White Plains CitizeNetReporter

Temperatures approached 70 Monday afternoon in a touching fairwell, as the low sun on the western horizon cast its golden gentle hue across Playland Park, giving a last caress. The beach found parents, children and dogs just digging the scene.

WPCNR News & Comment By John F. Bailey November 11,2019

I could not attend today’s Veterans Ceremony at City Hall because of a previous commitment. I am republishing this piece I wrote a number of years ago, commenting on the significance of Veterans Day:W

It is the 11th day of the 11th month, and it is 1918. Armistice Day the day when World War I “The Great War to end all Wars” officially ended. Sadly, the way “The Great War” ended and subsequent reparations penalties on Germany, set the stage for a century of war:  World War II, the Holocaust, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the 6-Day War,  the first Iraq War, the Afghan War..

It was sunny on the steps of City Hall today in White Plains this morning , not at all like the trenchs of the Somme in that “Great War.” I wrote the piece that follows in 2013 that delivers some of the feelings of all Armistice Days

I attended the Veterans Day Ceremony in White Plains Rural Cemetery in 2013.  I met Ross Marsico,(above) the 90 year old  veteran of World War II who fought with the Third Army in France, Belgium and Germany. He was wounded by shrapnel, spent 45 days in a hospital THEN returned to active duty.

Mr. Marsico returned to the USA and spent 30 years as an active policeman in Harrison. He was honored as the 2013 Veteran’s Day Honoree

Mr. Marsico is a native of White Plains, just turned 90 in 2013, is an outstanding person to have the honor to meet. When he was asked questions how he felt about being  honored, he said he just represented all the other veterans and every day people who had served, that it was not about him. Then he teared up.

Veterans day makes you tear up.

Chaplain Bob Donnelly of American Legion Post 135 in the invocation observed that the gathering was there to honor persons who had written a “blank check to the United States of America, good for everything including their life in service to their country.”

Adele Zucker(above , Past President of Jewish War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary, said  Veterans day was to honor the veterans who came back and have contributed so much to their hometowns in addition to their military service. 

Chaplain Bob Donnelly noted that when he returned from the Vietnam war he was spat upon by a woman in an airport and called a baby killer, and observed today’s veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan  conflicts are much more respected.

Then came brief  inspiration remarks by the Mayor, Tom Roach, who proclaimed Monday Veteran’s Day in White Plains  and U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Jason Freeland(below)

Sergeant Freeland, in his most recent tour, was responsible for training Afghan army and police recruits. He is now head of recruiting for the Marines in White Plains. He mentioned how honored he was to be among the veterans attending, and how it was their and those like them whose service that make it possible for him and today’s servicemen and women to perform and live up to the veterans’ example. This  truth was echoed again how you serve matters and it is an inspiration to those who come after you.

Mayor Roach with Commandant Jack Collins of American Legion Post 135  places the Mayor’s Veteran’s Day Board Wreath at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

The Home Defense Wreathis placed by members of the White Plains Police and Fire Department

Dennis Jones, left, places the White Plains Historical Society Wreath. Joan Steere , Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution placed the final commemorative wreath.

The White Plains Middle School Band played Anchors Aweigh, The Caissons Go Rolling Along, The Marines Hymn, Semper Fidelis (Coast Guard), and Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder (Air Force).

Crisp. Inspiring, evoking the rich traditions and pride and sacrifice of the American armed forces.

As the gathering left, the tent was folded, and the crowd drifted away, until another Memorial Day another Veterans Day.

I remained and watched the tombstones of the Revolutionary War Dead…names no longer readable on the stones, they still spoke as one.

Cemeteries like the White Plains Rural Cemetery inspire by the testimony of the simple stones, the tiny flags denoting veterans and the stones too of every day people of long ago who lived well. As I read their stones I wonder what their lives were like their thoughts, their actions in that long ago time.

Cemeteries are not places of regret, but, instead inspiration to ignite in us, with their  memories, to continue to work on our own lives and live up to the examples of persons like the veterans still with us and those who have departed.

Rifle Salute to the Departed Veterans by American Legion Post #135, was followed by Taps, played by Bob Freis

The veterans are getting older.

James Dwyer of American Legion Post 135 was scheduled  to read Flanders Field. He could not  due to illness according to Commander Jack Collins. This is the touching poem penned in World War I, Mr. Dywer would have read. He could not, so I will publish it for him.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders field

This has been a reminiscence of a Veterans Day event of the past in 2013, that I wrote that year. It is not a report on today’s Veterans Day ceremony, but I am sure that many of the same sentiments were said.

May we shake the hand active soldiers we meet in airports and railroad stations today to recognize their service and just thank them. You do not have to say a word. A handshake. A respectfiul nod of the head is all that is necessary to recognize what serving your country as a soldier means.

