YONKERS, NY: Spano is appointed to a joint Civil Confinement Committee

Spano is appointed to a joint Civil Confinement Committee.

The Yonkers Tribune has an article where State Senator Nicholas Spano is being appointed to a joint committee on the issue of Civil Confinement.

This is most intriguing in light of the talk in the last several years of the involvement in the James Surdoval & Donald Bopp cases. We do need a civil confinement law that works, but we don’t need Senator Spano politicizing this issue. We also don’t need him trying to prove to people that he is for protecting children.

He didn’t do anything to help fight against Mr. Bopp. When he knew through James Wieland what happened & how Bopp used his name to threaten Wieland at Wieland’s house door. To me, Spano is a phony on this issue. Spano can make all the laws he wants, but he is what he is. We do need a civil confinement law, but one that protects our children & also is the least costly plan to the taxpayers.

YONKERS, NY: Is New York State screwing Yonkers again?

Is New York State screwing Yonkers again?

When it looked like Yonkers would be getting 20 million new dollars for it's budget What Happens, it like as Mayor Amicone is worried that he can't include the 20 million in this year's budget. Pataki promised us this money.

The major problem is the 20 million dollars is coming out of next year's budget. Once again, Yonkers we could be screwed & fooled again. A press conference of funds coming up. We in Yonkers have been played for fools again. Where is the state delegation from Yonkers fighting for our 20 million dollars. Senator Spano, the cameras are watching, when are you going to fight for our money. Instead of trying to silence media in this town?

The State Comptroller's Office is said to be researching this issue. Is it more false propaganda for the Nick Spano & George Pataki regime? It is time for a regime change.

YONKERS, NY: The Great Ralph Martinelli.

The Great Ralph Martinelli.

Everything you have tried to say for the last forty years has come to light today. You’ve been betrayed by someone you trusted ‘Dan Murphy’ AKA – Benedict Arnold. Dan Murphy betrayed himself, the people & sold himself for what, the almighty dollar. Dan Murphy you have been inducted into the Republican Machine. Worst of all, they sold you a can of goods of lies to Francesca Martinelli. Believe me Francesca, their word is worth as much as the toilet paper they use. I feel sorry for you, Francesca you were used by these politicos. They clearly want the paper shut down & to silence the voice of Independence - The Home News & Times. For those of you dancing on Ralph’s grave, you may feel you have won a battle, but the war is far from over. You can buy & control the media, but it won’t matter, your fate is already sealed.

As we look at the Home News & Times being for sale. Some thoughts have to come out.

Dan, remember three people made the Home News & Times, it was Ralph Martinelli, James Wieland & Richard Blassberg. As Blassberg stated he resigned from Home News & Times because "his principles are not for sale". Dan you have betrayed Ralph’s memory. The idea that people like John Spencer, Ed Sheeran & other ‘politicos’ would be investors is a disgrace. Another thing Dan, why don’t you tell the truth, James Wieland did most of the investigations between 2001 & 2003. Articles you took credit for where done by the late James Wieland.

As far as Mike Edelman making comments on Yonkers Tribune about Ralph. Mr. Edelman, you were a former law partner for that "felon" Al Pirro. You stand up for the likes of Nick Spano & Jeanine "The Queen" Pirro. Nick who stoled the election from Andrea Stewart Cousins. Mike you had the audacity to comment on Ralph Martinelli.

Ralph was a man of honor & was loyal to his cause. He fought against his own party & told the truth. To the machine you can’t silence the people.

Ralph was the fighter against corruption. Ralph, I hope you trust me to keep your fight alive. I always respected you & your principles. Mr. Edelman, Ralph’s paper was great because, he didn’t care which corrupt politicians he took on. Ralph took on the Diguglielmo case. I make a promise that I will not rest until Richard is a free man.

Mr. Edelman, you talk about ethics. You have no ethics? You are Pirro’s lapdog? The only thing this newspaper is going to be good for is training paper for dogs. What is going on with this paper now to me is disgraceful & heartbreaking. I stand committed & firm for Justice. Ralph would tell us before he would put an article in the paper, get me proof to back your writings up. Mike, why did the FEDS read Ralph’s paper, if it was so bad.

The Home News & Times is dead now, because the "circle of friends" are investors. The Yonkers Insider will carry on the legacy of fighting for justice & fighting political corruption. As Ralph would say to his enemies, "Bring it on". To Dan, I thought of you as a friend, you clearly are what Jimmy always called you a sellout. The Yonkers Insider – "The voice of Yonkers" will be taking you on every step of the way. To Mr. Martinelli, God Bless You & thank you for being my inspiration.

