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CANDIDATE FORUM FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS, DISTRICT 5, DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Thursday, June 12, 2025
7:30pm to 8:30pm via Zoom
Organized by LWVs of Scarsdale and White Plain
Timothy D. Foley Jennifer L. Puja
To register go to LWVS.org
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS TO ANNOUNCE $15M IN FUNDING FOR COMPLETE STREETS PROGRAM
Funding Will Assist Local Municipalities With Design and Implementation of
Complete Streets Projects on Municipal Roadways
(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins is announcing $15M in funding for the Complete Streets Municipal Assistance Program. The Program is designed to assist local municipalities with up to 50% of project costs for Complete Streets projects on municipal roadways.
Projects are intended to enhance safety for all road users. They can include the design and implementation of sidewalks, bicycle lanes, bus lanes, crossing opportunities, accessible pedestrian signals, curb extensions and associated streetscape treatments.
Municipalities will have the opportunity to apply to Westchester County for funding for design and construction, or construction only.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “We are thrilled to have been able to allocate $15 million dollars in funding in our Capital Budget to implement the Complete Streets Municipal Assistance Program.
Complete Streets is an approach to planning, designing and building streets that prioritizes the needs of all road users, including the most vulnerable, like pedestrians and cyclists.
Complete Streets projects often require a collaboration between various stakeholders including local governments and transportation agencies, and we are confident that by providing the opportunity for municipalities to apply for this funding, we will create more vibrant and walkable communities throughout Westchester.”
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS ISSUES STATEMENT ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SANCTUARY COUNTY LIST
Watch the County Executive’s Remarks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fec2O0Gmj4
“Westchester County was erroneously listed in the recent Department of Homeland Security listing of ‘sanctuary municipalities.’ The federal website went up Thursday evening and was taken down over the weekend because of the high number of mistakes.
“Westchester County has never identified as a ‘sanctuary county’ and fully complies with federal law. To be clear, there is no legally recognized definition of a ‘sanctuary jurisdiction.’ Unfortunately, the federal government has used this term as a political sword—wielding it to strike fear, promote division, and engage in fear mongering, rather than addressing real issues with facts and fairness.
“In response to these reckless lists, threats and rhetoric, earlier today, we asked the Board of Legislators to authorize legal steps. Westchester County is taking action. With that authorization in hand, I will direct the Westchester County Attorney to explore legal action against anyone attempting to threaten Westchester’s federal funding.
“Let’s be clear: this is about protecting Westchester. We refuse to sit back while partisan actors play political games that could cost us millions in critical federal funding. We’re fighting back—because our residents shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s political agenda.
“Section 8 of Westchester County’s Immigrant Protection Act specifically provides that it does not prevent County agencies, law enforcement authorities, or employees from complying with 8 U.S.C. § 1373, and that it does not govern the sending or receiving of information regarding the citizenship or immigration status—lawful or unlawful—of any individual.
“Additionally, the County does not willfully fail to comply with federal immigration laws. No federal civil immigration laws require the County to enforce them. Any such enforcement is voluntary—something the U.S. Attorney General has acknowledged multiple times.
“Further, the County’s Immigrant Protection Act explicitly authorizes County law enforcement agencies to communicate with federal law enforcement authorities on investigations of non-immigration-related crimes. The Act does not create a sanctuary for anyone involved in criminal conduct.
“Unlike the Federal government, Westchester County follows Judicial Orders – and we will not break laws. We are not scared of being on a ‘list’ and we are not threatened by words.”
WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS ISSUES STATEMENT ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SANCTUARY COUNTY LIST
Watch the County Executive’s Remarks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fec2O0Gmj4
“Westchester County was erroneously listed in the recent Department of Homeland Security listing of ‘sanctuary municipalities.’ The federal website went up Thursday evening and was taken down over the weekend because of the high number of mistakes.
