City has boom December in Sales Tax. Up 4%/1st 6 Months. On target to Beat 12-13 collections. County finishes 6.2% higher for Year

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. January 16, 2014:

December shoppers brought White Plains a refreshing $965,000 dollar increase in sales tax receipts in December, bringing the city total for the first six months of the city fiscal year to $25.6 Million, an increase of 4% over July-December, 2012.

Should the city earn the same sales tax receipts as they did in 2013 for the next six months the city is on target to hit $51 Million in receipts, $2 million more  (about 2.2% more) sales tax dollars than fiscal 2012-13.

Westchester County sales tax receipts ended the county fiscal year of 2013 with a strong 6.2% increase $28.5 Million more over 2013 ($488 Million to $459.6 Million).

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MTA Payroll Tax Stays. Business Council Outraged. Demands Albany Repeal

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WPCNR TAX & SPEND NEWS. From the Westchester Business Council (Edited). January 15, 2014:

The Business Council of Westchester responded today to the New York State Court of Appeals declining to review a lower court ruling, upholding the Metropolitan Transit Authority payroll tax.

The council called on state lawmakers to repeal the MTA payroll tax on the grounds that is bad for New York’s business climate and hampers economic growth.

“The MTA payroll tax is simply a state mandate by another name,” said Dr. Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester. “It is an unfair burden on businesses — some of which don’t even benefit from the MTA’s services — and hampers economic growth while reinforcing the notion that New York is unfriendly to businesses. While the court has ruled this punitive tax is constitutional, state lawmakers should do the right thing with a wholesale repeal of the law. The Business Council is working hard to remove obstacles that keep businesses from coming to New York, and in some cases staying here, and stands ready to work with the governor and state lawmakers to show that New York is truly open for business.”

The payroll tax charges a 34-cent tax for every $100 of payroll for large businesses in the MTA’s 12 county region, which includes Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Dutchess counties.

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Westchester Home Sales Rise 20% in Year

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WPCNR HOMELAND NEWS. JANUARY 15, 2014:

The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors reports  the Westchester County  home sales rose 21% in 2013, its strongest year since the beginning of the real estate recession in 2008-09. Together, Westcheste r(21%), Putnam (17%), Rockland (14%) and Orange (23%) County sales rose 20%.

Inventory in Westchester County declined. The Association comments “it appears the downward direction of inventory results more from classic supply and demand – sales outpacing new supply – than from consumer nervousness about the real estate market.”

Prices are not soaring. The Association says the Westchester median sale price of a single family home rose 3.9% from $587,000 to $610,000. Average price of $812,108 rose 1.4%.

Westchester Condominium median price rose 3.9% to $343,000. Westchester co-ops 1%.

The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors are optimistic that “moderate growth” in real estate sales will continue in 2014, noting, “steady and affordable mortgage rates” remain available. Mortgage rates have declined to 4.6%, but may go up slightly as the year unfolds. Westchester unemployment has declined to 5.5% by the end of 2013.

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NTSB DETAILS EVENTS LEADING TO SINGLE ENGINE PLANE LANDING ON THE MAJOR DEEGAN EXPRESSWAY.

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WPCNR AIR NEWS. From the National Transportation Safety Board Preliminary Accident Report. January 15, 2014:
On January 4, 2014, about 3:20  eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, was substantially damaged during a forced landing on an expressway in Bronx, New York.
The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed; VFR flight following was obtained. The flight originated from Danbury Municipal Airport, Danbury, CT, about 2:40 P.M.The pilot stated that the flight departed with full fuel tanks and after takeoff proceeded to the Statue of Liberty which he orbited twice. He then climbed to 1,500 feet and while in contact with the FAA LaGuardia control tower, he noticed the engine was not developing power.

Because he had switched fuel tanks 30 minutes into the flight while at the Statue of Liberty, he turned on the auxiliary fuel pump, and switched the fuel selector to the fuel tank selected for takeoff. He stated that he could not recall the tank selected for takeoff.
In attempt to restore engine power he also richened the mixture, and pushed the throttle full in, but with no affect. He declared a mayday, established best glide airspeed, and was vectored to a nearby airport but realized he would be unable to land there.
He observed an expressway with 2 closed lanes and maneuvered the airplane for landing. He did not make contact with any trees or light poles on approach to the expressway. In preparation for the forced landing he shut off the fuel and magnetos and “cracked the [cabin entry door].” After coming to rest, all occupants exited the airplane.
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School District: Must Cut $1 Million in Expenses to Stay within 1.5% Tax Levy Cap–Without a Teacher Settlement. The looming $2 Million

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the White Plains City School District. (With Additional original material in BOLDFACE by John Bailey) January 14, 2014 UPDATED  2 P.M. E.S.T. UPDATED 4:30 P.M. E.S.T.:

The White Plains Board of Education has announced the district’s 2014-15 budget planning process, continuing the successful community-wide forums held last year.

