WESTCHESTER COUNTY: Independence Party intrigue

The soap opera that is the Westchester County Independence Party must be in sweeps week.How else to explain a week in which Yonkers police are investigating allegations that Yonkers one party official punched a local Web site editor in a Yonkers restaurant, as two competing factions battled over petition signatures that could determine who controls the influential minor party?

The Westchester Integrity Committee, a group of disgruntled party members, have been collecting petition signatures to challenge a slate of district leaders backed by de facto head Giulio Cavallo. If validated by the Board of Elections, the petitions could set up district leader primaries in September that could result in new leadership being voted in.Westchester County Board of Elections Commissioner Reginald Lafayette said it is too early to say for sure -- with possible legal challenges to petitions still a possibility -- but it looked like a number of district leader posts could be contested. One set of petitions not yet submitted to the Board of Elections, however, might be the most intriguing development. Lafayette said Nader Sayegh, a founder of the local party and former chairman now heading the Integrity Committee, did not submit petitions for his race to force a primary with Republican state Sen. Nick Spano for the party's line in the 35th Senate District.

The line is crucial in the 35th District race, in which Spano is trying to fend off Democrat Andrea Steart-Cousins in a district where Democrats have a 40,000 voter enrollment advantage.Sayegh, however, isn't yet willing to say he's dropping out. In an interview earlier today, he said he didn't know why his petitions were not submitted and his supporters were meeting with election lawyer Henry Berger on Monday. Berger represented Stewart-Cousins in the protracted recount in her eventual 18-vote loss to Spano two years ago.Sayegh would not say what he thought happened to his petitions.

YONKERS, NY: City of Yonkers Press Release

Infant Left at Yonkers Firehouse; Baby in Good Condition

Yonkers, N.Y.—At approximately 3:45 a.m. early Friday morning (January 20), a newborn infant was left with firefighters at Yonkers Fire Station No. 6 on Oak St. by an unidentified woman who told them she was unable to care for the child.

In accordance with their training as mandated by New York State Law, Yonkers firefighters assumed custody of the infant, without any interrogation of the woman, and immediately called for an ambulance. Emergency medical personnel responded and transported the child to an area hospital where the infant is in good condition.

Prior to leaving the child, the woman indicated that the baby was five hours old, born at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Thursday night, January 19. She told firefighters that she already had six children and would not be able to properly care for the newborn.

After notifying emergency medical personnel, firefighters reported the incident to Yonkers Police who responded to the call at 3:58 a.m. Upon arriving at the scene, the responding officers then contacted county Child Protective Services who are now handling the case.

Fire Department Contact: Commissioner Anthony Pagano
(914) 377-7500

Police Department Contact: Commissioner Robert Taggart
(914) 377-7200

******News Update

The Yonkers firefighter who accepted an infant this morning (see below) will be available for comment and video at 2:30 p.m. at Yonkers Fire Station No. 6 located at 81 Oak Street in Yonkers.

Event: Press Conference with Firefighter & Commissioner

When: Today, Friday, January 20, 2006 at 2:30 p.m.

Where: Yonkers Fire Station No. 6
81 Oak Street, Yonkers

Who: Firefighter who accepted abandoned infant
Anthony Pagano, Fire Commissioner

YONKERS, NY: Community And Con Ed agree to fence on Yonkers Substation

Community And Con Ed agree to fence on Yonkers Substation.

In what is a positive move for our city. The Community, Con Ed & the Yonkers City Council agree on a fence for the Yonkers substation.

Hopefully, this is the beginning of a spirit of cooperation between the community & it’s elected officials on the Yonkers City Council. A lot of credit goes to leaders like Ann Vizzini, other community members & also council members Patricia McDow & Dee Barbato who worked with the community on their concerns. This could be a great legacy & a new spirit of cooperation coming out of the lessons learned on the Ridge Hill Village Project. This new spirit will also come because of the great leadership of our City Council President Chuck Lesnick.

We also need to have an energy source, but also need to satisfy the concerns of the public as well. This is a great balance between Community .& Business interest. This is when gov’t works. When the citizens & elected officials work together. Also the leadership of Council Person Dee Barbato can’t be underestimated in this issue.

She brought the concerns of the public to the City Council & helped foster this agreement with Con Edison.

