NEW YORK STATE: Governor Hopeful Suozzi is coming to the Hudson Valley for a listening tour

Governor Hopeful Suozzi is coming to the Hudson Valley for a listening tour.

Nassau County Executive & Governor hopeful Thomas Suozzi will make stops in the Hudson Valley to have a listening tour & explore a possible challenge to Eliot Spitzer for the Democratic Nomination for Governor.

His Appearances in the Hudson Valley will be the following:

— Meeting with civic and business associates at the Sons of Italy, 46 Van Wyck Road, Blauvelt.

— Meeting with civic and business associations, Will Public Library, Senator Flynn Room, 1500 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers.

— Meeting with community leaders, 60 Stuyvesant Plaza, Mount Vernon.

Posted By RoundupNewswires.com Editor Brian Harrod 

NEW YORK STATE: Thomas Suozzi says he will accept Cross Endorsement from GOP

Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi in media reports that he would accept a cross endorsement by the GOP. His message is a populist & reform message, much like Ronald Reagan. He seems to be a Reagan Democrat. This pronouncement has brought anger from the Dems supportiong Eliot Spitzer for Governor. He would still be able to run primary against Spitzer for governor. He would just need a Wilson-Pakula to run as a Republican. Suozzi is a very attractive candidate for any party with his reform agenda message in terms of fixing Albany. Suozzi could very well be our next governor, despite looking like a big underdog against Spitzer now.

YONKERS, NY: Remembering Stephen Whetstone’s dedication to Yonkers

Remembering Stephen Whetstone’s dedication to Yonkers.

At a memorial for Stephen Whetstone. It was a memorial for a man who loved Yonkers & loved the community as well. The Yonkers Insider wasn’t there. But The Yonkers Insider has always admired the love that Stephen Whetstone had for this City. He worked in three administrations. He worked in the Zaleski, Spencer & Amicone Administrations.

He was a man who always involved Community in planning decisions. Stephen Whetstone poured his heart into this city. Because he loved this city. He served this city for 14 years.

There were 300 people who showed up at the Philipsburgh Hall.

Whetstone, 64, died of cancer Dec. 30 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan.

He started working in Yonkers in 1989, when he became assistant director of community development for the city. He arrived after more than 20 years serving in similar capacities in New Haven, Conn.

He took his first planning job, as a program administrator with the New Haven Redevelopment Agency, in 1966, as he was completing his master's in divinity at Yale University.

The service included promises to name an affordable-housing development, a scholarship and a street in Whetstone's honor — the last coming from Mayor Phil Amicone, who also visited Whetstone at his bedside in his final days.

"Probably the reason he was taken from us so early was because he accomplished more than most of us in a lifetime," Amicone said.

Stephen Whetstone is a man who will be missed in this city. Stephen Whetstone was a giant in this city among men. His footprints will forever be shown. He will be missed. God Bless Stephen Whetstone.

Posted By Yonkers Newswire Editor Brian Harrod

NEW YORK STATE: News from Mark Green for Attorney General

I've this week joined the Mark Green for Attorney General Campaign as chief political strategist and would like to explain why.

In the past I've worked for some terrific candidates and public officials -- President Bill Clinton, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, Comptroller Carl McCall, Comptroller Bill Thompson, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum. I think I understand public talent, public commitment and public integrity. Mark has all three.

Especially because we're discussing a successor to Eliot Spitzer, who set the bar high for the next attorney general, no standard politician or lawyer will do as our party's nominee. NYS needs someone special to succeed someone special. And David Boies said it best: "This is the job that Mark was born to do."

On the merits, Mark is head and shoulders better qualified than Andrew Cuomo. Mark has already excelled at two very similar offices in New York -- he was the consumer fraud prosecutor running the 300 person NYC Department of Consumer Affairs and was the elected Public Advocate for NYC. No one else comes close to this 11 year experience and record in New York State for the office of Attorney General -- not to mention that the 20 books he's written or edited shows a person of great substance who can think for himself.

If "the best rationale wins," as Mario Cuomo always said, then on the merits Mark's a winner.

But what about the politics of this race?

Of all the candidates considering a run, only Mark has won six elections -- and in large jurisdictions, not just an assembly district. He's won two general elections NYC-wide for Public Advocate, each time getting more votes than Rudy Giuliani. And he's won four Democratic primaries, including for Mayor against such formidable opponents as Hevesi, Vallone and Ferrer.

Andrew Cuomo does have a modest head start in polls, almost entirely because of his last name recognition upstate...but then he also had that same head start in 2002 before quitting once voters began paying attention. Last week's Quinnipiac Poll, showing both Mark and Andy defeating Jeanine Pirro, was interesting in this context. Among Democrats statewide, which is our "primary" concern, Mark had a 33% favorable vs. a 9% unfavorable, for a 24 percentage point net favorable -- while Andy had a 31% vs. 14% unfavorable, for a 17 percentage point net favorable. So where people know both, Mark's measurably more appealing.