Board President Rosemarie Eller said, “Next year’s budget will be a tremendous challenge, responding to the state-imposed property tax levy cap, which is estimated at an approximate 1.5% increase.  With proposed reductions in Federal aid, plus large increases in health insurance rates and pension costs – totally outside of district control, the district will need to consider about $1 million in budget reductions to remain within the cap.”

WPCNR contacted Fred Seiler, Assistant Superintendent for Business who clarified that the $1 Million in expense cutting was preliminary and that the budget is assuming no settlement of the White Plains Teachers Association contract in the budget at this time.

NEW DETAIL ON THE UNSETTLED SETTLEMENT:

With a possible settlement  the teachers’ union looming in the future, (some day) this means that if the union reaches a settlement with the district, two years of any raises for teachers who have reached the top level of the step increases ( approximately 60% of the 641 teachers (385) would most likely have to be paid retroactively for school years 2012-13 and 2013-14, if not more for 2014-15 possibly meaning further pressure on the budget, meaning more cuts in teaching and personnel staff to stay within the cap. 

With approximately  teachers not having received raises the last two years–with say the average salary at that level of 15 years service being $100,000; a three year settlement of 2% a year just for merit pay retroactive two years and  also covering next year woud cost the  district about $2.5 Million in the 2014-15 budget.

Then it would be back to the negotiating table in 2015-16 This is an estimate. Nevertheless you can see this is a terrific pressure on the district. Failure to negotiate this contract when the tax cap was a higher 2% in retrospect was really a questionable decision on the part of the Board of Education. Now with less wiggle room in the 1.5% cap, the district faces a runaway labor cost. (Heads up, City Hall: The city faces the same problem if the police arbitrator decides on a 2% retroactive raise for the police officers. Retroactivity is not a good thing.)

WPCNR figures the $1 Million in expense cutting is to make up for the loss of levy from the decreased rate of inflation (1.5%). 

If the city assessment roll remains where it is, this would be a good omen. If assessments decline, an even greater tax increase over $10 a thousand would perhaps be needed.

Seiler told WPCNR that the expense cutting depended on state aid and possible savings from retirements. He anticipated the budget not approaching the $200 Million level.  

Currently, the district is figuring on taking all of the levy increase allowed (about $2.5 Million), and making up the difference with a tax rate increase that would move the tax rate up $10 to $592 per $1,000, as predicted on the White Plains Week program of December 27. The budget appears to be currently sitting on approximately $196 Million.  Any settlement, retroactive could bump that up to slightly less than $200 Million. The district needs all the money Governor Andrew Cuomo can print to avoid busting the tax levy cap.

The White Plains Teachers Association and the school district are in the Fact Finding process at this time. Teachers who have not reached the top salary for their longevity and degree statuses, are still receiving their step increases as part of the state Triborough Agreement governing labor pay disputes that are not settled. The teachers rejected two previous contracts with the district. An impasse was declared and they have enterted a fact-finding process. The step increases for about 256 teachers next year are in the  anticipated budget, Seiler said.

.The district is seeking broad input on the budget from the community, at two Budget Forums: on Thursday, January 23rd, and Wednesday, March 19th.  Both are in the B-1 Room at White Plains High School, at 7:30 P.M.

Additional meetings will take place in the community and any group or organization wishing to host such a meeting may contact the  Superintendent’s Office at 422-2033.   Discussions have also been held with staff to solicit their input.

All residents are invited to attend these sessions, to participate in focused dialogue on spending efficiencies, areas of concern, budget priorities and creative ways to increase revenues.  A review of the district’s financial situation, the state’s and city’s financial constraints, and other issues relating to development of the budget will be presented.

The district will also hold two Public Hearings:  the first on March 10th, on the Preliminary Proposed Budget, and the second on May 12th, on the Board of Education’s Adopted Proposed Budget. Both hearings will take place at Education House, 5 Homeside Lane, at 7:30 P.M.

