Common Core Task Force Announces Regional “Listening Meetings” First in New Rochelle Thursday 4 PM. Public may attend, make comments on Task Force website

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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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The Feiner Report: Millenial Moves Change Demographics on Central Ave. Seeks Parking Solutions for Overflow Overnight Parking at 4 Corners

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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. From Town of Greenburgh Supervisor, Paul Feiner. October 25, 2015:

QUESTIONNAIRE–E HARTSDALE PARKING PROBLEMS…WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

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?

Do some of your neighbors also have parking related problems?
Do you think the town should acquire more land for parking–even if it resulted in higher taxes (a parking structure is expensive–could cost more than $20 million to build)?
Another option: to reach out to developers and to see if a public/private initiative could take place. They could build a building on the 4 corners –and create parking that would be available to residents of E Hartsdale Ave during evening/weekend hours. This would be much less costly and would help address the problem.
Do you have any other suggestions?
NAME

ADDReSS

PHONE
E MAIL

 

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Mayor’s Multimodel Transportation Center Stakeholder Task Force Members Identified.

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WPCNCR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. October 24, 2015:

Ayana Meade the WPCNR  correspondent who covered last week’s League of Women Voters Community Forum for WPCNR, reported that White Plains Councilperson Nadine Hunt-Robinson told the audience the Mayor has appointed a task force to contribute and review with Parsons-Brinckerhoff conductor of a study to determine  development and new possibilities for the train station area.
Members of that task force were part of the group that toured the Metro North Train Station with Mayor Tom Roach, October 14, who explained his concerns about the present station.
WPCNR asked council members Dennis Krolian and Ms. Hunt-Robinson who has been appointed to the Mayor’s Multimodal Transportation Stakeholder Task Force.
Mr. Krolian told WPCNR in a telephone interview that Patti Cantu  of the Battle Hill Neighborhood (affected directly by the target area of the station and surroundings) and Justin Brasch, who lives in the Soundview Avenue neighborhood were two of the members.
WPCNR asked Ms. Hunt-Robinson if there were any indications of how Battle Hill might be affected in the major makeover of the station.
Ms. Hunt-Robinson sent WPCNR this statement:
“I think the goal is to get ideas to better integrate Battle Hill (with the station), including the walkability to the potential activities to be at the station.”
She provided the members of the Multimodal Task Force: and their affiliations as follows:

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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Common Council Candidates Heard on the Issues at the Library by Ayana Meade

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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.

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EBERSOLE RINK — THE HAPPY RINK — OPENING WEEKEND PUBLIC SESSION SATURDAY SUNDAY

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JENNIFER NETROSIO

NEW DIRECTOR OF EBERSOLE RINK FIGURE SKATING SCHOOL

TELLS YOU ALL ABOUT THE NEW IMPROVED, EBERSOLE RINK

20151019jennetr 020

ON THIS WEEK’S

PEOPLE TO BE HEARD

SEE THE PROGRAM AT

www.wpcommunitymedia.org

or

www.whiteplainsweek.com

RINK OPENS FOR THE SEASON TODAY

SATURDAY

1:15-4:30 PM

SUNDAY

ADULTS, 8:30 A.M. to 10:15 A.M.

PUBLIC SESSION

12:15 TO 5 P.M.

YOUTH $8

ADULT $10

SENIORS $5

SKATE RENTAL $5

MORE INFORMATION, 914-422-1336 OR 914-422 1390

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TONIGHT — WHITE PLAINS WEEK ON THE INTERNET AT www.whiteplainsweek.com

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2014906 005

THIS WEEK’S WORLD SERIES EDITION

JOHN BAILEY– THE SINGING ANCHOR   SINGS “MEET THE METS!

THE LIBRARY’S $1 MILLION MYSTERY DONATION!

PLAYLAND SUITOR WANTS OVERTIME BEFORE MAKING THE DECISION

FASNY TO BUYER: WE’RE NOT SELLING

VIDEO OF THE NEW TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE TODAY– CONNYBEARE MOVES ON

TRANSCENTER TASK FORCE CHOSEN NAMES TO BE RELEASED SOON

WESTCHESTER ARTS HONORS FROMA BENEROFE

VIDEO: WHITE PLAINS WEEK TOURS THE NEW, IMPROVED EBERSOLE ICE RINK –OPENING FRIDAY NIGHT AT 8–PUBLIC SKATING THIS WEEKEND.