And by the September 12 primary, when we do our jobs, every primary Democratic voter will know about Mark's record helping consumers, workers and shareholders over his lifetime as a leading People's Lawyer.

I'm honored to be a part of The Green Team. If you agree that Mark is the best Democrat to continue the Abrams-Spitzer tradition of this great office, I look forward to working with each of you who would like to help.

Best,

Hank Sheinkopf

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY: Bonanno gets appointed by Nicolai as special prosecutor in Cable Equipment Probe

Bonanno gets appointed by Nicolai as special prosecutor in Cable Equipment Probe.

Francis Nicolai The Administrative judge for the 9th Judicial District has appointed Pat Bonanno, a retired New York City police officer, former Bronx assistant district attorney and longtime Republican now in his second term on the Southeast Town Board. This has to with more than $57,000 in cable television equipment was purchased and installed in Carmel Town Hall without the bidding process required by state law.

Former Town Supervisor Robert Pozzi, a Republican and former county legislator, was criticized in his last weeks in office for buying the equipment to air live meetings of the Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals on a dedicated cable channel.

The case was first assigned to Putnam County District Attorney Kevin Wright earlier this month, but he recused himself in a Jan. 4 letter to Justice Francis Nicolai, the administrative judge for the 9th Judicial District. "The underlying matter is under review," Wright said Friday, adding that any discussion would be "inappropriate." Wright is a Republican who announced in December that he wants to run for Putnam County Court judge this year. Wright recused himself by saying Pozzi was "someone with whom my office has worked closely with for many years," according to his request for reassignment.

The question is Robert Pozzi, related to Corrections/Probation Commissioner for Westchester County Rocco Pozzi. Bonanno has described his job as a review. There is some controversy with Bonanno. He was the former attorney for Donald Bopp. He had unprofessional behavior in the Harold & Marisol Pitts Case/Affair. He also displayed unprofessional behavior in the courtroom against Judith Berger. He also accused a women of sleeping with men for their testimony. This appointment should be investigated because of his unprofessional behavior in the courtroom. He has also in the past given campaign contributions to Republicans like Nicholas Spano & he is very liked by the Republicans & other members of "The Family". James Wieland & myself used to call Pat Bonanno - "Banana Head".

POSTED BY WIELANDHEUSLER 

YONKERS, NY: News from Chuck Lesnick

News from Chuck Lesnick.

It’s been wonderful to be a part of the attention Yonkers has earned since my election. Senators Schumer, Clinton and Congressmembers Engel and Lowey share with Yonkers their excitement about the changes happening in our city.

With the inaugural ceremony and celebration now behind us, my team is focused on getting things done for Yonkers and earning even more recognition. Like this: In my first legislative accomplishment, a 7-0 vote, Yonkers became the first city to adopt New York’s landmark bill to help disabled citizens on fixed income cope with rising rent. Now other cities in Westchester County are considering following Yonkers’ lead!

As Senator Clinton said at my gala, "Now is the time for the fourth largest city in New York to truly take its place as one of the great cities in America." This new law will help do just that.

I also remain committed to community involvement at every chance, including the Ridge Hill development where I’m working to coordinate an innovative focus group of planning specialists who use cutting-edge technology for presenting plans and imagining solutions to development concerns in 3-D.

The Editors of The Journal News recently applauded these efforts. It’s a joy to be able to use my Urban Planning expertise for the good of the city I love.

Sincerely,

Chuck
Yonkers City Council President

Posted By Yonkers Newswire Editor Brian Harrod 

NEW YORK STATE: Spitzer picks State Senator as his running mate

Spitzer picks State Senator as his running mate.

Eliot Spitzer, Current NYS Attorney General & now Candidate for NYS Governor has selected NYS State Senator David Patterson from Harlem. Paterson is an interesting political player. He has a lot of passion & will add that to the ticket. Paterson is the Minority leader of the State Senate & the Democratic Leader. Paterson will help Spitzer attract African American voters to the Spitzer ticket. Paterson also has a knowledge of how to reform Albany.

This will be a most interesting decision. It will be interesting to see how Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi reacts to this move.

Paterson has been vocal on reforming the way business gets done at the Capitol, as well as repealing the state's Rockefeller-era drug sentencing laws.

Time will only tell as far as this move is concerned.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY: Spreckman committeship gets criticized by minority and gay leaders

Spreckman committeship gets criticized by minority and gay leaders.

County Legislator Bernice Spreckman from Yonkers, A Republican has been criticized for being given committee on Minority & Gay Rights issues. This is another questionable decision by County Board Chair William Ryan. Spreckman voted against setting up a Human Rights Commission in 1999. She also was against setting up a County Registry for unmarried partners including Same Sex Couples.