Delfim Heusler
Editor, The Yonkers Insider – jameswieland.blogspot.com.

YONKERS, NY: Yonkers Schools Chief presents bleak picture of Yonkers Schools & City Financial problems.

Yonkers Schools Chief presents bleak picture of Yonkers Schools & City Financial problems.

Yonkers Schools Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio is painting a very bleak picture of Yonkers Schools & Yonkers Financial problems. Pierorazio states that there will be a budget deficit with the schools that will exceed $100 Million Dollars. Pierorazio also believes tough choices will have to be made for the Yonkers School district. The State will have to help Yonkers out of it’s fiscal mess. Where is our State Delegation? The only one fighting for us is State Senator Jeff Klein. The question is how hard will the budget ax fall on the taxpayers in terms of taxes & services. It will be interesting to see what Mayor Amicone, Majority Leader McDow, Council President Lesnick, Budget Chair McLaughlin & Robertson will have to say about these issues. In terms of solutions to our looming budget problems.

Will there be major layoffs with our teachers & other school employees. Again, putting the budget on the backs of our children. Pierorazio says this budget will have a severe impact on the Yonkers School district. He is asking on building principals for 15% cuts in their budgets. Our children will get hurt in the worst way possible. Where is State Senator Nick Spano? Is this why, he is trying to silence media in this city? He wants them to cover up for him falling down on the job of representing Yonkers. Don’t forget we still have unresolved contracts with Teachers & CSEA unions. Where is the money from the development going? It is supposed to help us in bad budget times? Does this show that we are giving tax abatements, PILOTS & give away sweet heart deals to these developers & shortchanging the yonkers taxpayer. 

News 12, Journal News & Yonkers Tribune reporting that Louis Cappelli is coming to Yonkers, NY

News 12, Journal News & Yonkers Tribune reporting that Louis Cappelli is coming to Yonkers.

News 12 Westchester, The Journal News & Yonkers Tribune have reported that developer Louis Cappelli is coming to Yonkers. Yonkers Tribune originally had the scoop on Friday. There will be a press conference to announce this on Thursday. The project could be $3 Billion Dollars, that is five times Ridge Hill. It could be the Ballpark, Affordable Housing & Retail.

Don’t forget Cappelli is connected with Donald Trump & Al Pirro. Cappelli has gotten tax abatements in other cities in Westchester. He gives major contributions to the politicians as well. We need development in our city to build our tax base, but the right development. Where the developer pays full taxes & doesn’t get tax abatements or pilots. No sweetheart give-away deals to developers. Dee Barbato is skeptical, but she believes the City should get full taxes for any development. Majority Leader Patricia McDow says she is supportive, but doesn’t want the project to be too big & that McDow pointed out "this is not White Plains". Robertson sees this as a win-win project for Yonkers.

Cappelli’s lawyer is Al DelBello. Cappelli is in a join venture with Struever Fidelco LLC, the joint venture between Baltimore developer Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse and the New Jersey-based Fidelco Group. Other big-name local developers also could be brought in, the sources tell The Journal News. We hope the community will be involved in the process & that it will be an open & transparent process.

YONKERS, NY: Hevesi to do probe on Yonkers IDA And Schools

Hevesi to do probe on Yonkers IDA & Schools.

The New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi will do an audit of a loan given from the IDA to Yonkers Baseball Development, Inc. for $670,000. Hevesi had said he would investigate along with schools as well. But Hevesi wants to break probe in two in terms of IDA & Schools. Some IDA loans had been questioned.

DA Pirro had already cleared IDA of any wrongdoing. But Debra Cohen had brought up about Al Pirro’s possible involvement with Yonkers Baseball, Inc. This also leaves open the possibility of Hevesi of looking at the IDA loans given out. This is a significant move by Comptroller Hevesi.

City officials said that Hevesi would exonerate the IDA like DA Pirro & Inspector General Zisman did likewise. Did Jeanine Pirro have a conflict of interest, in investigating the matter if Al had an involvement with Yonkers Baseball, Inc. Mayor Amicone’s said they would full cooperate with the Comptroller’s Audit. Mayor Amicone’s spokesperson predicted nothing would be found & would get the same result as Pirro’s inquiry. The Yonkers Insider will keep you informed of the Audit’s findings.

The History in this Case.

Those probes came after The Journal News reported critics' questions about whether there was a relationship between a $669,455 payment from the Board of Education to the IDA about the same time the IDA loaned $670,000 to Yonkers Baseball Development Inc. in 2002.

The IDA, in response to the newspaper's article, provided memos, invoices, checks and other documents backing its contention that the school district was repaying a legitimate debt — the IDA floated money to help pay for cost overruns as it renovated a former factory building to the new Board of Education headquarters and library. Moreover, the IDA had enough money to cover the loan to Yonkers Baseball independent of the school district's payment.

