Westchester Herald

Hastings' Friday Night Live Music in the Street

With inclement weather forecast, Friday Night Live moves indoors tonight.

Stay warm and dry while enjoying a great meal in one of our fantastic local restaurants. Reserve a table now as it will be a busy night!   

 

World-renowned Steve Forbert will perform at 8:30 at the James Harmon Community Center with refreshments provided by Captain Lawrence Brewery and cupcakes from Sara Bakes Cakes. (Tickets are going fast, order online to be sure you get a seat 

http://steveforbert.eventbrite.com/.)

 

Check http://www.rivertownsguide.com/fnl for more on indoor entertainment.

Newly Rehabilitated Apartments for Rent

Click onto the advertisement to have it appear on your screen in larger type face.

Letter to the Editor: Cancelled Bus Service BY Michelle Pecora

 Dear Editor

How does one sue the town of Dobbs Ferry for the hardship it is causing bus commuters because it, without notice, cancelled bus service?   In early May, four stops were eliminated, seven days a week, through the town leaving a gap in service from Cabrini Nursing home to Ashford Avenue at Broadway, almost 1 mile long.  To add disgust to insult, the Dobbs Ferry commuter bus refuses to pick up bus riders even if they are residents of the town.  

“True” Conservatives Allege to Have Stopped Illegal Meeting in Yonkers

 John Folkerts and Gail Burns Deny Being Served by a restraining Order

Yonkers, NY, September 30, 2010 -- Hugh Fox, Jr., Vice-Chair of the Conservative Party in Yonkers, in a self-claimed “effort to bring some legality to the election process,” today asserts he has  obtained a restraining order to stop John Folkerts, Chair of the Yonkers Conservative Party and Gail Burns, Chair of the Westchester Conservative Party from conducting what he claims is an “illegal reorganization” of the Yonkers Conservative Party that was scheduled to be held today, September 30, 2010, at the Polish Community Center at 11:00 am.  “In an effort to disenfranchise conservatives, Mr. Folkerts sent notices last week inviting Conservativs Party members that participated in the election for district leaders on Primary Day, September 14, 2010, whether they won or lost their elections,” writes Hugh Fox, Jr. in his emailed press release.

Schmukler's Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Offer IICRC Certified Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services

Barry Golomb, Owner /  Operator.

 New Rochelle, NY, September 30, 2010 -- Schmukler's Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning, have been providing expert carpet and upholstery cleaning since 1969. With world-class, quality service and state-of-the-art equipment, they have both the skill and resources necessary to remove even the toughest stains from your carpet and rugs. Schmukler's Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning offer residential services.

New York Civic: Betrayal of the Public Trust BY Henry J. Stern

 Disgraced Hevesi is Plea bargaining; Cuomo Gets His Man

September 29, 2010

Election Day is 34 days away, and people are slowly beginning to pay attention to the contests. We do not endorse candidates or predict the outcome of elections. We do make observations as to what is happening.

Witness In Empire City Casino Case Charged with Perjury for Lying to a Westchester Grand Jury

 White Plains, NY, September 29, 2010 -- Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that Michael Mitchell (DOB 11/07/70) of 532 Park Avenue East, Yonkers, New York, was arraigned today in White Plains City Court on a Felony Complaint charging him with:

•    one count of Perjury in the First Degree, a class “D” Felony,

regarding his testimony in June of 2009 to a Westchester County Grand Jury regarding an investigation into rigged promotional contests at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway.

Katonah Museum of Art: Mapping - Memory and Motion in Contemporary Art

 

Senator Stewart-Cousins Introduces Legislation to Eliminate Inactive Public Authorities

Albany, NY, September 28, 2010 -- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins yesterday announced she has introduced legislation (S8165A) to eliminate 118 public authorities and agencies that are no longer active. The 118 authorities, located across New York State, include defunct  industrial development agencies, community development agencies,  urban renewalagencies and various other public authorities.

