City Budget Committee Met. Financial Picture Still Cloudy.

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. Financial Trend Commentary By John F. Bailey. September 20, 2006 UPDATED: After the shock of having seen their former Budget Director appointed Budget Director for Westchester County yesterday, the City Budget and Management Committee, Chaired by Benjamin Boykin, and made up of Councilman Arnold Bernstein, and citizens Timothy Sheehan, Eleanor McDonald, Patrick Austion, Theodore Peluso, and Joseph Lenchner, will met Wednesday night to get — maybe, must maybe —  a picture of how the city really finished 2005-2006 and to find if we have another surplus or not – or a deficit due to a shortfall in revenues in the last quarter. As a reporter hungry for the financial meat of the city, of which only meagre portions are placed on the reporter’s plate at any time,  and a taxpaying citizen, I hope so. (Update: They didn’t).



Last September, the city was boasting of a surplus created by treating a state loan as an asset. With the number of closings taking place on Trump Tower and home sales, the city may very well luck out again with mortgage tax windfalls meeting and exceeding the budget.


 


What new financial strains will they be confronted with tonight coming in over the transom?


 


The financial flying by the seat of your pants that the city has been operating on the last two years is the direct result of financial reporting that is not timely, that is not made public at opportune times. 


 


Here’s what we know so far about 2005-2006: The Renaissance is Working


but not fast enough.


 


The Mayor’s Office confirmed to WPCNR in midAugust the city sales tax for the final quarter of fiscal year 2005-2006 met its budgeted figure, finishing at $41,886,267, falling a mere $63,733 shy of  the 2005-2006 budget projection of  $41,950,000. 


 


City Hall Commissioner of Finance, Gina Cuneo-Harwood told WPCNR then  the city received $9,374,687 in sales tax for the fourth quarter, this figure is down  2.6% slightly from the fourth quarter of 2004-2005 when the city received $9,632,210 in sales tax. Asked in August, if the city accomplished a surplus for 2005-2006, Harwood said “We do not know that yet.”


 


City Sales Tax Revenues , according to WPCNR calculations rose 2.3%, from 2004-2005 to 2005-2006, from 40,929,781 to $41,886,267


 


The City’s 2006-2007 budget has projected $42.5 Million in sales tax for 06-07, relying on the injection of $800,000 in new Wal-Mart sales taxes, for the increase. If “the Big W” comes through without cannibalizing Target, Macy’s and Sears sales, the sales tax should hit $42.7 Million in 2006-2007.


 


Prior to the Mayor’s Revitalization Program for the city, sales tax collections stood at $35,787,758 at the end of the 2000-2001 fiscal year. After six years sales taxes have risen to the $41,886,267 level, or 17%. Sales tax receipts first increased substantially from the 2000-2001 doldrums (as a result of the redevelopment) in 2003-2004, climbing to $37.7 million.


 


The White Plains Renaissance has helped get the city economic engine going again, but it is the expected expenses of infrastructure and the voluntary choices the city government has made that is causing expenses to run ahead of revenues.


 


WPCNR hopes the city is in for no surprises tonight and some good news.


 


Just a few of the surprises that could be coming and perhaps be revealed this evening:


 


1. Police overtime.


2. The cost of the city dump bond.


3. The cost of overtime from three massive storm cleanups in two months by the DPW, (got to be at least $500,000 to a Million,  before they have even cleaned up one snowstorm)


4. Tax certiorari settlements to come, with the necessity of making up the decline in the assessment roll, but of course.


5. Did the city collect all of the $2.9 Million in land sales on Railside Avenue that was needed to fill the budget gap?


 


Because these kinds of possible “surprises” are never talked about until they happen, the budget planning is “seat-of-your-pants.”


 


It is a mystery why six intelligent Common Council Members do not take a more direct, “need-to-know” stance on the financial progress of the city. It is why they wind up every spring making decisions that provide a quick fix. They may not be consulted by the Mayor’s financial planners, of which there appears to be only one at the present time, Ms. Cuneo-Harwood. But, that does not relieve them of the responsibility for demanding pinpoint snapshots of the city financial situation by checking all financial instrument readings during the course of the city’s financial flight year. Though the Finance Department according to the City Charter is only required to put out a budget report once a year, the budget situation should be published quarterly for all to see.


 


The council has no excuses this year for not being better informed on the financial situation in the city. And, to be discussing the developing financial windfalls and pressures and what to do about them now, not in April when they will once again wring their hands and slap on another 8% in taxes with the School District’s standard 8%.


 


Let’s hope those mortgage taxes just keep on coming.  

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Katie Couric Cuddles Up to Some of the News, Some of the Time

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WPCNR ACROSS THE ANCHOR DESK. By John F. Bailey. September 20, 2006: The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric debuted two weeks ago nationally and about the only thing going for it is there’s a superbly turned out slightly older blonde on it.


 


If you’re looking for hard news, the CBS Evening News no longer has it. If you’re looking for reported news, there’s a lot less of it. If you want dirty laundry cleaned up,  sugar-coated by “the bubble-headed bleached blonde with a gleam in her eye,” you now have it.


The content has been boiled down to 11 minutes of hard news about three to 4 stories, 7 at the most, a field report  from a correspondent, a Free Speech segment featuring a celebrity commentator. There was casualty count in Iraq given on either day. (Remember Walter Cronkite’s Vietnam war dead crawl?).  There is a Snapshots Segment of fluff. The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, is to this repawta, a “feel good about bad news” show.


