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JEN NETROSIO
EBERSOLE RINK NEW FIGURE SKATING SCHOOL DIRECTOR
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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2015. From the Westchester County Board of Elections. November 4, 2015:
The Westchester County Legislature results from election day, pending official recanvas will still have 9 Democratic County Legislators and 8 Republicans after all machine ballots were counted.
In the City of White Plains, Nadine Hunt-Robinson, the deciding Council vote in the French American School denial in August was the leading vote getter, polling 3,662 to Councilman Dennis Krolian’s 3,635 and Milagros Lecuona’s 3,318. Hunt-Robinson, Krolian and Lecuona will serve through 2019. Annemarie Encarnacao, in a second attempt to be elected to the Council, running as the lone Republican candidate received 1,578 votes. The margin of victory was 30% of the vote compared to 13% for the Republican.
Here’s the breakdown of the County Legislature results:
District 1- John Testa (R) ran unopposed.
District 2- Francis Corcoran (R) defeated Kare Schleimer (D), 4,900 to 4,385 votes, pending recanvas.
District 3-Marget Cunzio (R) defeated Jon Diaconis, 4,043 to 3,156
District 4-Michael Kaplowitz (D) ran unopposed.
District 5-Benjamin Boykin (D) ran unopposed
District 6-David Gelfarb (R) ran unopposed.
District 7- Catherine Parker(D) defeated Susan Watson 5,088 votes to 3,606
District 8- Alfreda Williams (D) ran unopposed.
District 9- Catherine Borgia (D) Defeated Katherine Mamone , 4,896 to 2,621 votes,
District 10- Sheila Marcotte (R) defeated Haina Just Michael, 4,454 to 4,030 pending recanvas,
District 11- James Maisano (R) ran unopposed.
District 12–Mary Jane Shimsky (D) ran unopposed.
District 13- Lyndon Williams (D) ran unopposed.
District 14–Bernice Spreckman (R) defeated Christine Peters (D) 2,851 to 2,409 votes pending recanvas.
District 15– Gordon Burrows (R) defeated Kathleen Thomas, 3,804 to 2,571 votes.
District 16–Kenneth Jenkins (D) ran unopposed
District 17- Virginia Perez (D) defeated Piedad Abreu, 2,053 to 594 votes.
IN COURT RACES,
Gretchen Walsh was elected to Supreme Court Justice.
Susan Cacace was elected County Court Justice
Brandon Sall was elected Surrogate Judge.
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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. NOVEMBER 2, 2015:
I will preface my article by stating it as a message of hope and not one of consternation. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have supported my political aspirations over the years.
First of all, it is of little surprise and less of a secret among Republicans and Democrats alike the compromised position of the party today. It is common knowledge the city is dominated today by a well-educated and organized Democratic Party. The Republicans are also at a serious disadvantage in regard to voter registration. Simply stated, they are underfunded, lack the political machinery, and a voter base to engage in a successful election campaign-regardless of the candidates’ education and experience.
The party also has an identity problem resulting in its inability to develop a political platform of its vision in which to launch their candidates’ elections. For the most part, city voters vote for the party, not the candidate, even if the candidate(s) are amply qualified and well liked. In its current state, the party is like a flower bud that never blossoms on election day.
Sadly, the city has the fertile ground for its growth though lacks the structure to water the ground of their planted candidates. It’s one of the party’s short comings and modus operandi of endorsing candidate(s) at the last moment, failing to give voters the needed time to acquaint themselves with the contenders, to say the least, a new candidate given only six to eight weeks to campaign is no match for the well-entrenched and experienced incumbents.
This lack of public presence between elections; poor public relations; lack of a coordinated and well thought out vision and being unjustly identified with the national party that lacks a social consciousness has rendered the party hopeless in the eyes of its members, leaders, voters and candidates.
Speaking from a personal perspective and experience while running for the Common Council in 2011, I learned the harsh lessons of its political reality. As a registered Independent running on the Republican Line, I found myself incorrectly labeled too liberal by the Republican, and too conservative by the Democrats.
Regretfully voters will place a candidate in very small box no matter how broad and deep of a thinker they may be. Republican candidates generally fall into the trap of voter bias. In hindsight, the 2011 election for the Common Council may have been the high water mark for the party-even in its defeat. In that election, the candidates did garner a sizeable number of votes establishing a party vanguard that was not properly supported with well-coordinated follow up.. All momentum was lost and community outreach never materialized. .