Spreckman will chair the Generational, Cultural and Ethnic Diversity committee, covering issues related to seniors; youth; ethnic minorities; the office of the disabled; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues; and even education.

Ryan says he did not take into account Spreckman’s voting record on these issues. This is another example of Bill Ryan’s bad decisions hurting the people of Westchester.

But Karen Edmonson, president of the Yonkers chapter of the NAACP, said she was "kind of stunned" to hear that minority and gay issues had been put under Spreckman's umbrella. "It's kind of odd for Bernice Spreckman to handle such issues based on her voting record," Edmonson said. "I'm particularly concerned about her sensitivity toward (them). ... It's kind of surprising she would even accept such an assignment."

Also Yvette Christofilis, executive director of the Loft, a gay and lesbian community services center in White Plains, also worries. "Bernice Spreckman is a great leader in the senior community," she said. But on gay rights issues, Spreckman "has a terrible track record, she's not a friend of the community, and it does not seem she would be able to put aside her own personal feelings ... in order to be a fair committee head."

Other comments from community leaders include: Human Rights Commission director Delores Scott Brathwaite called Spreckman a "capable legislator" whom she hoped would be open-minded. "Quite often people who oppose certain positions and strategies subsequently have a change of heart and mind when they have the opportunity to become directly or intimately involved in the issues and the process," Brathwaite said. "I think we ought to just give her an opportunity and a chance."

Likewise, Ingrid Barnes, president of the Log Cabin Republicans' Hudson Valley chapter, said that, while she had concerns about Spreckman's record, she would take a "wait and see" approach. Asked to respond to people's concerns about her role, Spreckman said: "Try me. I am a fair person. Come in, I'll listen, and I'll do what's right."

Mr. Ryan, this seems like a very controversial appointment. You may want to rethink this?

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY: Pirro is a phony on protecting children

Pirro is a phony on protecting children.

Jeanine Pirro, Former Westchester County District Attorney & now a candidate for New York State Attorney General wants to push for state oversight in child abuse deaths. but the Pirro record is of being a phony when it comes to protecting our children from abuse. This announcement came one day after She announced her candidacy for New york State Attorney General. The best way to come out & want to protect our children from abuse, is to make it a political issue. Pirro should have credibility to make it a cause. She has used grand jury's in Wesstchester to further her political agenda against DSS & Andrew Spano. Her investigations have not brought solutions to the problem of Child Abuse. It would cast blame on others & away from her DA's office. The DSS has done a bad job. The Yonkers Insider agrees. But instead of offering solutions of bringing people together. She has sought to divide, when she was DA to divide The DA's office & The DSS. There should be an investigative team to look into these deadly child abuse cases. But we don't need Jeanine Pirro to politicize this issue. This is not about credit, it is about better protecting our children in their homes.

Pirro wants to talk aobut the welfare of children. Let's talk about how she played a role in separating Jing Kelly from her son. Also Pirro told the County Police to lay off a case involving a sex offender who still works for the County. She cleared the way to make sure he never got prosecuted for Child Molestation. This conduct coming from the former chief law enforcement officer of Westchester County.

The County & State should work together on these cases. The State may be better equipped, but all levels of govt need to work together to better protect our children from abuse. We need to reform CPS
(Child Protective Services.) We need to see how gov't these kind of incidents, particularly the incident of the scalding deaths in Yonkers can be prevented.

In closing, the one thing to keep in mind is that Jeanine Pirro is a phony when it comes to protecting our children.

NEW YORK STATE: Golisano to run for governor again

Golisano to run for governor again.

Tom Golisano will seek the GOP line to run for New York State Governor. The Daily News reports that he will spend $125 Million dollars on the race of his own money.

The Daily News further reports that the owner of the Buffalo Sabres, Hockey team & the founder of Paychex, Inc., has put together a campaign team already.

He will compete with John Faso & William Weld for the GOP Nomination. Joe Bruno is said to be backing Golisano. Also talk of Yonkers State Senator Nicholas Spano as well.

The Democratic Party also has a battle in it’s ranks as well with Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi looking to challenge Eliot Spitzer. Suozzi has put together an aggressive fundraising operation according to the Daily News.

Posted By RoundupNewswires.com Editor Brian Harrod

NEW YORK STATE: Richard Brodsky’s campaign for AG off to slow start

Richard Brodsky’s campaign for AG off to slow start.

The campaign of Richard Brodsky has gotten off to a slow start in terms of name recognition & funding from donors. His opponents for the Democratic Nomination Mark Green & Andrew Cuomo seem to be better funded & have better Name ID. Many are wondering if he should just run for his State Assembly Seat. His campaign has not gained traction. If he does get his feet on the ground. He can be the kind of Democratic who can take it right to Pirro.