 


I love Katie Couric’s legs, which are the highlights of the show. Entertainment Tonight was launched by the legs of its beautiful commentator Mary Hart, and the handlers at CBS have managed to give her a wardrobe that lifts her out of the vacuous cheerleader persona who captivated traveling executives in  the Radissons, Hiltons, and Sheratons of America,  waiting for meetings to begin on the Today Show for the past fifteen years.


 


Ms. Couric’s softball interviews for fifteen years were built up as better than they are, and her lack of a followup question is legend. This was clearly evident the first two nights. Katie Couric after all these years cannot bring herself to throw a brushback question.


 


Unfortunately that is not the job of the news. The news is to put reality in your face, or it used to be. That’s what I take from two weeks of Katie.


 


After the opening 11 minutes of hard news, such as it is. An event or two or three are tied together, given a common theme and analyzed by a correspondent, as if that proved anything.  Then you get 11 minutes of Today Show fluff that is not news at all but feel good pieces. Human interest. Celebrity bits.


 


There was no in-depth mention of business trends,  (in a week of inflation news up and down) except for one major business story each day – the Shell oil platforms in the Gulf Tuesday, and the General Motors story Wednesday. 


 


The show – and that’s what it is, not a newscast — intends to use Ms. Couric’s “strength:” interviews. She interviewed a Times reporter on national security her opening night and President George W. Bush Wednesday evening, using only three questions on the CIA prison transfer and request for congress to approve military tribunals. On another show discussing pre-cervical cancer drugs, a doctor let slip statistics on how sexually active fifteen year old girls are. Now that is a statement that Ms. Couric needed to delve deeper into. Did she? No.


 


On the homeland security interview on opening night, there was no mention of homeland security and border crossings, no questioning of homeland security inspection of cargo, and no question about homeland security surveillance of foreign students – all very valid concerns. Asking “Are we safer now?” of Thomas Friedman as Ms. Couric did is a box canyon question. People think it is tough but the really tough questions are specific ones. Actually Ms. Couric is not alone in asking easy to wrangle questions – the print press does this all the time in news conferences. 


 


A little news judgment please.


 


According to the CBS News Media Relations, the show is edited by Ms. Couric as Managing Editor, with Rome Hartman, Executive Producer a 15 year producer at 60 Minutes. Judging the first two editions of CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC, we have a 30-minute Today”Show.


 


It is a show concentrating on style and feelings, and how we perch on a desk, while wasting incredible time in segues and graphic intros. 


 


You have only 22 minutes to tell people what is going on.  Katie and Rome are killinh 11 minutes with stories on the muppets, a blind teenager, pictures of the Cruise-Homes baby, a painting class in a South American country, plus editorial commentary from personalities. This is not news. It’s fluff. It is a margaritaville cocktail hour, not scotch on the rocks news.


 


If Ms. Couric and Mr. Hartman are going for the ratings with a newscast that makes you feel that things aren’t so bad out there and the human race is wonderful, and America’s o.k. they may be making a business decision that will work, but they are not doing a news show in any sense of the word in their first two weeks and the ratings are flattening.


 


I question their news objectivity because they stop short of the hard out there question.  How do they get the ultimate “get,” the President, on the day he announces a major policy change on prisoners of war? Of course you take the interview. But does Katie ask the question, (after the President tells her, we have to have victory in Iraq, and mentions dire consequences if the Iraqi government fails) “Mr. President, how do you define victory in Iraq?” She does not. Because she knows he has no idea.


 


Maybe, she did ask that question – but on the outtakes that wound up on her 10 o’clock special later that evening. And, another thing on the Bush interview.


 


 Bush mentions that the prisoner interrogations in the CIA secret prisons lead to the foiling of an anthrax plot and a plot to fly airplanes into buildings somewhere on the West Coast. Could Ms. Couric have asked what prisoners supplied that information, and if any arrests were made.  This is the first time those factoids were made public. She should have gotten his answers down to that off camera and reported it in copy if they did not have time for running the interview answer.


 


Katie Couric may not think she should ask those kinds of question out of respect for the President. But, Ms. Couric, you are the network anchor, you got to ask it. You got to think. Or maybe it is why she’s a network anchor today, because she knows better not to think – too much.


 


The show is not being edited to bring you meaty news content.


 


 In contrast, I recommend the nightly BBC 30-minute newscast that literally takes you around the world and is just packed with news you never see on Fox, CNN or MSNBC, CBS, NBC or ABC, that blows you away. It is better than any 30 minute slice of newscast you can watch on Fox News or CNN or ABC or NBC.  I believe the BBC packs in about a story a minute,  which gives you 22 news stories to about 4 to 7 for the CBS Evening News. The BBC stories are tightly written, delivered by a no-nonsense woman anchorette without the massive set, the “swoosh slides” and the anchor talks fast. The BBC is an adrenalin rush from the content alone.


 


Ms. Couric adopts the steadied pace as if she is trying to stretch to time – to give that “gravitas” of anchorman pace. However, she delivers too slowly as if she is conducting a class of third graders. In week two she resorted to a rundown of headlines then in-depth rundowns of the same headlines. I suggest this is a waste of time. Why say one thing, then say the same thing in more detail? It wastes time.


