The Yonkers Insider Online

THE DiDONATO ROTH RECORD AND PLAN

 

My opponent in this primary, “Scarsdale” Bob Cohen, travels around this district making empty promises and giving lip service about reforming Albany, but I as the only elected official and true Conservative in this primary actually have a voting record of fiscal responsibility to back up the talk.

 

• I voted against every proposed property tax increase and will continue to do so when I get to Albany

• I voted for all town employees to contribute to their health care premiums

• I capped post-retirement benefits for town employees and demonstrated real fiscal restraint by eliminating costly fringe benefits to elected officials and part time employees

• I declined to participate in the state pension plan and declined town-provided health care, because we simply could not afford the costs.

These are issues that affect my family, friends and constituents on a daily basis… These are issues that unlike my primary opponent I didn’t have to commit a shameful act of political egoism and move into a new district to understand…My position on these issues are clear… While Bob Cohen is a man of talk, I am a woman of action! 

 

I am in this race to grow our small businesses, to give a real voice to our seniors, working moms, and our children and to finally end Albany’s tax and spend insanity. It’s time we behave in Albany like we do around our kitchen table: Spending less than we make and resist the urge to live off credit… Which is why I now put forward a plan to restore our fiscal sanity:

 

1) Pension Relief For Towns and Villages — Pension tax for NY taxpayers has gone from $2.2 billion in 2011 to $3 billion in 2012 and expected to go to $3.5 billion in 2013 — Governor Cuomo’s Pension bill does not provide immediate relief — Tier VI won’t help local budgets for 20 years — Specifically, N.Y.S. must give localities the option of accessing the open market for pension finance purposes – often, the interest rates on the open market are better than those that are offered through the N.Y.S. Pension Fund — The state cannot on the one hand tell us to stay within the 2% cap while tying our hands behind our backs so we cannot save on pension obligations. Adhering to the 2% cap must be a two-way street between Albany and the state’s localities.

 

2) Reform the Workmen’s Compensation Program — Many municipalities have been hit by double digit increases this year.

 

3) Repeal the MTA commuter tax for municipalities — Just like it was done for small businesses and school districts

 

4) Roll back the rate increases in power services sanctioned by the state entity known as the N.Y. Power Authority

 

WESTCHESTER INDEPENDENCE CLUB
Dr. Giulio A. Cavallo, Chairman          INVITE to Annual Gala      The Westchester Manor 140 Saw Mill River Road Hastings-on-Hudson,New York                 Thursday May 31,2012 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm           Cocktails & Dinner  Business Attire Donation: $300/person or $3,000/table of ten            PLEASE RSVP BY:   TUESDAY MAY 29, 2012          Contact:  Pat Lagana ~  914 835-7852   ~ Email: wireless0303@aol.com
PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:  WESTCHESTER COUNTY INDEPENDENCE CLUB IMPORTANT:  Contributions to Westchester County Independence Club     are not tax deductible. Personal, corporate and PAC checks are acceptable,        and will be deposited according to NYS Law, which allows corporations to       contribute an annual aggregate of $5,000 for all NYS political contributions.

 

 Yonkers Insider Online Radio Show on Blog Talk Radio:

Thursday at 11:30 A.M.

Link to Show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yonkers-insider

Note from The Yonkers Insider:

We at The Yonkers Insider send our most heartfelt condolences to former Yonkers City Councilwoman Joan Gronowski on the death of her mother. God bless the Gronowski family during this time. God Bless and to Joan’s mother Rest in Peace.

The Yonkers Insider

SAY WHAT, KIRSTEN?

Sen. Gillibrand Needs to Explain What ‘Carefully Monitoring’ Obama Administration Persecution of Westchester Means

New York–May 9…

Former HUD lawyer and New York’s junior senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-WFP) told reporters this week through a spokesman that she has been “carefully monitoring” the Obama Administration’s legal assault on the County of Westchester.  Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Bob Turner (R-NY9) today demanded that Senator Gillibrand explain exactly what that means.

 At issue is a federal lawsuit trying to force Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino (R) to sue his own municipalities to, among other things, break up decades-old zoning laws that prevent multi-family housing units on single-home residential streets. The demands of the federal suit go well beyond — by the government’s own admission — what Westchester agreed to do in an agreement with HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) in 2009, whereby Westchester County would build 750 units of housing in towns the Obama Administration deemed too “white.” The County — the fourth most diverse in New York State — is ahead of schedule in building those units. Westchester has won more than 50 awards, including awards from HUD, for its affordable housing programs.

“Senator Gillibrand has sold out the county of Westchester to support President Obama’s radical views of what an ideal American community is supposed to look like, and her statement this week proves it” Congressman Turner said. “If she has indeed been ‘carefully monitoring’ the situation, she then knows just how far Mr. Obama’s government is overreaching into the affairs of towns and villages that it has no right or reason to persecute. Ms. Gillibrand’s complete lack of support for Westchester County in Washington suggests that she either believes that Westchester is racist or that she doesn’t have the courage to face down the President on this.”

Congressman Turner challenged Senator Gillibrand to name one thing she has done to Protect Westchester County from this clear federal  overreach.

 CARVIN TO ADDRESS TAX & EDUCATION CITIZENS ORGANIZATION.

BUSINESSMAN AND RYE TOWN SUPERVISOR JOE CARVIN, WHO IS A REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE IN THE 17^TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, WILL BE THE GUEST SPEAKER AT THE BEST4NY CITIZENS ORGANIZATION MEETING TONIGHT AT 7:30 P.M. AT THE NEW CASTLE TOWN HALL.

 CARVIN WILL ADDRESS WESTCHESTER’S MANDATE CRISIS AND SIGN THE ORGANIZATION’S MANDATE RELIEF PETITION.

 BEST4NY STANDS FOR BETTER EDUCATION, SMARTER TAXATION 4 NEW YORK 

DATE: TONIGHT, MAY 9^TH

TIME: 7:30 P.M.

LOCATION: NEW CASTLE TOWN HALL, 200 South Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua, NY

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO’S EDUCATION REDESIGN TEAM RELEASES INITIAL FINDINGS IN PHASE I REPORT.

