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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS.By John F. Bailey. March 21, 2013:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a budget agreement with the legislature yesterday with a round of ballyhoo promising tax rebates to citizens, increased business aid and education aid.

Fred Seiler, Assistant Superintendent for Business for the White Plains School District, told WPCNR , he is waiting to hear details about the additional $1 billion in aid promised in the Governor’s message. He is not optimistic that this will mean substantial increase in White Plains aid, since it is Seiler’s understanding the aid would go to more “high taxed districts,” and unwealthy districts.

 White Plains is considered a wealthy district, Seiler said downplaying the possibility of enough new school aid to reduce the present budget being proposed, a $192.5 Million all time record budget, calling for a 3.1% school tax increase and a 2.2 % increase in the levy.  Seiler also said the Cuomo-legislature agreement to smooth out pension responsibilities, saving teacher and employee pension costs worried Seiler, who said, “you either pay now, or pay later.”

The Governor’s letter to New Yorkers on the budget did not state the fate of the governor’s proposed 6% cut to the Office for Persons With Developmental Disabilities.

White Plains- District 93 Assemblyman David Buchwald’s Communications Director told WPCNR this morning, there is still a possibility the cut may be softened in this statement:

“I got your message, thanks for reaching out. Regarding OPWDD, that part of the budget bills has not yet been finalized — work is still being done on how to intergrate new federal money into services for the disabled.”

The Governor’s Office issued this statement to New Yorkers this morning:

Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders have announced an agreement on the budget for 2013-2014 that closes a $1.3 billion deficit, creates jobs, and cuts taxes for middle class families and small businesses.

This agreement puts the state on track to pass an on-time or early budget for the third year in a row – this hasn’t happened in almost 30 years.

Over the last two years, New York State has created more than 300,000 new private sector jobs with 17 consecutive months of job growth. This year’s budget continues to focus on growing our economy, including cutting taxes significantly for small businesses and middle class families.

The budget launches several other critical job-creating initiatives:

• Initial funding for 10 high-tech Innovation Hot Spots across the state to incubate businesses
  
• Workforce training program to link our SUNY and CUNY community colleges with employers
  
• A third round of the Regional Economic Development Councils

The budget also includes landmark reforms to give our students a top-quality education, including:

• Full-day pre-k programs, especially for higher need school districts
  
• Extended learning time for students
  
• Community schools that integrate social, health and other services
  
• Increased standards for teacher certification and rewards for high-performing teachers

And finally, this budget raises the minimum wage to $9 over the next three years because $7.25 an hour is unfair, unlivable and unsustainable.

This year’s budget proves once again that by working together, government can deliver results for the people of New York and continue the work of growing our economy and creating jobs.

New York is rising and coming back stronger than ever before.

Sincerely,

The Office of the Governor

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. By John F. Bailey. March 20, 2013 UPDATED 8:20 P.M. E.D.T.:

 Donna Greene, Deputy Director of Communications, Westchester County, told WPCNR this afternoon that Playland will open on time and on schedule this summer, May 11, and weekends through June, whether or not the Playland Boardwalk is completely repaired.

Ms. Greene, in addition, announced that the County Department of Parks will run Playland this summer,as it has in the past. She indicated to WPCNR it is not expected that a contract with an outside managing firm, Sustainable Playland may be completed in time for the park to be taken over by Sustainable Playland this summer.

Her statement to WPCNR: 

Greene noted that the County Attorney Robert Meehan decision that repair of the Playland Boardwalk is not an emergency matter that would have alllowed the repair project to  be started without putting the work out for public bid, has caused a delay in getting the boardwalk repairs going. She thought bids  would be solicited and finalized by May, but did not have an exact date.

Greene told WPCNR late Thursday afternoon that the County Attorney opinion and written analysis was not available because “the client” was the Board of Legislators. Ms. Greene explained the County Attorney analysis this way:

” We do  believe an emergency exists and the Board of Aquisition and Contract stated an emergency exists. However, the County Attorney has advised us that since the time frame has passed from the event and the emergency has been contained that state procurement/bidding laws must be adhered to, requiring the non emergency public bid process be followed.

On the matter of Sustainable Playland, the county choice to run Playland, Greene said Meehan had made a split decision, ruling that the county Board of Acquisition and Contracts could award the contract, but that the County Legislature had a right to approve any “major” changes in the park.

Since Sustainable Playland suggests shrinking the parking lot, putting up a waterpark, indoor fields and outdoor fields and a grand lawn, (which would appear to be substantial changes), it would appear that the legislature will have a say in the Sustainable Playland vision for the park.

WPCNR awaits copies of Meehan’s opinions from the Department of Communications.