 


Nevertheless there’s her presence, excellent diction. Dividing up the program, teasing the next stories in a set format slows it down. I like her delivery, now if only I was getting more news. Remember, Katie and Rome, it’s the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric  not the CBS Evening Tonight Show with Katie Couric


 


The Today show was put together as a series of news, stories of the day, and features to provide an update beginning of the day with people you trust and make you feel good. Today started the banter between personalities long before Eyewitness News ever thought of it. News personalities were bantered with and the interviews were slowpitch city.


 


They are now doing the Today show in 30 minutes every evening.


 


Ms. Couric and Mr. Hartman are getting paid huge bucks to get the CBS Evening News up in the ratings. They did a lot of preparation in putting together this show to give what they found out apparently people want. They are betting America wants to feel good. They have moved the Today Show to the evening. They are smarter than I am.


 


Judging from my experience in Westchester County, and the lack of response to local news coverage, and lack of concern of the citizens about how their governments are run and local trends, if “sophisticated” Westchester likes to feel good about the lies their leaders tell them, then Hartman and Couric may be very right and be very successful with this bubble-headed bleached blonde format. She is better to look at than Brian Williams  and the Gibson guy.


 


 Now – she should do very well with fraternity houses on the nation’s campuses. Whether there’s enough news here to hold the news traditionalists who watch these programs is debatable. I don’t think there is. Can she tear away the women to watch her during the dinner hour?


 


However, Bob Schieffer, the last great CBS newsman reported on  the first week of the program, and stated when Ms. Couric asked in typical cliché fashion what do you think this CIA prison transfer means, Schieffer gave a classic analysis: “It gives congress something to do.” He also said busying congress with the proposal to give The President the right to conduct military tribunals would tie up congress and prevent them from working on things they should be working on like the deficit. This may be Schieffer’s last appearance on the program as a correspondent. It was a hilarious moment said in all earnesty.


 


That’s the trouble with the show in a nutshell – there is no time on a 30-minute show for commentary. You have 22 minutes of real airtime. Commentary means nothing unless it uses facts to demonstrate what is happening. Commentary limits the number of stories you can do. Besides commentary means nothing. It’s what has and is happening that counts.


 


When you watch the CBS Evening News With Katie Couric  in its present editing policy, you learn a miniscule amount of what is happening in the world and why it is happening.


 


Give me my old fedora and a Lucky Strike in my nicotine stained finger tips holding the copy, the time zone clocks on the set and an old news ticker,  rather than this cupcake in designer clothes with the legs up to here perched on an immaculate desk, looking like she just came back from lunch at Gotham Grill.


 


The news as we know has died.  

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White Plains Explosion Wins third Tournament of the Season at Ridgeway Field.

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. From Larry Giordano. (EDITED) September 20,2006: This past weekend the White Plains Explosion, White Plains 14-Under Travel Team played host to the 14U Fall Smackdown softball tournament at Ridgeway Field in White Plains and won the Tournament, beating the Cheshire Wildcats 6-4 in the Championship before estimated crowds of 300 persons each day. Net proceeds go to fund the team operations with equipment and skill instruction and tournament entry fees.



Smackdown Smashettes:  2006 White Plains Explosion 14 and Unders: Front row (left) – Amanda Bellantoni, Julia Esposito, Charlotte Zietel, Becky Sewitch, Suzanne Ward, Maria Pollino Back row (left) – Grete Flack, Jaci Crews, Christy Riena, Sara McKenna, Chloe Giordano, Lauren Sputo. Photo, Courtesy White Plains Explosion


The Fastpitch Princesses from White Plains won three tournaments this year, the Fall Smackdown this past weekend, the Spring Fling in Hudson,NY and the Summer Blast in Marboro, NY.  Their victory over the worthy adversary, the Cheshire Wildcats Sunday indicated just how far the Explosion has developed since they last played the Wildcats for a title and lost. Other elite clubs participating in the Fall Smackdown were the Brooklyn Cyclones, New York Panthers from Staten Island, Long Island Chargers, Hudson Valley Hurricanes of Rockland, Jefferson Falcons from Jersey and the Junction Girls from Eastchester.


 

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TOAST OF THE TOWN

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On Absoluteness of Constitutional Amendments


January 19, 2013


Dear Editor


Regardless of the result of your poll, it is established law that constitutional amendments are not absolute.


There is the well-known exception to freedom of speech that you may not yell “Fire” in a crowded theater.


Likewise, no one is allowed to commit ritual human sacrifice no matter what their religious beliefs. This is also irrelevant to the issue of the Journal News’s gun permit map.


That is publicly available information by state law, and remains publicly available whether their map is up or not. I am not a member of the press and yet I can post the same information with impunity.


Clifford Blau


(Editor’s Note: Reading of the section of the New York State SAFE Act, page 30, sets new standards for anonymity of gun permit holders.)


 

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Commish Updates City on Ferris Avenue Shooting. Foot Patrols Added on Ferris

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. E- NEWS CONFERENCE with Deputy Commissioner Daniel Jackson. September 19, 2006: Deputy Commissioner Daniel Jackson of the White Plains Department of Public Safety updated WPCNR on the progress of the police investigation into the shooting on Ferris Avenue one week ago, where a White Plains man was chased to the corner of Richards Street and Ferris Avenue and shot in the stomach, and left in the street at 1:15 P.M. The Commissioner also addressed the ongoing Downtown City Center patrols.