Since the 2011 election many a fine and talented potential candidate(s) have elected not to run for office again. Sadly, and to the detriment and loss to the city and the party.
In these changing and difficult socio/economic times, the party is in need of an earnest rebranding and a new clear vision achieved to be achieved by the restructuring of its leadership and ideology.
In closing, White Plains is a great city with a track record to match though it is still in need of new and politically diverse new voices to lead the city to higher levels of achievement. The party needs to act on the realization and fact if it truly wants to change the politics of the city-it must first transform itself.
Dr. Richard Cirulli
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WHITE PLAINS WEEK
JIM BENEROFE JOHN BAILEY
Jim Benerofe of suburbanstreet.com and John Bailey, right, The CitizeNetReporter hanging out at City Limits. The Dynamic Duo of Benerofe, Bailey, and Peter Katz has been preparing and producing White Plains Week, the weekly city news roundup show for 15 yearsl
STARTS NOW ON YouTUBE
CLICK THIS LINK
29 MINUTES OF THE NEWS THEY DO NOT TELL YOU.
ON
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THE LACKLUSTER REPUBLICAN DEBATE
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
ANNEMARIE ENCARNACAO
ON THE DISMAL DOWNTOWN AND THE REDLIGHT CAMERA MENACE
THE COMMON CORE TASK FORCE ON THE SCENE AT COLLEGE OF NEW ROCHELLE
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Ellen Rosenbaum of White Plains and Anna Christina of The Bronx (right), Medical Technologists who pre-screen blood donors, dressed up as “NCI” personalities to open the “Mad Science Blood Drive at White Plains Hospital Wednesday with other WPH personnel to give a Halloween spirit to the “velly serious” need for blood. Photo, Courtesy White Plains Hospital Blood Donor Center
WPCNR MAD SCIENTIST NEWS. From White Plains Hospital Blood Donor Center. October 29, 2015:
The White Plains Hospital Blood Donor Center staff dressed up in costume Wednesday to give a festive, Halloweeny spirit to the serious business of the ongoing need for blood yesterday.
Jodi Creed, the Blood Donor Center Coordinator said that there is always a blood shortage, but it is more acute at this time of year.
For those who want to donate, the blood donation center is open all week: 8 AM to 4 P.M., Monday through Friday in the White Plains Hospital’s main building, 41 East Post Road, White Plains
For more information on donating blood, go to
http://www.wphospital.org/programs-services/blood-donor-center
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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Governor’s Press Office. (Edited)October 28, 2015:
Today, the Common Core Task Force announced its public meeting schedule, which includes 12 meetings across New York State beginning tomorrow, October 29, in New Rochelle.
Public Session One– Thursday, October 29th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.The College of New Rochelle
Maura Hall Room, Maura Hall
29 Castle Place
New Rochelle, NY 10805
Note – Check-in begins at 3:30 P.M.
Members of the public are free to attend this meeting and hear the testimonies of a series of preselected speakers scheduled to present to the Task Force panel..
The public though will not be allowed to address the Task Force directly from the floor.
The Governor’s Press Office told WPCNR Thursday afternoon that members of the public can send comments on the testimony they hear tomorrow to the Common Core Task Force website at
https://www.ny.gov/programs/common-core-task-force
The Task Force will then host ten simultaneous regional listening sessions where members of the public are invited to deliver testimony next week.
The public sessions are a part of a series of outreach initiatives to engage New Yorkers and generate feedback to the Task Force.
The Common Core Task Force is chaired by Richard Parsons, Senior Advisor, Providence Equity Partners Inc. and former Chairman of the Board, Citigroup Inc.
Mr. Parsons said: “These public meetings will be vital to our comprehensive review of the Common Core. In the coming weeks, the Task Force will engage in meaningful dialogue with New Yorkers across the state who offer a range of perspectives, voice their ideas and provide critical feedback on the standards and their implementation. I look forward to getting these sessions underway.”
During the public session in New Rochelle, members of the Common Core Task Force will receive presentations by five speakers representing diverse viewpoints related to the Task Force’s charge. Following the presentations, Task Force members will engage the speakers in Q&A.
The entire session, including presentations and Q&A, will be open to members of the public and press and video of the session will be posted on the Task Force website.