Brodsky raised less money during the last half of 2005 than any of the six Democrats running for state attorney general, taking in roughly $301,875. He now has fewer dollars on hand to spend than at least three of his opponents, according to financial statements filed last week at the state Board of Elections.

Brodsky does not believe that dollars help you win. He believes you win in the battle of ideas. Brodsky needs to
bring initiatives to the table. That is also how get media coverage & recognition. Brodsky still has great potential in this race. He will be the dark horse & will surprise people. He could propel an upset in the primary.

The Green camp seems to be happy with Brodsky’s troubles. That could be that they are going for the same voter & looking at the same demographics.

Brodsky thinks that his campaign will have adequate funds to win. Brodsky also says his campaign will be a "grass-roots, issue-oriented" campaign. He compares his race to New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner.

Brodsky believes that his network of supporters, labor union endorsements and his record on issues around the state, including his opposition to the West Side stadium and investigations into state agencies like the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, will endear him to voters.

Brodsky at the end is the best candidate to slay the queen known as Jeanine Pirro. Due to the fact that Brodsky will take the fight to her & she will not have one moment’s peace.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY: Reisman does column on Ryan politics

Reisman does column on Ryan politics.

Phil Reisman, Columnist for the Journal News does a good column on the issue of County Board Chair William Ryan. Reisman is quite correct when he calls him "Boss Bill". Ryan is Andy’s hand picked chair of the County Board. It would have been better to have Andrea Stewart-Cousins as the County Board Chair. Ryan is too political for the job. We need Andrea’s bringing people together & not dividing them.

He locked people like Gordon Burrows & James Maisano out of the process they have been constant critics of Andrew Spano. This is the same way Ryan spurned Rob Astorino, when he was head of the Parks Committee on the County Board of Legislators. Also two GOP Legislators in George Oros & Ursula Lamotte, they were absent for the pay raise vote, but would’ve voted against the power grab pay raise of Ryan.

GOP County Legislator Bernice Spreckman, who voted for the pay raise got a chair committee assignment from Ryan. The only GOP County Legislator to get a committee chair slot was Sue Swanson. Swanson’s committee was supposed to look into the illegal termination of the Late James Wieland from the County of Westchester in 2002. Wieland had worked with Swanson on Wieland's concerns on what was happening at the Westchester County Medical Center. Wieland had warned all of us for the Med Center not to go private. He was right again.

Maisano was very outspoken against the pay raises. But deserves credit for standing up for the citizens of Westchester against Andy Spano’s bloated gov’t. Maisano also asserts that it was ok to against the pay raise if you were a dem, but the GOP were penalized by "Boss Bill".

This had nothing to do with Maisano’s committee not meeting often enough. This was political payback for speaking out against Ryan’s measures & being forceful against our County Executive. As for Burrows, he is suing the County for opening homeless shelter near the children’s hospital in Valhalla. Burrows has also been outspoken against this County Executive. A lesson is don’t speak out against King Andy or there will be retribution against you.

Ryan gives the Dems free rein. While he goes after people like Astorino & other GOP County Legislators. The raise was a disgrace & the County residents & voters should wake up & be angry at the actions of 9 County Legislators to give themselves a raise. This was an issue never discussed during County Legislative races - last year.

YONKERS, NY: Lesnick is trying to bring solutions to the traffic concern for the Ridge Hill Village Project

Yonkers City Council President Chuck Schorr-Lesnick is trying to bring solution to the traffic concerns for the Ridge Hill Village Project. He should be complimented for looking into the issue brought out by the community. The issue of Tuckahoe Road traffic is the stumbling block in the acceptance of the Ridge Hill Project.

The traffic concerns of the community have been that Tuckahoe Road would be flooded with cars. Lesnick with his planning background is trying to come up with a solution that meets the needs of the community. Yonkers will be a winner, if we can get this project & it be a project that the community can live with. It is also a win that if community concerns can be met.

Lesnick is proposing to come to a solution by having a "charrette," a French expression used in planning circles to describe a design process. Because as it stands right now As it stands now, the most probable traffic resolution, according to state engineers, is the one already proposed by the developer, Forest City Ratner, to modify and widen the road and install new traffic signals. The Yonkers Insider believes that the Charrette is worth a try.

Lesnick also feels that the community will see their concerns heard. If there is a perception that the community concerns haven’t been met Lesnick believes dialogue is always the way to go. The Charrette should be given a try in light of a lawsuit currently in State Supreme Court before judge Colabella opposing the zone change approved for Ridge Hill in December by the Yonkers City Council. It is great to have Chuck Lesnick fighting for the communities concerns & bringing his planning & development experience to the Ridge Hill process.

It would be hoped that would be a solution that would bring the communities concerns to light & pass the Ridge Hill Project, so everybody can enjoy the village. But those concerns must be met first. The Yonkers Insider has confidence in Chuck Lesnick’s leadership abilities in bringing the public’s concerns to the table.