Shared Services and Efficiency Measures Recommended for Legal, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Purchasing and IT Operations.

YONKERS, NY – May 8, 2012 – Mayor Mike Spano’s Education Redesign Team (ERT) released today its initial Phase I Report, recommending shared services and efficiency measures for the City of Yonkers (City) and Yonkers Board of Education (BOE). In identifying functional areas where cost-efficiencies between the City and BOE could be achieved, the ERT examined the operations of their Legal, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Purchasing and Information Technology (IT) departments.

Convened for the first time earlier this year by Mayor Spano, the ERT immediately embarked on its Phase I task of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the administrative functions of the BOE and the City, with the objective of developing specific cost-efficiency recommendations relating to their collective operations. Phase I also included the identification of grant and other funding opportunities to support the implementation of the Phase I recommendations.

Mayor Spano intends that Phase II of the ERT’s mission – to begin this summer with a newly reconstituted ERT – will focus on both the implementation of the Phase I recommendations, and the commencement of a broader scale examination of the complex consolidation, funding and educational issues facing the BOE – with an overarching goal of maximizing resources and improving the educational experience of our children.

“I want to thank this blue ribbon panel for dedicating so much of their time and expertise to developing these Phase I recommendations,” said Mayor Spano. “This report demonstrates that regardless of how much the City and the Board of Education have done to improve their respective operations in the past, tremendous opportunities for improving service delivery remain if we work together. This Phase I report is the first step towards better enabling the BOE to focus its energies and resources on the education of our children.”

Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio added, “The Mayor’s Education Redesign Team is making significant progress by identifying duplicated services that will translate into more education dollars being driven to our students. I note with particular pride areas where the District has implemented proven administrative efficiency models that the ERT suggests the City of Yonkers attempt to replicate.”

In Phase I, the ERT conducted a month-long assessment of the major administrative functions of the BOE and the City including: Human Resources, Legal, Information Technology, Purchasing, Payroll, and Facilities Management/Utilities/Energy, including work sessions with departmental managers and the review of documents provided by those managers.

Based on these assessments, the ERT’s Phase I report recommends the following:

I. Legal

· Consider ways to reduce outside counsel fees for BOE’s primary legal needs, including the hiring in-house counsel and/or conducting an RFP for new outside counsel. Potential Savings: in excess of $300,000

Explore strategies for reducing the costs associated with the City and BOE’s use of outside counsel through: (a) provision of litigation services by the City’s Corporation Counsel Office, (b) negotiating reductions in current contractual rates and (c) establishing pre-determined “government rates” for new engagements.

Examine the Workers Compensation Function, which is already provided as a shared service, to reduce external legal costs and improve worker safety.

II. Human Resources

Consider the consolidation of all City and BOE Human Resources staffing to eliminate redundancies and improve efficiency, recognizing the need to maintain HR staff dedicated solely to the hiring and administration of teaching staff.
Explore efficiencies in benefits programming to ensure both City and BOE are providing the best employee coverage at the best rates.

Consider merging City and BOE payroll systems.

Conduct a consolidated review of Workers Compensation costs and liabilities to enhance administrative efficiencies and improve employee safety.

City should consider tools used by BOE to reduce job posting costs, where ever practicable.

III. Facilities Management/Public Works/Utilities

· The City should expand its ongoing assessment of facility utilization for City operations to include the BOE’s facilities needs for its non-academic and/or administrative operations.

· The City and the BOE should explore merging storage facilities for assets such as: records, food, and/or furniture.

· Consider merging the vehicle maintenance functions of the City and BOE.

· The City and BOE should collaborate on energy-savings initiatives.

· The City should consider merging solid waste disposal services.

· The City and BOE should consider merging snow removal services.

IV. Purchasing

The City and BOE should develop a mechanism to coordinate their purchasing practices to achieve cost-savings for common purchases.

The BOE and the City should look beyond the City’s boundaries for additional purchasing partners to include other municipalities and the existing intermunicipal consortium.

The City should continue to seek ways to streamline the procurement process in order to reach greater efficiency, including consolidation opportunities.

V. Information Technology

The City should hire a Chief Information Officer who will shape IT policy and manage technology in order to enhance efficiency, streamline business processes and improve customer service delivery.

The City should consider merging the information technology and telecommunications functions which are currently provided by MIS and Office Services, respectively, to create internal synergies.

The City and BOE should inventory all MIS-related assets and determine if there are opportunities to maximize its collective technology capacities and save money.

The City should explore the viability of utilizing the voice over internet protocol (VoIP), whenever practical, as well as evaluating provider options.

The City should consider adopting the BOE’s practice of moving its applications to the “cloud.”

The ERT also identified grant opportunities which may be available to help offset costs associated with further study and/or implementation of these Phase I recommendations:

· NYS Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund

· NYS Local Government Efficiency Grant Program

· NYS Local Government Performance and Efficiency Program

With Phase I complete, the ERT now will oversee the implementation of these recommendations and also serve as the vetting agent for upcoming Board of Education vacancies. As part of Phase II, Mayor Spano will also reconstruct the ERT to include of more students, teachers and administrators, and begin a more concentrated focus on education funding and academics. Phase II is scheduled to begin this summer. The full ERT report is available on www.yonkersny.gov.

TURNER WELCOMES PRESIDENT OBAMA TO NEW YORK; INVITES HIM TO VISIT OTHER UPSTATE CITIES HURT BY HIGH TAX POLICIES AND ONEROUS REGULATION.

Says Nanotech Center in Albany is Prime Example of Government Policies That Work and the President Needs to See How His Policies Have Hurt the Upstate Economy.

New York-May 9…

Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Bob Turner (R-NY-9) today welcomed President Obama to New York and invited him to continue his visit beyond Albany’s nanotech center-which he called a prime example of successful government policies that encouraged private sector growth-to other Upstate cities that are suffering under Mr. Obama’s high tax policies and burdensome regulation.