“Westchester County has never identified as a ‘sanctuary county’ and fully complies with federal law. To be clear, there is no legally recognized definition of a ‘sanctuary jurisdiction.’ Unfortunately, the federal government has used this term as a political sword—wielding it to strike fear, promote division, and engage in fear mongering, rather than addressing real issues with facts and fairness.
“In response to these reckless lists, threats and rhetoric, earlier today, we asked the Board of Legislators to authorize legal steps. Westchester County is taking action. With that authorization in hand, I will direct the Westchester County Attorney to explore legal action against anyone attempting to threaten Westchester’s federal funding.
“Let’s be clear: this is about protecting Westchester. We refuse to sit back while partisan actors play political games that could cost us millions in critical federal funding. We’re fighting back—because our residents shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s political agenda.
“Section 8 of Westchester County’s Immigrant Protection Act specifically provides that it does not prevent County agencies, law enforcement authorities, or employees from complying with 8 U.S.C. § 1373, and that it does not govern the sending or receiving of information regarding the citizenship or immigration status—lawful or unlawful—of any individual.
“Additionally, the County does not willfully fail to comply with federal immigration laws. No federal civil immigration laws require the County to enforce them. Any such enforcement is voluntary—something the U.S. Attorney General has acknowledged multiple times.
“Further, the County’s Immigrant Protection Act explicitly authorizes County law enforcement agencies to communicate with federal law enforcement authorities on investigations of non-immigration-related crimes. The Act does not create a sanctuary for anyone involved in criminal conduct.
“Unlike the Federal government, Westchester County follows Judicial Orders – and we will not break laws. We are not scared of being on a ‘list’ and we are not threatened by words.”
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New Local Law Targets Predatory Practices, Modern Scams
WHITE PLAINS, NY — The Westchester County Board of Legislators unanimously passed groundbreaking legislation Monday evening to shield residents and small businesses from increasingly sophisticated scams and predatory practices.
The new local law strengthens Westchester County’s 50-year-old Consumer Protection Code by expanding prohibited conduct beyond “deceptive” and “unconscionable” actions to include “unfair” and “abusive” business practices.
Sponsored by a bipartisan coalition of 14 Board members, the legislation addresses modern threats including deed theft, AI-powered fraud schemes, subscription traps, hidden junk fees, and data breaches. Westchester’s newly enhanced protections align with federal standards that already prohibit unfair, unconscionable, abusive and deceptive practices. However, recent federal rollbacks have weakened the federal government’s enforcement authority, leaving consumers vulnerable to exploitation.
The local law improves the County’s Consumer Protection Department’s ability to investigate and oversee rogue auto towing and home improvement contracting companies and to target companies that:
It also increases daily penalties to as much as $15,000 per violation, giving enforcement sharper teeth.
Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D-New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said,
“This isn’t just about stopping scammers, it’s about keeping money in the pockets of working families. When companies use deceptive tactics to drain bank accounts through hidden fees and impossible-to-cancel subscriptions, they’re stealing from our neighbors, our seniors, and our small business owners. We’re sending a clear message: Westchester won’t tolerate businesses that profit by preying on people.”
Legislator Colin D. Smith (D-Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown), Chair of the Board’s Committee on Legislation and co-author of the bill, said,
“This legislation marks a major leap forward in safeguarding Westchester residents and small businesses from a new wave of scams and predatory practices that have outpaced existing laws. Whether it’s AI-driven fraud or manipulative subscription tactics, people deserve clear, fair protections. As Chair of the Legislation Committee, I’m proud to stand behind a bill that not only updates our consumer protections—it strengthens our stand against exploitation.”
Legislator David T. Imamura (D-Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington) Vice Chair of the Board’s Committee on Legislation and co-author of the bill, said,
“As the federal government ceases to enforce its consumer protection laws, Westchester County is stepping up to the plate to fill in the gap. When Washington is abandoning working people, I am proud to sponsor a bill that will safeguard Westchester residents and modernize our consumer protection laws.”
