What It’s All About: WPHS Hall Taps Graham ’79 Homan ’65, Katz ’65 Kent ’72

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS.  October 29, 2008: The second best day of the year at White Plains High School other than Graduation Day was celebrated yesterday when  best-selling author, Lawrence Otis Graham Class of ‘79,  Turner Broadcasting CEO Philip Kent, Class of ‘72, Westco Productions and First Lady of Westchester Theatre, Susan Katz, Class of ’65, and the late Dr. William Homan, Class of ’65 became the 45th, 46th,47th, and 48th Members of the White Plains High School Hall of Fame.



The Best Selling Author, Lawrence Otis Graham Class of 79, upper left, and Turner Broadcasting System Chairman Peter Kent, Class of 72,  and Susan Katz, Class of 65 below awaiting induction ceremonies into the White Plains High School Hall of Fame Wednesday.



Steven Sledzik, President of Westco Productions, left, Susan Katz WPHS Class of 65, Executive Director of Westco Productions, and Mr. Katz, right awaiting the ceremony.


As beloved English teacher, Christopher Fearon said in his introduction of Mr. Graham, a former student of his, “When a teacher has had a student who is impressive enough to earn his or her respect in the classroom, and who then goes on to a really successful life, the teacher feels a validation of a lifetime spent in teaching, a validation in his faith in young people.”


 



The WPHS Choir Sang The Orange and  The Black WPHS Alma Mater to open festivities, the lyrics of which were located by the redoubtable WPHS graduate, Josephine Falcone ’55




This year’s  inductees  were such students. Each said in their acceptances that the unique and different experiences in White Plains High School prepared them for future success and that they had made their greatest friends in life at WPHS.




The  sister of deceased Dr. William Homan Class of ’65, Jane Homan Canton, accepting the Hall of Fame Award on behalf of her brother, in a very emotional address told of going through her brother’s belongings and noting how many old papers from high school, such as his sophomore Biology Brief, his Tigers athletic jacket, A WPHS Varsity Swimming Team banner. showed how of all things in his career, her brother cherished his WPHS experience. 


 “I felt I was throwing out Bill’s life,” she said, emphasizing how much the WPHS years had meant to her brother. Dr. Homan, Class of 65 went to Battle Hill Elementary School, from which he had saved a “Animals of Florida” story board.


Dr. Homan died in a plane crash two years ago.  In his career, he had returned to White Plains to private surgery practice in 1981 and became an attending surgeon at White Plains Hospital, St. Agnes Hospital and Westchester Medical Center. Aware of the effects excess weight was having on the medical conditions of his patients, Dr. Homan with his wife Valerie established the New York Bariatrics Center in White Plains. He was known by patients in the tri-state area and nationally for his high level of personal attention. His presenter, Dr.  Dr. Judah Roher, who knew him when he was a child, recalled when Dr. Homan, or “Billy” as Dr. Roher always called him,operated on Dr. Roher’s father, and the next day dropped by his house to see how he was, making a “house call.”  Ms. Canton said.



Steven Sledzik, President of the Westco Prodcutions Board of Directors recalled how he first met Class of ’65 graduate Susan Katz, a member of three generations of the Katz family to attend WPHS, (her mother, and her two daughters, who are members of the Classes of 86 and 88.)  Sledzik recalled Ms. Katz taking him backstage at Westchester Broadway Theatre before a production. How she joked and knew all the actors and actresses and technicians by name, and that was only one of two shows she had running at the time. 


He noted her founding of Westco Productions 29 years ago and building an organization whose over 3,000 performances of  250 fully-staged Westco productions have been seen by over 600,000 persons in the area  over the three decades. After pioneering cultural programs for the White Plains Department of Recreation and Parks (Noonday Festival of Live Music, Pops in the Park and the Fourth of July Celebration) she founded Westco to introduced live theater to young audiences.


She developed the Tickets for Tots for children in Head Start programs, the Magic To Do Players for developmentally disadvantaged children and Bedside Buddies where actors in costume cheer bed-ridden children in local hospitals.  Sledzik said described Ms. Katz as a person  who thinks globally and acts locally, with “a great sense of humor, a generous spirit, and of indomitable will,” deserving of the hall of fame.



Ms. Katz, who was also honored by the Westchester County Board of Legislators yesterday, having October 29 designated Susan Katz Day in Westchester County, thanked Andy Marzello for giving Westco it’s start at Rochambeau School as a venue, and present Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors and Rochambeau School’s Claudia Murphy for continuing to be such “good landlords.” She admitted she had not done anything sensational during her time at WPHS except, “I hung out on the bus ramp and smoked cigarettes.” 


She said coming back to WPHS had brought back a lot of memories. (The three Hall of Famers “hung out” talking with students and classes throughout Wednesday). She said White Plains was “a good place to live,” and her experiences working with the city to start gave her the inspiration to be an entrepreneur, and thanked her husband, Peter Katz, her partner in Westco Productions, for his putting up with her idiocyncracies (though she did not say idiosyncracies). She thanked all who had supported Westco through the years.