During the regional public sessions, members of the public are invited to deliver timed open testimony to the attending representative of the Common Core Task Force. The entire session will be open to members of the public and press.
The public meeting schedule following the New Rochelle meeting tomorrow is as follows:
Regional Public Sessions– Friday, November 6th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.One session will be held in each region of the state (total of 10 meetings). Regional meeting details will be available on the Task Force website early next week.
Public Session Two– Wednesday, November 18thfrom 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.Erie County – meeting details will be announced on theTask Force websiteas they become available.The public is also encouraged to submit comments and recommendations to the Common Core Task Force on its website, ny.gov/CommonCoreTaskForce.
Presenters for the first public session, held tomorrow in the Lower Hudson Valley, are:
1. Dr. Linda Sturges, Professor of Mathematics & Mathematics and Computer Science Curriculum Supervisor, SUNY Maritime College
2. Judy Kelly, English Teacher, Sleepy Hollow High School; English Department Chair, Sleepy Hollow High School & Middle School; President, Local Teachers Union
3. Jamaal Bowman, Principal, Cornerstone Academy for Social Action
4. Lisa Rudley, Westchester County Parent, Co-Founder and Executive Director of New York State Allies for Public Education
5. Robert Horan, Superintendent, Schodack Central School District
Background on the Speakers:
Dr. Linda Sturges, Professor of Mathematics & Mathematics and Computer Science Curriculum Supervisor, SUNY Maritime College
Dr. Linda Sturges is a Professor of Mathematics and the Mathematics and Computer Science Curriculum Supervisor. In 2005, she was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service and her service as Chair of the Faculty Assessment Committee was recognized with a certificate and plaque in 2012.
Dr. Sturges’ University service includes membership in the SUNY Council on Assessment (SCoA) and participation in SUNY Advisory Groups on pre-college assessments in mathematics with SED and PARCC. Dr. Sturges has worked on various mathematics learning and teaching projects through the Educational Policy Improvement Center. Her professional service is linked to her research interests on self-regulated learning within AERA. Dr. Sturges is the treasurer for the AERA Special Interest Group on Studying and Self-Regulated Learning. Professor Sturges earned a BS in Mathematics from SUNY New Paltz, a MA in Mathematics Education from Lehman College, and a PhD in Educational Psychology from the City University of New York Graduate Center.
Judy Kelly, English Teacher, Sleepy Hollow High School; English Department Chair, Sleepy Hollow High School & Middle School; President, Local Teachers Union
Judith Kelly has been a teacher in public schools for the past twenty-two years. Currently, she teaches high school level English at Sleepy Hollow High School in Sleepy Hollow, New York, where she has been employed for the past nineteen years. In addition to her role as a teacher, Ms. Kelly is the English Department Chair for grades 6-12 and the President of the Teachers’ Association of the Tarrytowns. Prior to her tenure at Sleepy Hollow, she taught middle school English in the New York City Public School System at Intermediate School 211 in Canarsie, Brooklyn. Ms. Kelly holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Marist College and a MS in Secondary English Education from S.U.N.Y. New Paltz. In addition, she has earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from S.U.N.Y. New Paltz. She resides in New Paltz, New York with her husband and two children.
Jamaal Bowman, Principal, Cornerstone Academy for Social Action
Jamaal Bowman is the Founding Principal of Cornerstone Academy for Social Action (C.A.S.A.) Middle School in the Bronx. Mr. Bowman received his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from the University of New Haven in May 1999 and immediately began his teaching career at P.S. 90 in the South Bronx. After spending five years at P.S. 90, Mr. Bowman moved on to serve as the Dean of Students at the High School for Arts and Technology. In 2008 Mr. Bowman was accepted into New Leaders for New Schools, and spent the year writing the proposal for C.A.S.A. while interning at Achievement First Endeavor Charter School. Mr. Bowman is a Certified Business Teacher, Guidance Counselor, and School Building Leader. He has used all of his personal and professional experience to build the vision, mission, tone, and foundation of C.A.S.A. Middle School.
C.A.S.A., now in its 6th year, has been celebrated for its exemplary school culture, high student achievement, and innovative student centered practices. C.A.S.A. students consistently attend some of the top high schools in New York City including Bronx High School of Science and Brooklyn Latin, and are offered accelerated coursework in Algebra, Living Environment, and English. On the 2015 Common Core State Exams, C.A.S.A. earned the highest combined growth score average in New York City. Mr. Bowman was born and raised in the East Harlem/Yorkville section of New York City, and is a product of public schools. Most importantly, he is a proud husband and father of three.
