Yonkers Tribune

Robertson to Challenge Lesnick for Yonkers City Council President

Yonkers, NY -- Dennis Robertson has divulged that he will challenge incumbent Chuck Lesnick for the office of City. Robertson believes he has the ability, credibility, and support to wrestle Lesnick at the first phase of the challenge. With an expectant win at the party convention, Lesnick would likely continue the battle into a primary, but Robertson believes the first salvo will expose Lesnick’s Achilles Heal while opening up financial support for Robertson’s bid for the second most powerful position in Yonkers government.

U.S. Withdraws from the Durban II Conference

Washington, DC  -- New York State Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Eliot Engel made the following respective statements with regard to President Barak Obama’s decision to withdraw from the World Conference Against Racism, known as Durban II 

Murtagh Asks Council to Review Audit Critical of Yonkers IDA

Yonkers, NY -- In a letter to Councilmembers Joan Gronowski and Dee Barbato, co-chairs of the Municipal Operations Committee, Yonkers Councilman John Murtagh (R-5) has recommended that the Committee convene a hearing to review a recent Audit by the NYS Comptroller which audit was critical of the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency. 

Yonkers IDA Creates Jobs and Real Benefits for Taxpayers By Phil Amicone, Mayor of the City of Yonkers

Against all odds, even in this time of recession, Yonkers is experiencing a dramatic rebirth.  

In the midst of a massive urban renaissance, our waterfront skyline is being transformed. A new downtown is emerging. Nepperhan Valley is undergoing a positive transformation. Safe, affordable housing is going up in once-neglected neighborhoods. Some of our oldest and largest commercial enterprises—Yonkers Raceway and Cross County Shopping Center—have reinvented themselves. In short, signs of progress are visible in every corner of the city. 

Lowey Secures Federal Funds to Benefit Yonkers

Washington, DC -- Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), a senior member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, today announced she secured more than half a million dollars in federal funding to address urgent priorities in Yonkers.

Mayor Amicone Hosts an Unique Town Hall Meeting By Hezi Aris

Yonkers, NY -- It was billed a Special Town Hall Meeting on City Budget and Finances. It was conducted at Saunders High School. The number of attendees seemed sufficient to my eyes. It was a meeting that was more than special; it set a tone with which all were familiar. It was subliminal in its subtlety; holding true to our collective beliefs. It harkened all who would hear back to a baseline of reality that was calming in delivery, infused with an honest stride of confidence lost for too many years. An epiphany; a “can-do” attitude had reared its head. Those who have read this so far will likely have forgotten that the protagonist is Mayor Phil Amicone. While reassessment in property values is not favored by the mayor, attested by him last might, he either had to have undergone a personal reassessment of himself, or he was simply able to deliver concise, exact, and balanced thoughts clarified in structure and meaning with vocabulary that revealed the man for whom many had lost faith and for others who had maintained it. 

Three Billy Goats Gruff By Henry J. Stern

Silver Would Back $2 Bridge Toll but How Long Would it Stay at $2?

Initially written on February 25, 2009.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has just indicated his willingness to accept tolls on the East River and Harlem River bridges, provided they are no higher than the subway fare, which is currently $2. He had previously been skeptical toward tolling the bridges and sees the $2 toll as a compromise, since the MTA wants to collect the higher toll ($4.50) that it charges for its other large bridges. The toll may be set at $2 today, but if you believe that it will stay $2 once the next biennial MTA funding crisis arises, you should really buy one of the bridges.

In Memoriam: Abe Cohen

It is with deep regret that we advise you of the passing last night of the beloved Coyne Park Rifle and Pistol Range officer and instructor, Abe Cohen.

Statement from Benjamin Lawsky, Special Assistant to Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, on BofA/Merrill Lynch Bonus Investigation

(pictured) Benjamin Lawsky, Special Assistant to Attorney General Andrew Cuomo

New York, NY -- "Tonight we took testimony from Ken Lewis of Bank of America (BoA) for approximately four hours. We had a lengthy session that covered numerous topics. We have repeatedly requested from Bank of America that they produce a list of individual bonus recipients at Merrill Lynch and they have continued to refuse to produce it. We obviously wanted to question Mr. Lewis about this list and are very disappointed that Bank of America has chosen not to produce it. As a result, during the testimony this evening, we served a subpoena on Bank of America for the list, which we intend to obtain."

Business Ethics in a Time of Economic Crisis

Business Ethics in a Time of Economic Crisis surveys Americans and top level business executives to understand their opinions and reactions to the events which have shaken corporate America. 

Contract for Daylighting of Saw Mill River at Larkin Plaza Awarded

Yonkers, NY -- Mayor Phil Amicone today announced the award of a design and engineering contract for the much anticipated Saw Mill River daylighting public works project at Larkin Plaza. 

Senate Passes Neighborhood Preservation Act

Protects Property Values and Neighborhood Safety from Fallout of Foreclosure Crisis

ALBANY, NY -- Senator Jeff Klein’s bill, the Neighborhood Preservation Act, yesterday passed the NYS Senate with 47 members voting for the bill and 11 members voting against it. The legislation creates a standard of safety and habitability for bank owned homes which are foreclosed and vacant. Klein’s legislation will allow municipalities to use their discretion in how they chose to clean up these unsitely residential properties and how they choose to get reimbursed for their work whether by issuing violations or through legal action, or by simply billing the bank.

