WPCNR MILESTONES. From Peter Katz. JANUARY 10,2010: Calling hours for White Plainsians to pay their respects to the Councilman for All Seasons, Robert Ruger, “Mr. White Plains,” are Thursday Jan. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, 2 Maple Ave., White Plains. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday Jan. 16 at the White Plains Presbyterian Church, 39 N. Broadway, White Plains.
Should Washington Deliver Obama Bucks to Bail Out NY Deficits?
WPCNR MR. AND MRS. AND MS. WHITE PLAINS SURVEY. January 9, 2010: In view of the New York State $15 Billion Deficit, give or take a few billion here and there, depending on the latest Governor’s state press conference, New York State is facing massive state cuts, which at the latest look, the legislature seems unwilling to do.
The state also needs about $16 Billion for the Tappan Zee Bridge reconstruction, and faces another similar $15 Billion gap in 2012.
In the back of most legislators’ minds (though WPCNR cannot read the minds, but that presupposes New York legislators think) is that Washington will bail out the state with some of the Troubled Asset Relief Program money they received back from the banks. The state shamelessly did not cut any money from this year’s budget and used stimulus funds, sending them back to the counties, which at least in Westchester was used to offset the $60 Million sales tax gap in 2009, according to the former Spano Administration press office.
What do you think? Is New York too big to fail? Of course, should the Obama Administration bail out New York with say $40 Billion in “Obama Bucks” that would mean they would be obligated to send similar money out to Michigan, and similar states ravaged by the economy.
What do you think?
Mayor Bradley Observes the Passing of Robert Ruger
WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From the Mayor’s Office. January 8, 2010:
“White Plains is a much better city today because of Robert Ruger’s unwavering commitment to community service. He embodied a spirit of civic mindedness and volunteerism that most of us can only try to emulate.”
Mr. Ruger was a long time community activist and a member of the White Plains City Council for 12 years, from 1976-1988. He served as Chairman of the Traffic Commission from 1983 to 2009 and in that 26 years presided over 300 meetings and was involved with decisions on over 2500 traffic matters. Traffic Commissioner Tom Soyk said that “His dedication of time and talent to help the City of White Plains will be remembered for years to come.”
Robert Ruger. Mr. White Plains. 1912-2010
WPCNR MILESTONES. From the White Plains High School Hall of Fame Biography and remembrances from his friends, Peter and Susan Katz. January 7, 2010: The man known as “Mr. White Plains” died Thursday evening in the White Plains home in which he was born in 1913. Robert F. Ruger was 97 years old. His health had been deteriorating in recent months.
Bob Ruger, a life-long
Mr. Ruger lived and passed away in the same house in which he was born in 1913. A member of the Class of 1931, he was among the first to attend the “new”
In 1969, as an Elder of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Ruger was chosen to make a round-the-world tour of mission activities. The trip stimulated his long-term interest in a church affiliated medical college in
Mr. Ruger served on the White Plains Common Council for 12 years (1976-1988). He was Council President in 1982 and 1983. He proudly displayed a custom license plate for his car which identified him as a councilman. For six years, he was Chairman of the White Plains Zoning Board of Appeals. He also served as Chairman of the city’s Traffic Commission for 26 years, resigning due to ill health in 2009, at the age of 96.
Left to right, White Plains Senior Traffic Planner Ed Oliva, White Plains Traffic Commissioner Tom Soyk, Robert Ruger, Common Council member Milagros Lecouna at an honorary recognition of Mr. Ruger June, 2009.
Mr. Ruger served in major leadership roles for a host of important local organizations, including Westco Productions, the White Plains-based theater company for which he served as President of the Board of Directors from 1992-2005, the White Plains Rotary Club, the Salvation Army, the YMCA, the Thomas H. Slater Center, the Westchester Drama Association, Senior Personnel Employment Council, the United Way and the Organization of People Undaunted by Stroke. He also was a member of the White Plains High School Tigers Fan Club.
Mr. Ruger served as President of the White Plains Beautification Foundation. He was honored at a testimonial dinner at the
In 1996, he was inducted into the White Plains High School Hall of Fame.
MAN OF THE CENTURY:
Susan Katz, (Left) President of Westco introducing White Plains main man, Robert Ruger at a Westco Benefit honoring him in 2002 on his 90th birthday. To the right of Mr. Ruger are Jo Falcone and Charles Goldberger.
For his lifetime of community service and accomplishments, Mr. Ruger was known by his friends and associates as “Mr. White Plains.”