“I’m pleased that President Obama is making a trip to New York, but if he wants a true picture of what his policies have done to the state, he needs to visit other Upstate cities that are drowning in high taxes and job-killing government regulation,” said Rep. Turner. “It’s ironic that he chose to visit a site that is a success story of government policies that empowered private sector growth under former Governor Pataki’s leadership, yet his policies have done the exact opposite.”

Turner has called for deficit reduction measures, reform of the nation’s tax code, and repealing and replacing Obamacare as first steps toward reviving the economy. He has also criticized the Dodd-Frank financial regulations that have had negative consequences, particularly on New York’s economy.

USPassportCard2012

TURNER: “WESTCHESTER COUNTY IS NOT RACIST; CALL OFF YOUR DOGS, MR. PRESIDENT”

 Obama Administration’s “Grand Experiment” is Another Example of Dramatic Government Overreach.

Westchester, NY-May 7…

Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Bob Turner (R-NY-9) today challenged President Obama to “call off his dogs” in Westchester County, referring to the Administration’s controversial federal lawsuit designed to socially engineer communities by forcing the county to build multi-family public housing on upscale residential streets – despite local zoning laws and well beyond the parameters of a 2009 agreement with the County.

Standing at the Larchmont train station-one of the communities affected by the suit-Turner also chastised New York’s junior senator, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-WFP), a former HUD lawyer, for allowing the Obama Administration to disparage Westchester families and engage in dramatic federal government overreach and social engineering in a county that is already the fourth most diverse in the state-tied with Manhattan. Ms. Gillibrand has never taken a position on the issue that affects nearly one million of her constituents.

“Westchester County is not racist; it’s expensive,” said Rep. Turner. “This severe government intrusion that the Obama Administration is calling its ‘grand experiment’  is divisive and probably unconstitutional. The housing challenges in Westchester are economic, not racial, and the Obama Administration would be better served trying to fix the economy and create jobs for all New Yorkers, rather than attempting to socially engineer communities block by block.”

He continued, “What’s happening in Westchester is another frightening example of this President’s goal to drastically expand the federal government beyond its Constitutional powers. Despite the fact that Westchester is the fourth most diverse county in the state and HUD has admitted that its demands go beyond what the 2009 settlement required, it continues to show a shocking and bold disregard for individual rights and property rights. It’s just as egregious that our U.S. Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, is yet again silent when it comes to protecting nearly one million people she’s supposed to represent.”

In 2009, the federal government entered into an affordable housing settlement with then-county executive Andy Spano (D) that required the county to build 750 units of affordable housing in what they deemed “mostly white” communities, based off the 2000 census. Since then, under a new county executive, Westchester has been ahead of schedule in building the units and new census data revealed that the county’s Hispanic and African American population has increased by 56 percent in the so-called white communities through natural market forces. Yet Mr. Obama’s HUD continued its attempt at social engineering by coming forward with new demands that admittedly “go beyond the four corners of the agreement,” including mandating that local municipalities dismantle their local zoning-notwithstanding the fact that the county has no authority to do so in a home rule state like New York.

Another source of disagreement is a provision that required the county executive at the time to “promote” legislation mandating that property owners  accept Section 8 housing vouchers-and all of its strings attached–currently before the board,” which County Executive Rob Astorino maintains had been fulfilled by the previous administration. Astorino recently won a major victory in federal court when a magistrate ruled in favor of his position, prior to it being overruled last week. Westchester County is planning to appeal the last decision in Federal Appeals Court.  The next step would be the U.S. Supreme Court. 

“New Yorkers all over the state from different ethnic and racial backgrounds are struggling under this Administration’s harmful economic policies. Usurping individual rights and freedoms and replacing it with a Big Brother federal government will only drive this country into further decline,” Congressman Turner said. “President Obama needs to change course and refocus his priorities on getting New Yorkers back to work.”

FORMER CONGRESSWOMAN SUE KELLY ENDORSES BOB TURNER FOR U.S. SENATE.

“Bob’s momentous election to Congress as a fed-up citizen made him a national hero of the Republican Party”

New York-May 7…

Former Westchester Congresswoman Sue Kelly (R) today endorsed Congressman Bob Turner (R-NY9) in his race to become the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate against New York’s junior senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-WFP).  The Republican Primary will be held on Tuesday, June 26.

“As a former member of Congress-and more importantly-in my role as a mother and grandmother, I am deeply concerned about the direction Obama and Gillibrand are taking our nation and it’s crystal clear that Bob Turner is the only candidate in this race that can stop them in their tracks. Bob’s momentous election to Congress as a fed-up citizen made him a national hero of the Republican Party. He will take that same spirit to the race against our junior senator, who has shown time and again that she is out of touch with the needs of average New Yorkers.”

“Sue is a small businesswoman and was one of the most influential members of Congress, all while raising a family, so she is acutely aware of the challenges facing New Yorkers and how Washington’s policies can either hurt or help them,” Rep. Turner said. “Obama and Gillibrand are sending this nation off a cliff and I’m honored to have the support and friendship of Sue in my fight to bring down the nation’s unsustainable debt, while implementing smart, pro-growth policies that will restore New York’s jobs and its future.”

STATEMENT FROM TURNER CAMPAIGN ON GEORGE MARAGOS’S BIZARRE AND IGNORANT ATTACK.

 May 7, 2012

“George Maragos is either so ignorant that he doesn’t understand the massive federal government overreach that is occurring in Westchester or he is defending the Obama Administration’s attempts to trample over individual and property rights. If he read the newspapers, he’d realize the significance of the issue Congressman Turner raised today. Obama’s HUD called this housing suit a “grand experiment” and if he can steamroll Westchester, he’ll be coming for Nassau and Suffolk Counties next. Which is it, George?”

--Turner spokeswoman Jessica Proud 

News from The Yonkers City Council:

Please be advised, public hearings on the budget will be held on Thursday, May 3rd, at 7pm in Lincoln High School Auditorium and Tuesday, May 29th, at 7pm in City Hall Council Chambers. 

Thank you.

CCWebsite2012Final

Erin Merryn White Paper

Small_Business_Assistance_Package_Release

Elected Officials and Members of the Press File Civil Rights Suit Against NYPD and JP Morgan Chase For Arrests Related to OWS.