The charrette Lesnick proposed would be conducted next month by the Manhattan-based Environmental Simulation Center, a not-for-profit group that worked in Yonkers when Zaleski was mayor.

The first charrette came to Yonkers in 1994 during the administration of former Mayor Terence Zaleski, which Lesnick, a professional urban planner, served as director of development. The idea was to determine whether downtown redevelopment, focused on the waterfront and main Metro-North Railroad Station, was feasible. The charrette was conducted by the widely respected Regional Plan Association over four days in which city officials, area residents, merchants were interviewed and their ideas melded with those of planners, architects and transportation experts.

The verdict: Voila — there was indeed real hope for redevelopment on the Yonkers waterfront. Since then, development has taken off at a gallop. Surely the charrette cannot be credited with it all, but it was definitely a catalyst and confidence-builder after decades of failed plans.

The ESC Web site lists the organization as specializing "in applying information technology and decision support systems in real-world planning, design, development, environmental and visual impact projects" serving "governments, institutions, developers, community groups and others interested in how technology can help make planning and design more efficient, accountable and democratic."

The citizens of Yonkers should be pleased that we have someone with the credentials of Chuck Lesnick to fight for the public concerns. Chuck will make sure the community has a voice at the table. Chuck will make sure that there is an open & transparent process in Economic Development in this City from now on. The Communities concerns will be heard.

YONKERS, NY: Yonkers will get a new DPW Deputy Commissioner

Yonkers will get a new DPW Deputy Commissioner.

Yonkers will get a new DPW Deputy Commissioner his name is Martin Bellew, a 23-year veteran of the New York City Department of Sanitation. He is expected to receive approval of his appointment at tuesday's Yonkers City Council Meeting. His salary is $128,000. Bellew, a Yonkers resident, retired Dec. 30 as director of New York's Bureau of Waste Disposal and the Bureau of Solid Waste Engineering.

Bellew replaces Michael Ruggiero, who stepped down from the position after a drunken-driving accident and conviction more than two years ago to return to his previous position as manager of refuse collection. The city also is seeking a replacement for Ed Courtney, another public works deputy who retired in 2004.

Bellew's duties in New York City included coordinating the transport and disposal of material from the World Trade Center site after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and managing the closing of the Fresh Kills landfill, according to his resume. He also represented the Department of Sanitation at City Council hearings on environmental issues.

Ruggiero has served as acting commissioner since 2004, while manning his $102,060 civil service job as manager of refuse collection.

He was never suspended from his $128,960-a-year deputy commissioner job after his October 2003 drunken-driving arrest in Hastings-on-Hudson. Ruggiero totaled his city-leased 2002 Mercury Mountaineer in the incident, in which he hit two parked cars.

The city reached settlements with the owners of the parked cars, costing more than $5,000. Ruggiero pleaded guilty in December 2003, had his license suspended and enrolled in court-mandated alcohol treatment programs.

In closing, it will be good to move past the scandal of Ruggiero & The Yonkers Insider wishes the new deputy DPW Commissioner in keeping our City clean. Let's hope the City shows good vision in the hiring of the 2nd Deputy DPW Commissioner.

NEW YORK STATE: Pair of State Vice Chairmen Endorse Spencer for U.S. Senate

John Spencer for US Senate Press Release.

Pair of State Vice Chairmen Endorse Spencer for U.S. Senate

Influential Republican and Conservative leaders announce support

Yonkers, N.Y.: Demonstrating that he is the only candidate capable of uniting the Republican and Conservative Parties against Senator Hillary Clinton, John Spencer is proud to announce the endorsements of Republican State Committee Vice Chairman Vincent Reda and Conservative State Party Vice Chairman Gerard Kassar.
"John Spencer has proven that he can win over Democrat voters. In fact, as Mayor of Yonkers he demonstrated leadership abilities that attracted support from voters of all parties and backgrounds, much like Rudy Giuliani did in New York City. I urge all of my fellow Republicans to join me in support of John Spencer for the U.S. Senate," Reda said.

"John Spencer demonstrated that he is a true traditional conservative in the mold of President Ronald Reagan. That is why the Kings County Conservative Executive Committee endorsed him," said Kassar.

Reda also serves as the chairman of the Rockland County Republican Committee, and Kassar also serves as chairman of the Kings County Conservative Party. With large voting populations and active party participation, both county organizations carry considerable weight and influence within their respective parties.

"I am extremely proud and pleased to have the support of these to fine men and their organizations. I look forward to uniting the Republican and Conservative parties as we work toward a hard fought victory in November 2006," Spencer added.

THE ENDORSEMENT LIST CONTINUES TO GROW!

