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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By State Assemblyman Adam T. Braldey. December 24, 2005: The 2005 legislative session began a process of substantial reform in Albany. Meeting in open conference committees, the Assembly and Senate delivered the first on-time budget in two decades and the Assembly passed several important new laws to improve the way Albany does business. While there is still more work to be done, this year’s accomplishments were a good beginning.

In an effort to make Assembly proceedings more efficient and open, two rounds of rules changes were passed this year. These bipartisan reforms helped make the legislative process stronger by effectively ending empty seat voting; increasing debate; creating a streamline review of the budget; helping rank-and-file members advance legislation; and strengthening the standing committee process.  We need to build on these improvements by providing unedited gavel-to-gavel television coverage of legislative sessions on local cable channels across the state, much like C-SPAN does for Congress.

Cracking down on procurement lobbying

Billions of taxpayer dollars are spent each year on lobbying for state and local government contracts, but for years there was little or no oversight of the behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts. A new law passed this year increased accountability and scrutiny on how contracts are awarded (Ch. 1 of 2005). This bill closes lobbying loopholes and helps assure taxpayers that their money is being spent on legitimate and cost-effective projects.

Previous lobbyists were not required to disclose procurement lobbying activities. The reform law expands the definition of lobbying to include any effort to influence the action of public officials regarding procurement of commodities, services, construction and the sale or purchase of land. The definition also includes the adoption or content of an executive order, a municipal resolution and tribal-state compacts. 

Penalties for lobbyists who violate the restricted contact period include possible debarment from procurement lobbying, and up to a $50,000 civil penalty if the lobbyist lobbies on procurement contracts during a period of debarment. Vendors are in jeopardy of losing their contracts as well as possible debarment for violations of these new measures.

Reforming New York’s public authorities

Scandals and fiscal mismanagement have plagued New York’s public authorities. The Assembly passed legislation, which I sponsored, to improve oversight of the state’s nearly 900 public authorities- including the MTA- and public benefit corporations that operate largely without public scrutiny. Authorities need to be reined in and made accountable.  This legislation (A.9007) will do so by making sure watchdogs pay close attention to ethics and spending.

These reform measures will increase accountability, improve public authority operations and ultimately save tax dollars. The Assembly has taken the lead in making sure that these so-called shadow governments are brought out into the open, and now we need the governor to sign this measure into law and put these reforms into effect.

Reforming the state budget process

Although voters ultimately voted down a constitutional amendment to reform New York’s budget process, I will continue working toward a bipartisan compromise that the public will support.

I believe any budget reform legislation must include efforts to:

·        implement a contingency budget if one is not passed by the deadline;

·        require a two-year appropriation for education aid, helping schools stay a step ahead by finally giving them the information they need, when they need it; and

·        create an independent budget office to provide nonpartisan revenue numbers.

Reforming state government will continue

While we must continue working to reform the budget process, we must also ensure delivery of another on time budget.  I vow to work hard to continue making New York government more open and efficient.

Adam Bradley

Assemblyman 89th District (White Plains)

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WPCNR The Homeless News. By John F. Bailey. December 22, 2005 UPDATED 6:45 P.M. E.S.T.: Mayor Joseph Delfino called today for Westchester County to continue to keep the Westchester County Airport Drop-In Shelter for the population of “hardcore homeless” the county was planning to house at 85 Court Street (adjacent Mulino’s Restaurant in White Plains,  and called for the county and its communities to develop a comprehensive plan with dealing for their individual homeless that end up in White Plains seeking services, but did not supply specifics of what he was talking about.  

The Mayor’s Executive Officer contacted WPCNR to make clear after  the Mayor was not recommending a central facility specifically suitable for dealing with the hardcore homeless,appropriate “central facility,” but emphasized communities and the county should talk about the services individual communities needed to supply their hardcore homeless persons’ needs and how that could be achieved.