Critics of city government, however, have since raised new questions about the transaction.

Debra Cohen, an attorney representing a store fighting the ballpark project, wrote to Zisman before he issued his report asking him to look into whether IDA's are authorized by law to make loans. State law authorizing IDA's does not specifically address the issue, which Cohen said indicated the agencies were not permitted to make such transactions.

The IDA has loaned money to other local development corporations. They include n-Valley Technology Inc., set up in 2003 to foster redevelopment of an old carpet mill on Nepperhan Avenue into a new high-tech office building, and Yonkers Alexander Street Redevelopment Inc., set up in 2002 to foster redevelopment of old industrial properties along the waterfront into new housing and retail.

YONKERS, NY: Debra Cohen to Phil Zisman - Re: Dennis Lynch.

Debra Cohen to Phil Zisman - Re: Dennis Lynch.

DEBRA S. COHEN
Attorney at Law
470 MAMARONECK AVENUE SUITE 400
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10605
-----------------------------------
TELEPHONE: (914) 478-1623
FACSIMILE: (914) 693-8287
dsc9101@aol.com

February 1, 2006

Mr. Philip A. Zisman
Inspector General
City of Yonkers
City Hall
Yonkers, New York 10701

Dear Inspector General Zisman:

Yesterday I wrote to you inquiring whether Dennis Lynch, Esq. had complied with your request for a legal opinion regarding the Yonkers IDA’s power to make loans, including its 2002 loan of $670,000 to Yonkers Baseball Development Inc.

In my letter, I indicated that time was of the essence. The need for an immediate clarification of this issue is now supported by a report last night on News 12, and an article in the Journal News today, stating that Mayor Phil Amicone will sign a downtown development agreement tomorrow with a newly formed development group that may include the ballpark project.

Based on the provisions of an earlier master developer agreement, it is possible that this new agreement will contain a clause wherein the developers reimburse certain expenses of the YIDA, Yonkers Baseball and the City of Yonkers including, potentially, this $670,000 loan. It would seem in the best interest of all concerned to have a clarification of the legal status of this loan prior to the Mayor entering into an agreement requiring private developers to assume responsibility for its repayment.

Thank you for your continuing efforts to address this issue of public concern.

Very truly yours,

Debra S. Cohen

cc: Dennis E.A. Lynch, Esq. – Counsel to YIDA and YBD
Office of the New York State Comptroller
Office of the New York State Attorney General

YONKERS, NY: Dee Barbato Press Release

Dee Barbato Press Release.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Barbato Calls for PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) Reform.

(Yonkers, NY – Feb. 1, 2006)… Yonkers City Councilmember Dee Barbato (R-6th Dist.) is calling for an overhaul on how PILOT (payment-in-lieu-of-taxes) agreements are negotiated and instituted by the city administration, the Yonkers IDA, and any and all parties involved in such arrangements.

Noting that PILOT agreements were a necessary tool to spur development and redevelopment – most especially in recent years to jump-start a sagging waterfront – Barbato says, "Such agreements of late appear to have done more to boost the profit margin of a developer and less to boost the tax base of the City of Yonkers."

"We might have had to somewhat give it away then, but now it seems we are selling our city short – giving away the proverbial store – and the issue of what some view as corporate welfare and free rides needs to be brought under control, said Barbato.

"Ten years of development has yet to bring us the return we need now. At best, we should be realizing full property taxes. At the very least, at a time when our school system is facing a major shortfall, such agreements need to be justified and reasonable in scope and duration. Our schools need the revenue, and our homeowners can’t keep carrying the load alone…they get no tax breaks," continued Barbato.

Barbato is proposing a seven-prong plan that will bring accountability and oversight to the process, which she says "is presently done under the radar screen of public scrutiny and signed into agreement without the public having a say or knowing what deals are being made until after the fact."

The controls and monitoring efforts Barbato is proposing are:

That the sum and substance of all future PILOT arrangements including, but not limited to all terms and conditions, are to be approved by a SEPARATE resolution of the Yonkers City Council;

That the City Council be provided with full justification for the need of the PILOT and its economic benefit, including the rationale for such an agreement and the benchmarks to ensure that we are realizing said benefit.