Federal lawsuit alleges civil rights violated by NYPD and private entities including JP Morgan Chase and Brookfield Properties asks for federal independent monitor
 
New York, NY. April 30, 2012. Lawyers on behalf of 5 elected officials and over half a dozen members of the press filed a major lawsuit today in federal court alleging the City of New York, the MTA, the New York Police Department, Brookfield Properties, JP Morgan Chase and others are in violation of numerous civil rights, including First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly.  The suit seeks redress for police misconduct in arrests made during the “Occupy Wall Street” protests and asks that a federal independent monitor be appointed to oversee the NYPD in order to safeguard the public.
  
The 143 page complaint submitted by a group of civil rights attorneys including Leo Glickman, Yetta G. Kurland and Wylie Stecklow, was filed today in United States District Court in the Southern District and includes a 24 minute video which highlights the use of excessive force and selective enforcement which many have claimed has become an issue over the past 6 months during the “Occupy” protests.
 
The suit also addresses the City’s relationship with JP Morgan Chase who donated $4.6 million to the NYPD during this time, as well as the fact that members of the press and elected officials have been arrested while observing and/or reporting on these protests.
  
One of the plaintiffs, New York City Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, who was bloodied and arrested on November 15, 2011 for attempting to observe the eviction of Zuccotti park stated “While my charges were dismissed, the bigger issue still remains, namely that the NYPD misused their power and did not respect my First Amendment.

Please be advised that there will be a Legislation and Codes Committee Meeting on Tuesday, May 1st, from 5:15 to 6:15pm in the City Council Chambers, 4th Floor, City Hall.

AGENDA ITEMS:

Continued discussion on Local Law Amending Chapter 109 of the COY Code entitled “Vehicles & Traffic”

General Ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the COY Code aka “Officers & Employees” regarding “Article XI –Use of City Vehicles”

Any additional items that may properly come before this Committee

We request that the Administration have the appropriate ommissioners/Departments Heads/Directors and/or their representatives to be in attendance to address all issues relating to the agenda item/s.

In addition, we request that the meeting be televised on Channel 78.

Thank you,

Minority Leader Councilmember John Larkin, Legislation and Codes Committee Chair.

MA-City Hall Presentation on Public Health Crisis Facing Yonkers Children

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO ANNOUNCES CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS TO FILL BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY.

YONKERS, NY – April 25, 2012 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced today his call for submissions to fill an upcoming vacancy with the City’s Board of Education.  Mayor Spano asks interested applicants to apply online at www.yonkersny.gov where the Education Redesign Team (ERT) will serve as a blue ribbon panel and review all submissions.

As promised before he took office, Mayor Spano convened the ERT to review and recommend innovative reforms to the Yonkers Public School system.  “I encourage qualified and committed Yonkers residents to apply for the new vacancy with our Board of Education,” said Mayor Spano. “The Board of Ed is possibly the most important board in the City as it serves our schools, striving to provide the best in quality education for our children.”

Once the Education Redesign Team reviews all applicants, the team will provide its recommendation to Mayor Spano, who will then appoint the new board member. The Board of Education vacancy comes as Reverend Gerald Sudick leaves his position at the end of April.

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO NOMINATES FORMER ATTORNEY WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY KITLEY COVILL AS THE CITY’S NEW INSPECTOR GENERAL.

YONKERS, NY – APRIL 24, 2012 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today nominated former attorney with Westchester County Kitley Covill as the City’s new Inspector General. Covill will be responsible for overseeing investigations of alleged waste, fraud, and abuse by the City of Yonkers or any of its public officials or employees.

Covill comes to the City of Yonkers after spending six years as the Assistant Chief Deputy Westchester County Attorney. While with the County, Covill headed the Family Court Bureau where she oversaw investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect of minor children. Previously, Covill ran her own private law firm dealing with civic legal matters.

Covill also worked with the Nassau County District Attorney as an assistant DA where she was the first Chief of the Civil Forfeiture Unit, a position that required her to investigate and pursue financial proceeds of criminal enterprises.

“When reviewing possible candidates for our new Inspector General, I wanted to nominate someone who has vast experience in municipal law, and who is honest, thorough, and tough,” said Mayor Spano. “I believe Kitley possesses all these qualities and I am confident she will help promote ethical, fiscal, and legal accountability throughout our City.” 

“I am honored to be nominated by Mayor Spano as the newest Inspector General to Yonkers,” said Kitley Covill. “I look forward to the opportunity to work for and with the residents of Yonkers to ensure a more efficient and effective government.”

Covill is the state director of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of the New York, the co-chair of the Criminal Law Committee and the former co-chair of Westchester Women’s Bar Association Domestic Violence Committee.

She earned her law degree from Vermont Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Kenyon College.   Mayor Spano’s nomination will be presented for approval to the Yonkers City Council in the coming weeks.

The new Inspector General will replace outgoing IG Dan Schorr, who left the position last week.

STATE SENATE CANDIDATE DIANE DIDONATO ROTH TO BOB COHEN: “RETRACT SMEAR ON LATIMER OR GET OUT OF THE RACE!”

COHEN ALLEGATION OF LATIMER INFIDELITY DOES NOTHING BUT HURT INNOCENT FAMILY MEMBERS.

April 24, 2012  — Republican State Senate candidate Diane DiDonato Roth today denounced as “lower than low” a campaign attack on Liberal Democrat George Latimer by Republican Senate Candidate Bob Cohen which attempts to smear Latimer with accusations of marital infidelity. The hurtful smear was publicly leveled by Bob Cohen’s campaign and reprinted in the Talk of the Sound – a New Rochelle, NY media outlet.

See following link: http://http://www.newrochelletalk.com/content/state-senate-race-heats-cohen-and-latimer-duel-over-insinuations-tied-17000-credit-card-expe 

DiDonato Roth said: “The only people this kind of gutter politics hurts are the innocent family members of all accused – they include the spouses and children who did not ask to be part of any Cohen campaign of personal destruction. Bob Cohen should be ashamed of himself, should apologize to the families of those involved, and immediately retract his wanton and hurtful assertions. 
 