SEE IT ON THE INTERNET

at

www.whiteplainsweek.com

or

www.wpcommunitymedia.org

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MILLION DOLLAR GIFT WILL HELP COMPLETE WHITE PLAINS LIBRARY FIRST FLOOR

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Caferendering

Rendering of “The Hub”, the cafe addition to the first floor of the White Plains Library, the construction will be funded in part by a $1 Million anonymous gift announced Thursday by the White Plains Library Foundation. Photo, Courtesy White Plains Library

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. From the White Plains Library Foundation. October 22, 2015:

A gift of one million dollars to the White Plains Library Foundation will enable the White Plains Public Library to complete renovations of its first floor and construct The Hub, its new library for adults. The Hub—sure to be a popular destination in downtown White Plains–will provide a new, attractive venue for learning and relaxation, with room for reading, studying, and collaboration, access to improved technology, new community meeting areas, and a Café & Friends’ Bookstore.

“This tremendously generous gift underscores how much the White Plains community values its Library,” said White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach. “The City is proud to work with the Library Foundation to revitalize our 45-year-old Library building and ensure that it will provide excellent services for all our residents, for years to come. I commend the extraordinary leadership of our anonymous friends, and thank our community for bringing this project closer to a reality.”

The gift from anonymous donors, along with funds from the City of White Plains and an additional $500,000 being raised by the Foundation, will provide the funding to complete the renovation of the Library’s first floor, including the creation of The Hub. The first phase of construction, also a partnership between the City and the Foundation, saw the creation of The Edge, the Library’s award-winning library for teens.

“This gift inspires all of us to step up and help close the gap,” said Diane Tabakman, president of the White Plains Library Foundation.  “Join us in creating a transformed Library for our community by contributing generously to the Campaign for The Hub.”

 

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HOW TO COMMENT ON THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS — NOT THE TEST ASSESSMENTS — ONLINE

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the New York State Education Department. October 22, 20515:

AIMHighNY logo
Click here to take our survey
Note that you do not need to comment on every standard. Please comment on as few or as many standards as desired.
You cannot change your feedback once you navigate away from a standard.

Background

Academic standards define what New York students are expected to learn at each grade level in order to graduate ready for success in college and career. All of us agree on the importance of high standards for our students. And, we want the best possible standards as we continue to move forward on the progress that has been made in academic achievement.

In January 2011, the NYS Board of Regents adopted the New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards, which include the nationally recognized Common Core State Standards and a small amount of additional standards uniquely added by New York State. The Common Core State Standards were created through a collaborative effort on behalf of the National Governor’s Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers. The standards were developed by key stakeholders in the field, including teachers, school administrators, and content experts.

The New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards:

  • provide a consistent set of expectations for what students should learn and be able to do
  • are internationally-benchmarked and evidence-based

The New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards are not:

  • assessments
  • evaluations
  • curriculum

This survey provides an opportunity for every New Yorker to go online, review each standard and comment on what is liked, not liked, or offer a suggestion for a change to a particular standard. Please note: Respondents do not need to comment on every standard. Please comment on as few or as many standards as desired.

This is not a referendum on the standards. Only comments tied to a specific standard will be considered. The objectives of this review are to:

  1. increase awareness and understanding of New York’s current standards in ELA and math that were adopted in 2011; and
  2. gather actionable feedback from all New Yorkers as part of the department’s regular review process of the academic standards with an eye toward continuous improvement.

Comments provided about specific standards will be evaluated and reviewed by teams of New York educators from all levels specializing in the specific content areas. Any changes recommended by these teams will be presented to the New York Board of Regents for its consideration. Any changes to the standards would not be implemented until the 2016-17 school year or later.

The following principles will guide this review:

  1. Focus on the standards: The review will focus on the substance of the actual standards themselves.
  2. Improve what already exists; don’t start over: The intent is to improve current standards based on public input from parents, educators, administrators, etc.

Navigating the Standards

The standards in this application are arranged by subject and grade level. To review a standard, click the plus sign beside the standard to see more detailed information. You can browse the standards within a grade level in whatever order you wish. To find particular standards to review, you may also search for a particular concept in the search bar.

Resources
AIMHighNY logo
Click here to take our surveyNote that you do not need to comment on every standard. Please comment on as few or as many standards as desired.
You cannot change your feedback once you navigate away from a standard.
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Benjamin Boykin, Alfreda Williams Candidates for County Legislature (unopposed) State Their Positions in Candidates Forum at WP Library By Ayana A. Meade

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County Legislators Benjamin Boykin and Alfreda Williams prepare for Community Forum last week. Jim Kenny, Executive Director of White Plains Television adjusts the Microphones.Photo by Ayana Meade

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2015. By Ayana A. Meade.Special to WPCNR. October 21, 2015 (Part I of a Two Part Exclusive Report)

In preparation for the upcoming elections on Nov 3rd, candidates running for Westchester County Legislature and Common Council participated in a Candidates Forum at the White Plains Public Library on Wednesday October 14th.