Zach Sorrow, a senior at WPHS, read the presentation speech for Turner Broadcasting System Chairman and CEO, Philip Kent of the Class of ’72. Mr. Sorrow pinch hit for David Levy, a WPHS graduate of 1980 who works for Mr. Kent but had to be at the Wednesday night telecast of the NBA opening game in Boston being televised by TNT, of the Turner Broadcasting system networks.


Sorrow, doing an admirable job, told of how Mr. Levy met with Mr. Kent at the Flagship Diner in White Plains for the first time to discover his new responsibilities under Mr. Kent, and how Kent had informally diagrammed the organizational chart on a Flagship placemat – as an illustration of Mr. Kent’s easy going manner. Levy’s speech described Kent as “down to earth, one of the most approachable people you’ll ever meet, and everyone respects him as an innovator and for the quality of his leadership and determination to succeed.”


Mr. Kent,  of the Class of ’72, began his career with the space sales rep, Blair Entertainment, and joined Turner in March, 1993. He served as President and C00 of CNN News Group in 2000 and 2001 reshaping the news division.



Mr. Kent, with his parents in the front row,  told of his high school graduation where he originally felt he was not going to attend, but was convinced otherwise, only to find he was given an empty envelope, that did not contain his diploma, because he said he had not returned some library books. “They’re serious about that,” he grinned as laughs cascaded through the throng. He then proudly waved his diploma from WPHS in his right hand. WPHS  had finally presented the diploma to him 36  years later yesterday afternoon.


He said he had not returned to the North Street building in 36 years, and recalled after spending time in the school today, “WPHS was much more unruly in ’72, a lot more raucous in the hallway, and some things I really can’t talk about.” He too admitted smoking on the bus ramp.


He said what a pleasure it was to return for his induction, when usually he is honored at expensive banquets, he described as “ponzi schemes to sell expensive tables, but this is special.”


He said it was about the students: “It’s about them.” He said they they should “be fearless. Don’t let them talk you out of doing what you want to do. This is your life. Do what you want to do. That’s what I did. There’s no match you can’t handle.”



Christopher Fearon, the redoubtable English Teacher returned to present Lawrence Otis Graham, Class of 1979. Fearon honored Mr. Graham the former student of his with a most gracious compliment: “A teacher must have a deep faith in young people. Whether a mentor in teaching, advising, coaching or boy and girl scout work, a teacher must have this faith, in their honesty, courage, generosity, dedication to the service of others, empathy and capacity for unselfish love, so that they make everyone around them a bit happier for their having lived. Larry has those qualities, and his teachers at White Plains High School appreciated him. Even in school Larry’s soul was in good shape.”


 



Mr. Graham,  Class of ’79, accepted with grace, saying to this day, “My closest friends are from high school, and there’s a lot to be gained by someone attending White Plains High School. The cultural and socio-economic population (in the school) helps make WPHS special.” He complimented Mr. Fearon and his guidance counselor, Dorothy Halloway, for being instrumental in inspiring him and helping him get his start in life. He too advised students to “do things you think you want to do. It’s meant for all of us to challenge and to do the things other people don’t expect you to do. You go out there and do that it will make a difference in the world.”



Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors wrapped up the proceedings, inviting Mr. Fearon back to teach, which brought some genuine laughs, and sounded just the proper note (as he always does), about what makes Hall of Fame Day in White Plains great.


 of Mr. Fearon, he praised him for having “a great mind on your students.” He said that as today’s students struggle to become adults, the Hall of Famers did something with just “a little giving back“ by inspiring students “so much greater than we could ever inspire, getting them excited about where they’re going to be tomorrow with vision, energy and commitment.”



Victor Brady, Student Government President welcomed the audience



Amy Geiger Chaired and Organized the event as she does every year, welcomed all, commenting on the uniqueness of the event and how much it means to the students who get a chance to interact with those who have gone before.



A full house of White Plains most loyal and enthusiastic citizens.


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Teachers School District Far Apart in Contract Talks. Mediation Next.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. October 29, 2008 UPDATED October 30, 2008: Peter Bassano, a member of the White Plains Board of Education, clarified to WPCNR the present of state of talks on a new contract between the School District and the White Plains Teachers Union, who have been  working without a contract since June 30.


Mr. Bassano said that the two sides were, based on Monday afternoon discussions and prior that those negotiaons had not been “fruitful,” and the district and the teachers were “far apart” on the issues of salary and benefits, though progress had been made on teacher contributions for benefits being based on a percentage of salary rather than a straight cash contribution.  Salary is the issue.



White Plains Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors


Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors confirmed to WPCNR Thursday afternoon that both the Teachers Union and the School District have jointly declared an impasse in contract negotiations. Connors said the first step would be mediation by a mediator appointed by the New York State Employer Relations Board, a state government department, whose mediation services are available at no cost to the district.


 Connors did not indicate how long he thought mediation would take, but did say that the if mediation did not reach an agreement, the next step would be fact-finding, then arbitration.