That all terms and agreements presented to the City Council include any and all other tax relief , incentives, or benefits being sought by the beneficiary from any other level of government;

That the maximum term of any future PILOT arrangement shall be no more than 10 years with any extension being voted on by the City Council;

That all future PILOT arrangements shall include a provision to upwardly adjust the PILOT payments at least every 2 years at a rate that is equal to an amount that is no less than the cumulative amount of the rate of inflation during the proceeding period;

That all future PILOT arrangements must contain a provision which negates the ability of the developer (or other beneficiary of the PILOT, or successor in title or deed) from filing a tax certiorari during the entire life of the PILOT arrangement, and;

In addition, the PILOT arrangement must also contain a provision by which the developer (or other beneficiary of the PILOT, or successor in title or deed) agrees that the ‘look-back’ period of any future tax certiorari cannot go back into that time period during which the PILOT arrangement was in effect.

Barbato will present the PILOT reform package at the next meeting of the City Council’s Rules Committee on February 7.

YONKERS, NY: Media Advisory from Yonkers Mayor's Office

Media Advisory from Yonkers Mayor's Office.

Amicone strikes $3.1 billion development deal for downtown Yonkers

Cappelli Enterprises to join high profile team in ballpark and Hudson waterfront venture

Yonkers, N.Y.—Downtown Yonkers will soon benefit from one of the largest and most comprehensive redevelopment projects in the New York Metro Area, Mayor Phil Amicone is set to announce at a news conference tomorrow. The development agreement between the city and a trio of high profile developers will total more than three billion dollars in projects and encompass properties that stretch from the Hudson River waterfront to the proposed minor league baseball stadium site next to City Hall.

Amicone will announce that Louis Cappelli of Cappelli Enterprises, the driving force behind hugely successful economic development projects in White Plains and New Rochelle, will join Stuever Bros. Eccles & Rouse, Inc. of Baltimore and Fidelco Realty Group of New Jersey for the development partnership.

Event: Major Yonkers Economic Development News Conference

When: Thursday, February 2nd at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Mayor’s Reception Room
Yonkers City Hall
40 South Broadway, Yonkers

Who: Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone
Louis Cappelli, President, Cappelli Enterprises
Bill Stuever, President & CEO, Struever Bros.
Marc Berson, Chairman & CEO, Fidelco Realty

Why: One of the biggest economic development projects in the New York Metro Area, with more than $3 billion in projects covering dozens of city blocks in downtown Yonkers.

YONKERS, NY: News from Majority Leader McDow

News from Majority Leader McDow.

February 1, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MCDOW ADVISORY GROUPS TO COMPARE WATERFRONTS

Yonkers First District Council Member and Majority Leader Patricia McDow has formed several groups that are serving in advisory capacities for the betterment of her district and to monitor development there as well.

They are made up of concerned residents who want to be involved and have a say in the progress that their communities are experiencing.

Her Community Services Advisory Board meets monthly to discuss important issues and needs in the First District and how those needs can be addressed. The latter is her Alexander Street Advisory Group, which has in recent months joined the Community Services Advisory Board group.

With much discussion about plans for development in the Council Member’s District – particularly along the waterfront – it was decided that a good way to determine the best type of waterfront development in Yonkers is to see first hand what works (and what doesn’t) in other communities. As a result, Majority Leader McDow, at the request of her committees, has organized a trip to visit other towns with nearby waterfronts that have been developed by those towns.

In addition to a brief stop to Downtown Yonkers, the tour, which is scheduled for February 4, 2006, will proceed to other waterfront sites in Yonkers, Dobbs Ferry, Sleepy Hollow , Irvington, Haverstraw, Peekskill, Newburgh and Beacon. The Council Member also hopes to meet local leadership in those towns, but feels this is a great opportunity to be able to discuss positive renewal and development for the City of Yonkers.

"This trip is not set up to compare other waterfront communites to Yonkers, but to see how their development ‘fits’ with the local landscape. Tall buildings that work in one area might not work in another. And this trip is designed to see why. My advisory groups can then compare notes and have sufficient background information to be able to make suggestions for the Yonkers waterfront," said Majority Leader McDow.

NEW YORK STATE: Assemblymember Adam Bradley Press Release

Assemblymember Adam Bradley Press Release.

For Immediate Release

Date: January 30, 2006

Bradley introduces Safety from Sex Offenders Act

Assemblyman Adam Bradley (D-White Plains) announced that he has introduced legislation in the Assembly known as the “Safety from Sex Offenders Act” (A.9474).

The legislation will enable judges to make mandatory compliance with treatment a condition of a felony sex offender’s sentence. It also creates an individualized treatment program for imprisoned felony sex offenders. The bill is modeled after the state system of probation and parole by allowing judges to require cooperation and compliance with treatment programs as a condition of the sentence.

Under Bradley’s bill, convicted sex offenders who fail to comply with their treatment programs could be in violation and would face an additional sentence of up to three years imprisonment for each violation.