Superintendent of Schools Timothy P. Connors said, “We hope to work together with the community to develop a budget that maintains the high quality of education in White Plains and that is fiscally responsible and can be supported by the taxpayers in the May 20th vote.”

The community is encouraged to visit the district’s website, www.whiteplainspublicschools.org for information on the budget.

 

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National Transportation Safety Board Issues Preliminary Report on Metro North December Derailment

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WPCNR RAILROAD NEWS. From the National Transportation Safety Board. January 14, 2014:

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued its Preliminary Report on the Metro North December 1 accident at the Spuyten-Dyvil curve in the Bronx. There is nothing much new at this time other than what we already know. Here is the NTSB Preliminary Report:

“The information in this report is preliminary and will be supplemented or corrected during the
course of the investigation.

On December 1, 2013, about 0719 eastern standard time, southbound Metro-North Railroad (Metro-North) passenger train number 8808 derailed at milepost 11.35 on track number 2 of the Metro-North Hudson Line in The Bronx, New York. Train movements on this line are governed by a traffic control system.

The train originated in Poughkeepsie, New York with a destination of Grand Central Station in New York City. It consisted of seven passenger cars and one locomotive at the rear pushing the train.

As a result of the derailment, 4 passengers died and 59 persons were transported to local hospitals for injuries. Metro-North estimated there were about 115 passengers on the train at the time of the derailment. Damage was estimated by Metro-North to be in excess of $9 million.

The weather at the time of the accident was reported as 39° F with cloudy skies. 

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators have completed the on-scene work in The Bronx. The investigation will continue at the NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Preliminary results of the investigation include:

• The derailment occurred in a 6 degree left hand curve where speed was limited to 30
mph.
• Estimated train speed at the time of the derailment was at 82 mph.
• Detailed inspection and testing of the signal system, train brakes, and other mechanical
equipment did not identify any anomalies.
• An inspection of the track in the derailment area did not identify any pre-accident
anomalies.
• All cars on the train and the locomotive derailed.
• Between December 1 and 11, 2013, investigators completed interviews of train crews and
first responders. Interview transcripts will be included in the public docket upon release.
• Locomotive event recorders were sent to the NTSB laboratory in Washington, D.C. for
further analysis.

The parties to the investigation include the Federal Railroad Administration, Metro-NorthRailroad, New York Public Transportation Safety Board, Teamsters Local 808, New York Police Department, New York Fire Department, and Bombardier Transportation. The Association of Commuter Rail Employees (ACRE) was initially designated as a party. However, because one of ACRE’s senior officials made unauthorized comments on the investigation to the media, ACRE was removed as a party on December 3, 2013.

 

 

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ON THE NET NOW:WHITE PLAINS COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS FOR 29 YEARS BUD NICOLETTI ON SNOW, GARBAGE, LIGHTING, AND WHAT’S AHEAD ON THE BLUEPRINTS ON PEOPLE TO BE HEARD

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As of mid morning, the 4 inches of snow with mini drifts that fell over night was over, but the garbage had to go out . Temperature as of noon was 18 degrees with a 5 to 10 knot breeze and clear cold weather with dazzling sunshine was in control. High pressure was moving in, creating severe clear cold conditions. Ebersole Rink was scheduled to open for public session at 3 P.M.

When it snows in White Plains, Westchester Stops but WHITE PLAINS KEEPS ON GOING thanks to Commissioner of Public Works, Bud Nicoletti. Watch Bud now on the internet, talking with John Bailey and Peter Katz on PEOPLE TO BE HEARD. He shares his Snow Secrets and talks about savings coming up on the one arm sanitation trucks, LED LIGHTS and what’s ahead in capital projects for White Plains on PEOPLE TO BE HEARD, THE INTERVIEW SHOW WHERE PEOPLE WITH SOMETHING TO SAY HAVE THEIR SAY. Tune in on television at 10:30 PM Wednesday on Verizon Channel 45 or Cablevision Channel 76 for all the action or watch the program NOW on www.whiteplainsweek.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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JOHN BAILEY REPORTING LIVE ON WVOX–this morning on the TJ MCCORMACK SHOW

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BAILEY LIFTS YOU RIGHT OUT OF YOUR DRIVER’S SEAT TUESDAYS 7:35 A.M. on WVOX WITH HIS WHITE PLAINS REPORT.