GOP Endorsements

Senator Nick Spano, NY Senate District 35 – Senior Assistant Majority Leader
Jay Savino, Bronx County Republican Committee Chairman
Rose Marie Panio, Westchester County Republican Committee Chairwoman
Peter Kermani, Albany County Republican Committee Chairman
Vincent Reda, Rockland County Republican Committee Chairman

Conservative Party Endorsements
Pasquale Curcio, State Vice Chairman and Suffolk County Conservative Party Chairman
Gerard Kassar, State Vice Chairman and Kings County Conservative Party Chairman
Jim Quinn, Western Central Conservative Party Regional Vice Chairman, Wayne County Conservative Party Chairman
Aaron Turetsky, Northeast Conservative Party Regional Vice Chairman and Essex County Conservative Party Chairman
Ray Carpenter, Northwest Conservative Party Regional Vice Chairman and Jefferson County Conservative Party Chairman
Robert D. Roe, Capitol Region Conservative Party Regional Vice Chairman and Saratoga County Conservative Party Chairman
Robert Mead, Montgomery County Conservative Party Chairman
Doug Straight, Interim Livingston County Conservative Party Chairman
Matthew Torrey, Columbia County Conservative Party Chairman
H. Leonard Schick, Oswego County Conservative Party Chairman
John Mulhall, Madison County Conservative Party Chairman
Kurt Van Hamlin, Acting Cortland County Conservative Party Chairman
Dick Regan, Acting Yates County Conservative Party Chairman
Thomas Straight, Tompkins County Conservative Party Chairman
John Bjorkander, Acting Delaware County Conservative Party Chairman
Wayne Brooks, Acting Fulton County Conservative Party Chairman
Robert W. Hoose, Sullivan County Conservative Party Chairman
Clay Smith, Onondaga County Conservative Party Chairman
Carol Birkholz, Warren County Conservative Party Chairwoman
Louis M. Imhoff, Washington County Conservative Party Chairman
Tom Whipple, Chairman of the Ontario County Conservative Committee
Greg Rigby, Chairman of the Cayuga County Conservative Committee

YONKERS, NY: Mayor Amicone helping Seniors in Flynn Manor

Mayor Phil Amicone is doing what he can to help the senior residents in Flynn Manor. The Senior Home will add surveillance cameras & also maybe a 24 hour security to watch the building of who goes in & out.

It is good to know that we have a Mayor who puts senior citizens & their quality of life first. In what will be a tough budget year for Yonkers. The Yonkers Insider hopes there will be money found for security guards in Flynn Manor. It is also good that the Yonkers Police will patrol the municipal housing complex as well.

It is the leadership of Mayor Amicone & Police Commissioner Robert Taggart who will make it safer for our most vulnerable our senior citizens. So that they could live out their golden years in peace.

MHA Executive Director Peter Smith said cameras would be installed by the end of next week. Smith also urged residents to protect each other by not letting people into the building who don’t belong.

Also Smith, Amicone & Taggart told residents to call police & report any activity that seems strange to them. It would also be nice if the City or MHA could find the funds for 24 hour security guards for other senior citizen complexes like Woodstock Manor, Finian Sullivan, Monastery Manor & other Yonkers Senior Citizen Housing Complexes as well.

NEW YORK STATE: Why does Jeanine Pirro have four committees for the AG race?

Why does Jeanine Pirro have four committees for the AG race?

There is a question, why does Jeanine Pirro have four campaign committees for the AG race? They are: 1) Jeanine Pirro for Attorney General. 2) Jeanine Pirro for Attorney General - Republican Primary. 3) Jeanine Pirro for Attorney General - Conservative Primary. 4) Jeanine Pirro for Attorney General - Independence Primary. Why would she have so many committees for this race? Is it unusual to have four different committees for a race? Also with regard to different parties as well? We need to watch the progress of these committees? We need to follow the money & who contributes to her? Jeanine Pirro will be interesting to watch in this race? If you want to look at the financials, Link To: http://www.elections.state.ny.us & hit campaign Financials.

YONKERS, NY: Mayor Amicone is taking control of his administration

It is quickly becoming quite evident that Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone has begun to take control of his administration. It started letting go of the "albatross" Chief of Staff Kathy Spring Spencer & has continued with Ed Sheeran retiring & moving Robert Ferrito to the deputy director of the Parking Authority.

It seems to me that he is trying to bring an Amicone identity to his administration rather than a Spencer identity.

Who will be next will it be Thomas Weibrecht, Dennis Lynch, Shawn Griffin & countless holdovers who are loyal to former Yonkers Mayor John Spencer? Also David Simpson got hired as press secretary for the mayor's office.

He handled that same role in the Rob Astorino for Westchester County Executive Campaign.

Also the way Amicone has used the town hall meeting to give people a voice in their gov’t. Also give Amicone credit for hiring Lisa as his chief of staff. She unlike the previous chief of staff is seen & not heard.