New York State Attorney General Letitia James said,
“I applaud the Westchester County Legislature for passing this strong consumer protection legislation. This bill will protect small businesses from unfair tactics and ensure no one takes advantage of New Yorkers who do not speak English as their first language. As the federal government rolls back important protections for small businesses and consumers, Westchester is putting working families first. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the state legislature to follow Westchester’s lead and pass the FAIR Business Practices Act so that New Yorkers all across the state are protected from predatory lending, abusive debt collection, junk fees, and more.”
Watch the full meeting HERE.
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New Act Passed to Safeguard Residents from Political Targeting
WHITE PLAINS, NY — Monday night, the Westchester County Board of Legislators passed legislation that grants the County Attorney authorization to explore legal actions in response to the erroneous inclusion of Westchester County on a “sanctuary municipalities” list that threatens the county’s federal funding.
Chairman Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “We follow the law, not political theater. While Washington plays games with made-up lists, we’re taking urgent action to protect our residents from losing millions in federal funding they deserve.”
Westchester County’s Immigrant Protection Act specifically states that it does not prevent county agencies, law enforcement, or employees from complying with federal immigration communication requirements under 8 U.S.C. § 1373. The act explicitly authorizes county law enforcement to communicate with federal authorities on investigations of non-immigration-related crimes and does not create sanctuary for anyone involved in criminal conduct.
Watch the full meeting HERE.
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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. June 2, 2025: The 2025-26 City Budget was passed Thursday, and is now posted on the City of White Plains website under budget. The total city budget is $219.5 million an increase of 3.1%, going up $6.6 million from last year.
The new property tax rate is $250.27 per/$1,000 of assessed valuation. A home of $13,500 valuation would experience an $82 dollar property tax increase. A home valued at 17,000 of assessed valuation would pay a property tax of $4,254 dollars, 103 dollars more than the 4,151 paid last year.
The city is expecting to collect $58.6 million in sales tax for the 2024-25 tax year, but WPCNR at this time projects if revenues in May and June equal last May June, the city will collect $66 MILLION an all-time high.
Parking revenues, including meter fees, parking fines, red light fines and permit charges are according the city overview are at $31.2 million, and as more people come back to the city to work and shop, the city reports parking revenues are returning to pre-covid levels.
The adult use cannibis tax is being budgeted by the city to bring in $680,000 in 2025-26.
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COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS ISSUES STATEMENT ON CLOSURE OF WHITE PLAINS SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE
“We start this week with fewer services for the people of Westchester County due to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s decision to close the Social Security Office in White Plains. We offered them space in a County office building at a reduced rate.
“I have been vocal—I’ve spoken with both Congressman George Latimer and Congressman Mike Lawler—explaining how detrimental this closure will be for our area. We will continue fighting for the people of Westchester County, but the federal government has made it clear: they do not care about cutting services or the harm this decision will cause.
“If the SSA were truly interested in saving money, they would have accepted the County’s offer for a much more affordable space. Let’s be clear—closing this SSA office isn’t about saving money, finding fraud, or rooting out waste. This is about denying people their benefits—not explicitly, but by omission.
“For those who are disabled or elderly, we all know they won’t be able to travel an hour or more to sort out and fight for the benefits they’ve earned. Travel is a luxury not everyone can afford—and the federal government knows that. Their message is bold and cruel: starve.”
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COUNTY POLICE INVESTIGATE ARSON FIRE AND VANDALISM SPREE AT HISTORIC TARRYTOWN LIGHTHOUSE
(Hawthorne, NY) – Westchester County Police are investigating an arson fire and vandalism spree that caused significant damage over the weekend to the historic Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow.
The damage to the Hudson River lighthouse was discovered about 9:40 a.m. Saturday by a Westchester County Parks employee. Upon arriving at the lighthouse, the employee observed a smoke condition, broken windows and other property damage.
The Sleepy Hollow police and fire departments responded and put out a small fire with fire extinguishers. Westchester County Police patrol officers also responded and subsequently turned the investigation over to detectives from the General Investigations Unit.