Posted By Yonkers Newswire Editor Brian Harrod 

YONKERS WATCHDOG: Yonkers Police not releasing public reports of Police Misconduct

The Journal News writes a great editorial called Silence in Yonkers. It is a loss for the public, when government keeps information from them. This is public information. Yonkers continues it's dismal record of FOIL request. It is now under "The Leadership" of Richard Martinelli castoff Eric Arena. It is hoped that Council President Lesnick will fight for FOIL Reform in this city. That is what he campaigned on. The public should have the right to see what these police misconduct allegations were, The officers involved & the final conclusion. You can't legally hide this kind of info from the public. Yonkers City Hall has their head in the clouds again. There will be a revolt in this City against the politicians in this City. Ridge Hill was the beginning & the politicians better start to listen to their constituents. Yonkers needs to do things legally & not provide the appearance of being unethical & hiding things from the public.

The Yonkers Insider

Delfim Heusler

Delfim Heusler has a Local News Blog for over 10-years

YONKERS, NY: Thomas Courtney Vs. Richard Martinelli

Thomas Courtney Vs. Richard Martinelli.

.S.D.C.,S.D.N.Y. 06 cv 3180------------------ AMENDED AMENDED AMENDED COMPLAINT,Thomas J.P.Courtney followed by separate motionsvs Richard Martinelli,Yonkers City Council and City of Yonkers -------------------- I)Prefatorily1)I state that my methods of pleading and acting arenot "normal" and I apologize for that. But there isnot a great deal I can do about it for I am not"normal",either (as I've been told many times before). 2)From my previous pleadings and very publicrecord,that might be more than a bit glaringlyobvious. And yes, I am sorry if I do thingsdifferently and I beg my colleauges on the federalbench to bear with me,for I have an inordinate amountto say and do...in addition to having a verylegitimate series of actions for wrongs done to me byall the named defendants in this case -as well as inthe two other cases I've mentiond in my separatemotion to consolidate . 3)As a survivor of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI),mymind works like a mirror,reflecting everything that is-and I guess I find it hard to grasp that others donot see the world as I do (to learn more aboutthis,read my separate motion for the court to payfor the testimony of experts at Mount Sinai TBI centerand elsewhere so that I can better establish what itslike to be a TBI survivor). 4)But I'll try to present things in numberedparagraphs like you've asked. If I am not clearenough,I will gladly submit further clarification. Forit is very important that you understand the enormouspossibilities and potential abilities of all TBIsurvivors - and our limitations. 5)Moreover,you ask for a succinct history of whatled up to this particular case -and I find itsomewhat difficult. For this case -like the others-has been in the works for more than 40 years.Fortunately,much of it is in public records: my TBIat 13,my 40 day coma,my 6 months paralysis,myschooling,my admission to the Bar and nearly 20 yearspracticing law in the Bronx and Westchester,mysuspension from practice for "suspicion of mentalillness" because of my behavior at Bronx FamilyCourt,my antics before the Yonkers City Council.. ( NYLJ,2-28-92). 6)My neurosurgeon when I had my TBI in 1962,Dr.Seymour,saw me in 1966 and wrote that I was "ataxicand atonal"...yet today I sing before the Yonkers CityCouncil,the Westchester County Board of Legis-lators,the Yonkers Federation of Teachers... Inaddition,there are numerous records about me bynumerous psychologists,psychiatrists,sociologists,local police depts (including NYC),the FBI,the CIA,the U.S.Army,82nd Airborne,Delta Force.......( maybe I'll even mention my FBI and CIA minderGeorge who was my friend and whom I met on a regularbasis for more than 15 years -up until 2 years agowhen I was told that he died suddenly and his bodywas cremated; and my CIA instructor,Boris/'Doc') andmany others. And some of them I review in my motionfor the court to pay for help to establish thepeculiarities of TBI and TBI survivors. 7) My reputation is widespread and I'm sure it is notone any good and upstanding man would like to have.The number of people who think I'm "crazy" increa-ses everytime someone learns about me (and it beganback in high school at Fordham Prep -ask any of myclassmates;ask any member of the Yonkers City Counciltoday[or 30 years ago] or of the Westchester CountyBoard of Legislators ). Moreover,I made the HeraldStatesman -a Yonkers newspaper- several timesback before I was suspended from practice (inclu-ding pictures) for my antics before the Yonkers CityCouncil (in drag and criticising feminism in afalsetto voice.....) and elsewhere. And,just lastOctober,I was featured on the first page of theJournal News newspaper for my antics before theWestchester County Board of Legislators (seepreviously filed papers) in White Plains (as DennisDay was my cousin,I see no reason why I souldn't singin public too; and I sing songsand make up songs of criticism and protest). 8)Suffice it to say that I am well known throughoutthe area -and elsewhere- for what I have done in thepast and what I do now. It is a guess on my part,butI believe that I would long ago have made the frontpages of most newspapers and been on TV...were it notfor the fact that I detest feminism andultra-liberalism and that I intend to destroy themboth -if only to help all women and the human race.And I say this -and can and will do as I say-precisely because I am disabled,a TBI survivor (seemore on this in my separate motions). 9)But the fact remainsthat it is well known that I am "crazy",that I ammore than "brilliant and talented" and that I ampermanently and totally disabled. And all this andmore was known by Richard Martinelli,the YonkersCity Council Pres.,and the Yonkers City Council longbefore Richard Martinelli permanently banned me fromspeaking before the Yonkers City Council and,when Iprotested by singing our National Anthem at a CityCouncil Public Hearing,threw me in Yonkers City Jail- precisely because of my disability which allows meto see and do what others can not do - further hurtingmy back,spine,legs,ankles... 10)This particular case stands on its own merits -asdo the other two in my motion for consolidation- forwrongs were done to me resulting in much hurt,harm,anguish... And,at the same time,all three cases formparts of my endeavor to re-shape the world.