“It’s clear that dangerous sexual offenders need to be kept off our streets,” said Bradley. “The Safety from Sex Offenders Act includes a tough, comprehensive plan to protect our families from sexual predators.”

Bradley noted that his legislation requires mandatory individualized treatment for incarcerated sex offenders. Currently, the state Department of Correctional Services operates a sex offender treatment program but it is not required by law and it lasts for only six months—one of the shortest prison-based programs in the nation.

“I will work to get this common-sense measure passed in the Assembly,” Bradley said. “It’s imperative that we continue to protect our citizens by requiring mandatory treatment for imprisoned sex felons and longer jail sentences for those who refuse to comply with treatment.”

Bradley’s legislation comes at the heels of the Assembly majority’s comprehensive plan that addresses the threat of sexual predators in our communities. A plan that was the result of a series of public hearings and includes tough penalties, expanded monitoring of sex offenders and better services for victims.

“This legislation will help protect our communities by encouraging treatment and keeping felony sex offenders who refuse treatment in prison,” said Bradley.

Posted By Brian Harrod 

White Plains Newswire Editor

YONKERS, NY: News from Yonkers City Councilmember John Murtagh

News from Yonkers City Councilmember John Murtagh.

NEWS … from the YONKERS CITY COUNCIL
DATE: January 30, 2006
JOHN M. MURTAGH
COUNCIL MEMBER
5TH DISTRICT

Murtagh Calls for Council to Set Comprehensive Development Policy

Favors "open, competitive and transparent" processes, bar on use of eminent domain.Declaring " … unguided development simply for development’s sake is not the answer to Yonkers’ problems," Council Member John Murtagh (RIC-5) today called on the City Council to establish a comprehensive development policy for major projects as well as adopting a meaningful open space and recreational facilities policy to protect the cities natural resources.

"Cross County Shopping Center, video lottery terminals at Yonkers Raceway and the debate over Ridge Hill demonstrate the pressure Yonkers is under as it rebuilds and build anew," Murtagh said. "The question for the City Council is not whether major development and redevelopment takes place – the question is does it continue on an ad hoc basis or do we adopt sensible guidelines for the future look and density of our city?"

"Yonkers’ assets from a development point of view are unique – proximity to New York City, the Hudson and Palisades, a diverse housing stock and labor pool," Murtagh said. "So our process for selecting who gets to use those assets should ensure that Yonkers’ citizens receive lasting quality and the best return on their buck. Above all, all current residents have a stake in the future direction of development and redevelopment. Their views must be listened to and their concerns about taxes, services, quality of life and affordability must be addressed."

In addition to adopting a meaningful open space and recreational facilities policy, Murtagh’s proposal would require the City Council to take action on the following six points:

establish a formal, open, competitive, transparent and uniform process for the administration to follow in recommending developers or awarding development rights when public resources are involved;

a ban on the use of the city’s eminent domain powers to acquire private land and convey ownership to wealthy developers;

a ban on city officials – including unsalaried appointees – from forming local development corporations and other such quasi-government entities unless approved by the City Council with strict guidelines on openness and accountability;

an assessment of the condition and adequacy of city infrastructure and services in each neighborhood where major development or redevelopment might occur;

strict limits on the conveyance of publicly owned property for private development with careful consideration to the option of long term leasing or deeds with reverter clauses; and a stream-lined application process for approvals for as-of-right projects or projects requiring modest variances with a strict timetable for each step in the process and a prohibition on imposing new conditions for a certificate of occupancy once a building permit is issued or the factors cited for a denial of a building permit are addressed.

"Before we approve new development that adds significant numbers of residents and visitors, we have an obligation to make sure that the city’s infrastructure – both physical and services – can support it," Murtagh said.

"For example, it’s fairly clear that the distribution of public school facilities in our city no longer matches the demand. Is the same true for fire houses and police stations? Can our roads handle major new traffic? And what of open space and recreation? Where should we develop new parks and preserve open space to hold in the public trust for future generations to enjoy?"

"Most important, the public has a right to expect that the finished product is the best available and that the development process is both open and inclusive. Murtagh said. "What better way to ensure the best return on our investment and to bring out the best ideas than an open and transparent competition for proposals and developers?"

WESTCHESTER COUNTY: The Blog STOPIRRO has another interesting article

STOPIRRO has another interesting article.

STOPIRRO has another interesting article called Prosecutor-Persecutor-Predator - True Account of a Man that was the Perfect Prey. This is an article that deals with how Pirro perscuted & prosecuted Richard Diguglielmo. It was a case by the way that Pirro used as a racial case, but there were never any charges of a racially biased crime ever filed by Pirro's office. A note to my GOP Friends Jeanine Pirro brought in Rev. Al Sharpton. Isn't it someone who the Republicans hate? What kind of Republican is she or is she a mere self-promoter of herself.

