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)

Republicans Delay Convening Board to Set Salaries Increases. No Raise in 2012.

Posted on March 27, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From The Westchester County Board of Legislators. MARCH 27, 2012:

The Republican caucus of the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL), after spending the last two weeks publicly advocating for the reconvening of the citizen-led Compensation Advisory Board, suddenly pushed back the vote on the issue at the Monday regular meeting of the BOL.

The proposed legislation, if passed, would suspend the requirement that establishes the Compensation Advisory Board this year, thus ensuring that the lawmakers will not receive salary increases for the 2012-2013 legislative term.

Legislator Gordon Burrows (R-Yonkers), the BOL’s Minority Whip, called for the vote to be held over until the BOL’s next regular meeting on Monday, April 16. The Compensation Advisory Board, by law, is supposed to present its recommendations no later than April 30 though.

If County Executive Robert P. Astorino uses all of the time allotted to him to consider the legislation, it would not be returned for another vote until April 28, leaving the Compensation Board with little time to do its job.

The laws of Westchester mandate that the BOL create the Compensation Advisory Board in January of even-numbered years, whether changes in compensation are being sought or not. This advisory board then deliberates on salary, stipends, benefits, reimbursement for expenses and all other forms of compensation to the legislators, and makes recommendations.

But with the economy still recovering, the legislators had no interest in boosting their pay.

“Since we are not pursuing salary increases, there is no reason to convene a board of citizens to discuss the issue,” said Judy Myers (D-Larchmont), chair of the BOL’s Budget & Appropriations Committee. “Frankly, I’m surprised my Republican colleagues spent so much time and energy on this subject. We have so many more important things to work on, like investing in our infrastructure and protecting services for Westchester residents who need them.”

The last time the Compensation Advisory Board met was in 2008, noted Myers, when it issued a report that recommended a salary increase for the legislators—just as the national economy was turning for the worse.

The Advisory Board, then chaired by Westchester County Association President William Mooney, Sr., actually framed its recommendation within the context of the worsening economic crisis, implying it would have called for even higher salary increases for the legislators.

Even so, the Compensation Board thought legislators should receive a 7.5% increase, which was consistent with a 2.5% increase in the Consumer Price Index experienced in the three years since salaries were last looked at. The Chairman would receive a $3000 increase in his stipend. Committee chair stipends would increase by $1000.

These recommendations were not accepted by the BOL, and neither were the two prior advisory board recommendations for salary increases.

In 2010, the BOL voted to suspend creation of the Compensation Advisory Board for two years because the legislators were not going to look for salary increases at a time when many in Westchester were still suffering from the economic downturn.

“Because the legislators have not received a salary increase in nearly a decade, there is no reason to think that the Compensation Advisory Board would come to any conclusion other than wanting to advance our salaries and stipends,” said BOL Chairman Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers). “But an increase is not on the table for this term, at all, so it is just a waste of time, money and energy to ask citizens of our county to meet and make salary recommendations that are not going to be approved by the Board of Legislators.”

Westchester legislators make $49,500 a year, with stipends between $3000 and $9000 available for committee chairs and other board positions. Because the BOL voted to have its members contribute to health care costs, the legislators are actually bringing home less money in their paychecks.

Added Legislator Pete Harckham (D-Katonah), the BOL’s Majority Leader: “If the County Executive plans to veto this legislation, then he should be prepared to explain why he thinks the legislators’ salaries need to be adjusted, either upward or downward, and explain the two million dollar increase for 2012 salaries in his office as well.”

Michigan Economists Predict Steady Growth in U.S. Economy: 5 Million New Jobs

Posted on March 26, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. Special to WPCNR from the University of Michigan. March 26, 2012:

America’s economy will continue its recovery this year and next as it adds nearly 5 million jobs and unemployment falls below 8 percent, say University of Michigan economists.

“The performance of the U.S. economy during much of 2011 did nothing to alter the perception that we were mired in a sluggish recovery,” said U-M economist Joan Crary. “Indeed, by late summer economists were considering the likelihood of a double-dip recession.

“The economy regained some momentum during the fall, however, with the closing quarter registering some of the best economic readings of the year. Although the economy is growing at a subpar rate to begin 2012, we expect the pace of economic activity to accelerate over the next two years as the economic headwinds that have plagued the recovery begin to abate.”