“The Tarrytown Lighthouse is one of our County’s most iconic and cherished landmarks,” County Executive Ken Jenkins said. “This was a truly despicable act, and we will do everything we can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Destruction at the lighthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, included:
· Significant fire damage to the flooring on the first floor;
· Multiple broken windows on the first and second floors;
· Multiple items destroyed, including valuable antiques, other furniture and items of historical significance;
· Damage to about 35 antique books that were removed from shelves and strewn about the floor.
The crime scene was processed by the Westchester County Police Forensic Investigation Unit and the Cause & Origin Team from the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services.
The Westchester County Parks Department is working to complete a detailed damage assessment. A preliminary estimate places damages at about $100,000, though that figure is subject to change. The Parks Department has also suspended all scheduled public tours of the lighthouse at this time.
Detectives from the General Investigations Unit are asking anyone with information to contact County Police, which maintains a variety of telephone and electronic tip lines. Calls, e-mails and text messages to these tips lines are confidential. Tipsters can remain anonymous if they chose.
· Voice Tip Line: (800)898-TIPS (8477).
· Electronic Tips: Send email, text messages and small video clips to tips@wccops.com.
· Via Mobile App: The WCPD Mobile App contains a home screen Submit a Tip button to enable tips to be sent confidentially or anonymously. It is available for Apple and Android phones. Enter Westchester County PD in the app store search bar to locate and download it.
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THE WHITE PLAINS SCHOOLS NOW DISPLAYING THEIR EXTRAORDINARY TALENTS IN THE WHITE PLAINS LIBRARY ALL WEEK LONG IN A DAZZLING DISPLAY OF DIGITAL ART, WATERCOLORS, DRAWINGS, SCULPTURES, SIGNED ORIGINALS BY THE YOUNG ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE.
THEY ARE TESTIMONY TO THE POWER OF THE ARTS TO EXPAND IMAGINATION, CREATE, THINK AND EXPLORE WITH THEIR MINDS THEIR OWN HANDS AND FREE THEIR POWERS OF CREATIVITY THE BOTTOMLESS POTENTIAL OF WHAT THEY CAN DO.
SO MOMS AND DADS, POLITICIANS AND ADULTS ALL AROUND TOWN, WHEN YOU WORRY ABOUT WHERE THE WORLD IS GOING, THIS ART SHOW WILL SHOW YOU THE BRIGHT CREATIVITY BEING NURTURED BY THE ART TEACHERS AND REGULAR TEACHERS DRAWING OUT THE BEST IN OUR FUTURE OUR KIDS..
AS FREDA KAHLOW THE GREAT DETROIT ARTIST WROTE AS QUOTED IN THE THEME OF THE SHOW:
“Art is the beauty of the world. There is not a single definition for what art is and for what it stands for. Throughout this year I struggled with my mental health, and it had gotten to the lowest it had ever been. The only way I could express myself in a way that I didn’t have to use words was, art. When I first started making my art, I wanted to express my mindset to show others my point of view It felt like I was drowning, my room flooding, and no one there to save me. After coming back from a self-care break, I realized the door shouldn’t be open for water to fill up my room, but for others to come in and rescue me. Fireflies were a core memory of my childhood. I remember catching the with my sister while my dad made a fire and while my mom got supplies to make s’mores. To me, they are my fireflies. Butterflies stood for my growth and journey. Just like the journey of a butterfly I had my own too. As the butterfly is ready to leave the comfort of its chrysalis, maybe my journey took longer than expected but I still did it. I turned into a beautiful butterfly, too. In the time of making my last artwork for this school year, I had trouble accepting my own skin. I denied my whole past. I wanted to go back and change it all before it was too late. Of course, that isn’t possible, we can only go forward, not back. This clay project represents my acceptance for what I went through not for what it makes me, me.
I am my own muse. —FRIDA KAHLO
WHITE PLAINS SCHOOLS ART SHOW DO NOT MISS IT THIS WEEK
