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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Governor’s Press Office. January 8, 2009: Herewith, Governor David Patterson’s State of the State Message delivered yesterday in Albany:

My Fellow New Yorkers,

For several months now, I have regularly shared with you the steps that my administration has taken to responsibly address New York’s fiscal crisis. Today, I delivered my State of the State address, giving a frank assessment of New York’s challenges, and proposing a wide-ranging series of initiatives to put our state back on the right track.

This is no time for fear. This is a time for courage. This is a time for hope. Most of all, this is a time for action.

This is a time for those of us who serve to live up to the example that New York families have set for us– to recognize that we must make painful choices about what we can and cannot afford; we must sacrifice what we want today so that we can pay for what we need tomorrow.

New York’s commitment to leadership demands that we meet our constitutional obligation and balance our state budget, even if that means making difficult choices. We must also stand up and encourage additional action from our leaders in Washington DC. President-Elect Obama and the Congress must act quickly to stimulate the national economy.

Today, I restated my call that Congress pass a comprehensive stimulus package for the States and to pass it by the end of January. I further call upon our federal partners to quickly reform our financial regulation system. But let me be clear – if the federal government does not act, I shall. We need sensible regulation to oversee our financial industry so that the savings and retirement funds of New Yorkers will not be at risk. 

New York’s commitment to the environment demands that we be at the forefront of one of the most ambitious clean energy goals in America. By 2015, New York will meet 45 percent of its electricity needs through improved energy efficiency and clean renewable energy. Our new “45 by 15” program will help rebuild our economy by creating an estimated 50,000 new jobs, meet our energy needs, while protecting our environment. Improving energy efficiency at schools, hospitals, and local governments will allow us to cut costs and hopefully cut taxes in the future.

New York’s commitment to innovation demands that we once again invest in roads and bridges, in higher education institutions, in statewide broadband installation and the computerization of medical records, and in clean water and wastewater systems. We should complete signature projects all across our State including the Peace Bridge, the Tappan Zee Bridge, the Second Avenue Subway, and the East Side Access. And we should implement the Ravitch Commission recommendations to improve an essential piece of our infrastructure, the MTA.

New York’s commitment to our families demands that we make it easier for families to take care of one another. That is why I proposed a bill allowing families to cover family members up to the age of 29 in their family coverage plans at their own cost. It is unacceptable that one in three New Yorkers from the ages of 19 to 29 are still uninsured. We must also aggressively address the greatest threat to our children’s health today, the obesity epidemic. First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson and I unveiled a comprehensive strategy to address this challenge, including banning trans fats in restaurants, requiring calorie posting in chain restaurants, banning junk food sales in schools, and placing a surcharge on sugared beverages like soda.

New York’s commitment to our communities demands that, even in these difficult times, we must make sure we respect one another, serve one another and protect one another. Nearly 3 million adults volunteered 397 million hours of community service last year, contributing an estimated $7 billion to our economy through their service. In these difficult times community service is more important than ever. We must fund an increase in the number and capacity of Regional Volunteer Centers throughout the state. I also encourage all New Yorkers to visit www.newyorkersvolunteer.org to learn what they can do to serve their neighbors in need. 

Today, New York State is faced with difficult decisions. We are suffering statewide and national recessions that may continue for months or even years. We face a series of savage fiscal choices and are confronted with the worst budget deficit in the history of our state.

But we should not confuse this crisis with our long term reality, because our future is bright. Our workforce remains strong, and our vibrant university system will continue to produce high quality graduates for decades to come. We remain a center of innovation – from the stem cell research at Cornell University to the clean-tech cluster upstate to the information and nanotechnology clusters around the state. Though shaken, New York City remains a global financial capital that will eventually bounce back.

The essence of New York is that we refuse to fear the future. We understand that shared sacrifice today is the price for growth tomorrow, and that by balancing our budget and making key investments, we can prepare our state for the time when this crisis is over.

I have delivered my executive budget, and laid out my agenda for the year ahead. Now it is the time for me to listen to my colleagues and the people of New York. I encourage you to watch my State of the State Address to learn more, and to share your thoughts with me.

It is time to come together and to take back the future of New York. I ask you to join me.