In their annual spring forecast update of the U.S. economy, Crary and colleagues Daniil Manaenkov and Matthew Hall say that employment rises at a moderate pace, consumer spending increases, the housing market picks up, vehicle sales improve and inflation remains in check in 2012 and 2013.

They predict that payroll employment will rise by 2.5 million jobs during 2012 and 2.3 million during 2013, an average of 200,000 jobs per month.

“An extrapolation of our forecast suggests that the cumulative job growth during the recovery will finally exceed the jobs lost during the recession in the second quarter of 2014, roughly six years after the previous peak in the first quarter of 2008,” Crary said.

Unemployment is expected to edge downward from the current rate of 8.3 percent to about 8 percent by the end of 2012 and to 7.7 percent a year later.

Crary and colleagues project economic output growth (as measured by real Gross Domestic Product) of 2.3 percent during this year and 2.6 percent during 2013—up from 1.6 percent last year.

They say that real nonresidential fixed investment was a major driver of growth in 2011 and continues to be over the forecast horizon, rising by $113 billion in 2012 and $116 billion in 2013.

“Investment is continuing to lead the country out of the recession as consumption growth remains sluggish and government purchases continue to be a drag on the economy,” Crary said. “Investment in nonresidential construction turned around in 2011. It then accelerates in 2012 and 2013, offsetting slower growth in the equipment and software sector, which remains strong but grows at a more sustainable pace.”

The U-M economists say that residential building is beginning to show signs of life, as well. Single-family housing starts—at an all-time low of 430,000 units last year—will increase by about 100,000 units this year and then reach about 730,000 units in 2013.

Existing single-family home sales are projected to rise by 300,000–400,000 units over the next two years, as housing prices stabilize.

Sales of light vehicles are another indicator of a steadily recovering economy, Crary and colleagues say. Sales totaled 12.7 million units in 2011, up from 11.6 million the year before and will rise to 14 million units this year and to 14.6 million units in 2013.

“Part of the strong showing early this year is related to abnormal weather this winter, with the rest coming from make-up purchases deferred due to Japan-related supply shortages and genuine pent-up demand,” Crary said.

“With the average age of a light vehicle approaching 11 years, many consumers will not be able to delay purchases much longer. While weather-related and “make-up” sales will diminish soon, the release of accumulated pent-up demand should keep pushing vehicle sales higher.”

According to the forecast, core inflation will edge upward to 2 percent this year and drop slightly to 1.8 percent in 2013; the price of oil will average about $102 per barrel this year and about $104 next year; and interest rates, while creeping upward, will remain historically low.

Conventional mortgage rates will average 4 percent this year and 4.2 percent in 2013. The 3-month Treasury bill rate will closely follow the fed funds rate, remaining below 20 basis points through next year, while 10-year Treasury notes will rise from 2 percent now to 2.6 percent by the end of next year.

The U-M forecast is based on the Michigan Quarterly Econometric Model of the U.S. Economy and compiled by the U-M Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics. For more information, visit www.umich.edu/~rsqe.

Do you have what it takes to be LEGALLY BLONDE? WBT LAUNCHES SPRING ROMP!

Posted on March 26, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR From Piia Haas. March 26,2012:

Kelly Felthous enrolls at Harvard in pursuit of a LEGALLY BLONDE degree this week (for 4 weeks only) at Westchester Broadway Theatre.Photo by Paul Lyden

ALL LEGALLED UP!

LB is a fresh and effervescent evening of musical fun, stylishly wrapped up in a smart pink bow! When Sorority girl, Elle Woods (Kelly D. Felthous) is dumped by her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III. (Robert Patric Ryan), she decides to get “serious” to win her boyfriend back. He is off to college to study law and wants a girlfriend who will be able to support him in his chosen career.

Elle, an underestimated blonde who doesn’t take “no” for an answer, puts down the credit cards, hits the books, and with doggie Bruiser in tow, she sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. She discovers the true power behind being legally blonde, and proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. This high-energy pop musical’s fun and catchy score features music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and a hysterical book by Heather Hach.

The blonde romp debuts this week for a 4 week run!