Lisa Rudley, Westchester County Parent, Co-Founder and Executive Director of New York State Allies for Public Education
Lisa Rudley, Westchester County, Ossining Public School parent of 3 children ages 10, 13 and 15 years old. Founding member of New York State Allies for Public Education, a coalition of over 50 parent and educator groups. A leading voice in New York for student and parental rights, Lisa advocates for people with disabilities and public education on a local, state, and federal level.
Robert Horan, Superintendent, Schodack Central School District
Robert Horan taught technology education at Mohonasen Central School District from 1986 to 2002, and for part of that time was the Dean of Students. From 2002-2004, he worked for the Shenendehowa Central School District as Department Administrator for Technology and Business Education. In 2004, Mr. Horan was hired by the Schodack Central School District as the Principal of Maple Hill High School where he remained until becoming the Superintendent in July 2010. Mr. Horan resides in Niskayuna with his wife and three children.
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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. From Town of Greenburgh Supervisor, Paul Feiner. October 25, 2015:
In recent weeks some residents of E Hartsdale Ave have contacted me expressing concern about the lack of overnight parking. The demographics of E Hartsdale Ave are changing -more young families are moving in and they have more cars.
A suggestion was made for the town to try to acquire land near the four corners and to build a new parking structure. We could also reach out to developers and ask if they would be willing to build a new structure at or near the 4 corners. A condition of approval would be for residents of E Hartsdale Ave to have access to the parking during overnight hours and during weekends. Or, to try to come up with other options. Purchasing land and building a new structure will cost significant dollars and before we proceed – I’d like to get a better idea of the extent of the problem.
I would appreciate it if you would drop me a note highlighting the personal experiences you have had with overnight parking on the avenue. If you live on E Hartsdale Ave please respond to the following questionnaire and send it to townboard@greenburghny.com. The Town Board will be discussing this problem with Stephanie Kavourias, head of the parking district (whose detailed explanation of parking authority responsibilities and concerns is posted below. The parking authority is independent of the town but we hope to work cooperatively with the authority to address this concern.
Thanks.
PAUL FEINER
( )Yes ( ) No I have experienced overnight parking problems where I live.
How often?
Is this a seasonal problem or a year long problem?
Where do you park your car when you have a problem?
Have you been ticketed?
ADDReSS
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WPCNCR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. October 24, 2015:
City of White Plains:
Mayor Roach, Chair
Metro-North Railroad:
Michael Shiffer, V.P. Planning, MTA Metro-North Railroad
Westchester County:
Ed Buroughs, Westchester County Planning Commissioner
New York State:
Todd Westhuis, NYS Department of Transportation, Division of Operations and Asset Management
White Plains Residents:
Justin Brasch
Larry Salley
Mary Cavallero
Patty Cantu
Richard Payne
William Cuddy
Mayor Roach
Landowners & Businesses:
Peter Mosbacher, Senior V.P., Community Development, Webster Bank
Robert Weisz, CEO, RPW Group
Susan Fox, President & CEO, White Plains Hospital
Tim Jones, Managing Member, Robert Martin Company, LLC
William Cuddy, Executive V.P., CBRE Brokerage Services
Special Interest/Community Groups:
Justin Brasch, Commuter
Larry Salley, Chair, White Plains Housing Authority; Former Commissioner, Westchester County Department of Transportation
Richard Payne, Cycling advocate
Peter Mosbacher, Placemaking advocate
Mary Cavallero, Former Chair, White Plains Planning Board
According to the Request for Proposals that Parsons Brinckerhoff was selected to execute for the city, the Multimodal Transcenter Stakeholders Task Force will hold six meetings during which–
“The city shall use Task Force Meetings to discussand review draft work products, work in process (of Parsons Brinckerhoff) and next steps. Each meeting shall include, but not belimited to, one orm0ore of the following: open facilitated discussions in plenary sessions as well as break out groups, workshops and presentations. The city shall use each meeting to update the Task Force on recent activities and receive Task Force input on and assistance with project issues and activities. The consultant (Parsons-Brinckerhoff) will participate in all Task Force meetings.”