 



 


Deputy Commissioner Daniel Jackson briefed WPCNR on the status of the Police hunt for the shooter (s) of a White Plains man on Ferris Avenue one week ago Monday. Commissioner Jackson responded to these WPCNR questions this afternoon: Photo, WPCNR News


 


 



 


WPCNR: Are you still not at liberty to reveal the name of the shooting
victim?


Commissioner Jackson: The victim is Louigy D’Haiti of White Plains, a Ferris Avenue resident.

WPCNR: Is the victim refusing to identify who shot him?


Commissioner Jackson: That is a detail of the investigation that we cannot discuss.

WPCNR: Are you investigating this a gang-related incident?


Commissioner Jackson: It does not appear to be gang related at this time.

WPCNR: What was the cause of the altercation?


Commissioner Jackson: Another part of the investigation.

WPCNR: Is the victim under police guard? 


Commissioner Jackson: Not at this time. 

WPCNR:  Are there any suspects at this time (even though you have not
arrested   anyone)?


Commissioner Jackson: We have suspects that we are concentrating on. 

WPCNR:  Is the Police Department increasing security in the Ferris Avenue
area   during the day? Or any other times?


Commissioner Jackson: Yes, we have added a two person foot patrol in the area at various
times of the day to address issues that have come up.

WPCNR: Ancillary questions on the City Center/downtown area:

WPCNR: Have the police settled upon a strategy that works for the downtown
City Center area?


Commissioner Jackson: We believe that our strategy in the downtown area has been working all along and the crime data supports that. However, we are always adjusting our deployment to meet any number of factors; crime trends, events, weather, public perception, etc. 

WPCNR:  Have the police increased personnel patrolling evenings in the City  Center/Renaissance Fountain area? Could you describe in a sketchy way without   compromising your patrol strategy?


Commissioner Jackson: As you have observed, we have made adjustments to our deployment in
the downtown area to address some of the issues that have been raised. We meet with the BID, neighborhood groups, tavern owners, individuals, etc. on a regular basis and hope that people would contact the Mayor’s office (422-1411) and us (422-6111) to address any concerns that they may have at any time.  We constantly evaluate and adjust our operation to address the changing dynamic of the city, will continue to do so, and welcome concerns of residents, business owners and visitors.


WPCNR: Thank you, Commissioner.

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The Bond Road Show: Connors Talks the Capital Project Referendum.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. September 19, 2006:  Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors addressed Mamaroneck Avenue School PTA-ers Tuesday evening in front of about 35 to 40 parents discussing the School Capital Improvement Project. Last week he conducted a similar pep rally at Post Road School. Connors also said that Fred Seiler, the new Assistant Superintendent for Business had begun his assignment with the district Monday replacing Terrance Schreurs, and that Mr. Schreurs’ last day was September 15.


 



 


Last week, Mr. Connors and Mr. Schreurs presented to the Post Road School PTA with very positive feedback from the crowd of over 50 parents in attendance last week. He is speaking on the need to pass the $69.6 Million Capital Project Referendum October 17. Photo, WPCNR News


 



Before the start of Mr. Connors’ Post Road School appearance one week ago, WPCNR interviewed Post Road Principal Laura Havis on why Post Road School needed to be replaced. She  explained that the Post Road School was close to 100 years old, and there was general agreement that “something had to be done.” She told me the district was forced to continually repair the school, there were continuing problems with the heating and air conditioning systems, that the size of the school classrooms did not meet state standards, that the school was not accessible to the handicapped, and that it flooded on the below street level perpetually during heavy rains.


 


 She also reminded WPCNR that the School District Capital Project Committee had “seen the school for themselves” and agreed the school needed replacing. Asked if parents had complained to her about the condition of the school, Principal Havens said, “Nobody has complained to me (about the condition of the school).”


 



Laura Havis, left, Bill Pollak, Acting President of the Board of Education, and Superintendt of Schools Timothy Connors talking about the Capital Project Referendum coming up on October 17 at Post Road School one week ago. Photo by WPCNR News


 


Superintendent Connors kicked off the meeting, telling the Post Road parents, “We need your help,” and went on to explain that the district would be taking “more time with faculty and staff” to finetune the interior design of the new Post Road School configuration. He said, “We have an estimate from our architect (Kaeyer, Garment & Davidson) in terms of what we think it will cost (to build — $38.7 Million), then once we do that we then design the school. Many of you want a say as to what that school will look like. We will form a committee to give you input.”


 


Connors said it will take two years to build the new Post Road School. He stressed that the new school was not going to happen, “if you don’t get out to vote (October 17). Then we’ll share with you what the concept is. Join us in selling this referendum to the community.”


 


The Superintendent of Schools said approval of the referendum will benefit Kindergarten through third grade grades (by increasing capacity at Post Road),  and “improve education for all of our children.” He promised an October 3 “Open House” at Post Road School in order to show the community the present state of the Post Road facility.


 


Connors noted that the Capital Project Committee formed by the Board of Education had toured Post Road School on a Saturday and by their observations , “they agreed we need to replace this school.”


 


On the Mamaroneck Avenue School renovation (estimated to cost $4.6 Million), he said, “They need additions to the core facility, and a new library.”


 


He placed the cost of the total Capital Project at $69,635,000, which will be partially defrayed by $2 Million in aid from the state and $1 Million from the Louis Cappelli Foundation, leaving the district to borrow for $66.6 Million.