Connors said teachers this year would receive no salary increases except for the contractual increases based on years of service and progressions achieved in their degrees earned.  He said service increasew would amount to about 1.5%, and if a person earned both a service increase and an increase based on academic progress it would amount to 2%. He said teachers who had reached the maximum years of service would not receive the 1.5% increase.


 



He said at that point, whenever one side or the other feels that further talks will not fruitful, there is a legal step that is filed called a “Declaration of Impasse.”


Bassano said that the next step would be mediation, then a process called fact-finding, followed by bringing in a mediator. He said that mediation was not binding. Arbitration was the next step after that. He said neither fact-finding, mediation, or arbitration was binding.


“Money is the issue, “ Bassano said, “We are very far apart on that. We don’t see any benefit in continuing these meetings.”


Bassano said that Governor Patterson’s recent announcements of a $47 Billion deficit over the next four years and a current $1.5 Billion deficit in the current state budget, raised the possibility that the District’s state aid in the budget for the current school year would be cut, as well as cut in 2009-2010.


The state aid in the current year is $15,306,590, a 9.35% increase over 2007-2008.  


The teachers continue to be paid at the salaries in effect last year with all step levels in effect, Bassano said, according to the Triborough Law.


Bassano said he did not think the public would be accepting of large teacher raises in the present economic climate.


Two years ago, teachers signed a one year salary agreement which expired June 30. In that contract teachers received  a 3% raise across all levels and steps, and conceded that they would pay a cash amount for certain coverages. However, the increases in Co-Pays and other fees in the health plans have cut substantially into the raises received at that time, according to Teachers Union President Kerry Broderick.


A total of $1.4 Million of  the $2.4 Million state aid increase was paid for in part by  the reduction in the STAR EXEMPTION statewide which forced White Plains taxpayers to kick back an additional $1.4 Million in taxes.


The present White Plains School Budget is $184.4 Million and if salaries stayed the same and the budget increased only 7%, essentially the average increase over the last five years, the budget will hit $197 Million in 2009-2010. A 5% raise in teacher pay – the rate of inflation in the New York metropolitan area dating back to September 2007 – would mostly likely increase the budget to  the $203 Million level.  Projecting forward, if salaries remain at current levels, and the district budget increases  10%  a year (assuming salary increases and increased expenses), in five years the school budget will reach $300 Million. Should year to year expenses be held to 5% increases a year, the budget will be $250 Million. Increases would most like have to be paid for by  substantially increased property taxes due to the slow down in real estate values in White Plains. The  


The School Aid Increase in White Plains  this year was paid for directly in part by White Plains taxpayers. About $1 Million of the $2.4 Million in  much-ballyhooed state aid came out of property tax increases that occurred when the STAR EXEMPTION was cut 10%, lowering the amount you could deduct from your home assessed value. WPCNR was the only media to report this clandestine move by the legislature.


Benefits Issue Revisited.


As reported last month, the benefits issue has hurt teacher salaries in the past, and we reprint that discussion:


The sticking point, Ms. Broderick said were the increases in premiums paid the district health care provider the teachers have had to pay out of their salaries the last year and increases in the co-pays. She said the teachers are seeking to make up those costs.




The agreement on a two-year contract insulates any new Superintendent of Schools hired by the district from negotiating with the union in his or her first year of their contract.



Fred Seiler, Assistant Superintendent for Business for the district confirmed that premiums with the Statewide Schools Cooperative Health Plan, the consortium the district has contracted with for health benefits have gone up 17% since July 2007. He said, Co-Pays have doubled from $10 to $20 for doctors visits.


Teacher Share of Health Premium, 7%.


Seiler said the total premium for an individual with “SWSCHP” as it is known, this year is $7,293, of which a teacher pays $625  annually (8.6%) . For a two-person family, the premium is $15,388, the teacher share they pay is $1,075 annually (7%). The premium for a family Two Person, is $16,336, of which a teacher on the family plan pays $1,220 (7% of the cost).


Seiler told WPCNR, “That changed in July, 2007, a year and a half ago. What that meant on an individual basis  It went $15 to $20 a visit for a individual visit. The deductible stayed the same. It’s the CoPay for either your primary physician or your medical prescriptions, but also at the same time, was introduced a plan with MEDCO there, where people could buy 90 days supply of their regular medication at a much lower than what they were paying before. For some employees they actually were saving money.”


Seiler said he was a member of the SWSCP Board (with the state). He said he had heard nothing criticizing the increases that took place in mid-2007.


 Seiler recalled that when the SWSCHP increases took place, “Everyone understood it was an increase in the premium and an adjustment in the CoPay(s), you need a little bit of both to make it (the health plan) reasonable.”


A year and a half ago it went up 9% plus a change in the CoPay. This year, there were no change in benefits, coPays, or anything, then the overall increase was 8- 8-1/2% (in the premium). It was the first time in 12 years it was less than double digits.  Not as low as we’d like it to be, but that’s true of every health plan.”


