THE WORLD READS WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER — 8,324,077 VISITS IN ONE YEAR | 2,905,611 VISITORS VISIT 8,324,077 TIMES 3 TIMES EVERY DAY IN ONE YEAR. HIGHEST ACTIVITY IN WPCNR HISTORY.White PlainsCitizeNetReporter lifted its worldwide visits from unique visitors to wpcnr.com to 8,324,077,a 1,306,419 increase in visits in one year from 7,017,658 visits to the site last year which covers White Plains and Westchester County. The 8,324,077 visits were made by 2,005,611 unique visitors who visited wpcnr an average of 3 visits a day. ON JULY 20- -2026 visitors have accessed wpcnr and made 3,072 visits an average of 1.6 visits. In the last week 33,495 individual vistors made 54,458 visits, averaging 1.6 visits. In the last month, 152,940 visitors recorded 229,338 visits (1.5 visits)

SEPTEMBER 28– COUNTY EXECUTIVE CANDIDATE FORUM COMING UP OCT 20. COUNTY CLERK FORUM CANCELLED

Posted on September 28, 2025 by John Bailey

The League of Women Voters of Westchester (LWVW), a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, will be hosting a moderated candidate forum on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 7pm via Zoom Webinar for the Westchester County Executive race.

An LWV-trained moderator from outside of Westchester County will pose questions to Ken Jenkins (D) and Christine Sculti (R), who are running for the office of Westchester County Executive in the November general election. Questions to be posed at the forum will be finalized in advance but not made available to the candidates or any of their staff members.

The League of Women Voters of Westchester also announces that it will not be holding a Candidate Forum for the Westchester County Clerk race. Thomas M. Roach (D) had agreed to participate in a virtual candidate forum but Sheila Marcotte (R) declined LWVW’s invitation, citing a full calendar. A forum with only one candidate present is an “empty chair” meeting and is prohibited by LWVW policy.

“LWV-sponsored candidate forums are conducted in a way that neither promotes nor advances one candidate over another and provide an important vehicle for the public to hear directly from candidates. LWVW regrets that this proposed voter education event will not be occurring,” stated Susan Maggiotto, LWVW Candidate Forum Chair and LWV of the Rivertowns President.

LWVW strives to run forums in respectful environments that encourage civil discourse in a nonpartisan format with questions that have been carefully vetted, aim to avoid duplication, and address as wide a range of topics suited to the office sought. LWVW is disappointed that voters in Westchester County will have no such opportunity to learn more about the candidates running for Westchester County Clerk.

The eight local leagues within LWVW will be hosting candidate forums for contested seats on the Westchester County Board of Legislators and in the many city, town, and village races. For a list of upcoming candidate forums, to register to attend the County Executive candidate forum, or to submit a question to be posed to the County Executive Candidates, visit tinyurl.com/LWVWCandidateForum.

Westchester residents are also encouraged to consult Vote411.org for additional information about the upcoming election. This online tool provides voter registration status, polling location, what will be on the ballot, candidate responses to questions, and much more.

LWVW reminds all registered voters to cast their ballots on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, or during Early Voting October 25 – November 2, 2025. Democracy is not a spectator sport!

SEPTEMBER 28–LETTER FROM LATIMER

Posted on September 28, 2025 by John Bailey

Dear Neighbor,

I was in DC for the last few weeks and while some work got completed, I’ve been frustrated by the policy of Republican majority and President Trump to not negotiate as we get closer to a potential government shutdown. My colleagues and I are pushing to lower costs for families as we fund the government. I have some updates on that but first, I wanted to wish you a happy Fall and a Happy New Year for everyone who celebrated Rosh Hashanah this week.

Update from DC

One of my two Congressional Committees is the Foreign Affairs Committee. Last week we spent almost 35 hours in a meeting going through several bills and hundreds of amendments that would make up the State Department Reauthorization. I believe in the good work our State Department does to increase America’s soft power abroad. And like many of you, I have been disgusted by the policies of this Administration to gut this agency and centuries of work. While there were some policy proposals that I agreed with, the overall bill is not one I could support, as it will undermine the work of the State Department.

The other big legislative action last week was a vote on a Continuing Resolution as we get closer to our government shutting down. As a former County Executive, I understand the importance of getting the bills paid and keeping the lights on. Responsible governance matters. But I could not stand by while Affordable Care Act tax credits will expire, raising premiums by $2,890 for 10,000 of our neighbors (according to Joint Economic Committee Democrats). And millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid will have that healthcare taken away because of cuts included in the Big Ugly Law. So, I voted NO on the Continuing Resolution.

At a time when families and small businesses are feeling the squeeze of rising costs throughout the economy, we must act to extend these tax credits while working to fund the government. We need a commitment to do bipartisan negotiations on these matters — not simply imposing policies that are supported by the GOP majority and President Trump.

I want to hear from you.

Government shutdown

Do you think Democrats and Republicans should come together to prevent a government shutdown?

YES

Taking this survey will sign you up for future news and updates from our office.

Last week I met with several local members of the Teamsters including President Louis Picani and Vice President Dominick Cassanelli from the Teamsters Local 456. We were able to discuss a number of local and federal issues, including how this Administration’s economic policies have affected union members and how Congress can continue to support workers.