YONKERS WATCHDOG >>> Breaking News: Zehy Jereis is trying to fix Dhyalma's case according to Yonkers Tribune commentors

According to Yonkers Tribune commentors are suggesting that Zehy Jereis is trying to get to DA Difiore into not prosecuting the Dhyalma Assault case. This is more of Nick Spano's fixing case tactics, if this happens it will be a miscarriage of justice. Janet, don't fall for Jereis, if you do you truly are Nick's DA. This is how he fixed Surdoval & other cases. My advice to Hezi is to fight & don't let Jereis get away with any fixing of cases. This is what Mo Sanginiti said. I give Hezi credit for not hitting a women in Dhyalma back. He showed great restraint. Dhyalma is an animal & assaulting a man with a heart condition shows her character. Hezi has a chance to bury the circle of friends, this is all because he has printed stories against Cavallo & supported Nader's group - The Westchester Integrity Committee. Cavallo & Vazquez are part of the Spano Corruption Machine. Nick you will remember during this election the name of the person whose life you destroyed The Late James J. Wieland. It is time to end Senator Spano's team of corruption of Anthony Mangone, Zehy Jereis & countless other individuals of both sides of the aisle Democrats & Republicans. Dems & Reps helped steal the election from Andrea two years ago. But I am not afraid of Spano. After I make the ballot, I will be throwing the stuff that scares Senator Spano & that he doesn't want the public to see the real Nick Spano. Nick career will come to an end. Nick your sins will finally catch up to you, thanks to Delfim Heusler. Delfim Heusler will be the voice of the people & will be the next State Senator of the 35th District. The Yonkers Insider will keep his readers informed on the progress of the Vazquez Assault case.

Delfim Heusler
The Yonkers Watchdog / Yonkers Insider 

YONKERS, NY: Letter from Debra Cohen to State Comptroller Hevesi

Letter from Debra Cohen to State Comptroller Hevesi.

July 10, 2006

Hon. Alan G. Hevesi
New York State Comptroller
110 State Street
Albany, New York 12236

Re: Report Number 2006M-57 - Yonkers audit).

Dear Comptroller Hevesi:

The final audit of the Yonkers Public Schools, City of Yonkers, Yonkers Industrial Development Agency and Yonkers Baseball Development Inc. issued on July 6, 2006 is a thorough examination of a complex series of transactions. Unfortunately, the audit's recommendations have apparently fallen on deaf ears in Yonkers. The Mayor has called your conclusions just plain wrong and stated there was no intention of implementing any of your suggestions. Journal News, July 7, 2006. This response supports the conclusion that further remedial measures are called for.