 


Connors said the infrastructure improvements to all the schools (costing $16 Million) would pay for new boilers, roofs, windows, lights, new core investment. He noted that the other elementary schools, with exception of Ridgeway and Church Street School and the middle schools and high school were more than fifty years old and upgrades were needed. He hammered home the point that “all children will benefit.”


 


On the subject of the fields, Parker Stadium and Loucks Field, which are scheduled to be upgraded with synthetic turf, new metal bleachers, and press boxes and locker rooms, (at a cost of $9.6 Million), Connors said the synthetic turf would enable soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and football to be played with more games, more often, as many as four to five games a day, as well as providing more practice time than the present grass fields for a host of teams, as well as community recreation teams.


 


Connors described the field projects as “the right thing to do for the district and the city. ”


 


The cost of the capital project, Terrance Schreurs said was a 1% increase in the tax rate, little more than $4 plus per thousand dollars of assessed value.


 


Schreurs said for every year the district delays, it adds $2 Million to the cost of the project. Schreurs said that Triton Construction, the Project Manager, estimated that construction costs are rising at the rate of 8% a year.  “The time is right,” Connors added. “The best thing you can do is commit yourself to getting out the vote.”


 


During the Question and Answer period, Connors said that by building the Post Road School, and the improvements to Mamaroneck Avenue School, the district would be able keep its present class size ratio while accommodating the projected school enrollment growth of 280 more students in the elementary K-5 level. If the referendum is defeated, class size would go up, he said.


 


In response to questions, he pointed out that to renovate the present building would not only cost 78% of  the cost of building a new structure ($29 Million to $38.7 Million), but the district might have to lease space to accommodate students while renovating the Post Road structure. “It’s (the present Post Road School) not worth the investment (to renovate),” Connors said. “Cost of acquiring another site,” Connors said, “would be a million dollars an acre. The present Post Road site is the best option in terms of site and cost effectiveness.”


 


Connors appealed to the Post Road parents in attendance, to think of “What we can do to try and sell our cast to the people, that there’s something in here for everyone in the community that’s going to enrich that community.”


 


In response to a question, Connors said that the new Post Road School would pick up one class per grade (5 classes at  20 pupils each) to increase its capacity to 600 students, putting it on a level with the other four elementary schools. (As of  September 1, 2006, Post Road serves 493 students, Church Street School 626, Mamaroneck Avenue School, 605, Ridgeway School, 646, and George Washington School, 654.)


 


Bill Pollak, acting President of the Board of Education, in attendance  suggested to the parents, “How do you sell this? All people who own real estate will really benefit. If we don’t do it (vote for the referendum) for the right reasons  maybe they will do it for that reason.”


 


Connors noted to the crowd, “You have tohelp us make sure there’s a legacy for future generations.”

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Anne Reasoner, former City Budget Director Appointed County Budget Director

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. (EDITED)September 19, 2006 UPDATED 4:30 P.M. E.D.T.:  Anne Reasoner, previously Budget Director for the City of White Plains until June 13, when she departed the city under unexplained circumstances has been appointed Budget Director for the County of Westchester effective in January, according to a news release from the Westchester County Department of Communications.


 



 


Anne Reasoner. New Westchester County Budget Director. On the Money.


Photo, WPCNR News Archive.


According to the Westchester Department of Communications, Ms. Reasoner will begin  her assignment with the County October 2, at a salary of $133,235, then will step up to Budget Director in January to a salary of $150,725, more than is paid any official of the City of White Plains, except for the Commissioner of Public Works and the Commissioner of Public Safety.  In her White Plains Budget Director position, (since eliminated),  when Mrs. Reasoner departed in early June, she was earning $130,396. The official release states:




ANNE REASONER MOVES ON UP TO COUNTY BUDGET DIRECTOR: The former Budget Director for the Town of Greenwich, Stamford and White Plains, who abruptly departed White Plains in the first week in June with no official explanation from the Mayor’s Office, and her Budget Department “consolidated” under Commissioner of Finance, Gina Cuneo-Harwood, has landed perhaps the most prestigious budgeting position in the area. She is shown (looking at camera), presiding over a Budget and Finance Committee meeting in The Mayor’s Conference Room in April, 2005.  Photo, WPCNR News Archive

 


County Executive Andy Spano announced today the appointment of Anne Reasoner as the County’s new Budget Director, replacing Kathleen Carrano who announced several months ago that she would retire at the beginning of next year.


 Reasoner was chosen after an exhaustive search and selection process that began this past summer. She will began her transition into the position Oct. 2 and take over after Carrano retires early next year.


“We had wonderful, experienced candidates, and it was a difficult choice, but Anne’s knowledge, integrity and budget experience made her the right person for this job,” Spano said.


He added, “The Director of the Budget Office is a vital position both to the county government and to our taxpayers. We have a triple- A bond rating in Westchester because of the way we manage things. I am sure that with Anne, this sense of fiscal responsibility and accountability to the taxpayers will continue. It was also important, after the good relationship that Katie has had with the Board of Legislators, that I hire a professional whose knowledge of government budgets would bring a comfort level to the Legislators. Anne brings that,” Spano said.


Reasoner will work with Carrano on the 2007 budget, which will be released Nov. 15 .She will take over  effective Jan. 13, 2007.