At Home: Westchester and the Bronx

On Thursday I joined my colleague Rep. Dan Goldman and Protect Our Care New York for a virtual press conference to talk to about the ACA tax credits expiring and what it will mean for our state.

On Wednesday, I joined local elected officials for a ribbon cutting at the new mixed-income building in New Rochelle, The Leaf. It will have 477 units, including 119 for residents earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income, and is walkable to the New Rochelle rail and bus center.

We know that our region needs more housing, and this project is a great investment in New Rochelle and our district. Our local and state governments have a clear commitment to creating and preserving affordable housing options. With projects like The Leaf coming online, we are closer to our goal of ensuring every New Yorker has a place to call home.

Casework Corner

Mobile office hours

Our stellar constituent services team will be in the following communities for Mobile Office Hours in the next few weeks. These are in addition to both of our offices in White Plains and Co-op City being open every weekday from 9am-5pm.

September 30th: Yonkers Public Library – Riverfront from 1:00pm – 5:00pm
October 3rd: New Rochelle Public Library from 2:00pm – 5:00pm

At both mobile office hours and through outreach to our offices, our casework team has helped over 800 residents with issues related to federal agencies and benefits. Here are a few recent examples of how they can assist you or someone you know:

Social Security Disability Backpay (New Rochelle Resident): A constituent awaiting retroactive disability payments for over two years received $25,036.75 in backpay after our intervention, providing critical financial relief.
DACA Work Authorization (Bronx Resident): Our office assisted a DACA recipient whose work authorization renewal was delayed. By expediting the employment authorization card with USCIS, we ensured uninterrupted employment.
Immigration Visa Scheduling (New Rochelle Resident): Advocacy with the National Visa Center enabled a New Rochelle constituent’s spouse to secure an immigrant visa interview in the U.S. Embassy in Honduras, allowing the family to move forward and the spouse to begin her career.
GLOBAL ENTRY Approval (White Plains Resident): By submitting a congressional inquiry, we confirmed the approval of a White Plains constituent’s GLOBAL ENTRY application, with the membership card now on its way.
USCIS Lost Green Card (Mount Vernon Resident): A constituent’s green card was lost after mailing. Our office submitted a USCIS inquiry and assisted the family in applying for a replacement.

Texting sign up

In addition to promoting upcoming Mobile Office Hours via this newsletter and on our social media, my office has started sending out text messages to residents in the surrounding towns. We hope this is another way to keep you informed of what I am working on in DC and at home. If you would like to join our texting list, you can sign up here: https://latimer.house.gov/services/subscribe-texting

Floor Speeches

Social Post of the Week

Stay in Touch

Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Twitter/X and YouTube to stay up-to-date on what I am working on. If this newsletter was sent to you by someone else, you can sign up for it here: https://latimer.house.gov/contact/newsletter-subscribe

As always, reach out to my offices with concerns or questions. We are here to serve you!

More soon.

Sincerely,

Rep. George Latimer

Member of Congress

SEPTEMBER 26– “I CAN’T PAY THOUSANDS AT THIS STAGE OF LIFE” WESTCHESTER TALKS UTILITY RATE HIKES

Posted on September 26, 2025 by John Bailey

BOARD HOSTS NYSEG RATE HIKE RESPONSE SESSION

BEDFORD HILLS, NY — Northern Westchester residents blasted rising energy delivery costs and their impact on wallets at the Westchester County Board of Legislators’ first New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) Public Input Session at the Bedford Hills Community House on Thursday night.

The meeting was Board’s latest effort to amplify the voices of county residents suffering under utility price hikes.

Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “We are united against NYSEG’s massive rate hike proposals. NYSEG has increased energy delivery costs six years in a row with no relief in sight for residents already struggling with mounting living expenses. The Board provides these community sessions to ensure the needs of Northern Westchester families and seniors are heard by PSC decision-makers.”

Legislator Erika L. Pierce (D- Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) said, “This week, the Board held its first of two public listening sessions on the proposed NYSEG delivery rate increase, this time in my hometown. I know that residents are extremely upset by the proposed delivery rate changes, especially in light of past increases, so what we heard last night came as no surprise to me. I know as well that NYSEG’s billing practices have long been a huge problem for residents. I am grateful to everyone who turned out.”

Town of Bedford’s Deputy Supervisor Stephanie McCaine joined legislators as residents took the mic and spoke of not being able to pay bills that have increased consistently over the last six years. One NYSEG customer said, “I’m retired, and at 76, I saw a 67% increase on my bill with no explanation. I can’t pay thousands at this stage of my life.”

NYSEG is proposing excessive delivery rate hikes that would drive up average residential electricity bills by 23.7% and gas bills by 33.5% in 2026—adding to utility costs that have increased each of the last six years.

The Board is fighting back. These community forums are legislators’ latest effort to combat soaring utility rates. In August, the Board approved the County’s intervention in NYSEG’s rate case before the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in energy cost decisions.

Residents are encouraged to submit written comments directly to the PSC here.

In addition, since the PSC will not be holding in-person hearings in Westchester, the Board urges County NYSEG ratepayers to participate in virtual hearings on October 21 at 1 PM or 6 PM. Follow this link to register.

The meeting replay will be posted here when available.

Learn more here about the Board’s fight against NYSEG rate hikes, including our second Public Input Session on October 7, at 7 PM in Somers.