintended result of not including sodomy as a crime that can be prosecuted without a time limit (A.10760).

 




Open and More Responsive Government
To ensure that citizens have maximum access to public records and policy-making decisions, I have passed legislation which:


  • requires government agencies designing information systems to do so in a manner that separates public information from non-public data, such as personal health data or social security numbers.  Previously, otherwise legitimate FOIL requests have had to be denied because the public data could not be segregated from private data thereby prohibiting maximum access to public records (A.582).
  • provides reimbursement for attorneys’ fees where a party was compelled to go to court to enforce the state Open Meetings Laws.  Awarding attorneys’ fees to successful petitioners eliminates any financial barriers that could prohibit full enforcement of the law due to the inability of an individual to afford counsel (A.1033a).
  • allows New York State unemployment insurance recipients to withhold 10% of their weekly unemployment benefits for state income tax purposes.  Taxpayers who choose this option can avoid a large and sometimes unexpected payment when their state income taxes are due.  This option already exists for federal income tax purposes (A.9868).

  • establishes that property assessment data, consisting of the physical characteristics of a property, must be made available for public inspection and copying.  Allowing the public access to these records will assist property owners who seek to challenge their assessments and ensure a more accurate tax roll (A.11150).




Honoring Women’s History
In recognition of the contributions that women have made throughout history, my legislation:



  • promotes awareness of women’s history by publicizing historic places in New York State that represent the struggle for equal rights.  Some of the sites to be included on the trail are Carrie Chapman Catt’s home in New Rochelle, the Susan B. Anthony house, Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, the Elizabeth Stanton House and the gravesites of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Carrie Chapman Catt in the Bronx (A.9952a).

 




Affordable and Accessible Healthcare
To ensure affordable, quality healthcare for a wider group of people, my legislation:


  • allows licensed pharmacists who have received proper training to administer flu and pneumonia shots to adults.  New York was the only state in the country other than Maine that did not allow trained pharmacists to provide these vaccinations (A.2140d).
  • aims to decrease the rising number of unnecessary caesarian section births by offering education and outreach programs to patients and healthcare providers.  The programs will include information on the benefits and risks of birthing procedures, the various delivery options, and the importance of maintaining proper health care from preconception through delivery (A.7674b).




Responding to Community Concerns
To alleviate parking problems, my legislation:


  • grants residents of the village of Bronxville who live in the vicinity of a construction site an exemption from on-street parking restrictions until the project is completed in 2011.  Approximately 180 parking spaces will be displaced by the construction project creating a shortage of parking for nearby residents (A.10519).




Recognizing Veterans
In honor of the service that all veterans have provided to our nation, I have sponsored legislation which:


  • allows municipalities to provide veterans who served in the Cold War an exemption from real property tax (Chapter 6).






Fifteen additional bills passed in the Assembly but not in the Senate. I will continue to work to pass them into law next year.

Representing you in the New York State Assembly has been a great privilege for me.  While this past year was tumultuous in many ways, it was personally very gratifying.  I look forward to continuing to work with you to move our great state forward.  As always, please contact me at any time with your issues or concerns.

 

Posted in Uncategorized

White Plains Teams Advance in District 20 LL Play

Posted on by

Hits: 0

WPCNR VIEW FROM THE BLEACHERS. Frim Rich Masseroni. June 29, 2008:  To date, our Majors 11-12 Girls Softball team has won their first 2 games including a 15-3 opening round win at home over Ardsley, then a thrilling 7-6 last inning come from behind victory over Harrison at Brentwood Park in Harrison. They have advanced to the winners bracket final versus Eastchester which is scheduled to be played on Tuesday, July 1 at 5:30 PM @ Kensico (Pat Henry Field). If they win, they will advance to the championship final round of play.

 

In Majors 12 Baseball, WP American advances in the winners bracket with an 8-4 victory (yesterday) over WP National. WP American plays Rye on Thursday, July 3 at 5:30 PM @ Elmsford. WP National will play its next game tomorrow, Monday, June 30 versus Kensico at 5:30 PM @ Eastchester.

 

Posted in Uncategorized

The Muckraker’s Notebook: Lois Lane on Credibility

Posted on by

Hits: 0

WPCNR’S THE MUCKRAKERS NOTEBOOK. June 29, 2008: Since everyone out there in the news is having a lot of trouble with straight talk these days on fuel, the economy, the property tax, the sales tax, affordable housing, it’s time to check in with the iconette of  female reporters, Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane, the intrepid, nosy, fast-talking, look-you-in-the-eye, and ask-the-hard-question reporter from the comics. Here’s our favorite brunette on credibility:



 


“Sure he seems to have everyone’s best interests at  heart, but as a reporter, I never take anyone at face value. Especially if he can fly.”


“You’re a journalist, Jimmy, and a journalist is committed to the truth. Sometimes people do get hurt when the truth comes out, but as a society, we’re better off when it happens.”


“Run with your story, Jimmy. If you’re telling the truth, you have nothing to apologize for.”


“Listen, you little weasel, if you don’t come clean with me, I’m gonna come down to city hall and punch your lights out!”