Reasoner’s career in the budget arena began as a budget analyst at Metro-North over 20 years ago. Since then, she has held the positions of budget director for the Town of Greenwich for 13 years, deputy comptroller for the City of Stamford and most recently budget director for the City of White Plains.


 


She said she was looking forward to joining the Spano administration and following in the footsteps of Carrano. “Westchester County has a great reputation, and that certainly includes how well the Budget Office has functioned under Katie Carrano. Working for County Executive Andy Spano and with the Board of Legislators will be a great opportunity for me in light of all they have done and continue to do for the people of Westchester.”


Reasoner said that working on the 2007 budget and getting to know her staff were her first priorities. “I have worked with the county Budget Office in the past and have always found them very helpful. The work ethic they project is one that I believe I live my life by.”


Spano also announced that Reasoner will be instrumental as he seeks a replacement for Deputy Budget Director Leslie Bennett, who will also retire in January.

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Former Board member Grills BOE for Wrist-slap Conduct Pledge.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey September 18, 2006: Former School Board member Sarina Russell addressed the Board of Education last Monday evening and drew attention to the Board very quietly softening the standards of the School District Athletic and Co-Currcular Pledge.


 



Sarina Russell Criticises the Board of Education for watering down the District Co-Curricular Pledge, Monday evening, September 11. Photo, WPCNR News.


 


In light of the arrest of a Horace Greeley Cross Country Star last week, being allowed to compete in a Cross Country match Saturday (and finishing second) after being arrested and charged with unlawfully dealing with a child (a teenager at the runner’s drinking party was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning), Ms. Russell’s remarks were precognizant.


 


The new White Plains pledge that athletes and participants in WPHS sports and extra-curricular activities is significant in what it now says will happen to students caught drinking underage, drugging, or breaking laws.


 


In 2005-2006, the code read: “Upon initial disclosure (Editor’s Note: not on conviction) the resulting action can be automatic suspension from participation for a period of time to be determined by White Plains High School Administration or the Superintendent of Schools.” B. A second offense can result in automatic suspension from participation for a period of one calendar year form the date of violation. C. a third offense can result in permanent suspension from all co-curricular participation..


 


Note: These standards of behavior are in effect both in and out of school, 24 hours/day.


 


A Quiet Change


 


 


This spring this code was under consideration by the district and original writings were attempting to make it tougher and spell out circumstances of punishment. However, over the summer, it was changed (in discussion with parents, coaches, administrators, stakeholders) to only include offenses committed while participating in school team or school group-sponsored activities, or committed on school grounds,  giving the appearance of allowing students to go undisciplined for infractions like underage drinking, drug consumption that they commit on their own time. (Apparently, the Horace Greeley School District approach is being adapted.)


 


(WPCNR is not aware of when or how this was adapted, since the last time it was being discussed was in June, and it was not promulgated to the general public for comment to this reporter’s knowledge.)


 


Off Campus Behavior Not School Related Not covered.


No Automatic Suspension.


 


The new Pledge is a departure from the 2005-2006 code and would appear that WPHS students will not be considered for punishment for doing drugs, drinking underage, fighting and violent behavior as long as it is not committed on school grounds, or on school trips. A student involved in a criminal investigation for an offense in the community however will be subject to a school review and possible penalty. What constitutes a criminal investigation is not defined, such as does the investigation have to result in actual arrest and charges filed on the misbehaving student.


 


The new code eliminates the “automatic suspension” punishment regardless of conviction, and appears to expand the period of time between offense and when discipline will be administered, while setting a series of softer “punishments.” The pledge in the 2006-2007 Parent Information Handbook dealing with consequences reads:


 


“I also understand that any violation of this pledge found after a proper investigation by school authorities will result in disciplinary action, including a warning, probation, a specified period of suspension and/or permanent suspension from the athletic and/or co-curricular activity. Also, I further understand that this process applies to a student who is the subject of a criminal investigation whether in school or in the community.”


 


The automatic suspension punishment for students committing such offenses outside of school trips and team activities,  has been replaced with a mandatory referral to a district counselor for the offending student(s):


 


“I understand that I am expected to conduct myself both in school and in the community in a manner which demonstrates personal integrity and positive reflects on me and the  District. If I am involved in an incident in the community which involves drug, alcohol or violent behavior, I understand I will be referred to a district counselor.”


 


Accountability Softened.


 


Judging from the way the pledge reads now, the fate of a White Plains athlete, a member of a school civic club who held a drinking party (as the Horace Greeley  Cross Country student did last week),  and was caught would suffer no penalty, and not even be investigated by the school district.


 


Perhaps referral to a counselor will be made, however the pledge does not say it is  mandatory for the student recommended to a District counselor to see the counselor.


 


 


The new White Plains pledge does not spell out the grounds for suspension, and even states that the offending student may be given, in this order, a warning, probation, suspension. This appears to indicate the students misbehaving on school grounds, trips and school-related functions face little to worry about. Nowhere does it say in the pledge that the student offense will be put on the student’s permanent record.


 


Russell Raps the Board’s Knuckles.


 


Addressing the Board of Education last Monday night, Ms. Russell, a former BOE member, was appalled about the ambiguity of the new document and that it appears to say the district will only discipline students who violate the conditions of the pledge on school grounds, events or trips.


 


She told the Board of Education in certain terms: “It doesn’t do the job,” she said. “ It’s a cover your backside document not meant to be a punishment for children who do things they’re not supposed to do. It doesn’t send the right message. This document does not make me proud and I am angry that I have to sign something I don’t believe in.”