“Bob Cohen should think twice about remaining in this race –  what he’s done is unethical and his character as reflected in his campaign’s tactics is utterly incompatible with what Westchester voters deserve in a Senator,” continued DiDonato Roth.
 
DiDonato Roth, a devoted wife and mother of two, has pledged to wage a principled, yet vigorous Republican primary campaign on the following issues that matter to Westchester residents:
 
1)  Ending Albany’s tax and spend insanity along with unfunded mandates;
 
2) Fighting for women and working moms; and
 
3) Growing our small businesses.
 
DiDonato Roth is an elected official in the Town of North Castle and has a strong record of fiscal conservatism that includes voting against property tax increases, forcing municipal employees to contribute to their health care premiums, capping retirement benefits, and eliminating expensive fringe benefits to part-time Town employees.
 
DiDonato Roth concluded: “What Bob Cohen has done should be terribly frightening to voters on both sides of the political aisle – his campaign is playing fast and loose with the facts and in the process he has put innocent children and spouses in his cross-hairs to score cheap political points. Is this really what we want in a State Senator?”

BuisnessCerts2012

CRACKDOWN ON CRIME: MAYOR SPANO, CITY COUNCIL TEAM UP WITH YONKERS POLICE TO TAKE BACK OUR STREETS. 

Mayor Mike Spano, members of the Yonkers City Council and Yonkers Police stand on the corner of Elm and Oak Streets in the Nodine Hill section of Yonkers to announce a new anti-crime effort targeting gang violence.
 
“These streets belong to the good people in this great neighborhood who deserve a safe place to live, work and raise their families,” said Mayor Spano. “The message we are sending to the criminals here is clear – get out of Yonkers or you will get locked up.”

The Mayor said this new effort to fight criminal activity includes a new Mobile Command Center in the Elm Street area, enhanced patrols and a continued offensive against gang activity in the city that recently led to the arrest of 65 gang members and leaders.
 
“The residents of this community see the progress being made,” Mayor Spano said. “We must continue working along side them, utilizing all our available resources, to ensure the long-term safety and protection of our streets.”
 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yonkers-insider/

Yonkers Inspector General Report on Yonkers Parking Authority Consolidation:

http://www.yonkersny.gov/Index.aspx?page=29&recordid=965

http://www.lohud.com/article/20120420/NEWS02/304200038/Yonkers-inspector-general-urges-Parking-Authority-merger-claims-savings

http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2012/04/17/yonkers-officials-spar-over-parking-authority-merger/

YONKERS CITY ENGINEERING TO BEGIN ROAD RESURFACING IN DOWNTOWN YONKERS, STARTING

MONDAY, APRIL 23

YONKERS, NY – April 20, 2012 — Mayor Mike Spano, along with the City of Yonkers’ Engineering department, announced today that construction will begin on Monday, April 23 to do a full-width resurfacing of the following roads:

Palisade Ave between New Main Street and Elm Street

Ashburton Pl from Ashburton Avenue South to the Dead End

Vineyard Avenue between Ashburton Avenue and Myrtle Street

Glenwood Avenue between North Broadway and Warburton Avenue

Emerald Street from Palisade Avenue to the Dead End and Emerald Place

The milling and preparation work will begin at 7:00AM through 4:00PM daily, weather permitting. To safely and efficiently complete the road resurfacing, businesses and residents should be aware and obey the temporary “NO PARKING” signs posted in preparation for the construction. Vehicles parked illegally in these zones during the designated times will be removed at the owner’s cost. In the meantime, local traffic will be maintained, with flagmen, at all times during the construction. Completion of the work will continue through May 7.

The Engineering Department has notified area businesses and residents of the work.  For more information about this work or to report a concern or problem, please contact the City of Yonkers HELP line at 914-377-HELP (4357) or at cityhall@yonkerny.gov.

 This Saturday evening, April, 21, 2012, IAFF Local 628 will present Firefighter Michael Giroux with the prestigious honor of Firefighter of the Year for his heoric rescue of two men from a collapsed scafold 14 stories above the ground of a 28 story Yonkers high-rise building. The award will be presented at IAFF Local 628′s annual dinner dance at the Polish Community Center on Waverly Street in Yonkers, New York. The evening will begin with cocktails at 6:30 pm followed by dinner and dancing at 8:30 pm. The award ceremony will begin promptly at 8:00 pm and should last approximately 20 minutes. IAFF Local 628 will also be presenting awards for Emegency Medical Service (EMS) and Union Man of the Year.

Lorraine Lopez gets indicted.

Source: The Journal News/Lohud.

http://www.lohud.com/article/20120420/NEWS02/304200053/Former-Amicone-aide-indicted-theft-from-Yonkers-Thanksgiving-charity

Source: Yonkers Tribune.

http://yonkerstribune.typepad.com/yonkers_tribune/2012/04/yonkers-turkey-drive-ends-culminates-with-three-count-indictment-against-lorraine-lopez.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO RELEASES CITY’S DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION & CONSERVATION’S 2012 SPRING/SUMMER SCHEDULE Registration for Activities and Camps Begins May 1.

YONKERS, NY – April 19, 2012 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano along with the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation today announced its schedule for the 2012 spring/summer season. Registration for the spring and summer begins Tuesday, May 1. 

“Yonkers continues to provide a wide array of fun and educational programs and activities for its residents,” said Mayor Spano. “I encourage our families, young and old, to take advantage of the programs offered this summer as an opportunity to stay active while interacting with their neighbors and community.”

Yonkers’ Parks Department is offering programs and services to residents of all ages and in a range of sports and activities. Programs offered this season include pre-K summer camps, sports camps, a camp for the developmentally disabled, art classes, Bingo for seniors, exercise and dance classes and even an obedience school for dogs.

All programs and registration details are available in the City’s recreation brochure, available at www.yonkersny.gov or by calling 914-377-6450.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO HOSTS MAYOR’S MOBILE OFFICE, THIS EVENING THURSDAY, APRIL 19th AT YONKERS RIVERFRONT LIBRARY.