Paul Wood, the City Executive Officer, said he had spoken with Larry Schwartz, the County Deputy Mayor and said “we’d welcome a request to meet”  to discuss the situation regarding the plan to move the homeless to 85 Court Street. Wood was surprised when he learned through the WPCNR report from Bill Ryan, County Legislator, that Schwartz was going to contact the Mayor to invite him (the Mayor) to whether he wanted the county’s help in dealing with the homeless.

 “I don’t understand why they are shifting this responsibility to the Mayor. These are not all White Plains people. I also was told by Rick Ammirato (of the BID) who was at the meeting that when the BID asked why the Airport facility was being closed was according to Mr. Schwartz and the Department of Social Services, said the Mayor wanted it closed. That is not true. Last summer when Mrs. Russo was murdered in The Galleria, the Mayor advocated for a place for the homeless to stay during the day. The Mayor never asked for the airport drop-in shelter to be closed.”

Ammirato, too, in an interview with WPCNR, said “No one has ever explained why the airport shelter has to be closed.”

Ammirato, the BID’s executive Director also suggested that the new Valhalla Grasslands facility could be split between those homeless in the DSS-assisted programs and those who were resisting them.

Centrally located Appropriate Facility Suggested by the Mayor.

Wood said Mayor Delfino suggests  the county government work with all Westchester Communities (whose homeless citizens wander to White Plains for services) to develop a comprehesive plan together  to serve their hardcore homeless “to deal with the needs of people from each community.

David Maloney of the Mayor’s Office told WPCNR that DSS could be more welcoming to the homeless. He cited as an example that New Orleans residents who have come to White Plains when they went to the Department of Social Services for help complained about the service and demeanor in which they were treated. (Earlier, WPCNR had attributed this to Mr. Wood, but it was actually Mr. Maloney to supplied this insight into DSS’s handling of the homeless.)

Asked if the Mayor would be willing to work on his own to develop another facility outside the BID district or inside the BID district within White Plains to house the homeless now rounded up each evening at Lexington and Main and transported to the airport by the County, or even to call Mr. Ryan and work together with him Mr. Wood said, “I don’t know, possibly.”

Ryan Opposes 85 Court Location: Lacks Plan Detail.

County Legislator Bill Ryan, who did not attend the meeting this morning with County Deputy County Executive Larry Schwartz, the Department of Social Services and the BID,  was asked late this afternoon by WPCNR what his position was on the 85 Court Street location. (It was not clear whether Mr. Ryan was not invited, or had a conflict, or chose not to attend.)

Ryan said, “I’m opposed to the 85 Court Street location. Though I am willing to listen to whatever the DSS plan is. The plan is not clear at this time. I talked to Tom Roach of the Common Council and Mr. Roach and the Council need to be filled in on the plan, too, and decide whether this is appropriate or whether other locations might be more suitable”

Asked if he would be calling on the Mayor to work with him on finding a solution to the overnight hardcore homeless problem, Ryan said he would do that and was willing to do that. He promised to call the Mayor.  “Maybe if he has not called me by tommorrow, I’ll call and wish him a Merry Christmas.”

Ryan: DSS did not reach out to White Plains Hospitals.

Ryan also told WPCNR that he asked if the Department of Social Services had explored White Plains alternatives or asked New York Presbyterian Hospital, (a White Plains institution specializing in the mentally ill, addiction and other behavioral afflictions), if NYPH would be a resource who could share in handling the hardcore homeless, many of whom are mentally ill.

 Ryan said that DSS told him they had not contacted New York Presbyterian Hospital or any other medical facility for their suggestions on dealing with the chronic hardcore homeless who refuse DSS help.

Other hospitals that are available in the immediate White Plains are

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. By John F. Bailey. December 22, 2005: According to County Legislator Bill Ryan, speaking to WPCNR a little before 1 P.M. today, a meeting was held between Deputy County Executive Larry Schwartz, the Department of Social Services and the White Plains BID this morning on the subject of the county housing hardcore homeless persons in the basement of  85 Court Street, home of the Department of Social Services. Ryan said Mr. Schwartz told him that the White Plains BID made it clear they did not want these homeless housed in White Plains anywhere, and expressed concern about the 85 Court Street location and security concerns.  