 


The Board of Education did not comment.


 


Reading the two pledges together, it appears the White Plains City School District is taking the Horace Greeley School District approach to student drinking parties and other offenses as long as it does not happen where the school district is in charge.


 


In the last three years, White Plains athletes and students found drinking on student trips and off-campus have received brief suspensions from participation, but have been allowed to remain on teams and in their activities, completing their seasons. Punishments for the offending students were hard to find out about except by “word of mouth.” 


 


The school district settled a multi-million damage suit stemming from a Highlands attack on a student. The amount was not disclosed by the plaintiff’s lawyer,  LeRoy Wilson, Jr.  who confirmed the settlement to WPCNR. The School District attempted to cover up the assault of the male student by other students on the Highlands campus, and did not report it to the police. The resulting law suit brought by the parent of the victim for not being informed of what had happened was settled.


 


Meanwhile Up in Chappaqua


 


The Horace Greeley School District has not disciplined the football team members allegedly involved in the party in Chappaqua hosted by the charged Cross Country runner. Media reports indicate the football team members at the Cross Country star’s party will not be suspended either.


 


It is interesting to note that the Horace Greeley student who hostessed the drinking party and was charged with unlawfully dealing with a child, told reporters after her Cross Country match the Saturday following the party, that “everything’s been blown out of proportion.”


 


Reading the two pledges together, it appears the White Plains City School District is taking the Horace Greeley School District approach to student drinking parties and other offenses as long as it does not happen where the school district is in charge.


 


The two Co-Curricular documents follow in their entirety:


 


2005-2006 Student Code of Conduct Participation in Co-Curricular and Athletic Programs:


 


As a candidate for participation in co-curricular programs at White Plains High School, it is our hope that you will take advantage of the school’s numerous opportunities. It is very important that the student and parents/guardians read and understand the essential policies involved relative to participation. We view it as an honor and a privilege to represent White Plains High School as a member of a school sports team or student activity and thus, by accepting this honor, the student must accept the responsibilities that accompany it. These regulations have been established for the benefit of those who participate as representatives of our school in a variety of teams and clubs.


 


Each member must do the following to maintain eligibility to participate in co-curricular activities:



  1. Abide by the rules and regulation as specified by the District, the school and for athletes, the New York State Public High Schools Athletic Association.
  2. Abide by all club activity rules as specified by the club advisor and the Student Activities Coordinator, and for athletes, all team and training rules as specified by the coach and Athletic Director.
  3. Comply with academic eligibility requirements as established by White Plains High School
  4. Demonstrate good citizenship and appropriate behavior at all times as a representative of the school and community.
  5. Use transportation provided by the school traveling to and from all events. (Exception: advanced Transportation Release Form is available in Student Activities or Athletic Office.

 


 


The following actions will be taken when a student is found in possession of controlled substances, weapons, or is using or selling tobacco (excluding non-athletes), alcohol (except as part of a religious ceremony), marijuana, concaine, steroids, or any other controlled substance:


 



  1. Upon initial disclosure, the resulting action can be automatic suspension from participation for a period of time to be determined by White Plains High School Administration.
  2. A second offense can result in automatic suspension from participation for a period of one calendar year from the date of violation.
  3. A third offense can result in permanent suspension from all co-curricular participation.

 


NOTE: These standards of behavior are in effect both in and out of school, including 24 hours/day.


Due process review shall be afforded to all students, and an investigation of circumstances will be completed in a timely fashion. ANY VIOLATION OF THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN APPROPRIATE ACTION TAKEN BY THE PRINCIPAL, THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, THE STUDENT ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR AND ADMINISTRATIVE DESIGNEE DEPENDING ON THE SERIOUS NESS OF THE SITUATION AND THE FINDINGS OF THE INVESTIGATION THE ADMINSTRATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EXCEED OR REDUCE THE EXTENT OF THE DISCIPLINARY ACTION TO BE TAKEN.


 


(Parent and athlete are expected and required to sign and return the pledge)


 


The 2006-2007 ATHLETIC AND CO-CURRICULAR PLEDGE


 


The athletic and co-curricular activities at the Middle School and High School are integral parts of the overall educational program of the White Plains City School District. Participation in these activities is a privilege granted to students who maintain scholarship and citizenship within the rules and regulations of the District. The  District believes that it is imperative that parents and the school district work together to set high expectations for student behavior both on and off campus.


 


The District expects that I will uphold the high standards of academic eligibility and abide by the rules specified by my coach/advisor. As a participant in an athletic and/or co-curricular activity, I will comply with all the provisions of the District’s Code of Conduct, and I pledge as follows:


 




    • I will not possess, consume, be under the influence of, and/or distribute alcohol, tobacco and/or unlawful drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine or other controlled substances on school grounds or at school-sponsored events and trips.
    • I will not engage in hazing, harassment, fighting, theft, vandalism or violent conduct on school grounds or at school-sponsored events and trips.
    • I will not possess, consume and/or distribute performance-enhancing drugs or steroids at any time.

 


I also understand that any violation of this pledge found after a proper investigation by school authorities will result in disciplinary action, including a warning, probation, a specified period of suspension and/or permanent suspension from the athletic and/or co-curricular activity. Also, I further understand that this process applies to a student who is the subject of a criminal investigation whether in school or in the community.