Here is just part of this morning’s commentary aired on WVOX on the TJ McCormack Good Morning Westchester Show:

The Mayor addresses the Council of Neighorhood associations in White Plains tonight at the Board of Education 5 Homeside Lane at 7:30 P.M…and it will be interesting to see the rosy message he gives the neighborhood associations who love his aw-shucks boyish charm.

Maybe he will tell the council about the new projects about to be proposed for White Plains as he mentioned last week in the televised Common Council meeting…without mentioning what they were—why didn’t he? The media dumbness this administration exhibits month after month is amazing to me…say what the projects are, please?Give people in White Plains some hope.

Well if I were the Mayor at the Council of Neighborhood Associations  tonight, I would propose the following for the next four years in White Plains…

1.     A true marketing plan for the City of White Plains...   

2.  A crusade against overcrowded, illegal housing in White Plains and the slumlords the city has been protecting for years.

3.     A welcome center for new residents and a registry of rental housing available in town – this way all sublets, multi-family homes could be licensed and monitored

4.     A Housing Registry and Advisory Commission Clearing House for all apartments in the city that would regulate and inspect all  tenant housing and residential housing in the city…

5.     A realistic parking policy that would encourage shopping in White Plains, not keep persons from coming.

6.     A 24-hour homless policy –not turning the homeless out on the street at 6 A.M. but sheparding them into jobs, educational programs, etc. so they do not wander aimlessly and get into mischief.

7.     Negotiating contracts based on the inflation rate instead of long term contracts that have fixed settlements. This might bring labor peace.

8.     Sharing sales tax revenues with school district to lower school taxes.

 

And for the School District— 

1.     Conduct a management efficiency survey to trim administration.

2.     Eliminate school busing to save some $10 Million in costs.—returning to neighborhood schools.

3.     Establish a district academy for learning disabled as Superintendent Connors recommended 10 years ago. It would cost about a million dollars but would save the costs of enrolling the disabled at district expense in private schools

4.     Start a Teaching Fellows Program for new teachers that would hire them for two years and allowing them to achieve a masters in two years simultaneously… similar to the New York Teaching Fellows program— the new teachers could be teaching assistants first and move smoothly into fulltime teaching positions.  

5.     District should prepare their own assessment tests for Common Core Standards  to assess where their students are and where they should be.

 

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Volunteer on Dr. Martin Luther King’s Day —

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WPCNR Westchester MAIN STREET JOURNAL. January 13, 2014:

The following events are opportunities for you to join in a Day of Service this coming three-day weekend that observes the legacy and service of Dr. Martin Luther King in the following Westchester County communities.

Join us!

Projects taking place on Saturday, January 18th*: *unless noted

White Plains
Organize the Warehouse! for Furniture Sharehouse
Start: 9:30 am End: 11:30 am
Description: Dress warmly as you help this community resource spruce up its warehouse and find out how it helps our neighbors in need.
Family-Friendly for Volunteers 16+
Click here for more information and to register
Sort and Package Donated Clothing with Pass it on Kid’s Kloset
Start:  10 am End: 12:30 pm
Description: This organization packs up a week’s worth of clothes to give to needy children in our communities.
Family-Friendly for Volunteers 12+
Project Full2-1-1 Disaster Volunteer Training with United Way of Westchester and Putnam
Monday 1/20 Start: 9:30 am End: 11:30 am
Description: Be ready to volunteer in case of emergency with this training.
Click here for more information and to registerMLK Workshop with the Saturday Academy of White Plains Youth Bureau
Start: 10 am End: Noon
Description: Share the meaning of MLK with these young people who take part in a Saturday educational enrichment program.
Family-Friendly for Volunteers 15+
Project Full
Create Care Kits with the YMCA in White Plains
Start: 11 am End: 12:30 pm
Description: Create care kits of toiletries for people in homeless shelters.
Family-Friendly for Volunteers 5 years+
Project Full
Put your heart into Valentine’s Day Cards with the YMCA in White Plains
Start: 10 am End: Noon
Description: To be delivered to a local children’s hospital or senior center, warm your heart (and theirs!) with Valentine’s Day Cards.
Family-Friendly for Volunteers
Project Full
Packaging Care Kits with the YWCA in White Plains
Start: 10 am End: Noon
Project FULL
Kingston
ReStore a Warehouse with Ulster County Habitat for Humanity
Start: 9 am End: 4 pm
Description: Volunteers such as carpenters or lightly-skilled home improvement and warehouse workers are needed to work in a warehouse setting.
Click here for more information and to registerServe Together on MLK Day with UlsterCorps, Red Cross, FAMILY and The Volunteer Center of United Way
Monday 1/20 Sessions throughout the day Start: 9 am End: 3 pm
Description: The best volunteers are trained volunteers prepared to hit the ground running, and this training provides the background for local volunteers to serve at critical times.
Family-Friendly training for volunteers ages 6+
Click here for more information and to register
Red Cross Fire Safety Volunteer with American Red Cross Northeastern NY
Monday 1/20 Start: 12:00 pm End: 3:00 pm
Description: Distribute fire safety information.
Click here for more information and to register
Mamaroneck
Shelter Welcome Bags for My Sisters’ Place
Start: 11 am End: 1 pm
Description: Volunteers will collect full-sized toiletry items prior to 1/18, when we’ll pack the bags.
Family-Friendly Project for volunteers ages 14+
Project Full
Mount Kisco
Canned Soup Drive with Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry
Start: 3:30 pm End: 5 pm
Description: Donate canned goods at the food pantry.  Here is a poster you can use to ask for donations at your office, school, etc.
Family-friendly for volunteers of all ages
Click here for more information and to register
Visit with Seniors! for My Second Home with FSW
Start: 10:30 am End: Noon
Description: Bingo, arts and crafts, singing and other activities with seniors.
Family-Friendly Project for volunteers 12+
Project Full