Ryan reports that Larry Schwartz said he (Schwartz) would contact the Mayor of White Plains to see how the county “could assist the Mayor” in the housing of these homeless, and what the Mayor wanted the County to do.

 Ryan also said at the present time, he (Ryan) was willing to work with the Mayor to assist in the solution of where to house these homeless, if the Mayor no longer wanted the county to bus the homeless and remove them from the city streets evenings. Ryan added that Mr. Schwartz had placed a call to the Mayor’s office after the meeting, offering the county’s assistance and seeking the Mayor’s input on where to house the homeless who consistently refuse county services..

At the present time, Ryan says the county is standing by its plan to place the homeless in 85 Court Street, pending discussions with the Mayor. Ryan did not indicate that any other locations were recommended by either the BID or the DSS.

WPCNR called Paul Wood, the city Executive Officer for Mayor Delfino, to see what the Mayor’s reaction was to Mr. Schwartz’s call but as of 2 P.M. Mr. Wood has not returned our call. WPCNR also asked Mr. Wood if the Mayor would develop a place in White Plains to house the homeless at city expense at a location not owned by the county, taking over responsibility for the homeless at night.

Ryan said he was not at the meeting and there was no official representative from the Mayor’s office, but this was what Mr. Schwartz told him. Ryan also reported that County Executive Spano was “out of the country,” and Mr. Schwartz was managing the County Government in his absence.

The Mayor’s Office said last night they had not been invited to any meeting. However, the Downtown Business Improvement District that was at the meeting has often been known to reflect the Mayor’s position on policy.

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Allan Gruet, Westchester Broadway Theatre. (EDITED) December 21, 2005: Westchester Broadway Theatre turns to the American Family for its upcoming brand-new, never-performed-before comedy-musical show to usher in the New Year, Are We There Yet? opening December 28.  The title comes from the opening scene which features Mom, Dad, and two young children on a road trip, and the inevitable question, ‘are we there yet?’

Kevin Parseau, Susan Haefner, Duke Lafoon and Beverly Ward (clockwise from upper left)Take You Down the Road of Life with the American Family in Are We There Yet? The new WBT  musical first engages every parent everywhere with an interminable car ride with the parents taking the kids to Disney World for a family vacation, and ends with the kids driving the parents to Florida to retire; however, the title is just a figurative hook for everything that happens in between, the theme being that ‘life is all about the journey.’ The result is a lively musical that explores the state of a present-day family – and all sorts of families in all of their variety, diversity, hilarity, and dynamics dysfunction. Photo, Courtesy Westchester Broadway Theatre By John Vecchiolla.

Allan Gruet, WBT scribe wrangler, describes the show as being  “In the tradition  of the long running Off Broadway musical  I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, with its theme of dating and modern romantic relationships, Are We There Yet? takes a  humorous look at the modern American nuclear family. This delightful theatrical treat pokes fun at kids and their parents, and is appropriate for teenagers, parents, and even grand-parents.”

A New Look with New Performers

WBT has engaged a cast of national actors to introduce the show: Duke Lafoon (who starred previously at WBT in the role of George Bailey in A Wonderful Life), Susan Haefner, Beverly Ward and Kevin Pariseau.

Susan Haefner is making her WBT debut. No stranger to Broadway, she’s appeared in 42nd Street, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and State Fair. She appeared in the National Tour/West End productions of Damn Yankees with Jerry Lewis.

Beverly Ward joins Ms. Haefner in appearing at WBT for the first time, having appeared in the National Tours of Showboat and Crazy for You. She was nominated for the Helen Hayes Award as Best Actress and appeared in Crazy for You in London’s West End.