 


The Last Contract: 3% Across Board


In the last contract, benefits were paid for by teachers for the first time. Assistant Superintendent of Schools Fred Seiler, speaking to WPCNR in June 2007, explained it this way:


In return for a one year 3% hike in wages across all salary levels, White Plains teachers agreed to pay about $200 more as their share of health insurance in 2007-2008. According to Assistant Superintendent for Business Fred Seiler,  the 3% wage increase approved by the White Plains Board of Education Monday evening, would cost the school district $1.8 Million in the next budget year beginning July 1. The teachers, he said, agreed to pay more of their share of their health insurance provided by the district which would have the teachers paying $150,000 more a year.


Seiler reports that Health insurance for a single employee would increase from $450 to  $635 a year; for two person plans, from $800 to $1,075; and, for family coverage the portion teachers pay would rise from $900 to $1,220.In return for a one year 3% hike in wages across all salary levels, White Plains teachers agreed to pay about $200 more as their share of health insurance in 2007-2008. According to Assistant Superintendent for Business Fred Seiler,  the 3% wage increase approved by the White Plains Board of Education Monday evening, would cost the school district $1.8 Million in the next budget year beginning July 1. The teachers, he said, agreed to pay more of their share of their health insurance provided by the district which would have the teachers paying $150,000 more a year.


Seiler reports that Health insurance for a single employee would increase from $450 to  $635 a year; for two person plans, from $800 to $1,075; and, for family coverage the portion teachers pay would rise from $900 to $1,220.

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Governor Gives a Bit of Bad News: $47 Billion Deficit Seen Next 4 Years

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From Governor Paterson’s Press Office. October 28, 2008: Governor David A. Paterson today announced that, as a result of unprecedented turmoil on Wall Street, the State now faces a current-year budget shortfall of $1.5 billion and a $12.5 billion deficit in 2009-10. Over the next four years, New York must confront a cumulative budget gap of $47 billion.

“New York is at the epicenter of an extraordinary financial crisis on Wall Street. We will have no choice but to take bold and aggressive action to reduce state spending,” Governor Paterson. “I have full confidence that my partners in the Legislature will work together with me at next month’s special session to take the actions that will be necessary to get our state’s fiscal house in order.”

The Division of the Budget (DOB) today released its Mid-year Update to the State Financial Plan. In that report, DOB forecasts that the State will have to close budget deficits of $1.5 billion in 2008-09, $12.5 billion in 2009-10, $15.8 billion in 2010-11, and $17.2 billion in 2011-12 – a cumulative total of $47 billion.


These deficits are nearly double the $26.2 billion cumulative budget gap ($6.4 billion in 2009-10, $9.3 billion in 2010-11, $10.5 billion in 2011-12) projected in DOB’s July 2008 First Quarter Update to the State Financial Plan. This increase is primarily attributable to the fact that the state will lose $19.2 billion in revenue over the next four years as a result of the recent turmoil on Wall Street and its long-term effects on the broader economy.

In 2009-10, General Fund revenues are projected to decline by 5.8 percent compared to 2008-09. But General Fund spending is projected to increase by 11.9 percent based on commitments in current law.

The State budget has grown from $61.9 billion in 1994-95 to $120.8 billion in 2008-09, an average annual increase of 4.9 percent, which is nearly double the average inflation rate of 2.7 percent over that period. While spending has been limited to the rate of inflation during the last two fiscal years, Governor Paterson believes that we must take significant action to address long-term, unsustainable growth in state spending.

Historical Perspective

While the State’s current deficits are the largest in absolute dollars in history, as a percentage of the General Fund budget, they are similar to those faced in 2003-04. In that year, the State closed an $11.2 billion budget gap, which represented 28.4 percent of the then $39.5 billion General Fund.

The State will close its 2008-09 shortfall in the current fiscal year. As such, Governor Paterson and the Legislature will have to address a $12.5 billion deficit in its 2009-10 Enacted Budget, which represents 22.3 percent of the $56.1 billion General Fund.

Economic Forecast

In just the last two months, the State, national, and global economies have endured a series of unprecedented financial shocks. These events include the largest bank failure in U.S. history (Washington Mutual); the largest bankruptcy filing in history (Lehman Brothers); the federal takeover of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and AIG; a credit freeze that is impacting the ability of businesses, municipalities, and average Americans to borrow money; and over 40 percent declines across all major stock market indexes.

The impact on New York’s economy is expected to be severe:

    – Job Losses: Over 160,000 New Yorkers are projected to lose their jobs during this downturn, including 45,000 in the financial services industry.


    – Unemployment: Last month, New York’s unemployment rate reached 5.8 percent, its highest level in four years. It is expected to reach 6.5 percent next year, with declines projected in virtually every sector of the economy.


    – Income and Wage Declines: New York personal income and wages for 2009 are projected to decline by 1 percent and 2.1 percent respectively. This compares to personal income growth of 6.5 percent and wage growth of 8.6 percent in 2007.

The national economy is also facing significant difficulties:

    – Job Losses: 1.7 million Americans are projected to lose their jobs during the current downturn.