To read more of this article, Link To: http://stopirro.blogspot.com

WESTCHESTER COUNTY: Hey Edelman "A little hot under the white collar."

Hey Edelman "A little hot under the white collar."

On News 12 Point No Point, Mike Edelman admitted having some relation to people in organized crime & he said everybody is, in one form or another. Mr. Edelman, do you know organized crime is illegial? That is why we have RICO Statutes. You have the gaul to go after Blassberg? You are only mad, because Blassberg has written the truth about the corruption of the queen. Not everybody has relation to organized crime. Why is Edelman hot about the comments by the bloggers on the Viviano issue. Why didn't Jenkins call him on the carpet for that comment. Jenkins missed another opportunity to be respected in this county. Organized Crime has ruled in this County & in Politics. Mr. Edelman, do you go to Mulino's? That is why the FEDS must come in & do a major investigation. I think they should subpoena the tape from NEWS 12? They should do the same investigation, that they did on the Albanian's. You know Alex, Lenny & "Fat Angelo".

NEW YORK STATE: Judicial selection process by Political Parties is ruled unconstitutional by a Federal Judge

Judicial selection process by Political Parties is ruled unconstitutional by a Federal Judge.

A Federal Judge ruled last night that the process of selecting State Supreme Court justices is unconstitutional. This is a major blow to the Backrooms & the Political Parties. The Judge ordered an immediate halt to backroom wheeling & dealing. The Federal Judge was John Gleeson from Brooklyn.

The judge is right in the fact, that the way parties pick Supreme Court Justices through having convention by sending party regulars as delegates. This is done with both the Democratic & Republican Parties. But people like Zehy Jereis, Yonkers GOP Leader & State Senator Nicholas Spano have used it for backroom deals many times. The Judge is also right that the State Legislature should enact a new system for selecting Judicial Candidates.

The question is does that the State Legislature have the guts to take politics out of selecting our Judiciary. Also don’t get me wrong, also the minor parties do it as well. The Conservative & Indpendence Parties of Westchester controlled by Senator Spano do the same thing of backroom deals. Giulio Cavallo, Westchester County Independence Party Leader was able to prevent Francis Nicolai from running for re-election for NYS Supreme Court Judge in 2004, because of his power to stop endorsements of these candidates for Supreme Court Judge.

We need a system to put in place, that helps people who do not enjoy support of the Party Bosses. But that these people are qualified to or want to run for State Supreme Court Judge. We need to put an end to Party Boss Politics. The Judiciary should be non-political & the selection should be non-political. A primary system put in place, so that the people could decide & not the Party bosses is a good idea. The State Legislature needs to act ASAP. So that we can have elections of Judges that are not political. How can we trust our judiciary, if it s political, when judges are supposed to be non-political. Let’s put an end to the likes of Jereis, Spano, Cavallo, Democratic Leaders. Republican Leaders, Conservative leaders, Indpendence Leaders & other parties take their power away in selecting our State Supreme Court Judges. We need to totally clean the process up from politics & give the people confidence in the way we select our judges. This is a way, that when judges make decisions. That there decisions can’t be questioned due to politics.

The Lawsuit came from nine people, a mix of Democrats and Republicans including Brooklyn Surrogate Judge Margarita Lopez Torres, who contended the current system cheats voters and blocks challengers who lack the support of the county bosses.

"The plaintiffs have demonstrated convincingly that local major party leaders ... control who becomes a Supreme Court justice and when," Gleeson wrote in a 77-page decision. "The result is an opaque, undemocratic selection procedure that violates the rights of the voters and the rights of candidates."

Gleeson issued an injunction striking down the convention system and directed that Supreme Court justices Should be nominated by primary elections until a new, unspecified system is in place.

"It's hard to think of a more revolutionary decision because it shifts our power to choose judges from our political leaders back to the people," said lawyer Burt Neuborn of the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, which represented the plaintiffs.

The decision was released at 5 p.m., catching party honchos off guard.

Brian Harrod

New York State Newswire Editor 

NEW YORK STATE: Citizens Campaign for the Environment Press Release

Citizens Campaign for the Environment Press Release.

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2006

Citizens Campaign for the Environment Celebrates 21 Years with 21 Energy Saving Tips For Under $100!
With New York’s Energy Prices Boiling Over This Winter, Environmental Group Suggests Affordable Do-It-Yourself Solutions

White Plains, NY— Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) celebrates its 21st birthday with 21 ways to save energy, money, and the environment! With the onset of winter and the coldest days just around the corner, CCE has compiled a list of helpful ways to reduce energy consumption, save on costly monthly energy bills, and prevent pollution.