YONKERS, NY – April 19, 2012 – Mayor Mike Spano will host tonight his monthly Mayor’s Mobile Office, at the Yonkers Riverfront Library. The Mayor, along with his Constituent Services Office, will be available from 6-8pm to meet with Yonkers residents about any issues they may be having for which the Mayor’s Office may be of assistance. 

“In an effort to increase accessibility, the Mayor’s Mobile Office brings City Hall to your neighborhood,” said Mayor Spano. “Our responsive constituent services team will be available to work one-on-one with residents to address any issue relating to government services and cut through some of the red tape that can often be frustrating for those seeking a resolution to an issue.” The Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services offers assistance with a wide range of issues, serving as a link between the general public and government agencies.

The office provides a convenient and effective mechanism for receiving, responding to and helping fulfill requests for services and information.  Mayor Spano said, “In addition to the convenience the Mayor’s Mobile Office provides, we want to raise awareness of the helpful services available for residents in need of assistance.” The Mobile Mayor’s Office will be stopping at locations across Yonkers each month. For more information please contact the Office of Constituent Services at (914) 377-6010.

Residents can also contact the Mayor’s Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 377-HELP for service assistance including bulk pickup appointments, street light outages, pot-hole repair, city tree trimming, sewage problems, garbage pick-up days, recycling information and street sweeping.

04-24-2012 AGENDA NO BACKUP

4-19-12 to ethics

FINAL Shop Dine Pride NY Final Report

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NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

STATE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP NAMES LATIMER BILL A TOP PRIORITY.

Environmental Advocates of New York – the top statewide environmental group that monitors state legislation – has identify a bill sponsored by Westchester Assemblyman George Latimer (D-Rye) as a “Super Bill”, one of the highest priority among all proposed legislation. The bill, A.7137, would provide a net increase in resources allocated to the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) used to fund major environmental projects statewide. It would phase unclaimed deposits collected by the state through the Returnable Beverage Container Law from the General Fund into the EPF over four years.

 Assemblyman Latimer co-sponsors the bill with Republican Senator Mark Grisanti (R-Erie County), and credited environmental activist and lawyer J. Henry Neale of Scarsdale for bringing the concept into consideration. “This proves once again the value of citizen advocacy in taking a good idea, and giving it the attention it deserves”, Latimer said.

In describing the bill, Environmental Advocates noted that since 2003, approximately $500 million in New York State funds has been swept from the EPF for General Fund relief; since 2008, the EPF appropriation has been reduced from $255 million to $134 million. New revenues are needed support the many important projects that protect New York’s families and our shared environment. Some of those programs include protecting natural resources and community character, eliminating solid waste, keeping family farms working, and preventing pollution and invasive species.

New York State collects about $115 million from unclaimed bottle deposits on an annual basis.

These revenues would be phased in over four years, starting in State Fiscal Year 2013-14. Also, the bill specifies that this new revenue would not replace the traditional source of funding for the EPF but would supplement the current funding source.  This bill would not amend the mechanism that collects the unclaimed deposits in the current bottle bill law. Latimer indicated that the revenues generated by bottle deposit law, which keeps communities cleaner and encourages recycling, should be used to benefit state programs to protect our air, land, and water.

The bill is currently in the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. Favorable action is targeted for this spring.

Latimer has long been a staunch supporter of the environment, and has often received top scores from Environmental Advocates for his positions and votes. Naming this bill a “Super Bill” makes it a top priority for environmental groups – and more likely to pass the legislature.

For more information, contact Assemblyman Latimer 777-3832.

To review EA’s bill ratings, view their website at  www.eany.org

To view the bill on-line, click: www.assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A7137

Bipartisan Team of Legislators To Facilitate Municipal Flooding Advisory Board.

The first meeting of the Bronx River Advisory Board (BRAB) took place today in the committee meeting room of the Westchester County Board of Legislators.  The advisory board was established as a requirement of the “Westchester County Storm Management Law” which was enacted in February 2011. 

The BRAB was created as a partnership among the municipalities along the Bronx River Watershed and Westchester County.  The group’s primary objective is to address storm water management and flooding issues in those participating communities. 

In addition to the representatives from the municipalities, this initial organizational meeting was also attended by Westchester County Legislators whose districts are wholly or partially comprised of communities along the Bronx River.  Legislator Bill Ryan (D-District 5) moderated the meeting and was joined by Legislators, Sheila Marcotte (R-District 10), Alfreda Williams, (D-District 8), Michael Smith (R-District 3) and Mary Jane Shimsky (D-District 12).

At the meeting, Legislators Alfreda Williams, Sheila Marcotte and Gordon Burrows were designated as temporary, co-facilitators for the group.  After the organizational process is complete the BRAB will function as a self governed body comprised solely of the municipal representatives and will work with the county to implement the recommendations that the advisory board submits.

Legislator Alfreda Williams said, “Certainly it’s long overdue to start the effort.  My communities in Greenburgh that border the Bronx River, have sustained serious damage in the Fall of 2011.  I’m looking forward to this collaboration to hopefully begin the process to mitigate flooding.”

Legislator Sheila Marcotte said, “I am grateful to the municipal representatives that have stepped forward to address the very serious issues of flooding in these communities.  We need the participation of all of our municipal partners in order to begin the remediation of this very costly and traumatic issue of chronic flooding and the damage that results from it”

Legislator Gordon Burrows was an early advocate for the formation of the advisory board and has worked with the county and municipal government on flood mitigation projects like the work done at Scout Field.  Legislator Burrows was unable to attend the meeting but offered his full support to the group saying, “I am hopeful that this group will finally take a holistic approach to this problem and I believe we will see a positive impact from their hard work.”  Burrows went on to say, “We have to begin looking at this issue as a regional problem.  We are all individual communities but the poor condition of the ground water management system in communities up and down the river has a deleterious effect on each and every municipality along its banks.”

Greg Luisi a Trustee from Tuckahoe who represents his Village on the advisory board said, “I’m very glad we’ve made this first step to mitigate the flooding problems that have affected the communities along the Bronx River.”

The BRAB is scheduled to meet again in mid-May.