New York Civic's Henry J. Stern Hosts Annual Fundraiser with Special Guest Hon. Ed Koch

 New York, NY, September 29, 2010 -- New York Civic's annual fundraiser, featuring special guest Ed Koch, will be held tomorrow, September 30, from 6 to 9 pm, at a beautiful penthouse apartment near Gramercy Park with a private rooftop. 

For more information about how can you come to our gala, please call 212-564-4441 or direct email to  [email protected]. The minimum contribution to attend the event is $100, but larger sums will not be refused.

Storm Warnings and Precaution BY Chief Christopher Satriale

 Bronxville, NY, September 29, 2010 -- The National Weather Service has issued a wind and flood advisory for Westchester County from 11:00 pm Thursday through 6:00am Friday. the potential exists for winds in excess of 40 mph and rainfall amounts greater than six inches in some locations. the Bronxville Police Department and Public Works Department is prepared to respond in the event of flooding and wind damage within the Village of Bronxville. 

Current Commentary: Can Superman Rescue Parochial Schools? BY Larry M. Elkin, CPA, CFP®

For more than 80 years, the Holy Spirit Catholic School in the Bronx has stood across the street from Public School 26.

I attended P.S. 26 in the 1960s, but for me, Holy Spirit might as well have been on Mars. I never set foot in the place. I only knew a few Holy Spirit students, and they all happened to be girls. They were older than me and were the sort of older girls who thought little boys required scientific study, like bacteria or bugs. I kept my distance.

Ed Koch Commentary: Revenge Is A Dish Best Served Cold By Edward I. Koch

Well, Winter Is Coming, So Let’s Get On With It.

There is an old Chinese curse that goes, "May you live in interesting times." Today, we live in very interesting times.  Governments and individuals alike are faced with monumental issues. 

Current Commentary: The ‘Southwest Effect’ Expands Its Reach BY Larry M. Elkin, CPA, CFP®

Yesterday’s announcement that Southwest Airlines plans to acquire AirTran is welcome news for travelers, but it probably made Delta executives choke on their Monday morning coffee.

Just last week, Delta lost its place as the largest domestic air carrier when shareholders of United and Continental agreed to merge those companies under the United banner. Not that Delta has been on top for very long. It claimed number-one status only after its 2008 merger with Northwest Airlines.

New York Civic: Abuse of Process BY Henry J. Stern

Brooks and Howard Seek Legal Reform;

Is There a Chance to Secure Justice?

September 27, 2010

An insightful conversation is shaping up between two gifted commentators on American government and culture.

Redlich Proposes Privatization of MTA

Albany, NY, September 28, 2010 -- Gubernatorial candidate Warren Redlich proposed that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority be privatized. The move would reduce operating costs dramatically, allowing for fare reductions and improved service.

"The MTA chronically overspends and underperforms," Redlich said. "It's yet another example of government failure in New York State."

Senator Stewart-Cousins Introduces Legislation to Eliminate Inactive Public Authorities

Albany, NY, September 28, 2010 -- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins yesterday announced she has introduced legislation (S8165A) to eliminate 118 public authorities and agencies that are no longer active. The 118 authorities, located across New York State, include defunct  industrial development agencies, community development agencies,  urban renewalagencies and various other public authorities.

The Westchester Guardian - September 30, 2010 Edition

Click to read The Westchester Guardian - September 30, 2010 Edition

Please be patient as it may take about 30 seconds for the document to be displayed onto your computer screen. You will need Adobe Reader to view the document. Get the latest, fully functioning Adobe Reader Pro software at no cost and free of virus by clicking onto the Adobe Reader link. Thank you for your patience...

The Westchester Guardian is available throughout Westchester County from 500 blue metal stands, at 300 additional outlets such as diners, doctor's offices, government office buildings and at train station throughout the Westchester County routes of the Metro North system.

Newly Rehabilitated Apartments for Rent

Click onto the advertisement to have it appear on your screen in larger type face.