Mount Vernon
Animal Lover Project with Mount Vernon Animal Shelter
Start: Noon End: 3 pm
Description: Training room clean up and toy making project.
Project Full
Community Brochure Distribution for Mount Vernon Animal Shelter
Description: Distribute newly-created brochures to the community.
Family-Friendly Project for volunteers 8+
Click here for more information and to register
New Paltz
Start: Noon End: 3:30 pm
Description: Professional and amateur electricians and all-purpose fix-it people are needed to repair furniture, small appliances and housewares.
Click here for more information and to register
New Rochelle
Food Drive for HOPE Community Services
Monday 1/13 – Friday 1/17 between 10 am to 4 pm every day
Description: Donate much-need canned food to the food pantry.
Family-Friendly Project for volunteers of all ages
Click here for more information and to register
Sort Donated Food for HOPE Community Services
Start: 10 am End: Noon
Description: Help sort the donations that will be distributed to the homeless and people in need.
Project Full
Newburgh
Volunteer for Habitat Newburgh 
Monday 1/20 Start: 8 am End: 12:45 pm
Description: Help out at one of several sites in Orange County.
Click here for more information and to register
Port Chester
Create Clay Tiles with Clay Art Center
Start: Noon End: 2 pm
Description: Beautify this nonprofit’s facilities with local artists by creating ceramic tiles.
Family-Friendly for Volunteers 8+
Project FullCreate I Have a Dream Collages with The Carver Center
Project Full
Package Clothes for Kids with The Sharing Shelf of FSW
Start: 10 am End: 1 pm
Description: To serve the needs of area children, this organization distributes new and gently used clothing.
Family-Friendly for Volunteers 12+
Project Full

Poughkeepsie
Red Cross Fire Safety Volunteer with American Red Cross Northeastern NY
Start: 8:30 am End: 12:15 pm
Description: Distribute fire safety information.
Click here for more information and to register
Rye
Post-Sandy Clean Up with Rye Nature Center
Start: 10 am End: 1 pm
Description: The effects of Sandy are still being felt.  Help get rid of excess debris as well as free areas of invasive vines.
Click here for more information and to register
Somers
Visiting with Seniors at Somers Manor
Start: 2 pm End: 4 pm
Description: All ages welcome to play games and get to know the senior residents of this nursing home.
Family-Friendly for Volunteers of All Ages
Click here for more information and to register
Spring Valley
Packaging Care Kits with Rockland Interfaith Breakfast Program
Start: 10:30 am End: Noon
Description: Help put together lunches for those served by this program and take a tour of the facility.
Family-Friendly for Volunteers 5+
Project Full
Help Assess Our Community’s Health with Worldwide Community First Responders, Inc.
Start: 1 pm End: 4 pm
Description: This local organization plans an annual health fair and needs local input on how to best meet the needs of the people it serves.
Family-Friendly Project for volunteers 10+
Click here for more information and to register
Tarrytown
Baking Friendship Cookies with The Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics (IAHD)
Start: 10:30 am End: 12:30 pm
Description: Bake cookies for disabled individuals and share the message of Martin Luther King Jr.
Project Full
Create “I Have A Dream” Mobiles with The Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics (IAHD)
Start: 10 am End: 12:30 pm
Description: Help disabled individuals create mobiles inspired by the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
Family-Friendly for Volunteers 14+
Click here for more information and to register
 
