WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the White Plains City School District. July 15, 2019:

The Board of Education Report Friday announced the School District has reached an agreement with its Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph Ricca for a 5 year extension of his contract. No terms were disclosed.

Dr. Ricca has completed his first two years of his current contract which expires in June 2020. The contract calls for an increase in salary the first year and other incremental increases in subsequent years.

Commenting on Dr. Ricca’s contract, Rosemarie Eller, President of the Board of Education, said,

“We are very pleased to offer Dr. Ricca this five-year contract as a sign of confidence and alsoin an effort to provide stability for the school district.”

Dr.Ricca’s first two years in his position has achieved an upgrade in school security throughout the district 9 schools, has negotiated a contract with the White Plains Teachers Association, and created a capital reserve plan to upgrade White Plains schools without resorting to long term bonds at this time.

In a message sent out today Dr. Ricca reflected on his first two years, writing:

“My second year in White Plains has gone by very quickly (too quickly) and has been an amazing journey.  We should all be very proud of the many achievements of our children. 

In the academic arena, we are thrilled with the successful introduction of Advanced Earth Science for All eighth graders at the Highlands. We also completed an important review of the social studies curriculum and instituted enhancements to our mathematics curricular plan in addition to the continuation of the Dual Language Program expansion at Church Street School – along with many other accomplishments. 

Our students have excelled in music, athletics, the arts and science as well. Just take a look at the district’s Facebook page and I am sure you will agree – the 2018-2019 academic year was amazing!

On the field, our Girls Softball Team was recognized with honors in All-League and All-Section and we had an outstanding, State Championship bowler and a nationally-recognized tennis player among our large group of athletes.  New York State Scholar-Athlete recognition went to 490 students this past year. 

In June over 500 members of the Class of 2019 received their diplomas, plus more than 300 awards and scholarships.  Two will attend service academies – U.S. Naval Academy and Norwich Academy on an army ROTC Scholarship.  Many more will attend a wide range of prestigious and highly selective colleges. 

As I told the students at graduation, they will remember and think well of their education in the White Plains School for many years to come.  Hundreds more students celebrated their milestones at moving-up ceremonies throughout the district. You can view our 122^nd WPHS Commencement here: https://youtu.be/rwabQgXVF-A

We must take time out to thank YOU for your support of our schools.  Since I came to White Plains I have been inspired with the unyielding enthusiasm and interest of the community in our schools.  We want you to know how much we appreciate your participation and partnership in our success. You contribute to the positive and supportive environment provided for the children of White Plains in our schools.

Please enjoy your summer and we’ll see you in September!

As always, you can keep up with us on Facebook (facebook.com/wpschools) and Twitter (@drjosephricca and @wpschools).   And of course, I remind you that I am always available for any questions or comments. 

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WPCNR MILESTONES. From the Service Employees international Union 32BJ:

32BJ Statement on passing of President Héctor Figueroa

It is with overwhelming sadness and a heavy heart that 32BJ mourns the unexpected passing of union president Héctor Figueroa, 57, last night in New York. The cause of death was a heart attack.

For those of us who have worked with him to further the well-being of our members and working people everywhere, and felt his personal and principled concern for our members, our staff and others this is a devastating loss.

In his many years of service to our union, to the labor movement, and to our communities, he consistently joined together a clear vision about the empowerment of working people with compassion and energy.

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Deirdre, his children Eric and Elena, and the rest of his family, as well as to all those in our 32BJ family and beyond who forged strong bonds of camaraderie with Héctor over the years. Details about memorial plans will be forthcoming.

Declaración de la 32BJ sobre el fallecimiento del presidente Héctor Figueroa

Es con una tristeza abrumadora y un peso tremendo sobre el corazón que la 32BJ lamenta el fallecimiento inesperado del presidente del sindicato, Héctor Figueroa, anoche en Nueva York. Para aquellos de nosotros que hemos trabajado con él para promover el bienestar de nuestros miembros y de los trabajadores en todas partes, y sentimos su preocupación personal y de principios por nuestros miembros, nuestro personal y otros, esta es una pérdida devastadora. En sus muchos años de servicio a nuestro sindicato, al movimiento obrero y a nuestras comunidades, siempre conjugó una visión clara sobre el empoderamiento de las personas trabajadoras con compasión y energía. Extendemos nuestras más profundas condolencias a su esposa Deirdre, a sus hijos Eric y Elena, y al resto de su familia, así como a todos aquellos en nuestra familia 32BJ y más allá que forjaron fuertes lazos de camaradería con Héctor a lo largo de los años. Los detalles sobre los planes conmemorativos se anunciarán próximamente.