    – Real Gross Domestic Product will decline for three consecutive quarters. This has not happened since the recession of the 1970’s.


    – Consumer spending is projected to decline for three consecutive quarters. This has not happened since World War II.

Governor Paterson’s Response

On November 18, Governor Paterson will convene a special emergency economic session of the Legislature to close the entire 2008-09 shortfall and begin aggressively attacking the State’s substantial future deficits. Assembly Speaker Silver, Majority Leader Skelos, Minority Leader Smith and Minority Leader Tedisco have each agreed to put forward $2 billion in current-year savings proposals before the beginning of the session.

Governor Paterson will release his Executive Budget proposal for the 2009-10 fiscal year more than one month early on December 16, 2008. He has also asked the Legislature to pass an Enacted Budget prior to beginning of the fiscal year on April 1, 2009.

Additionally, Governor Paterson will be meeting with officials in Washington D.C. tomorrow to discuss the need for a second economic stimulus package that will include direct, immediate, fiscal relief for states.


Financial Plan Impact
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Cumulative
First Quarter Gaps
$0
($6,355M)
($9,295M)
($10,545M)
($26,195M)
 Revenue
($1,664M)
($5,819M)
($5,794M)
($5,893M)
($19,170M)
 Spending
$26M
($569M)
($1,002M)
($1,171M)
($2,716M)
 Special  Session
$427M
$651M
$639M
$650M
$2,367M
 Misc
($264M)
($426M)
($300M)
($275M)
($1,265M)
Mid-year Gaps
($1,475M)
($12,518M)
($15,752M)
($17,234M)
($46,979M)


Revenue Revisions

As a result of the recent turmoil on Wall Street, tax receipts are projected to be $19.2 billion lower than previously anticipated over the next four years. Personal income tax collections represent the largest portion of this loss in revenue and are expected to decline by 3.8 percent in 2009-10 compared to the current fiscal year.
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Cumulative
Total Revenue Loss Compared to July Update
($1,664M)
($5,819M)
($5,794M)
($5,893M)
($19,170M)


 Personal Income Taxes
($1,167M)
($4,243M)
($4,425M)
($4,787M)
($14,622M)


 Business Taxes
($404M)
($913M)
($452M)
($376M)
($2,145M)


 Sales/Use Taxes
($101M)
($267M)
($380M)
($383M)
($1,131M)


 Other
$8M
($396M)
($537M)
($347M)
($1,272M)


August Special Session

At an August special emergency economic session, Governor Paterson worked with the Legislature to enact $1 billion in savings over a two-year period. These measures included across-the-board savings in local assistance payments, new executive and legislative programs, and member items. Additionally, as part of this spending reduction plan, the Legislature enacted $501 million in Medicaid cost-containment initiatives.

Spending Revisions

DOB has revised its spending projections downward in 2008-09 by $26 million. This reflects lower than anticipated costs in various programs, primarily Medicaid and general state charges. These lower costs were partially offset by higher spending in other areas, including Mental Hygiene. Additionally, the State Police and the Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) were both partially exempted from their 10.35 percent agency savings targets to ensure that public safety is not compromised, which is reflected in the financial plan. State police will achieve $13.7 million of their original $61.1 million spending reduction target. DOCS will achieve $84.1 million of their original $249.0 million spending reduction target. A full progress report concerning agency spending reductions is available at the Division of the Budget’s website (www.budget.state.ny.us).

DOB has also revised its spending projections higher by $568 million in the 2009-10 fiscal year. These changes primarily reflect higher General Fund education costs related to updated pupil demographic data from the State Education Department and lower than anticipated lottery revenues for School Aid. Rebasing nursing home reimbursement rates is also projected to drive higher than previously expected General Fund costs in future years.

Miscellaneous

Financial transactions expected to bring in $384 million in additional revenue, including the conversion of GHI/HIP to a for-profit company ($284 million), as well as the sale of certain State properties ($100 million), will likely not occur during the 2008-09 fiscal year because of adverse market conditions.

 

These developments were partially offset by an agreement to award a video lottery terminal franchise at Aqueduct to Delaware North for an upfront payment of $370 million, an amount that was $120 million above initial financial plan projections of $250 million.

Overall Spending

Overall 2008-09 All Funds spending is projected to total $120.8 billion, an increase of 4.1 percent, slightly lower than the 4.2 percent inflation rate projected in that fiscal year.

State Operating Funds spending is projected to total $80.3 billion in 2008-09, an increase of 4.3 percent. General Fund spending is projected to total $56.1 billion in 2008-09, an increase of 5.1 percent

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Spano Details Savings $13 Million OFF the Budget

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of  Communications. October 28, 2008: County Executive Andy Spano put in place directives this year to save taxpayers $13 million as a way to deal with reductions in state aid and reduced revenue from mortgage filing fees.


Departmental savings range from cutbacks in overtime and hiring to reductions in supplies and equipment and to restructuring of some programs. 