 


I understand that I am expected to conduct myself both in school and in the community in a manner which demonstrates personal integrity and positively reflects on me and the District. If I am involved in an incident in the community which involves drug, alcohol or violent behavior, I understand I will be referred to a district counselor.


 


I have read the above and accept responsibility for my actions under this pledge


 


(Parent and student are expected to sign the pledge)

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DOT Perpetuates Dangerous Entrance onto 287 Westbound

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WPCNR JamBusters. News Comment By John F. Bailey. September 18, 2006:  It’s gone on long enough, Department of Transportation! Let’s wake up and serve the public instead of driving White Plains drivers insane — and creating hazardous traffic conditions and doing nothing about it.



The tear-your-hair-out, take-your-life-in-your-hands entrance Westbound onto I 287 in White Plains adjacent Ebersole Skating Rink for motorists departing White Plains via Westchester Avenue,  Broadway and Bloomingdale Road continues into its fourth week. (Picture taken September 11, 2006.) Where’s a State Trooper where you need one?Photo by WPCNR Undercover Traffic


To avoid this absurd boondoggle, motorists leaving White Plains on Westchester Avenue, or leaving The Westchester Mall, should continue eastbound on Westchester Avenue until they reach Bryant Avenue. You make a left on Bryant, cross over I-287, and make a left onto Westchester Avenue, and take the Westchester Avenue fork, instead of the I-684 entrance. Continue about a quarter of a mile and you will see a clear exit to I-287 West, just before the Exit 7 mess above. You’ll be able to safely get up to speed in a normal entry lane, and avoid about a 20 minute delay in rush hour.


Motorists are forced into a three-lane merge into one to enter the Interstate adjacent to Ebersole Skating Rink, however they have no merge lane. They must make a full stop and start from a standstill to enter the stream of vechicles  However, does the DOT and New York State station a New York State Trooper Car to supervise the merge — and act as an slow down to traffic — as New Jersey and Connecticut routinely do — no. 


 


Partly in response to WPCNR pointing out this absurd traffic condition three weeks ago, the DOT has put up two electric signs urging motorists on the I-287 Westbound to “Slow Down,” that’s it. There is also an electric sign on the ramp leading to the bridge saying “Ramp Work — Use Alternate Routes.” What a joke? How about saying what the alternate routes are?


 I hereby apply to replace the $100,000-a-year patronage hack who writes the copy for the DOT signs. A chimpanzee could do it better. 


How about writing: “Alt to I-287, Straight, Left @ Bryant Ave” on the sign off Bloomingdale Avenue? How about on the “Slow Sign,”  writing “Traffic entering right. Prepare to Stop” — as they do in Pennsylvania.


The way the DOT is managing thisWhite Plains, roadwork leaves me little confidence in their ability to manage a Tappan Zee makeover, a high speed rail construction on I-287, or anything of the sort.


And, please, could the New York State Troopers do just a little traffic management on major construction projects where motorists are subjected to treacherous merges? They are conspicuously absent at construction projects on major arteries across the state. New York State Troopers have been notoriously underutilized (if present at all), when construction projects not only create dangerous situations, but create long delays debilitating the mental abilities and sanity of drivers. 


 It is high time the DOT and the State Troopers worked together to manage construction projects safely and sanely for motorists by assigning state troopers to police and supervise merges.


However I would also single out the NYPD and the Port Authority Police for similar neglect of traffic management on construction in and around New York City environs. (As a person who drove through the decade long Bruckner Traffic Circle reconstruction, I have credentials to say this.) Port Authority mismanagement of toll plaza traffic patterns is legendary. Have you ever seen Port Authority Police conducting traffic direction in a New York Toll Plaza? I never have.


 

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Register for Westchester Marathon October 8

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. From Westchester County Recreation & Parks. September 18, 2006:  Registration is now open for the second annual Westchester Marathon on the Bronx River Parkway Sunday, October 8, beginning at the Westchester County Center in White Plains 

Presented by Westchester County Parks and Genesis Adventures, the event includes both a full marathon (26.2 miles), a half-marathon (13.1 miles), and, new this year, a quarter-marathon (6.5 miles).


 There will also be a special Fit Kids Run for children.  



The course starts at the Westchester County Center and heads south on the Bronx River Parkway to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers, where runners will move to the northbound side of the parkway. Those running the half-marathon will end at the County Center, while those running the full marathon will continue for a second loop; those running the quarter-marathon run the course halfway in both directions. The course is certified by the USA Track & Field; USA T & F Rules of Competition will be in force during the race. Walkers are welcome to join the half-marathon portion of the race.


Future marathon competitors ages 12 and under can compete in a special ½-mile Fit Kids Run, beginning at 11 a.m. that day, at the County Center. Registration for this race is free, but you must pre-register by logging on to www.westchestermarathon.com. The race is sponsored by the Simon Kidgits Club and Westchester Track Club and is part of the County Health Department’s Fit Kids program.


The marathon begins at 8 a.m.; half-marathon at 8:30 a.m.; quarter marathon at 9 a.m.; and the Fit Kids Run at 11 a.m. Awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.


Registration fee is $85 for the marathon, $55 for the half-marathon and $50 for the quarter-marathon; Fee includes a medal for all who complete the race, along with a tee shirt and “goodie bag.” Participants must be 14 years of age or older.

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