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WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK. Special to WPCNR from WPTV’S John Vorperian. As the New York Streets, Westchester’s Arena Football League Team gears up for its playoff run in its first season, Johnny V filed this report. July 10, 2019:

With 2 seconds left in the 4^th quarter Mike Weaver (Wake Forest) kicked a 58 yard field goal as the Massachusetts Pirates shocked the New York Streets 54-52, Friday night at the Westchester County Center.

Coming into the Independence Weekend game, the Streets were looking to crack their six-game losing streak. A “Gatorade bath” was readied for NY Coach RickMarsilio as the game clockwent into single digits and the Streets had a 52-51 lead. The stunning boot by the Pirate went the entire length of the arena football field.

Now at 3-8, the Streets remain tied with the Columbus (GA) Lions for the 4^th and final slot in the National Arena League Playoffs.

Streets quarterback David Legree (Syracuse/Hampton) threw for 264 yards and six touchdowns and rushed into the end zone for one as well. Edgar Allen Poe (Army-West Point) had eight receptions for 151 yards and three scores. Rob Jones (Delaware) returned from injured reserve and caught two TD passes.

Pirate quarterback Sean Brackett (Columbia) had 274 passing yards with five TD passes and rushed for one himself. The Massachusetts offensive line stonewalled New York. Brackett was not sacked, nor hurried. The Streets defense secondary showed improvement with a key end zone interception off the Buc QB.

Saturday July 13^th (7pm YouTube) the Streets face off against the Columbus Lions in a critical road game which will determine which club gets the NAL fourth place playoff spot. The Streets will return to the Westchester County Center, Sunday July 21^st (7pm kick-off) for their final home game against the defending NAL Champion Carolina Cobras

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WPCNR PROFILES IN CHARACTER. By John F. Bailey. July 4, 2019 Reprinted from the WPCNR Archives:

It is the 243RD birthday of our  nation, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776.

I usually run this column on George Washington’s birthday, however, in light of the character-challenged behavior being shown lately by our leaders and congress in Washington, it is instructive to look at our first leader, George Washington, the father of our nation.

One cannot help be reminded of the snowy winter at Valley Forge, when the bedraggled, poorly equipped rebel army suffered but held together, and attacked the Hessians in Trenton on Christmas Eve, 1776, crossing the Delaware River at night.

What kind of man was he that George Washington could inspire his troops against all odds?

Washington was a man of tremendous character. Where did he get this character? He specialized in self-control at an early age.

Reenacters Marching to Raise Old Glory at Purdy House in Honor of George Washington’s Birthday. Photo, 2003 WPCNR News Archive.

According to The American President, Washington, at sixteen, had formed a code of conduct. He had written a book of etiquette with 110 “maxims” to guide his conduct in matters. In this etiquette book he had written,

Every action done in company ought to be done with a sign of respect to those who are not present. Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop;…Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave…Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

According to the character sketch provided by the authors of The American President, this personal “rulebook” was a book that Washington wrote over the years and referred to it often,

“for self-control, to avoid temptation, to elude greed, to control his temper. Reputation was everything to him. It had to do with his strength, his size, his courage, his horsemanship, his precise dress, his thorough mind, his manners, his compassion. He protected that reputation at any cost.”

Honor Guard Strikes the Colors to a Drum Roll. Photo, WPCNR News.

Earning respect by example. Quelling rebellion with a few words.

Washington inspired by example. He lived with his troops. He shared hardships with them, and so much was there respect for him that he was able to talk them out of armed rebellion at the end of the American Revolution.

Washington had been asked by the army to join them to over throw the Continental Congress, and make himself King.

Washington had been asked by one of the officers of the rebels to join them, and he wrote them,

You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. Banish these thoughts from your mind.

Hearing that the rebels who were planning insurrection against the new country due to not having been paid by the Continental Congress, Washington rode to Newburgh, New York, on March 15, 1783, to meet with the dissident insurgents. Washington spoke to the rebellious group, saying,

“Gentlemen, as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common Country; as I never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty; as I have been the constant companion and witness of your Distresses…it can scarcely be supposed …that I am indifferent to your interests. But…this dreadful alternative, of either deserting our Country in the extremest hour of her distress, or turning our Arms against it…has something so shocking in it that humanity revolts from the idea…I spurn it, as every Man who regards liberty…undoubtedly must.”