, County Executive Andy Spano put in place directives this year to save taxpayers $13 million as a way to deal with reductions in state aid and reduced revenue from mortgage filing fees.


Departmental savings range from cutbacks in overtime and hiring to reductions in supplies and equipment and to restructuring of some programs. 


These savings from department budgets are in addition to the savings accomplished by smaller measures that will have long-term effects, such as reducing by 10,000 the number of light bulbs and fixtures; changing the temperature of county office buildings; electronic billing to vendors; discontinuance of printing of pay checks or pay stubs; and decreased use of gasoline.


“Government must be as efficient as possible,” said Spano. “Nothing is too large or too small to be looked at. These are hard economic times for our taxpayers and we in government must do what we can to decrease our costs. This year, we already lost $6.6 million in state aid and have a $10 million loss of revenue from mortgage recording fees. So every department in the county government was told it had to cut its expenses.”


Spano said each department was given an amount to cut from their budgets, but the actual items to be cut were left up to the commissioners. Savings came from efficiencies made possible by the use of new technology;  program changes; and reductions in  office supplies and equipment, travel, printing and  postage. In addition, $4.5 million was saved by reducing overtime and by not filling vacant positions.


 


Beyond departmental savings, the county government has re-examined every expenditure and every piece of equipment to see if it was still needed or if there was a better way of accomplishing the same objective. For example, pages have been eliminated; cell phone plans have been changed and in some cases cell phones eliminated completely;  many printers have been eliminated to reduce maintenance costs; and thermostats set higher in the summer and lower in the winter to save on energy costs. (Attention is now focused on getting rid of fax machines.)


 The majority of the county’s budget is for programs that are required by the state for which the state only partially reimburses the county. The cuts made by the county were from the discretionary side of the county budget –  those items that are not state-mandated.


County property taxes account for about 15-20 percent of a property owner’s tax bill. To help local governments and school districts control costs of their portions of property taxes, the county government has taken additional steps to encourage shared services. For example, through the county’s Bureau of Purchasing and Supply, local governments can save money by joint public bidding. Through the county’s Department of Information and Technology, these districts can access various technology programs.


     “Our goal is to save taxpayer money wherever we can,” said Spano. “People don’t care who is taxing them – they just want the whole amount reduced.”


 


 

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Teachers Are at an Impasse in District Contract Negotiations

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. October 28, 2008: The President of the White Plains Teachers Association, Kerry Broderick told WPCNR this evening that talks with the school district on a new contract have reached an impasse over salary negotiations. She said a statement on the matter would be forthcoming. She said no job action was planned as the New York State Taylor Law prohibits any strike action. The district teachers have been without a contract since June 30. More details as they become available.


 

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Commissioner: Suspect in Hit and Run Death Driving Alone.

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. October 28, 2008: White Plains Commissioner of Public Safety Dr. Frank Straub, responding to questions from residents of the Havilands Manor neighborhood at a meeting on traffic concerns at City Hall, said that the police were 99% sure that Sheldene Campbell, accused of Leaving the scene of a fatal accident in the death of a Havilands Manor resident eight days ago was driving alone during the entire sequence of events that Sunday morning. He said the car she was driving belonged to a brother of hers. WPCNR asked if police had tested the suspect for possible drug use. Dr. Straub said that “the investigation was continuing.” 


When a resident asked what Ms. Campbell was doing in the Havilands Manor neighborhood that Sunday morning, Dr. Straub said the police have to this point come to the conclusion Ms. Campbell “had no connection” with anyone living in the neighborhood.  Ms. Campbell does have some connecton with Westchester County, however.  According to Old Tappan Police speaking to the CitizeNetReporter last week, Ms. Campbell’s mother, Hyacinth Campbell lives in Mount Vernon.

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Police Poised for Intense Enforcement of Traffic Laws in Havilands Manor

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. October 28, 2008: Residents in the North Street, Havilands Manor area should be aware that in response to Havilands Manor Association requests, the police will mount a major effort to enforce speed limits and general traffic regulations in the Havilands Lane, Ridgeway and North Street corridors beginning Tuesday mornig.


It was also announced by Traffic Commissioner Tom Soyk Tuesday that the addition of  median posts would be considered by the Traffic Commission in November at four areas on Havilands Lane: at Baylor Circle (site of Sunday October 19 fatal hit and run) with the addition of a crosswalk, pedestrian right of way; center of road traffic posts at the intersections of Woodbrook Road and Jennings Road, and median posts at the curve at Jennings Road among other options.  The possibilities will be reviewed by the Traffic Commission November 12 and possibly voted on November 19.

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WESTCO ‘RAPPS’! Turtles Rockin Steady With Flo and Eddie One Hit After Another!

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WPCNR ROCK AND ROLL RADIO with KKIX’S BIG MELVIN MEAD, Host of Your Rock N Roll Party on Big Music Radio 1440, the Man in the Crazy Sport Jacket. October 27, 2008: Hey, Gang, White Plains Own Westco Productions threw a Saturday Night Rock N Roll Party honoring Pamela Rapp, Managing Director of the Irvington Town Hall Theater rocking Ms. Rapp for her role in restoring the ITHT (a replica of old Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C.) and turning it into an arts “destination” on the Hudson River with original programming and they did it with two originals and a host of rock all-stars, Flo and Eddie – the Turtles!