Lois Lane, Illustration of Ms. Lane, (c) 2004. DC Comics The DC Comics Encyclopedia. From the WPCNR Collection


 


 

Posted in Uncategorized

The Muckraker’s Notebook: The World’s Greatest Detective on Theories & Facts

Posted on by

Hits: 0

WPCNR’S THE MUCKRAKER’S NOTEBOOK. June 28, 2008: As the summer kicks in, and the state legislators take a six month vacation, and the city drifts in summer ennui, it is good to stimulate one’s clouded mind with a bracing quotation from the greatest detective of them all, Sherlock Holmes, that our once and future leaders should take to heart. As old London steams, let us relax with the great consulting detective, inhale his wreath of  sweet turkish tobacco, and enjoy Mrs. Hudson’s iced tea, and pick his brains awhile:



 


“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. ”  


“I am glad of all details, whether they seem to you to be relevant or not.”


“There is always such red tape in these matters.”


One drawback of an active mind is that one can always conceive alternate explanations which would make our scent a false one.


Sherlock Holmes

Posted in Uncategorized

Comptroller Announces Website that Details Who’s Getting What from Whom

Posted on by

Hits: 0

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From The NYS Comptroller’s Office. June 28, 2008: Last week, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli launched Open Book New York, a new, easy-to-use Web site providing the public access to how state government is spending tax dollars. The site contains searchable databases of spending by 113 state agencies and more than 60,000 state contracts.


“For too long, Albany did business behind closed doors,” DiNapoli said. “Today, we’re opening the doors and opening the books. Open Book New York gives the public a roadmap to follow their tax dollars and brings more accountability to state spending. This is the closest to real-time financial tracking the state has ever seen. When everyone can see where the money goes, nothing can be hidden.



“And this is just the first step. There’s a lot more to come. We’re going to give the public even greater access to how government, public authorities and local governments spend money and how they operate. We’re looking for full transparency. We’re going to open all the books.”


DiNapoli announced the Open Book New York initiative as part of his reforms to open up government for the average New Yorker. The Web site unveiled today contains two search tools that allow tracking of more than 60,000 active State contracts with real-time information on how much has been spent on a contract to date, as well as spending for 113 State agencies and public authorities. The public can identify who is doing business with the State and how much State agencies spend on expenses such as travel, employee salaries and consultants.


Open Book New York contains active state contracts and contract amendments that state agencies have with businesses, not-for-profit organizations and other governmental entities. The contracts search tool is updated nightly and contains active contracts going back 10 years. The database can be searched by agency, company, timeframe, dollar amount and more.  


Spending for State agencies and public authorities includes 11 major spending categories, such as contractual services, travel, equipment, grants, salaries and wages, employee benefits, and supplies and materials. The State agency spending tool is updated quarterly.


Open Book New York is designed to be easy-to-use for experienced government insiders and average citizens. The site contains glossaries that define all terms and frequently asked questions to help the end-user find an answer quickly. The public can also call a help desk or send an e-mail to get questions answered. All the available data can be loaded as a PDF file or an Excel spreadsheet.


Legislative leaders, civic organizations and government watchdogs praised DiNapoli’s initiative as an innovative way to share information with taxpayers.


“Taxpayers have a right to see how and where their hard-earned dollars are spent,” said Governor David A. Paterson. “I thank Comptroller DiNapoli for taking a major step toward transparency in state spending, and encourage residents to use Open Book New York to become familiar with state agencies and contracts. At a time when I have called for across-the-board government spending cuts, it is vital that the people of the state take an active role in understanding the financial decisions made on their behalf.”


Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said “I applaud Comptroller DiNapoli for this initiative to bring taxpayers more information and increase government accountability. This new Web site mirrors a Senate Majority bill, passed last week, that would have established a similar site to provide taxpayers with more information on government spending and performance. With millions of middle class families tightening their belts to overcome tough economic times, taxpayers have every right to demand that their government operates as openly and efficiently as possible.”


Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said “The Assembly has long supported measures to increase government transparency and accountability. Open Book NY will do just that by giving the public easy internet-based access to information regarding state spending and contacts, and I commend Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for launching this important initiative.”


“The State Comptroller’s new Open Book New York website is another step forward for openness in government in New York State. Comptroller DiNapoli’s Open Book now joins Attorney General Cuomo’s Project Sunlight as a promising tool for making state government more accountable for how it spends our tax dollars. While it is just a start, Open Book New York creates a solid framework for sharing much more detailed information in the future,” said E.J. McMahon, director, Empire Center for New York State Policy.


“The Comptroller has made it easier for New Yorkers to examine state spending and approved contracts. It’s a good first step toward the ultimate goal of opening the books on all state spending,” said Blair Horner, NYPIRG’s legislative director.


“Open Book New York is an important step forward in making the state’s finances transparent for taxpayers,” said Robert B. Ward, deputy director of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government. “The more New Yorkers know about state expenditures, the better they can assess the fiscal decisions made on their behalf.”

Posted in Uncategorized