Diane DiDonato Roth Announcement Speech)

A hundred years ago in the foothills of Frosinone, Italy, a dream began with the humble hopes of Julian and Eugenia DiDonato.  Their dream was to one day raise a family in a country with inherited God given freedoms… A community instilled with faith, family values, and a sense of purpose… and to follow a promise that with hard work, determination and personal responsibility, there was no dream their children and grandchildren could not realize.
That country is America, that community is Westchester and that dream is being realized today as I announce my candidacy for the New York State Senate.
Three generations later, the story of my family, like yours, is truly an American story… But even more, it is truly a Westchester story…  A story of faith, family and friends… As a life-long resident of Westchester, I grew up in Pelham, as the youngest daughter of Anthony and JoAnne DiDonato, attended St. Catherine’s Grammar School, Maria Regina High School and received a degree from Iona College.
Today I sit as an elected member of the Town Board in North Castle, which covers North White Plains, Armonk and Banksville… North Castle is my home, where I live with my Husband Tom, my daughter Holly and son Tommy… My Mom JoAnne, (who’s here today) currently lives in Rye Brook and my brother Julian DiDonato lives in Eastchester where he runs the youth soccer program that touches over 15,000 families every year… Yes, my family’s story is truly a Westchester story. 
Which is why it saddens me to no end to travel around this district and see how the failed policies of recent years have had a crushing effect on our neighborhood’s and town squares, from Yonkers to Eastchester, Harrison, to Bedford and New Rochelle to Mamaroneck… There are far too many signs that read: “For Sale” or “For Rent” – and not enough signs that say “Help Wanted.” Even worse, there are storefronts that don’t have any signs at all, because they are completely bordered-up… More than I can remember in my life.
Here in Westchester,  we live in one of the most heavily-taxed and expensive places in the country…Jobs are lost… Innovation is stifled… and hard working families and businesses gave up on the area and simply move out.
I am running for State Senate because we can do better!…  And we must!
I am running to End Albany’s Tax and Spend Insanity… Our children’s future depends on our ability to behave in Albany like we do around our kitchen table: spending less than we make and resist the urge to live off our credit cards.
I am running to Fight for Women and Working Moms… Right now, almost every major decision that affects our State is made by the Governor, the Senate Leader, and the Speaker of the Assembly, all career politicians, all men. We must shatter that glass ceiling and make sure that working moms are heard on tax reduction, job creation, our children’s future and strengthening our fiscal footing.
And I run to Grow our Small Businesses… They are the backbone of our community… As a small businesswoman and local elected official I know personally how taxes and over regulation kills small businesses. The next wave of job creation can only come when government gets out of the way.
These are issues that affect my family, friends and constituents on a daily basis.
These are issues that (unlike my primary opponent) I didn’t have to move into a new district to understand.
Before I get a chance to square off against Democrat George Latimer in the general election and discuss how out of touch his liberal views are with mainstream values of this community… I must first face “Scarsdale Bob Cohen” in a primary… Yep, he’s back… And this time, in a shameful act of political opportunism, he actually moved from his long-time hometown of Scarsdale, into the newly formed 37th district, not because of any great love of the people or the concern of the communities, that I have lived in all my life, but rather for his own political ego and the gain of the special interests in Albany!
I was warned to stay out of this race… The “Old Boys Club” warned me… They said: “How can you compete with him? He already has the endorsements of too many county leaders”… I say: “I don’t want their endorsements!”… The only endorsements I want are from the people of this district… The people I grew up with!
They said to me: “But he lost the last election by only a narrow margin, don’t get in this race and shake things up for him”… Well, this is true. He did lose the last election by a narrow margin, but he lost… He’ll remind you that he received 49.5 percent of the vote in the last election and that this is the voting base he’s working from in this election cycle… Well, let me tell you something… There is no such thing as the Cohen “voting base”!… It doesn’t exist!… Two years ago the anti-Suzi Oppenheimer vote existed, the anti- Liberal vote existed, but the “Cohen vote” is a complete mirage with a foundation built on sand… Two years ago any Republican would have gotten his percentage of the vote and a stronger candidate would have won.
They told me: “that he is the inevitable candidate for the Republicans and the most electable.”… I say with my entry into this race and Cohen’s hometown of Scarsdale no longer a factor in this new district with new demographics, that he is not only not inevitable…  Bob Cohen is not electable!
So as he travels around this district making empty promises and giving false hope about reforming Albany, I as the only elected official and true conservative in this primary, actually have a voting record to back up the talk!
I voted against every proposed property tax increase and will continue to do so when I go to Albany!
I forced all town employees to contribute to their healthcare premiums.
I capped post-retirement benefits for town employees and demonstrated real fiscal restraint by eliminating costly fringe benefits to elected officials and part-time employees.
I declined to participate in the state pension plan and declined Town-provided health care, because we simply could not afford the costs.
I wish I could tell you about “Scarsdale Bob’s” voting record… But he doesn’t have one… He’s never been elected to anything and of all the candidates in this race I am the only one who knows firsthand how Albany’s policies impact local government.
While being a very nice man. Bob Cohen is the wrong man. The wrong candidate. In the wrong district.
He had his chance two years ago and the voters decided… It is now time for others with an authentic passion for community service and an iron will of conviction rooted in the Westchester values of faith, family and friends, to pick up the mantle of leadership and carry this party to victory in November, which I will do!… Send me to Albany so that together we can continue to fight for all our Westchester stories!
Thank You and God Bless You.

NEWS from: The Westchester Independence Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 17, 2012.

Independence Party Backs David Buchwald for State Assembly.

The Westchester Independence Party has endorsed White Plains Councilman David Buchwald in his race against incumbent State Assemblyman Robert Castelli. Referring to Buchwald as a breath of fresh air, the Independence Party said he would bring the skills of a productive and independent minded legislator to his representation of the people of the newly renumbered 93rd Assembly District. Buchwald, with a physics degree and experience as an economist, a tax attorney and a local elected official, will be in a position as an Assemblyman not just to take positions on bills, but will have the capacity to persuade colleagues to adopt the best policies for New York State. On the White Plains Common Council, Buchwald has shown a willingness to speak up and put the interests of the 57,000 constituents he represents first. For these reasons, the Westchester Independence Party is proud to offer their full support to David Buchwald for the State Assembly.