The Insider had criticized the hiring of Lisa, but The Insider must admit she is doing a great job & is surprised & blown away with her professionalism. Also Amicone’s willingness to work with Democrats as well.

NEW YORK STATE: The US Attorney's Office on Alex Rudaj Conviction

US Attorney's Office on Alex Rudaj Conviction.

United States Attorney Southern District of New York
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 4, 2006

SIX MEMBERS OF VIOLENT ALBANIAN ORGANIZED CRIME GROUP CONVICTED

MICHAEL J. GARCIA, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that six members of a violent organized crime enterprise known as "The Corporation" were convicted after a fourteen-week jury trial in Manhattan federal court of committing numerous crimes in the Bronx,Westchester County, and Astoria, Queens, including racketeering offenses ("RICO"), extortion, firearms offenses, loansharking, extortionate debt collection, and operation of a large-scale illegal gambling business.

The evidence at trial established that "The Corporation," identified at trial as the Rudaj Organization (after one of its leaders, ALEX RUDAJ), was an organized crime syndicate comprised of dozens of members and associates that worked with and rivaled the traditional mafia families in the New York area. The Rudaj Organization operated a massive network of illegal gambling parlors and gambling machines, and bookmaking operations. The evidence showed that the Rudaj Organization was founded in the early 1990s by ALEX RUDAJ, a/k/a "Sandro Rudovic," a/k/a "Uncle," a/k/a "Allie Boy," and NARDINO COLOTTI, a/k/a "Lenny," former associates of the Gambino Crime Family. Throughout the 1990s, according to the evidence at trial, the Rudaj Organization seized and exercised control over illegal gambling operations in the Morris Park and Arthur Avenue areas of the Bronx, and in Westchester County.

In June 2001, the evidence at trial established, the Rudaj Organization violently seized control over illegal gambling operations in Astoria, Queens – territory which formerly had been controlled by the Lucchese Crime Family. In connection with their takeover, five of the defendants and other members of the group severely beat a member of the Astoria gambling community to send the message that the Rudaj Organization was now in control of illegal gambling in Astoria. Similarly, the trial evidence demonstrated that in August 2001, the six defendants and numerous other members and associates of the Rudaj Organization, armed with firearms, stormed a rival gambling establishment opened by a Gambino Family associate and shut it down. The evidence also established that the Rudaj Organization committed numerous other acts of violence and intimidation to maintain and expand their control of illegal gambling in Astoria.

The evidence at trial proved that defendants ALEX RUDAJ, NARDINO COLOTTI, and NIKOLA DEDAJ, a/k/a "Big Nick," a/k/a "Nicky Nails," were the primary leaders of the Rudaj Organization, and were responsible for, among other things, supervising the criminal activities of the other members of the Rudaj Organization and resolving disputes with other organized criminal groups in the New York City area.

Specifically, when disputes arose between the Rudaj Organization and other criminal enterprises in the New York City area, including the traditional mafia families, the leaders of the Rudaj Organization would resolve these disputes, if necessary, by using threats of violence and actual violence against the members and associates of those other criminal groups. Such occurred when, according to evidence at trial, armed members of the Rudaj Organization met with members of the Gambino Crime Family at a gas station in New Jersey for a standoff, and DEDAJ pointed a gun at the gas pumps and threatened to blow everyone up.

The evidence at trial further established that defendants PRENKA IVEZAJ, a/k/a "Frankie," a/k/a "Big Frank," LJUSA NUCULOVIC, a/k/a "Louie," and ANGELO DIPIETRO, a/k/a "Fat Angelo," were highranking members of the Rudaj Organization and participated in its criminal affairs, including extortions, loansharking and extortionate debt collection, and running its illegal gambling enterprise. Defendant NUCULOVIC acted as the Rudaj Organization’s boss of gambling operations in Astoria, Queens, from 2001 until 2004. The evidence at trial showed that the members and associates of the Rudaj Organization frequently carried and brandished firearms.

The charges against these six defendants were unsealed in October 2004, at which time more than twenty members and associates of the Rudaj Organization were charged with various offenses including illegal gambling. Eight additional defendants have pled guilty to gambling offenses, one defendant has pled guilty to gambling and attempted extortion charges, and five defendants face trial in the future on gambling charges.

As a result of today’s convictions, defendants RUDAJ, COLOTTI, DEDAJ, IVEZAJ, and NUCULOVIC each faces, among other penalties, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a statutory minimum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment. Defendant DIPIETRO faces, among other penalties, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of twenty five years’ imprisonment. In July 2005, DIPIETRO was convicted in a related case of extortion, firearms offenses, robbery, and extortionate debt collection by a jury in Manhattan federal court.

DIPIETRO awaits sentencing in that case, and faces, among other penalties, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of thirty-two years’ imprisonment.