The forum provided an opportunity for candidates to address questions about issues facing White Plains, and for them to educate constituents about their positions. The purpose of the forum was to provide voters with the information needed to make more informed choices on election day.  The forum was hosted by the League of Women Voters of White Plains and co-sponsored by the White Plains Public Library, The White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations and the White Plains/Greenburgh NAACP.

Addressing a room of approximately 75 residents, the forum lasted about two hours, with candidates addressing questions that ranged from environmental issues, to housing and development.

County Legislator candidates Benjamin Boykin and Alfreda Williams (representing districts 1 and 8 respectively—both Democrats and running for re-election, uncontested) spoke during the first hour, followed by the four Common Council candidates running in a contested election for three Common Council seats: AnneMarie Encarnacao, Nadine Hunt-Robinson, Dennis Krolian, Milagros Lecuona, with Ms. Encarnacao being the only Republican candidate running as a challenger against three incumbent Democrats. (The Council Candidates comments will be covered in Part II of this exclusive coverage.)

The format allowed for candidates to make opening statements, respond to a league question, a question from each of the co-sponsors, and then to questions submitted by the audience that were pre-selected by the league board. The forum was moderated by Carolyn Stevens, Scarsdale League member and the first Vice President of the County League of Women Voters.

County Legislator Boykin, who in his opening statement declared that his key issue was to create good paying jobs and improve our regional economy, cited that he brings a unique set of skills to the County Legislature, including financial business executive experience, education leadership, and a long record of public service in White Plains.

Legislator Williams who previously worked in town government for 14 years, as Greenburgh Town Clerk, cited her experience in seeing numerous pieces of legislation pass through the legislative process.  Her key focus as a legislator is helping to improve the quality of life of all the citizens of White Plains, touting her track record on environmental issues.

The Pipeline

Both candidates were asked to address questions on a wide range of topics: when asked to state their positions on the Algonquin Pipeline, Williams answered an emphatic “I’m against it,” citing its proximity to the City of Peekskill, school districts, residential housing, and Indian Point, as her primary concerns.  Adding that, the democratic members of the Board of Legislators sent a request to the Federal Government in order to eliminate and put a freeze on issuing environmental permits for the pipeline, and have also submitted a petition to the EPA to appeal the decision to issue those permits.

Boykin affirmed Williams’ opposition to the pipeline, adding that the Board of Legislators passed a resolution 15-1, stating additional research needs to be performed.  In addition, the democratic members of the legislators requested that additional insurance be provided for the project.

Plastic bags and Styrofoam Ban

When asked what the status was of the bill authored by Legislator Catherine Parker, that would limit the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam containers by retailers, Boykin responded that he was in support of it, but admitted that progress was “slow,” citing setbacks due to a ruling by a NYC judge that it was inappropriate to ban city businesses from using Styrofoam containers.  Boykin says they’re working toward developing one comprehensive proposal that the entire County can agree on.

Storm Drains

The candidates were asked to discuss their position on allowing the adding of storm drains to carry off excess water to Mamaroneck River, and what they would advise communities facing a similar situation?

Boykin said that having additional storm drains was a requirement under state law., and that the Reconnaissance Plans that the County approved last year are in place for communities to deal with flooding and solving flooding issues. Adding that, under those Reconnaissance Plans not only do they have to look at how it will affect White Plains, but how it will affect Scarsdale, and Mamaroneck, for example.  Once the impact to all potential communities has been assessed, the County decides whether not to provide the 50% funding that is under the Reconnaissance Plans.

Williams added that officials are looking at re-instituting storm drains for the Bronx River as well as Saw Mill and Mamaroneck areas, where so much flooding exists.  Adding that the storm gauges are no longer working or are no longer in existence, making it difficult to prepare for potential flooding.   In response, officials need to look at the possibility of dredging for instance along the Bronx River which is silted over in many instances—using all of these combined solutions to eliminate flooding in the county.

Gun Show Ban

When asked to state their position on allowing gun shows at the County Center, Williams replied that she is co-sponsoring legislation to eliminate gun shows at County owned properties that will be presented at an upcoming Board of Legislators—Legislator Boykin is co-sponsoring the legislation.

While neither candidate stated they were against the possession of guns outright, they both agreed that hosting gun shows on County owned property that was funded by tax payers was not the appropriate place, especially in light of recent gun tragedies.

Curtailing Voter Registration Availability

Candidates were asked to comment on the current County Executive’s repeal of Andy Spano’s executive order to provide voter registration forms at all County Offices.

Boykin responded, “I don’t know why that happened because we need to be as transparent as possible, and we need to get as many people to vote as possible.”  Adding that, it’s important to have the voter registration forms available in as many places as possible, including online access.

During their closing remarks both candidates echoed that voting is a terribly important responsibility of citizenship that everyone should be involved in, and urged residents to head to the polls on November 3rd.

(Reporting on the issues White Plains Common Council Candidates commented on will appear in Part II of this exclusive report)

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