Governor David A. Paterson

WPCNR PRESS BOX. From Westchester County Board of Legislators. (Edited) January 7, 2009 UPDATED 2:11 P.M. E.S.T.: At its first regular meeting of the new year, the Board of Legislators approved a $1.3 million bond act for the design of a modernized Memorial Field on Sandford Boulevard in the City of Mount Vernon. The project, brought to the Board by County Legislator Lyndon Williams and County Executive Andy Spano, is estimated to ultimately cost $12.7 million.  The county has agreed to reimburse the city up to $9.7 million for the design and construction costs to refurbish the historic Mount Vernon sports venue.

The Grandstand at Mount Vernon Memorial Field on Sanford Boulevard in Mount Vernon. The scene is pre-kickoff between the White Plains Tigers and Mount Vernon Knights in 2006.

The improvement plan calls for the demolition of existing structures, grandstands and courts; construction of a state-of-the-art synthetic turf football/soccer field; a natural turf soccer field; grandstands for 4,000 spectators; an all-weather track; a basketball court; new buildings to house a ticket booth, concession stand, bathrooms, press box and locker rooms. All playing surfaces will be illuminated and other site improvements will include new sidewalks and landscaping. 

White Plains City School District recently completed two stadium renovations with artificial turf for the cost of $9.2 Million, including the architects’ fees for design.

“This is a prime example of what I wanted to accomplish when I originated the Legacy program back in 2001 to preserve open space and build needed recreational facilities. I am delighted that we are finally going to give the people of Mount Vernon the ball field they need and deserve. It has been a long time coming.” said Spano. “I can just imagine the excitement in the eyes of both children and adults as they take the field to play football, soccer, lacrosse, basketball or field hockey on fields that are first rate.”

Williams’ leadership guided the project through the legislature last year.

“Memorial Field has played an important part in our community’s history and has needed this overhaul for quite some time. With this refurbishment, all Mount Vernon residents, from youngsters to seniors, can look forward to enjoying a first-rate, state-of-the-art facility to exercise and showcase their great athletic talents,” said County Legislator Lyndon Williams (D-Mt. Vernon) who, as Mount Vernon’s County Legislator, has made this project a top priority since taking office in January last year.

Both Williams and Spano noted that getting the project to this point involved the cooperative efforts of Mount Vernon city officials as well as county’s parks, planning and public works staff. Williams thanked County’s Executive Spano’s administration and his colleagues on the Board for their steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for Westchester’s residents through this Legacy project.

Mt. Vernon Mayor Clinton I. Young who served as the City of Mount Vernon’s county legislator for 12 years before being elected Mayor last year, said it was gratifying to see the project finally approved.

“This is a great day for people of all ages in the City of Mount Vernon,” said Young. “I have worked on this project since its inception thirteen years ago and have pushed through every delay. I’d like to thank and commend the county leaders who persevered and worked with me then as county legislator and now as Mayor to make this project, one that will be a jewel for the entire region, finally happen.” 

“The entire county can appreciate the tradition of Memorial Field as a great local and regional sports venue,” said County Board Chair Bill Ryan (D-IN-WF, White Plains). “I thank Mr. Williams and Mr. Young for sticking with this project and keeping it on the county’s agenda. Many generations of young people from across the county will benefit from this investment.”

County Legislator Ken Jenkins, Chair of the Government Operations Committee that has oversight responsibility for the county’s Parks and Recreation Department commended the efforts of both city and county officials who managed to finally pull the project together.

“The Board’s approval demonstrates the commitment of the county, through the Legacy Program, to serve the county’s youth by collaborating with local municipalities to improve local park and athletic facilities that would be too expensive for a local municipality to undertake alone,” said Jenkins.

The improvement plan calls for the demolition of existing structures, grandstands and courts; construction of a state-of-the-art synthetic turf football/soccer field; a natural turf soccer field; grandstands for 4,000 spectators; an all-weather track; a basketball court; new buildings to house a ticket booth, concession stand, bathrooms, press box and locker rooms. All playing surfaces will be illuminated and other site improvements will include new sidewalks and landscaping.

Under the agreement between the county and the city, following construction, the city will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, scheduling and security of Memorial Field at its own expense. The facility will be operated by Mount Vernon but will be available for use by all Westchester County residents.