Based on the audit's findings, at the very least the following actions would seem to be necessary and proper to insure the protection of public assets and the restoration of public confidence:

1) A referral to the New York State Attorney General's Office for necessary actions to insure the dissolution of Yonkers Baseball Development Inc. and restitution of the $670,000 illegally loaned the corporation by the Yonkers IDA.

See, Business Corporation Law - 1101, 1102, 1103 which provides for an action by the Attorney General to seek judicial dissolution of a corporation formed under the BCL. Such an action should seek dissolution of the corporation, a full accounting of all financial transactions and a declaration that contracts entered into by the corporation are null and void.

See also, Executive Law - 63-c authorizing the attorney general to commence an action where any money, funds, credits or other property, held or owned by the state, or held or owned officially or otherwise for or in behalf of a governmental or other public interest, or by a board, officer, custodian, agency, or agent of the state, or of a city, county, town, village or other division, subdivision department or portions of the state, has heretofore been, or is hereafter, without right obtained, received, converted, or disposed of.

2) A referral to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office to determine whether criminal actions have occurred. (Please note that while concerns were expressed that a special prosecutor should have been sought by the previous Westchester District Attorney to investigate this matter due to her husband's apparent business relationship with several parties involved in the transactions under review, no such conflicts appear to exist with the present District Attorney.)

At the very least, the facts presented in your audit regarding the actions of the Yonkers official or officials who effectuated the duplicate payment of $670,000 to the Yonkers IDA sufficiently implicates Penal Law -195.20 Defrauding the Government and/or Penal Law - 195.00 Official Misconduct to require additional investigation and possible action by the District Attorney's Office or appropriate authorities.

Numerous documents have been provided to the Comptroller's office, and other authorities, demonstrating that the types of transactions examined in this audit were not isolated occurrences. They are but one example of what appears to be a common practice in Yonkers of shuffling money between legally separate entities without following the rules or exercising the proper controls that exist to protect against the misuse of public funds. This audit was the first substantive step by any outside authority to objectively examine these practices. Now the appropriate authorities must take the necessary additional steps to: 1) hold accountable those public officials responsible for inappropriate or illegal acts, and; 2) guarantee remediation of all inappropriate and illegal acts. Only then can the public have some reassurance that such practices, or worse, will not occur in the future.

Very truly yours,

Debra S. Cohen

cc: New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore

NY Business Corporation Law - 1101. Attorney-general's action for judicial dissolution (a) The attorney-general may bring an action for the dissolution of a corporation upon one or more of the following grounds:(1) That the corporation procured its formation through fraudulent misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact. (2) That the corporation has exceeded the authority conferred upon it by law, or has violated any provision of law whereby it has forfeited its charter, or carried on, conducted or transacted its business in a persistently fraudulent or illegal manner, or by the abuse of its powers contrary to the public policy of the state has become liable to be dissolved. (b) An action under this section is triable by jury as a matter of right.(c) The enumeration in paragraph (a) of grounds for dissolution shall not exclude actions or special proceedings by the attorney-general or other state officials for the annulment or dissolution of a corporation for other causes as provided in this chapter or in any other statute of this state.