Dr. Giulio Cavallo, Westchester Independence Party Chair, said “Independent and moderate voters, who look first and foremost to integrity and effectiveness in government should enthusiastically support David Buchwald. He is a Harvard and Yale graduate and fights for the common man – that is exactly the type of person we want representing Westchester.”

David Buchwald is the Democratic candidate in the Assembly race. When he ran for the White Plains Common Council in 2009, Buchwald had the support of both the Democratic and Independence Parties. Castelli ran last time for the State Assembly as the candidate of the Republican and Conservative Parties.

The 93rd Assembly District covers the towns of Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge and half of White Plains.

STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN BOB TURNER ON NY1/YNN-MARIST POLL.

Poll Shows only 42% of New Yorkers Plan to Support Kirsten Gillibrand

“Yesterday’s Marist Poll proves that Kirsten Gillibrand is beatable and there’s a reason why: Since being appointed to the senate by David Paterson, Ms. Gillibrand has veered dangerously to the political left. She now has the ignominious distinction of being ranked the “Most Liberal senator in America,” based on her voting record. Nowhere is that more evident today than in her votes to force gas prices higher while New Yorkers struggle to get by. Many New Yorkers have buyers remorse when it comes to Ms. Gillibrand, and many more find themselves unsure of just exactly who she is as a legislator. That number will grow as this campaign continues. Once her status as the “Most Liberal senator in America” is made famous, moderate and conservative New York voters, who cherish common sense over ideological politics, will know what to do.”

–Cong. Bob Turner

Re-scheduled Hearing

You are cordially invited to join  MIKE SPANO Mayor of Yonkers For a Party Celebrating his 48th Birthday.
 
Thursday, April 19th
 
6:00pm to 8:00pm

At:

The Fairways at Dunwoodie
1 Wasylenko Drive
Yonkers, NY 10704

Cocktails and Light Fare
 
Patron $500
Benefactor $1,000
Sponsor $2,500

RSVP: Eric Molly (646) 643-8747/(914) 294-0004 or Emolly@gmail.com
 
CONTRIBUTIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE EVENT – MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “Mayor Mike Spano Committee”, 5 Colonial Parkway North ,Yonkers, NY 10710

ROGER CLEMENS RETRIAL COULD BE TOUGH SELL FOR PROSECUTORS.
 
Mark Conrad, Fordham University Sports Law Expert, Weighs In.

April 17, 2012, New York, NY– The federal government has started jury selection aimed at retrying baseball legend Roger Clemens for perjury, allegedly for lying during his testimony to Congress on his use of performance-enhancing drugs. 
 
Mark Conrad, an Associate Professor of Law and Ethics at Fordham University, has been following the ramifications of using performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball for the last 15 years.  Professor Conrad is widely quoted for his expertise in prominent cases, including the trials of baseball legend Barry Bonds and the lawsuit against the New York Mets by the victims of Bernie Madoff.
 
“After a mistrial was called because of the introduction of admissible evidence, the government decided to take aim at Roger Clemens for a second trial, which could last four to six weeks.  It will be a tough go for prosecutors, who will rely on few witnesses.  They will also have to contend with an angry judge and a public attitude that this is an issue behind us and should not be a top priority.” -Professor Mark Conrad
 
About Professor Mark Conrad

Professor Conrad is an Associate Professor of Legal and Ethical Studies at Fordham University and a member of the New York State Bar Association.  Conrad teaches a variety of courses, including Sports and the Law that covers all kinds of issues involving professional and amateur sports.  These issues include league structures, contract issues, labor law, broadcasting and intellectual property issues and policy initiatives.  Conrad has also written for several technical publications and professional journals, including the New York Law Journal.

About Fordham University:

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 15,100 students in its four undergraduate colleges and its six graduate and professional schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre at Heythrop College in the United Kingdom.

STATEMENT FROM REP. BOB TURNER ON U.S. TAX DAY.
 
“While President Obama and Senator Gillibrand wage class warfare to distract Americans from our massive debt bomb, our economy continues to stagnate because job-providers see no real leadership in the Senate or White House. Mr. Obama’s and Ms. Gillibrand’s tax plan is driven by an extreme left-wing political ideology that has resulted in massive overspending and a new and crippling tax at the gas pumps.”
 
An overhaul of the nation’s tax code requires a strong political will, and it would have an immediate impact on reviving our economy. A simpler, fairer and lower tax rate for individuals and small businesses will foster growth and inspire confidence among our job creators. Americans are looking for courageous leaders in Washington who are willing to work on true reform, not more misleading political rhetoric. “

Yo Chick! Yo Honey! Keeping Chickens & Bees in the City!
 
Thursday, April 19

6:15 -7:30 pm: $7 adults, $3 kids

YOH Chick – Keeping Chickens in the City

Did you know that city-dwellers raising chickens is a trend? Now even New York City allows it! Check your municipal code and join the “urban chicken movement” for  healthy, home grown eggs, quality nitrogen-rich fertilizer, pest and insect control, and companionship. Learn more at this fun forum featuring the Zander family of Somers and their feathered flock. Coop displays too. Co-sponsored by Beczak Environmental Education Center, Groundwork USA and The City of Yonkers Green Policy Task Force. Email weekends@beczak.org or call (914) 377-1900, ext. 13. Beczak, 35 Alexander St., Yonkers.

Thursday, April 266:15 -7:15 pm: $7 adults, $3 kids 

YOH Honey – Keeping Bees in the City

City-dwellers in New York City and beyond are starting to keep bees to save our crops.  Learn the basics of beekeeping from Douglass Decandia of the Food Bank of Westchester. Stay on to screen “Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us,” an award-winning film about the global bee decline and the philosophy of sustainable beekeeping. Co-sponsored by SlowFood Metro North, Beczak Environmental Education Center, Groundwork USA, and The City of Yonkers Green Policy Task Force. Email weekends@beczak.org or call (914) 377-1900, ext. 12. Beczak, 35 Alexander St., Yonkers.