The would-be rebels fell silent, digesting what he had said. Then Washington withdrew a letter from Congress, but could not read the text, withdrawing some eyeglasses from his tunic, remarking,

“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”

The men present were reported to have tears in their eyes at this gesture of Washington’s and abandoned their plot out of respect for their leader.

Washington retired from the military, surprising the entire new country. His action surprised King George III of England, who was astonished that Washington had refused to hold on to his military authority and use it for political or financial gain. The defeated King of England, remarked, “If true, then he is the greatest man in the world.”

 Members of Common Council, 2003: Tom Roach, Rita Malmud, Benjamin Boykin and Glen Hockley, (center of Picture) and observers of the ceremony salute the Colors. Photo, WPCNR News.
Seeker of Diverse Views

As President, George Washington invented the Presidential Cabinet, whom he referred to as “the first Characters,” persons who possessed the best reputations in fields and areas of the jobs he was filling. Washington said on political appointments,

“My political conduct and nominations must be exceedingly circumspect. No slip into partiality will pass unnoticed…”

Washington tolerated the relentless clashes between Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, but lectured them on the necessity for tolerance and moving beyond partisanship:

“I believe the view of both of you are pure, and well meant. Why then, when some of the best Citizens in the United States, Men…who have no sinister view to promote, are to be found, some on one side, some on the other…should either of you be so tenacious of your opinions as to make no allowances for those of the other? I have great esteem for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out by which both of you could walk.”

The Constitution Should be Protected

When George Washington left office after two terms, he made a farewell address which warned future generations of Americans about foreign entanglements and partisanship in the republic:

I shall carry to my grave the hope that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the Constitution may be sacredly maintained; and that free government…the ever favorite object of my heart…will be the happy reward of our mutual cares, labors and dangers.”

Washington died in 1800, three years after leaving office in 1797. He was saluted on the floor of congress as being “First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

His comments above resonate today in some of the most cantankerous rhetoric and partisan stands the country has experienced in years.

We should also remember that the signers of the Declaration of Independence in Independence Hall in Philadelphia today in 1776, were putting their lives at risk by meeting and discussing, arguing, the Declaration wording, despite knowledge that if British occupying troops learned of the meeting, they could have been arrested and hung.

That is a pressure the crybaby congress of today which cannot seek a way to compromise and seek compassionate solutions to immigration crisis, and do not have on them. They worry about preserving their pathetic seats.

Compromise and respect for the other point of view and the millions who will be affected by what some would say are “reckless,” “feckless,” “cruel” and “dangerous” changes to traditional American policies are missing in today’s political discourse, (if you can dignify what congress and cabinet members do by calling it political discourse).

I’d like to introduce a new term, “transminder,” the ability to listen to those whose views are opposite of yours. Find between you what you feel is the ultimate goal of a policy change and how the good can be accommodated and the bad eliminated, without hurt with fairness to all. The more you talk in terms of the common good, the better what you come up with gets.

Can we do that?

I challenge every person in government to read the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights and the Constitution carefully today. It will not take long. Then measure your hates, prejudices, positions, and behaviors against those documents. Do you stand up to it?

And, for all you “leaders” out there, wherever you are, George Washington’s words above are what you should measure yourself against.

He was the greatest leader of them all.

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WPCNE QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. July 2, 2019:

The city fiscal year just concluded. Now they await the June sales revenues to see if a great June buying spree in downtown White Plains NY USA will have them meet last year’s sales revenues ($50.1 Million).

As WPCNR writes this, the city if the make the same sales tax revenues they collect last June, the 2018-2019 project sales tax revenue will only be $49.7 Million. That is a 3/4% behind last year

The mystery is why the sales tax revenues have not grown more robustly, at least keeping pace with inflation which has average 2%. Let’s take a look:

If you assume prices should go up 2% a Year the city since 2014,, if prices of retailers went up by 2% a year, the city should be ahead in sales revenues some $10 Million.

What is the ominous message behind this anemic trend?

If our merchants and restaurants did not raise prices by 2% a year, well that is one thing. But if they did raise prices to keep pace, that indicates sales are down almost 12% and overall revenues down 20% something far more troubling.

However, since the City of White Plains does not get a report of what individual business pay the city in sales taxes from the Department of Taxation and Finance, it is impossible for the city to know what businesses are thriving and which are not, let alone the source of most sales tax (autos, entertainment, restaurants, individual retailers, malls–an economics demographic cannot be figured for city marketing efforts.

The County, by contrast is up 3% the first 5 months of the year in sales tax revenues.

A far more darker side is whether sales are being reported accurately.

This issue of continued softness should be examined with close attention by the next Common Council.