NY Executive Law - 63-c. Action by the people for illegal receipt or disposition of public funds or other property. 1. Where any money, funds, credits, or other property, held or owned by the state, or held or owned officially or otherwise for or in behalf of a governmental or other public interest, by a domestic, municipal, or other public corporation, or by a board, officer, custodian, agency, or agent of the state, or of a city, county, town, village or other division, subdivision, department, or portion of the state, has heretofore been, or is hereafter, without right obtained, received, converted, or disposed of, an action to recover the same, or to recover damages or other compensation for so obtaining, receiving, paying, converting, or disposing of the same, or both, may be maintained by the state in any court of the state, or before any court or tribunal of the United States, or of any other state, or of any territory of the United States, or of any foreign country, having jurisdiction thereof, although a right of action for the same cause exists by law in some other public authority, and whether an action therefor in favor of the latter is or is not pending when the action in favor of the state is commenced. The attorney-general shall commence an action, suit or other judicial proceeding, as prescribed in this section, whenever he deems it for the interests of the state so to do; or whenever he is so directed, in writing, by the governor. 2. Upon the commencement by the state of any action, suit or other judicial proceeding, as prescribed in this section, the entire cause of action, including the title to the money, funds, credits, or other property, with respect to which the suit or action is brought, and to the damages or other compensation recoverable for the obtaining, receipt, payment, conversion or disposition thereof, if not previously so vested, is transferred to and becomes absolutely vested in the state. 3. Any court of the state in which an action is brought by the state, as prescribed in this section, may direct, by the final judgment therein, or by a subsequent order, that any money, funds, damages, credits, or other property, recovered by or awarded to the plaintiff therein, which, if that action had not been brought, would not have vested in the state, be disposed of, as justice requires, in such a manner as to reinstate the lawful custody thereof, or to apply the same or the proceeds thereof to the objects and purposes for which they were authorized to be raised or procured; after paying into the state treasury out of the proceeds of the recovery all expenses incurred by the state in the action. 4. Any corporation, board, officer, custodian, agency, or agent, in behalf of any city, county, town, village, or other division, subdivision, department, or portion of the state, which was not a party to an action, brought as prescribed in this section, and which claims to be entitled to the custody or disposition of any of the money, funds, damages, credits, or other property, recovered by, or awarded to the plaintiff, by the final judgment in the action, or any of the proceeds thereof, and not disposed of as prescribed in subdivision three, may bring a special proceeding against the attorney-general at any time after the actual collection of the money and its payment into the state treasury, or the actual receipt of the property by the state, in the supreme court, county of Albany, seeking disposition of the money or other property.

NY Penal Law - 195.00 Official misconductA public servant is guilty of official misconduct when, with intent to obtain a benefit or deprive another person of a benefit: 1. He commits an act relating to his office but constituting an unauthorized exercise of his official functions, knowing that such act is unauthorized; or2. He knowingly refrains from performing a duty which is imposed upon him by law or is clearly inherent in the nature of his office.Official misconduct is a class A misdemeanor. NY Penal Law - 195.20 Defrauding the governmentA person is guilty of defrauding the government when, being a public servant or party officer, he: (a) engages in a scheme constituting a systematic ongoing course of conduct with intent to defraud the state or a political subdivision of the state or a governmental instrumentality within the state or to obtain property from the state or a political subdivision of the state or a governmental instrumentality within the state by false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises and (b) so obtains property with a value in excess of one thousand dollars from such state, political subdivision or governmental instrumentality.Defrauding the government is a class E felony.

YONKERS, NY: Yonkers Tribune reports on Home News & Times being for sale, but Blassberg responds to The Yonkers Insider.

Yonkers Tribune reports on Home News & Times being for sale, but Blassberg responds to The Yonkers Insider.

The Yonkers Tribune has reported the Home News & Times being for sale. The price quoted is $1.5 Million.

Sources tell me that on Jan 31, 2006, Richard Blassberg has left the Home News & Times. Blassberg tells The Yonkers Insider that his principles are not for sale.

YONKERS, NY: Amicone And Lesnick are fighting for fair share from Albany

Amicone And Lesnick are fighting for fair share from Albany.

Facing a huge budget deficit for this coming year. Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone & Yonkers City Council President Chuck Lesnick are fighting for Yonkers fair share from Albany. They are hoping for Yonkers to get their piece of the pie from Albany. They are talking to the Yonkers delegation that represents us in Albany.

Yonkers needs it’s fair share from Albany, but we must also find new revenue streams to close our budget gap as well.

The VLTs will bring additional revenue to our city. We also need other politicians from both sides of the aisle to fight for our children. To make sure, that our children get funded properly & that taxes go on the backs of our children. Don’t forget the Deseg money runs out as well. Amicone & Lesnick will fight for more funding. Lesnick does have connections in Albany & that will help us. It is good to see Amicone & Lesnick working together for the sake of our children. After all, the children are our future. Also I think the leadership of Patricia McDow & Liam McLaughlin will help us as well. We as a host city for the VLT’s deserve to get extra funding for the extra costs coming from Yonkers.

It is good when gov’t works on behalf of it’s children. Education is the number one issue. Hats off to Amicone, Lesnick & the rest of the members of our City Council for fighting for our kids. Yonkers can have a first class education system.

Posted By Yonkers Newswire editor Brian Harrod 

YONKERS, NY: News from John Spencer for US Senate.

News from John Spencer for US Senate.