I NEED SOME GAS MONEY! Flo (Mark Volman) left, and Eddie (Howard Kaylan)  “The Turtles” reprise the obscure gem Saturday night at “The Irv”  with New Ro’s Donnie Ice on Bass of Alice Cooper, Rick Derringer and Shondells fame,  and Greg Hawkes of The Cars on the Keyboards



Steve Sledzik (left), President,  and White Plains Susan Katz, Executive Director of Westco Productions (celebrating its 29th Year), present Pamela Rapp with her “Westie,” Star for her service to the Irvington Town Hall Theatre since 1983 where she lead the complete restoration of the Theater from seating to sound system and has created a community and county “theatre destination.”





 New Yawk’s own Glen “660 Man  (6 Jokes In 60 Seconds)” Anthony opened the evening. He told  200 jokes in 45 minutes, keeping the laughs and the hoots coming, one after another. The jokes are a comic’s perfect jokes. Mr. Anthony tells all the great Henny Youngman gags and modern absurdities in the one-liner style Henny made famous he has made uniquely his own. Anthony has mastered the perfect joke: short, fast funny and you forget them immediately after you’ve heard them, so when you hear them again they’re funny all over. Sample:  “I saw an ad in the paper: If you have a drinking problem, call this number. I called, it was a liquor store.”



Flo (foreground) and Eddie reprise The Cars hit You’re Just What I Needed, with original Car on Keyboards, Greg Hawkes.



Happy Together — The Turtles finish off the concert with their classic “Happy Together” to a standing ovation from the throng.



 Then came the legends — the Turtles – who brought back their unique feel good driving sound of the 60s with their steady rocking founders Flo and Eddie rockin  da house with one hit after another.



Howard Kaylan (Eddie) spotted an album held by an audience member in the front row and showed the historical artifact to the audience and explained what it was. After the concert, a unique highlight of Westco concerts, the autographing signing (below) continued where Flo and Eddie signed Turtles original albums, pictures and pieces of the rock and roll past.



 



 


My main lady,  Susie the K (for Katz) the woman who springs rock live on unsuspecting stuffy Westchester  welcomed the near sellout throng of Flo and Eddie fans who brought their Turtles albums for Mark Volman (Flo) and Howard Kaylan (Eddie) to sign.


The Turtles take over the house and wake up your dormant rockin souls ripping them out of your body and get the heart of rock roll beating again, getting you moving in your seats with their cascading sound. Flo and Eddie the legends are backed by an all-star rock team with them for years: Meat Loaf’s legendary drummer,  Joe Stefko who lifts you out of your chair with his swashbuckling thunder swats and smashes;  Greg Hawkes, keyboardist of The Cars, bringing the liquid rock organ cascades so unique to 60s upbeat hits; the clear-as-bell boss bass New Rochelle’s Donnie Ice (Kisselbach) formerly with Alice Cooper, Rick Derringer and Tommy James and the Shondells; and lead guitarist Joel Hoekstra of Big Brother and The Holding Company, REO Speedwagon,Stykx.  His chords just snarl at you. The Turtles turned the ITHT into a rockin good time fraternity party.



Flo flying on Guitar.


 They had everybody moving like they could 40 years ago – especially on the classic B side gem – “I Need Some Gas Money.”  They opened the show with “You, Baby, You,” “It Ain’t Me, Babe,” “She’s My Girl,” “My Obsession,”  and the feel good hits  that were the soundtrack of baby boomer lives in the late 60s and early 70s brought back in that sweet time before top 40 went all-talk.


Flo and Eddie who’ve been rocking for 46 years on the road always rock. Their humor and banter with the audience was engaging, and the show was non-stop straight ahead.



Mr. Sledzik and Ms. Katz listen as Ms. Rapp thanks Westco for the award.



Howard Kaylan (Eddie), Mr. Sledzik, Ms. Katz, Ms. Rapp, and Mark Volman (Eddie) Saturday night.


The event was followed by a toney After Party at Doubltree Hotel in Tarrytown  which saluted Pamela Rapp and also celebrated Westco’s 29th anniversary.  Ms. Rapp was awarded the coveted “Westie,” crystal Star for her service to Irvington Town Hall and the arts.  


 



Mr. Volman and Mr. Kaylan  graciously circulated with the after party crowd, signing albums, posing for pictures and talking about their 46 years on the road. And, they said rock and roll would never last. Well, it has.


Your deejay was leaving the theatre after the show and we encountered two young people in their late teens who had come to the show, and I asked them if they liked it and they said they sure did. Rock and Roll is here to stay!



Suzy the K with Howard Kaylan.