Kevin Pariseau, will also be making his first appearance on the WBT “square” and  has appeared in the Off-Broadway productions of Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. He has played Santa Claus in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at  Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House, and Max in Lend Me a Tenor, opposite the legendary Mickey Rooney.

The Creators.

 “Are We There Yet?” was written by the team of James Hindman, Ray Roderick and Cheryl Stern, with music by John Glaudini, with additional music and lyrics provided by Tom Kochan and Yvonne Adrian.

Among the musical highlights are: “Cause I’m a Mommy,” which is about juggling cooking, carpooling, and child crises; hillbilly cousins twanging out “Blood Is Thicker Than Water,” as they mooch off rich relatives; “Whiplash: Divorce Date,” about the second time around; a touching female duet, “I Know She’s Out There,” and “Baby Rap,” an infant rising out of his crib for a first look at the world. The show is a good mix of comedy, pathos, and lovely haunting ballads. This fresh, rib-tickling, heart–warming musical romp will have you leaving the theatre humming and feeling better about being human. As the show points out, you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family.

For more information on the dinner-show combinations of Are We There Yet? debuting December 28, and running through January 21,  dial 914-592-2222, or go to www.broadwaytheatre.com

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WPCNR BACKROOM BULLETIN. By John F.Bailey. December 20, 2005: There is a Common Council palace coup in process.

There is a quiet effort by supporters of Councilperson Rita Malmud to elect Ms. Malmud Common Council President bypassing fellow Democrat Councilman Arnold Bernstein, who is in line for the quasi-ceremonial, quasi-whip position. When asked by WPCNR if she was being considered for Council President over her colleague, and would she want the position Ms. Malmud said, “You’ll have to wait for the official statement (on January 3)” twice.

Meanwhile, Glen Hockley, Councilman-elect, a close friend of Mr. Bernstein, asked directly by WPCNR if Ms. Malmud was being touted for Common Council President and if she is making efforts to usurp Mr. Bernstein’s right to the position, Hockley said, “There is some truth to that.”

Arnold Bernstein, center on the Night of His Election, November 2003, now in line for Common Council President Photo, WPCNR News Archive 

Rita Malmud: Quiet Contender for  Seeking Another Term as Common Council President? Photo, WPCNR News Archive.

The position of Common Council President, who basically serves as a “whip” to the council and as an interface with the Mayor’s Office which controls the agenda, traditionally is rotated on a yearly basis. Mr. Bernstein, elected by White Plains in 2003, is now about to begin his third year on the council is line to be the next Council President to succeed Councilman Tom Roach and Benjamin Boykin.

The interest in Council President this year stems from the fact that the Common Council President succeeds the Mayor should the Mayor become incapacited. Mr. Hockley said the Mayor was “in excellent health.” And, though the Mayor was hospitalized for reported pneumonia in August, he has not shown any signs of backing away from his fastpaced tightly packed public appearances, meetings, and schedule. He is easily the most visible, hands-on Mayor in Westchester County.

Asked today if Mr. Bernstein wanted the Common Council President position, Mr. Bernstein said “Absolutely!”

He said he wanted to improve communication between the Mayor and the Common Council, meeting more with the Mayor  himself personally each month than the present twice a month. He said he wanted to promote more frequent communication between members of the Common Council meeting together in small groups to discuss issues more.

“I also want to improve communication between us (The Common Council) and the public,” Bernstein said “I want to take government to the people more and meet with neighborhood organizations and community groups.”

Mr. Hockley discussing Mrs. Malmud’s interest in taking the Council Presidency (which she has, WPCNR believes held three times), said “Arnie is next in line. I’m hoping he will be elected unanimously. He’s qualified. He’s been successful in business. He’s been President of organizations. He’s very thorough.”

Hockley said if the other members of the council were to bypass Mr. Bernstein in favor of someone else, that “It would be totally disrespectful of him as an elected official to not support him.”