Campaign Update

We released our fundraising figures for the period ending December 31, 2005, earlier this week, and we've reached the million-dollar mark!

Spencer spokesman Christian Winthrop said, "We are pleased with the increased pace of our fundraising as our campaign gains momentum. In January, our campaign raised another $315,000 allowing us to meet our internal goal of one million dollars raised, while adding 13,000 donors to our house file for a total of 30,000 donors."

The totals are as follows:

Year to Date: $689,402.81
Total Raised in the Fourth Quarter: $571,015.81
Cash on Hand: $243,845.33
Donors: 16,553
Average donation: $41.65

Thanks for all your support!

Senator Clinton Wrong for Opposing Alito

Despite the opposition of the Senate Democrats, Judge Samuel Alito was sworn in as the nation's 110th Supreme Court justice Tuesday after being confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 58-42.
Senator Clinton was one of those opposing his nomination, and John Spencer criticized her for her stance late last week:

"Predictably Senator Clinton has prejudged this qualified nominee to curry favor with radical left wing attack groups such as MoveOn.org. Senator Clinton is applying a litmus test on a single issue with a standard she can't be sure of – what about all her supposedly centrist quotes on abortion? It is clear that once again Senator Clinton is putting presidential politics before principles. Once again Senator Clinton has exposed herself as a phony."

Everybody's Beatable

In a recent interview, John was asked if Senator Clinton can be defeated in the November election.
He said, "Everybody's beatable," and he has proven that he is the one to do it.

He pointed out that President George H.W. Bush was the most popular president in U.S. history in 1991, one year before losing his bid for re-election "ironically, to Mrs. Clinton's husband."

Click here to read the article.

NEW YORK STATE: Press Release From Andrew Cuomo

ROCHESTER MAYOR ROBERT DUFFY ENDORSES ANDREW CUOMO FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL.

Mayor Duffy and Assemblymembers Joe Morelle and David Koon Praise Cuomo’s Record of Results and Commitment to Fighting Gun Violence

ROCHESTER, NY (July 27, 2006) – Today, New York State Attorney General candidate Andrew Cuomo won the endorsement of joined by Mayor Robert Duffy and Assemblymembers Joe Morelle and David Koon to discuss the fight to protect New Yorkers from gun violence.

“As a Mayor of Rochester, I know I need a partner in the Attorney General who has made protecting New Yorkers and fighting gun violence a top priority and Andrew Cuomo is the man for the job,” said Mayor Robert Duffy. “Andrew Cuomo will be our toughest advocate to fight to get illegal guns off our streets and out of the hands of criminals. He will fight to hold reckless gun dealers and manufacturers accountable for the products they sell and will make sure the federal government is doing everything they can to empower law enforcement to solve crimes and protect our families.”

“I am proud to stand with Andrew Cuomo who will be our next Attorney General,” Assemblyman David Koon. “As HUD Secretary under President Clinton, Andrew stood up to the gun lobby and negotiated the historic Safe Guns Agreement on behalf of the Administration to change the way guns were designed and distributed. With his record, integrity and commitment, there is no question that as Attorney General, Andrew will continue to be a tough advocate and leader in the fight to protect law enforcement and our families from these deadly weapons.”

“Andrew Cuomo is the best qualified candidate to be our next Attorney General,” said Assemblyman Morelle. “Andrew will continue to do what he has done all his life—fight the good fights and win. As a Cabinet Secretary under President Clinton, he stared down NRA, Andrew brought more than 2,000 anti-discrimination enforcement actions, and fought to rid our streets of illegal guns, sued the KKK, and cleaned up a massive federal agency that had been rife with waste, fraud and abuse. Andrew Cuomo is the candidate we trust to succeed Eliot Spitzer.”

“I am honored to have the support of Mayor Duffy and to stand here today with Assemblymen Morelle and Koon. Their record protecting the citizens of Rochester and fighting for public safety is exemplary. As Attorney General, I will work my hardest to protect the citizens of Rochester and New York from the scourge of gun violence. I will work with Assemblyman Koon to ensure that cop-killing bullets is no longer available to anyone. I will fight to ensure that we choke off the flow of illegal guns on our streets and hold the gun industry responsible for the products they sell. For too long now, the Bush Administration and the Republican Congress has buckled under the pressure of the gun lobby and allowed the NRA dictate how we protect our citizens. The era of special interests infringing on our safety is over. I will stop at nothing to stand up for New Yorkers and protect their families.”