I asked Mr. Kaylan (Eddie) how he kept rocking in his 60s. Kaylan said the band never rehearsed, because the songs on his “playlist” – which they jokingly refer to throughout their show – require down deep and mellow all the way to rasping, shouting lyrics (“No, No, No, It Ain’t Me, Babe.”). He said if they rehearsed their voices would not be able to handle the performance. He emphasized the need to go into each performance with a spontaneity that makes the hits the same but different  every night. He said that word quickly gets out among promoters if you’re just strumming the songs and mailing it in “In rock, it’s real or it’s not,” he said.


I asked Mr. Kaylan the story behind the very timely tune “I Need Some Gas Money.” It was a song I’d never heard before. Kaylan reminisced, saying he and his friend of 46 years, Mark Volman  listened to records (“all kinds of music”)when they were children in California, when Mark’s brother left home to go in the Navy he left a ton of 45 RPM records (the little records with the big hole in the middle), and they found “Gas Money on the B side of an old Jan and Arnie record. Years later they decided to record the song with all the band playing different parts. It was a song that electrified the theatre Saturday night! At least me, anyway.


Another great moment was the reggae song, I’m In a Dancing Mood, that Flo and Eddie recorded with the Whalers when they lived in Jamaica. This was another soul-swaying-theatre-involving moment, especially when they weaved the Bobby Freeman hit, Do You Wanna Dance into the tropical tempo.


We learned about Flo and Eddie’s 46 years of rocking on the road. They still do 50 performances a year. Flo and Eddie told us what happened to the Turtles when they dissappeared.


 It seems the Turtles got into a dispute with their record company and were sued and prevented from performing with the name, The Turtles. They were invited to join Frank Zappa for a 2 week gig and they stayed with Mr. Zappa touring the world for 2-1/2 years. Flo and Eddie eased into an astounding medley about those times (Don’t You Miss Your Hot Mama) of songs from the movie 200 Motels. The movie became   a cult hit that made fun of life on the rock and roll road. The medley captured the ethereal, psychedelic, psychotic, scintillating Zappa style with a mean hard suggestive beat that was rock and roll soul involvement at its best. It sure sounded good Saturday night.



White Plains Candyce Corcoran,left, and Brenda Starr were on the scene.


Saturday night the rock was real. Which raises the philosophical question, is rock and roll the only real honest thing left in America?   Have we become a country where the classic rock musician cares about honesty, purity and flavor, in an era where accountants cannot count, stockbrokers are broke, bankers cannot bank, and wealth is an illusion? But that’s for a Times columnist to decide.


 



Susie The K.


 


This is a busy week for my buddy, Suzie the K. Tomorrow Ms. Katz (a 1965 graduate of WPHS) as officially inducted into the White Plains High School Hall of Fame for her foundin of Westco Productions, at a ceremony at old WPHS at 3 PM Tuesday afternoon with companion inductees Philip Kent, ’72 CEO of Turner Broadcasting System, Lawrence Graham ’79, author and posthumously Dr. William Homan, ’65, surgeon.


Coming up next in the spring on Westco’s “soundtracks of your lives”  are Jay and The Americans (Come a Little Bit Closer), plus a double rockin bill featuring Orleans (Still The One) and the Buckinghams (Kind of a Drag, Susan, Don’t You Care ), and back by popular demand Gary Puckett.


 Remember, until Westco’s next rock n roll party, this dedication goes out to Susie the K, who through Westco Productions introduces Westchester’s kids to the performing arts, entertains the young in hospitals,  and through her concerts preserves  America’s music culture heritage.  Keep rockin’ gang, and remember “it’s not good-bye, it’s just good night.”

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Open Space Committee Convenes This Evening

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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. OCTOBER 27, 2008: The Mayor’s Open Space Advisory Committee will meet at 7 PM tonight at City Hall. When last the group convened, there was discussion on possible city-owned properties that might be sold, which, if they have arrived at a decision, would be referred to the real estate committee. At the last month OSAC meeting, it was stated by Commissioner of Planning Susan Habel that presently the city could not commit financial resources for further open space purchase due to the uncertain economic future.

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Down Residents Meet Monday Focusing on WP Real Estate Today

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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. From Rob Tamboya. October 26, 2008:  The White Plains Downtown Residents Association will meet Monday evening at Vintage Cafe, 171 Main Street at 7:30 P.M.. focusing on real estate in the downtown. We have been doing much better than most areas of Westchester County. Regardless if you own or rent, or if you think it is a good time to sell, move, or perhaps someone told you it’s a buyers’ market, it is hard to get a fixed rate mortgage, WDRA will present three speakers to clear up your mind. 


Ann Bernstein, a top producer with Houlihan-Lawrence Realty will be discussing tends in the White Plains real estate market, and what we all should know and do in this market.


Dean Curtis, a mortgage broker in Bronxville will give a speech about mortgage financing and what’s great about our city in relation to other parts of the state and the country.


Susan Fitzpatrick, property manager for the Ritz-Carlton will be our last speaker, and she will talk about how the Ritz is coming along, and their plans to be outstanding neighbors.


 

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