“With the cost of natural gas and home heating fuel skyrocketing, adopting simple energy conservation practices will save money and directly benefit the environment by reducing the demand for polluting fossil fuels,” stated Adrienne Esposito, CCE executive director.

Many of CCE’s energy efficiency tips, such as driving below 55 mph, using cold water to wash your clothes, and eliminating wasted energy (e.g. unplugging extra refrigerators), are free to implement and can save significant dollars on home energy bills.

“Now is the time to become energy efficient,” declared Emmett Pepper, CCE program coordinator. “Making small investments, such as the purchase of a programmable thermostat, can pay huge dividends by reducing your monthly energy use and utility bills,” Pepper added.

“Energy conservation combined with renewable energy will bring us one step closer to energy independence,” said Brendan Mahoney, CCE program coordinator. “CCE encourages you to do your part and conserve this winter,” Mahoney concluded.

Posted By Brian Harrod Roundup Newswires - New York State Editor

YONKERS INSIDER: Reisman does column on a movement in Albany to soften the impact of Eminent Domain - By Delfim Heusler

Reisman does column on a movement in Albany to soften the impact of Eminent Domain.

Phil Reisman, A Journal News Columnist does a Journal News Column on a growing movement in Albany in the State Legislature to soften the impact of Eminent Domain. State Legislators like Richard Brodsky, Adam Bradley are putting legislation on the floor to protect the property owner from the Govt’s ability to take away the property owner’s homes. Property rights are becoming a major issue nationally & on a Statewide basis as well. Also on the County level, where Legislators James Maisano & Tom Abinanti have made legislative progress on this issue. Abinanti is seeking the Brodsky seat in the NYS State Assembly, this current year.

Eminent Domain is a power that should be less used. Property Owners rights should be protected by the gov’t. It should not be taken away by the gov’t. The Yonkers Insider applauds Adam Bradley for his efforts on his recent bill that will go to the floor. Eminent Domain in places like Port Chester & also other parts of Westchester County. This whole issue was brought to light in a Supreme Court decision having to do with a case in New London, CT. It was a controversial 5-4 vote.

The problem will be is that the developers & the lobbyist who give money to these legislators will try to make sure that their contributions stall this movement of stopping Eminent Domain.

Bradley’s bill is called A09473. The current draft bill has four components.

• It calls for the option of a jury trial to decide any claim involving a private residence or a business with gross receipts of less than $1 million.

• It requires that the property owner receive compensation "at least equal to the actual cost of purchasing an equivalent property in a similarly situated location with a similar structure on the property."

• The bill demands that property owners be reimbursed for their legal fees and court costs.

• It calls for the reimbursement of all moving expenses and mortgage closing costs.
Bradley said the possibility of placing the issue of fair compensation into the hands of an impartial jury was the key piece of the legislation.

We at The Yonkers Insider wish Bradley well on his well thought out bill. This going to take courage from legislators in Albany to tell the developers & big campaign contributors no & that we need to protect the property owners from Eminent Domain. If nothing is done, Property rights will be a major issue in this year’s State Legislature elections. If there is inaction in Albany. We need to protect people’s property of ever growing powerful gov’t. The legislators need to take a stand, if not then the people must be heard at the ballot box & have those who won’t stand for them replaced by new people, who will put property owners rights ahead of the gov’ts power to take away their property. If anybody has stories of Eminent Domain being used in the County of Westchester & the State of NY. Email the Yonkers Insider at:heuslerformayor@yahoo.com with your story.

We will look at the facts & will do a story on any specific cases of Eminent Domain being used

NEW YORK STATE: NY Post has exclusive on Pirro giving money to State GOP

NY Post has exclusive on Pirro giving money to State GOP

Fred Dicker of the NY Post has an exclusive about Jeanine Pirro given money out of her DA campaign find to the State GOP. She gave $575,000 to the Republican State Committee. At a time when Governor Pataki has not given any campaign money to State GOP. Why did Pirro want this to be secret? In the law GOP Officials said that State Law doesn’t allow her to give.

The Staten Island DA is planning a primary challenge against Pirro for AG. It is disgusting Pirro is running for Attorney General. When she violates laws constantly & gets away with it. Reporters need to ask Pirro about this campaign contribution. Why did she try & keep it secret. The public needs to see the corruption of Jeanine Pirro.

Posted By RoundupNewswires.com Editor Brian Harrod 

NEW YORK STATE: Thomas Suozzi Press Release

Thomas Suozzi Press Release.