Andrew Cuomo’s Record Fighting Gun Violence

Negotiated Landmark HUD Safe Gun Agreement with Smith & Wesson: In 2000, on behalf of the Clinton Administration, HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo negotiated the landmark Safe Gun Agreement with Smith & Wesson—the largest gun manufacturer in the nation—setting the stage for a potential global industry-wide settlement and providing the template for subsequent gun manufacturer and gun dealer codes of conduct. Under the historic settlement, the gun maker agreed to make sweeping and dramatic changes in the way it manufactures, distributes, and markets firearms to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and children. In return the mayors of the cities, the county executives, and Attorneys General (including New York’s Eliot Spitzer), agreed to drop their claims against Smith & Wesson.

The HUD Safe Gun Agreement included critical enforcement and oversight mechanisms that specified Smith & Wesson would: 1) follow a gun manufacturer code of conduct prohibiting the company from doing business with dealers responsible for selling a disproportionate number of guns used in crimes; 2) bar gun sales without a background check of the buyer to prevent straw purchases and other suspect firearm sales; 3) require the inclusion of gun tracing data and mandate a comprehensive series of safety features including locking devices, “smart gun” technology, and other features to prevent accidental and criminal gun deaths; 4) limit the delivery of multiple handgun sales; and, 5) refrain from advertising in a manner that appeals to criminals.

The HUD Safe Gun Agreement, in response to pressure from the gun lobby, was voided.

Created Nationwide Communities for Safer Guns Coalition: To promote the agreement’s code of conduct and ensure its implementation nationwide, Cuomo launched the Communities for Safer Guns Coalition comprised of more than 400 state and local governments around the nation. Coalition members pledged to give favorable consideration in their purchase of firearms to gun manufacturers that adopted new gun safety and dealer responsibility standards.

Members of the Communities for Safer Guns Coalition in New York State included officials from: Akron, Albany, Amsterdam, Auburn, Babylon, Baldwinsville, Bethany, Binghamton, Brighton, Bronx, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Byron, Chateaugay, Chester, Chestnut Ridge, Chozy, Colonie, Constable, Coventry, Croton-on-Hudson, Cuba, Darien, East Hampton, Elmira, Erie County, Evans, Freeport, Geneseo, Glen Cove, Greenburgh, Green Island, Hempstead, Holley, Hornell, Ithaca, LaGrange, Le Roy, Liberty, Long Beach, Lyons, Madison County, Manhattan, Middletown, Manlius, Mount Morris, Mount Vernon, Nassau County, New Castle, New Paltz, New Rochelle, New Square, New York City, New York State, Niagara County, North Hempstead, North Tonawanda, Olive, Oneonta, Orangetown, Orchard Park, Ossining, Oyster Bay, Plattekill, Plattsburgh, Pomona, Queens, Ramapo, Rockville Center, Russia, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Southampton, Southold, Springfield, Spring Valley, Staten Island, Troy, Unionville, Utica, Westchester County, Wurtsboro, and Yorkshire.

Launched Officer Next Door Program: To help keep neighborhoods safe and make community policing a reality, Cuomo launched the Officer Next Door Program which allowed police officers to purchase homes in the communities they policed for half the price.

Organized Gun Buyback and Violence Reduction Initiative: As HUD Secretary Cuomo organized the Gun Buyback and Violence Reduction Initiative, the largest gun buyback program in the nation’s history. This program helped to remove more than 10,000 guns from America’s streets. The program enabled police departments around the country to buy guns from the public on a “no questions asked” basis.

Andrew Cuomo has been endorsed by three of New York’s key law enforcement organizations: the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), the Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) and the Detectives’ Endowment Association (DEA).

On May 28th, Cuomo earned the endorsements of Sarah and James S. Brady, two of the nation’s greatest leaders in the fight to prevent gun violence. James S. Brady, former White House Press Secretary to President Reagan, was shot, along with Reagan and two law enforcement officers, when John Hinckley attempted to assassinate the President on March 30, 1981.

Letter from Sarah Brady Endorsing Andrew Cuomo for Attorney General 
Posted By RoundupNewswires.com Editor Brian Harrod

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