Rosanne Cash to Appear at Ossining Public Library (Revised Date)

 Ossining, NY, September 26, 2010 -- Rosanne Cash has been one of the most compelling figures in popular music for over three decades. She has achieved international acclaim as a singer-songwriter as well as an author of essays and short stories. The Ossining Public Library has proudly announced that Rosanne Cash will appear in the Budarz Theater at the library on Monday, October 25, at 7:30pm. Ms. Cash will be promoting her long-awaited memoir, Composed (Viking, August 2010). The event is free though tickets are required as space is limited. Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis by calling the library at (914) 941-2416 ext. 327.  Tickets are limited to four per person and a library card will be required at time of pick-up. The Ossining Public Library is located at 53 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562-4917.

The Hezitorial: The Price of Seduction BY Hezi Aris

 Yonkers, NY -- The assertions and subsequent confirmation by Yonkers City Hall of not billing Yonkers City Council Majority Leader Patricia McDow for parking /  storing her BMW sedan within the Buena Vista Parking structure managed by the Yonkers Parking Authority (YPA) demands further introspection. The first telling of the acid-tongued bloggers’ assertions were revealed in a June 28, 2010, Hezitorial entitled “Yonkers City Hall Deceives City Agencies to Cover Up Mayor’s $800,000 Blunder BY Hezi Aris”. In that writing, the ability by the YPA to manage the financial largesse of the quasi- government agency prudently was questioned. The discovery of Ms McDow not paying and the YPA not billing for services rendered runs contrary to the tenets delineated  within the YPA‘s Code of Ethics which states in part, “(4) use or attempt to use his or her official position to secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions for himself, herself or others;... 

Current Commentary: Defending Privacy Against Border Defenders BY Larry M. Elkin, CPA, CFP®

Interstates 89 and 91 intersect near White River Junction, Vt., about 90 miles away from the Canadian border. A mile or two farther south, U.S. Customs and Border Protectionofficers occasionally set up roadblocks on I-91.

I have been stopped several times in recent years as I drove between my homes in Vermont and New York. Each time, a uniformed agent politely inquired about my  citizenship. I was always swiftly waved on my way after I replied, “American.” Being white and fluent in English probably didn’t hurt.

Weir Only Human: Organized Crime – Government Style BY Bob Weir

The textbook definition of robbery is the taking of something of value from another by the use of force. Now, how many of you willingly give about half of your earnings each year to the government? If you’re like most people, you probably feel that you’re paying way too much for an assortment of taxes that range from federal to property to sales and everything in between. Have you ever looked closely at your phone bill and noticed all those little fees and taxes slipped in by federal, state and local authorities? You have no idea why you’re paying the additional $1.15 for this and 88 cents for that because no one bothered to explain it to you; they just decided that you probably wouldn’t notice it. After all, it’s a tiny amount compared to the overall bill. Yet, that tiny amount, added to tens of millions of bills, comes to a tidy sum that is, collectively, being robbed from the Americanpublic. The same goes for the  federal income tax that began during the Civil War when current methods of  taxation, i.e., tariffs on imports, were not enough to meet the demand for  war resources. The first withholding tax was 3% on incomes of $600 (about $10,000 today) to $10,000 (do the math) and 5% on incomes from $10,000 to $50,000. By the way, they also tossed in a small inheritance tax (called the death tax today).

Stop The Pork Lawsuit Wins Round, Goes to Court of Appeals By Richard Cooper

This posting was first published Ground Report. Republished with express permission of Author Richard Cooper.

The Stop The Pork lawsuit to compel New York State government to end itscorporate welfare spending has won a round on appeal and will be able to be considered by New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals.  The plaintiffs contend that this loans and grants to corporations contravene the New York State Constitution.  Buffalo attorney James Ostrowski is arguing the case, and I am one of the plaintiffs.

I have written about this case previously:

groundreport.com/articles.php?id=2922303

Honorable Ed Koch on WPIX-11 TV’s "News Closeup" with Marvin Scott

The Honorable Ed  Koch is the scheduled guest of Marvin Scott on this Sunday’s, September 26th on WPIX-11 TV’s “News Closeup" at 6:00 am. Tune in to find out how Mayor Koch is doing.