In addition, just prior to trial, a seventh defendant, GJELOSH LELCAJ, a/k/a "Joey," pled guilty to racketeering offenses including extortion and illegal gambling, and illegal re-entry into the United States, thereby avoiding trial.
All six defendants were previously detained pending trial at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, Manhattan, New York. Sentencing is scheduled for April 7, 2006, at 2:00 p.m before United States District Judge DENISE COTE.

ALEX RUDAJ, 38, lives in Yorktown Heights, New York. NARDINO COLOTTI, 43, lives in the Bronx, New York. NIKOLA DEDAJ,42, lives in Yonkers, New York. LJUSA NUCULOVIC, 47, lives in Hopewell Junction, New York. PRENKA IVEZAJ, 40, lives in Queens, New York. ANGELO DIPIETRO, 49, lives in Hopewell Junction, New York.

Mr. GARCIA praised the efforts of the FBI and of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office in the investigation and prosecution of these crimes.

Assistant United States Attorneys TIMOTHY J. TREANOR, JENNIFER G. RODGERS, and BENJAMIN GRUENSTEIN are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW YORK STATE: News from Assemblywomen Amy Paulin

As we begin this year and legislative session I would like to share with you some some of the accomplishments of 2005. As you may have read, 2005 was one of the most productive sessions in legislative history and truly was a “Year of Reform.” For the first time in 21 years, the budget was passed on time. Most importantly, it is a good budget, giving more money to our schools and municipalities. The Assembly is again committed to the adoption of a fair and on-time budget by April 1 of this year.

“Year of Reform”

Reforming the way the two houses of the Legislature conduct business was a major step forward for the Legislature. Now, lawmakers must be present to have their votes counted and, as of January 4, we are proud to be on cable television with unedited gavel-to-gavel coverage - channel 116. The Legislature also agreed to require lobbyists seeking state contracts to disclose their fees and clients, closed a loophole that allowed state workers to evade ethics fines by quitting their jobs, and moved to increase oversight of the state’s many public authorities. These important reforms make our government more open and more responsible.

Appointed Chair of Task Force on People with Disabilities

I am honored to have been appointed Chair of the Task Force on People with Disabilities. As chair, I launched a strong campaign to extend both the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage program (EPIC) and the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption program (SCRIE) to people with disabilities, the latter of which was successfully signed into law.

Because the protections of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are in danger due to the frequent scrutiny by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Assembly also passed three bills that reinforce the ADA on the state level.

Emergency Contraception – “Morning After Pill”

After much hard work, my Emergency Contraception Bill passed both houses of the Legislature. This legislation would make emergency contraception more accessible by allowing licensed pharmacists to dispense it. Women would be able to obtain emergency contraception from pharmacies on weekends and holidays when many doctors’ offices are closed. Though Governor Pataki vetoed the bill, I will continue to fight to make it law this year.

Domestic Violence

As former Executive Director of My Sisters’ Place, I remain committed to eradicating domestic
violence. This year I organized “Walk With Me,” the first ever march in Westchester County to raise awareness of domestic violence. Students, community leaders, concerned citizens and victims all participated in this march at Concordia College.

I have also been working in the Assembly to extend the length of Orders of Protection for battered women. Next year I hope to obtain the support of my colleagues and pass meaningful legislation.

Child Fatalities - As a member of the Standing Committee on Children and Families, I was instrumental in holding a public hearing in Westchester County to determine what changes, if any, should the Legislature consider that would improve the fatality review process in New York State and what resources would be required to ensure effective change.

Important Legislation

In terms of legislation, 2005 was a banner year; nine of my bills became law. Highlights include:
Gun Trafficking

My bill, which unfortunately came upon the heels of two deaths of New York City police officers, increases the penalties for both the sale and possession of illegal firearms and closes a loophole by aggregating the number of illegal firearms sold over the course of one year so that gun traffickers face stiffer penalties.
Crime Victims

Arising from a Westchester criminal case involving a child witness, this new law allows the Crime Victims Board to grant compensation to victims whose pre-existing condition was made worse by their unintentional involvement with a crime.

Health

Prior to my legislation, post graduate podiatry residency programs were out of compliance with New York State law. The law had to be changed if these podiatry residency programs were to remain open. It was estimated that without this new law, forty-two podiatry residency programs in New York State would have been forced to close.

Animal Cruelty

It is well documented that cruelty to animals is often a precursor to subsequent crimes against humans. My law requires those convicted of cruelty to animals to be fingerprinted and photographed. This new law addresses a gap that previously allowed such abusers to go unnoticed, but now provides law enforcement and the courts with more complete information, placing perpetrators more concretely within the justice system.

As the new year begins, I have been pleased to reflect on last year’s victories and lessons learned with an eye toward the challenges that lie ahead. There is still much to do and I look forward to serving the 88th Assembly district. As always, feel free to contact me any time I can be of assistance. Have a happy and healthy New Year.

Amy Paulin