Kelly is excited to step back into some Pink high heels having previously played Elle in Legally Blonde at NSMT. She also recently originated the role of Eva in the world premiere of Bring it On.

She has appeared in National Tours and Off-Broadway: Marty/Grease, Mayzie/Seussical (cast recording), Ruby/Max and Ruby, and The Sound of Music. New York/Regional: Gloria/Boeing Boeing (Hartford Stage), Serena Katz/Fame (Macau International Music Festival). Kathy Seldon/ Singing in the Rain (NSMT), Jane Eyre (American Premiere), Caroline/Trip of Love (World Premiere), June/Gypsy (Sacramento Music Circus), Little Sally/Urinetown, Anybodys/ West Side Story and Ruby/Dames at Sea. She describes herself as a “proud blonde, NYU alum and AEA member.”

Christopher DeProphetis plays Emmett Forrest, the teaching assistant who supports Elle from the beginning. Aloysius Gigl plays the part of predatory lecturer/lawyer Professor Callahan, who sees Elle as fair game.

Jacquelyn Piro Donovan is the sassy hairdresser, Paulette, who has a yen for Kyle (Timothy Hughes), the sexy UPS guy. The WBT production also stars Lauren Blackman as Vivienne, Maria Logan as Brooke, Amber Coartney as Enid, Michela Imbesi as Serena, Brooke Morrison as Margot, Gillian Munsayac as Pilar, Leisa Mather as Elle’s Mother and Benjamin Dean Horine as Elle’s Father.

The Ensemble features: Amanda Pulcini, Shannon Lea Smith, Eric Byrd, Aubrey Sinn, Jason Slattery, Ron Tal, and two doggies, Roxie (as Bruiser) and Paul Newman (as Rufus) appearing courtesy of their handler, Karen Wells and Animal trainer, Bill Berloni.

The production is directed and choreographed by WBT favorite, Jonathan Stahl, The musical director is John Daniels. Set design is by John Farrell, Costume design by Matthew Hemesath, Lighting design is by Andrew Gmoser, Sound design by Jonathan Hatton. Technical Director is Steven Loftus, Production Stage Manager is Victor Lukas and the Assistant Stage Manager is Ron Rogell. Properties are by Grumpy’s Props.

Jonathan Stahl , (Director)A favorite at WBT, has directed our successful Production of Yeston/Kopit’s NINE, starring Robert Cuccioli. He was associate director and choreographer, and performed in, The Full Monty, Gypsy, Beauty And The Beast, and The Christmas Voyager. He choreographed and performed in Phantom (Another Kopit and Yeston success) and appeared in A Christmas Carol and My Fair Lady. Finally, he co-directed and choreographed The Christmas Inn. As associate director and choreographer to Richard Stafford, Jonathan has worked across the country at great theatres such as The Walnut Street Theatre, North Carolina Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, and Ogunquit Playhouse. Jonathan’s rewarding career as a performer has taken him from the world of Ballet to Broadway, but all these steps have led him here to directing this amazing musical, with a superbly talented cast.

For showtimes and ticket information, go to www.broadwaytheatre.com

Ebersole Rink’s 49th Annual Ice Show Impresses with 18 Solists; Over 75 Peformin

Posted on March 25, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAY. By the WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. MARCH 25,2012:

The 49th Ebersole Rink Annual Ice Show wowed over 100 Parents, Friends, and Skating Enthusasts Saturday evening on a great night to skate. Rarely has the weather been so cooperative, delivering a crisp sheet of ice and even crisper skating by 18 solists and about 80 group performers from the Ebersole Rink Skating School.

The evening was highlighted by an advanced Finale Number peformed by the Advanced Figure Skating Program skaters shown below.

Mayor Thomas Roach, Rink Manager Matt Hansen, and Commissioner of Recreation and Parks, Wayne Bass opened the festivities with the Mayor saying what a wonderful skating program the Skating School runs and congratulated all the skaters on the culmination of their hard work.

The Advanced Figure Skaters Executing a perfect Pinwheel in the Show’s spectacular Finale.

Under the Bridge: Advanced Figure Skaters Impress the crowd with their synchronized finale farewell — easily the most spectacular final number seen in the last 15 years of these shows.