Suozzi "New York: A United State" Tour Comes to Yonkers and White Plains.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 22th, 2006

CARLE PLACE, NY -- Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi will come to Yonkers and White Plains on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 as part of a statewide issues tour. He invites business and community activists to join him at a round table discussion from 4:30 - 6:30 pm at the Will Library in Yonkers or from 2:30 -4:00 at the Vintage Restaurant at 171 Main St., White Plains.Last week he filed papers with the State Board of Elections to create a campaign committee to explore a Democratic bid for Governor of the State of New York. He said the crushing burden of high property taxes and the failure of Albany powerbrokers to address the problem are prompting him to consider entering the Democratic primary.As part of his "New York: A United State" tour, Suozzi will hold meetings across the state over the next several weeks with community, civic and business leaders to get their perspective on the major challenges facing their regions and what the next governor could do to help address those problems.Suozzi will also share some of the lessons he has learned about the impact state policies have on local governments from his time as chief executive of one of the state's largest and most complex counties, where he has developed a national reputation as a principled reformer who gets results. He was recently named Governing Magazine's "Public Official of the Year" for 2005."It has become painfully clear to me that local taxes, especially property taxes-72% above the national average, the highest in the nation, are crushing the residents I serve in Nassau County, as well as residents throughout Long Island and the State. There will never be effective solutions to reduce property taxes, especially school taxes, as well as improve low performing schools and create high-paying jobs, unless we fix Albany," said Suozzi."I want to hear from people in other parts of the state to see if they feel the same way, what they would like to see changed, and if they would be interested in working with me to reform the system and make it work for New York once again."-more-As Nassau County Executive, Suozzi, a lifelong Democrat with long family ties in the Party, has reformed a $2.4 billion county government that was nearly bankrupt and had been rated the worst run county in the nation. His strong leadership has resulted in Nassau County enjoying a reputation for smart, efficient and fiscally conservative operations and being recognized as one of the most dramatic financial turnarounds in the country."I believe that New York can be great! To do so we need to make sure that each part of the State can enjoy an improved quality of life. That means that people of Long Island and in areas throughout the State plagued by high property taxes must get relief. That means we must improve low performing schools in New York City and in low performing areas throughout the State. That means we must improve the economy of upstate communities suffering from decline and high unemployment. That means everyone should have the chance to enjoy the American Dream of affordable home ownership," Suozzi said."To succeed, we must make New York 'A United State,'" Suozzi continued. Suozzi's tour around the state builds on the work he has done over the past two years as President of the New York State County Executives Association and as founder of "FixAlbany.com," a campaign to reform New York State government. In both capacities, Suozzi waged a relentless and successful campaign to reform the State's Medicaid program and to cap the growth of local Medicaid costs. "To fund property tax relief, reform the school aid formula, improve the upstate economy and build affordable housing will require money. I believe that to find money without raising taxes will mean cracking down, without fear or favor, on a fast-spreading white collar crime that has been largely ignored by state authorities - costly Medicaid fraud. Medicaid is an important, necessary program that provides essential help to those in need, but in New York State the program cost two and one half times the cost of the national average," said Suozzi."I know first hand that no matter how successful local officials are, our constituents have to bear the burden of a dysfunctional state government. Based on my experience, I believe I have a moral and political responsibility to advocate and work for change in the present system," stated Suozzi. "I look forward to traveling the state, meeting people and learning more about the important issues we share in common. It is no longer upstate versus downstate. It is no longer city versus suburbs. It is no longer black versus white or rich versus poor. We are in this together and we need to make New York 'A United State'," concluded Suozzi.

YONKERS, NY: News from Hudson River Community Association

News from Hudson River Community Association

HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF NORTHWEST YONKERS, INC.
P.O. BOX 866
YONKERS, NEW YORK 10702-0866
914-426-7855
hrcayonkers03@yahoo.com
hudsonrivercommunityassociation.org

January 25, 2006

Dear Members and Friends:

If you're concerned with issues relating to the education of our children, please be advised that the NAACP is having a panel discussion entitled "Mayoral Control of the Schools -- Solutions to the Problems or Human Rights Disaster?", at 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 26 at the YWCA, 87 South Broadway, Yonkers. Speakers will include NYC parents, teachers and students already experiencing mayoral control in their city.

Mayor Amicone has expressed a desire to do away with the Board of Education in Yonkers and put in it's place a City controlled Department of Education. Whatever side you are on, we think it is an opportunity to let your opinions be heard on this issue.

Very truly yours,
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
The Hudson River Community Association of Northwest Yonkers, Inc.

Posted By Yonkers Newswires Editor Brian Harrod