Yonkers
Get the Science Barge Ready for Winter with Groundwork Hudson Valley
Start: Noon End: 4 pm
Description: Ready the Science Barge for winter with a good cleaning.
Click here for more information and to register
Create I Have A Dream Collage with Yonkers Public Library
Start: 1:30 pm End: 2:30 pm
Description: Share the message of MLK with your kids and gather to discuss what his “I Have a Dream Speech” means to you and your family.  Create a lasting memory with a collage.
Family-Friendly for volunteers 6+
Click here for more information and to register
Create I Have A Dream Collage with Yonkers Public Library
Start: 3 pm End: 4 pm
Description:Share the message of MLK with your kids and gather to discuss what his “I Have a Dream Speech” means to you and your family.  Create a lasting memory with a collage.
Family-Friendly for volunteers 6+
Click here for more information and to register
Start: 8:30 am End 12:30 pm
Description: Improve the quality of life of children by volunteering at this fair where kids will learn about healthy eating, benefits of physical activity and physical fitness.
Family-Friendly for volunteers 16+
Project Full
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Welcome to Government, Mayor di Blasio!

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WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT. By John F. Bailey. January 11, 2014:

Come on.

The Associated Press report criticizing New York City Mayor William Di Blasio for eating pizza with a knife and fork, crosses the line.

It is uncalled-for. Amateurism in news judgment. I mean is there any news judgment today anywhere?

It is time the media started reporting news based on the facts again instead of gossip and their own personal opinion.

Of course, if the organizations and individuals being reported on told the truth and stated the facts as they know it in a timely fashion, this would help get out the real story. But they don’t.

It is time for the media to dig out and find news, source it, and interviewees go on the record, instead of reporters critiquing the handling of incidents and the behavior of officials in what purports to be news stories based on twits, tweeters, and rumor-mongers.

I mean how Mayor di Blasio eats his pizza – this is a matter to report on in a national wire service?

I am referring to the report on Mayor di Blasio eating pizza at Goodfellas in Staten Island with a knife and fork. Wow. I am shocked.

Everyone who eats pizza makes the call on how they eat based on the infrastructure of the pizza. The slightest miscalculation can ruin a shirt, dump hot cheese in most uncomfortable places, and ruin a date, night out, and put you on YouTube.

A thin crust pizza laden with toppings can be limp and tends, if you pick it up, to droop and not stay erectly and stoutly structured–with an avalanche of toppings gathering momentum in an unstoppable slide of mayhem.

The pizza eater is faced with the call – have tomato sauce, pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers and mushrooms slide like an avalanche onto your tie white shirt and lap – or worse…if you are Senator Gillebrand – your bodice—or you can  take care of the first third of pizza slice with a knife and fork.

Contrary to being criticized, the fact that Mayor di Blasio demonstrated discretion, keen analysis of the pizza situation and its consequences if he made the wrong decision and attempted to bring it by hand to his mouth precipitating a pizza spill which could have gone viral – bodes a great mayoral term ahead if he makes all decisions with the clear-headedness, and sure-handedness in the Goodfellas pizza situation.

The Mayor also showed concern for the owners of the restaurant, sparing any possible lawsuits against the city of New York for  damages by reckless pizza management by a public official damaging to the restaurant reputation. The Mayor showed intelligent, superior legal knowledge of how every act of the big guy is scrutinized by the jackals of the press for the scraps of sensationalism that the Mayor appears well aware of that can color the tenor and shade of his Mayoralty before it is a week old.

The guide to eating pizza…whether to go for hands-on is the crust. A thick crust like Magnotta’s Pizza in White Plains – The Official Pizza of the White Plains CitizeNetReporter – much like a Bud Nicoletti parking lot provides the support the consumer needs – any caliber of pizza ordinance in any combination can be handled by the crust. It is stand-up crust.

Mayor di Blasio, obviously knows his way around a pizza.

Back  off, media and focus on what politicians do in conduct of their duties – not how they eat.

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