Lawrence Schwartz Appointed Secretary to the Governor By Governor David A. Paterson

Albany, NY -- Yesterday Governor Paterson accepted with regret the resignation of Secretary to the Governor William J. Cunningham, III and thanked him for his commitment and service to the people of the State of New York. Governor Paterson has appointed First Deputy Secretary Lawrence S. Schwartz to serve as Secretary to the Governor. Governor Paterson also appointed Peter Kauffmann to serve as Communications Director. 

Westchester Herald - Volume 4 * Number 125 - February 26, 2009

Download WHYT-4 #125-Web

Mayor Amicone to Host Special Town Hall Meeting on City Budget & Finances February 26th

Yonkers, NY -- Mayor Phil Amicone will host a special Town Hall Meeting on the city budget on Thursday, February 26, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Saunders High School located at 183 Palmer Road. The meeting will be conducted as an open forum for residents to askquestions about the city budget and other issues. At the meeting, the mayor will brief local taxpayers on: 

Discussing Revaluation On the Level with Councilmember Gronowski and Counsel Tartaglia on WVOX-1460 AM

Download OTL 022409-Councilmember Joan Gronwoski and Dan Tartaglia discuss Revaluation

(Local) American Politics By Carlos A. Orellana

The United States of America is a country with a rich history in the development of democracy and the nation state. Many nations around the world envy our democracy and others try to imitate it. The great majority of Americans are proud of our democracy. In the last presidential elections we found ourselves in an historical challenge: to elect the first woman or the first African American president. This was a gigantic step in our modern history.

Former Head of Purchasing for The Mount Vernon City School District Sentenced to State Prison for Bribe Receiving and Official Misconduct

White Plains, NY -- Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that Arthur Rose (DOB 1/22/59) of 22 Pease Street, Mount Vernon, New York, was sentenced yesterday to two indeterminate terms of three and one half to seven years in state prison, to be served concurrently, on his conviction after trial to: 

* Two counts of Bribe Receiving, in the Third Degree, a class “D” Felonies,
* Three counts of Official Misconduct, class “A” Misdemeanors

* One count of Receiving Unlawful Gratuities, a class “A” Misdemeanor  

 

Allegedly Speeding Toward a Lawsuit By Hezi Aris

Yonkers, NY -- Acid-tongued bloggers have learned that Yonkers City Clerk Vincent Spano was stopped for allegedly speeding a few months ago by a Westchester County Police Officer. It is understood that Vincent Spano, when stopped by the officer mentioned that his brother is Leonard Spano, the former president of the Westchester County Police Department Police Benevolent Association (WCPDPBA). Months later, the same officer again had the opportunity to stop Vincent Spano for allegedly speeding. This time when Vincent Spano mentioned his brother Leonard Spano being the past president of the WCPDPBA, the officer that had stopped Vincent Spano is said to have told Vincent Spano to have his brother call him.

Download Legislator Alvarado's Cocktail Birthday Party Invitation February 25, 2009

Download Legislator Alvarado's Cocktail Birthday Party Invitation

Were They Also Bewitched? Henry J. Stern

As Economy Keeps Declining Columnists Chide Incumbents;
Paterson Seen as Bewildered While Bloomberg is Bothered by Shifting Party Loyalties

Written on February 23, 2009

The reputations of some politicians are sliding nearly as rapidly as the stock market. One reason is the depressed state of the economy. Many people have lost their jobs, and others who would be coming into the labor market this year see little hope of finding the jobs that would have been offered two years ago. Thousands of young professionals have been laid off by both large and small firms, leaving them unable to pay the substantial debt they incurred for tuition.

Ed Koch Commentary of February 23, 2009

President Obama has so far received high marks from the vast majority of his supporters and even from many non-supporters. He has fulfilled, particularly by his cabinet appointments, our hope and belief that he would be moderate in his policies. He has disappointed and antagonized those in the Democratic big tent who were hoping he would support radical left positions.

Annabi Says “Find Cuts Elsewhere!”

Calls Upon Yonkers Public School District to Keep Magnet Programs

Yonkers, NY -- Alarmed by the recent announcement that the Yonkers Schools may end their magnet programs, Majority Leader Annabi, who also chairs the Yonkers City Council’s Education Committee is calling on the District to find cuts elsewhere.

New York Post Must be Held Accountable for Cartoon Publication By Damon K. Jones

The New York Post publication of the cartoon of two white police officers shooting an unarmed monkey has spawned public outcry among many Americans; especially people of African American decent. The so-called apology from the New York Post is even more reprehensible to figure that they=2 0can somewhat apologize for the insensitivity of their Editor and Chief on the issue of race in America. 

Yonkers Industrial Development Agency Responds to State Comptroller Audit

Yonkers IDA Makes Intelligent Investments that Consistently Contribute to City's Overall Revitalization Efforts

Many of the Comptroller’s Recommendations Already Addressed by Current IDA Management Team

 
Yonkers, NY -- The Yonkers Industrial Development Agency (Yonkers IDA) today said that it consistently makes intelligent investments that have and will continue to contribute jobs, revenue, homes and stability to the City’s overall revitalization efforts.