This process will according to the Request for Proposals “With the input of city staff, the Task Force and the public, the consultant (Parsons Brinckerhoff) shall develop a Strategic Plan.
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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2015. By Ayana Meade. Special to WPCNR. (Part II of a 2-Part article.) October 24, 2015:
On October 7, 2015, the candidates for the upcoming White Plains Common Council election, incumbents Nadine Hunt-Robinson, Dennis Krolian and Milagros Lecuona and challenger Annemarie Encarnacao as well as candidate for County Legislator Ben Boykin met at the Woman’s Club of White Plains for a question and answer session on the pertinent issues.
Questions were submitted by the moderators as well as from the attendees. At the end of the meeting, questions were taken from the floor directly. An audience of sixty five residents attended the event including Councilman John Fitzpatrick.
Biggest Accomplishment
The incumbents were initially asked what they felt was their biggest accomplishment in the past year.
Ms. Hunt-Robinson and Mr. Krolian felt that finally voting on the FASNY issue was the one while Ms. Lecuona and Mr. Boykin felt passing a budget had been theirs.
Mr. Boykin cautioned that this will also be a big issue in the upcoming year on the county level. Because extensive budget cuts are threatened, it will be a challenge to save money while preserving services.
Transparency
Amongst the issues discussed, the question of transparency in government and requests for information from officials was raised several times.
The candidates all stated that if asked they would be more than happy to turn over whatever information was in their power to do so but pointed out that even they are not able to access everything.
Reviving Retail and Commercial Real Estate
Ms. Encarnacao stressed the importance of making White Plains attractive to residential buyers and businesses.
She pointed out several issues that make White Plains less desirable – the homeless on the streets, the aggressive parking policy of the city, safety concerns and the many empty storefronts in downtown White Plains. She reminded the council that the needs of the residential community need to be addressed, not just the needs of corporations.
Strategic Plan
All the candidates agreed there needs to be a revisiting of the strategic/comprehensive plan for the city to make White Plains a more desirable place to live and work going forward.
Homeless Issues
The issue of the homeless is of great concern to many residents.
People from homeless shelters are bussed into White Plains (as well as Yonkers and New Rochelle) during the day. In addition there are several homeless shelters in White Plains. A new shelter ‘’Open Arms” has just opened but only accepts people with no medical problems and they can only stay for 45 days. A member of the audience stated that budget cuts in past years have reduced the available services for the homeless and so there are fewer options for them.
Parking and traffic control are also major concerns.
Citizens are concerned with the aggressive parking tickets being issued by the City of White Plains, not only for overtime notices but for parking over the line or parking too far from the curb. Exorbitant fines accompany these tickets and discourage people from shopping downtown.
Ms. Encarnacao suggested a residential parking pass for all White Plains residents that would allow them to park downtown for a specified period of time. Ms. Hunt-Robinson reminded everyone that the city does have a permit which allows parking in certain garages during specified hours in the evening and on weekends.
Red Light Cameras
A question was asked regarding the impending installation of red light cameras at various intersections. (No timetable for installation has been set.)
Mr. Krolian stated that the intent of the cameras is safety, not revenues. Ms. Encarnacao stated that if you aren’t running a red light, you have nothing to be worried about.
The council members stated that there would be adequate investigation into where the appropriate place for the cameras would be. Some attendees questioned why traffic lights are not synchronized. Ms. Hunt Robinson explained that while synchronization cuts down on exhaust fumes, it may encourage speeding.
Veterans Park
Questions were also asked regarding more open space and plans for a Veterans Park (in Battle Hill– an issue talked about for the last seventeen years).
Ms. Lecuona mentioned her experience in urban planning and stated she had drawn up a plan for a Veterans Park on Tarrytown Road on a tract of land designated for this seventeen years ago. Mr. Krolian pointed out that the new transportation hub would likely include this area and so plans for the park would need to be incorporated into that.
One Arm Garbage Trucks
Finally a question was asked regarding the new mechanized garbage/recycling trucks. It is difficult for many disabled and elderly to put the new containers to the curb.
Council members said this issue is being looked into but in the interim suggested getting help from a neighbor or family member and referred the individual to Aging in Place.
The election will be held on November 3, 2015. The three incumbents from the Common Council and Republican candidate are competing for three seats. Mr. Boykin is running unopposed for County Legislator.