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. November 8, 2019:

Westchester County Executive George Latimer unveiled his 2020 proposed Operating Budget at the County Office building before County leadership, staff, the Westchester County Board of Legislators, non-profit leaders and municipal officials.  The $2.1 billion dollar budget includes a $1 million dollar cut to the Westchester County Property Tax Levy.

Latimer said:

“We made a commitment to freeze County property taxes, and now we can go a bit further and cut the County’s property tax levy by $1 million. This budget is about the people who live in Westchester County, it is about giving them some property tax relief, and at the same time working to make their County the best it can be – by providing services and programs taxpayers rely on while placing the County back onto solid financial ground.”

This is the first time, in almost a decade that a County Executive has proposed a budget that reduces the County property tax levy.  The cut to the tax levy is due in large part to the Westchester County Property Taxpayer Protection Act which shares back 20% to municipalities and 10% to school districts. The 30% amounts to over $40 million helping to provide additional property tax relief.

The share-back is directly responsible for the 0% increase to the Greenburgh property tax rate.  Greenburgh expects to receive $3.2 million in unanticipated revenues in 2019 and 2020.

Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said: “The reason why the town was able to have a 0% tax increase is because of the decision of Westchester County Executive George Latimer to share revenues from the sales tax with local governments.  This shared revenue will make it easier for all local governments to comply with the tax cap and work to end Westchester’s distinction of having the highest property taxes in the United States.”

Additionally, Lewisboro was able to keep their property tax rate under the New York State cap as a result of the additional sales tax dollars. Lewisboro was also able to spend:

• $200,000 to cover likely shortfall in mortgage tax receipts,
• $150,000 to cover retirement cost of Parks Superintendent,
• $70,000 to cover additional hours for Police Chief and promotion of one patrolman to Sergeant caused in part by NYS Pre-Trial Discovery law reform, and
• $40,000 in balance restoration.

Lewisboro Town Supervisor Peter Parsons said: “The additional funding from the sales tax will help the Town spread the tax burden more evenly, and is a first step toward being fairer to our senior citizens who tend to be property rich.”

For the 2020 Budget, the County will also have no “one-shot” deals, a step in the right direction to restore the County’s once sterling Triple A Bond rating.  Further, the Budget memorializes Latimer’s commitment to rebuild the County’s reserves – reserves that were nearly depleted by the last administration.  Latimer has directed that $10 million dollars be added to the County’s “rainy day fund” – bringing it up to $79 Million – a 23% increase from just one year ago.

The 2020 budget also features zero borrowing for operating expenses. All ongoing expenses, including pension obligations and tax certioraris, will be paid through the operating budget – not borrowed. In the long term this move saves taxpayer dollars.

Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Gayle Marchica said: “It has been incumbent upon County Executive Latimer to restore fiscal order to a budget that had been pushed past a reasonable threshold. Latimer’s proposal of no ‘one-shot deals’ to restore fiscal credibility, the replenishing of the County reserves, and zero-borrowing, exhibit a well thought out and sustainable approach to a longer-range plan. Ongoing small business growth is contingent upon our fiscal health and economic promise. As a small business leader, I am hopeful for further economic growth, workforce development and profitability in our County’s business vista.”

The Budget invests $1.5 million dollars in new Housing and Community Development initiatives, focusing on not only building affordable housing, but also education initiatives to enable more Westchester families to move toward homeownership. 

The 2020 budget also allocates $1 million dollars in Economic Development.  The money will be used for:

• A comprehensive long-term economic development strategy and implementation plan. 
  • The last plan was developed in 2000. 
  • This will provide a roadmap for economic development for the next 1-5 years and beyond.
• Workforce development initiatives to promote economic development in Westchester County by bringing more wage earners into the workforce.
• Building a pipeline of talent that will enable Westchester County businesses to grow, through a mentorship program.
• Initiatives to develop a more vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurship in Westchester County, including the expansion of our Element 46 Incubator Program.

Maintaining his commitment to the environment, Latimer has earmarked $400k for additional funding for environmental initiatives including storm water gaugesand Planting Westchester, a program that will plant trees, greenery and add community gardens for food security and carbon sequestration.  The County’s program is modeled after New York City’s successful Million Tree Campaign.

Additionally included:

• Refrigerant Disposal Program – Awareness campaign to ensure proper disposal of refrigerants as well as solid waste enforcement and subsidies for municipalities to insure proper collection and disposal.
• Real-Time Meters – Placed in all County facilities to track energy usage to increase energy savings and the Demand Response Program (earnings).
• Food Scrap Recycling –Phase 1 of the Implementation of recommendations from the “Food Scrap Recycling Study.”
• Fleet Electrification – Increase purchasing of electric vehicles and build-out of charging infrastructure.

Westchester County Climate Crisis Task Force Chair and the President of the Westchester Chapter of The Climate Reality Project Janet Harckham said: “The allocation of funds to the office of Energy Conservation and Sustainability demonstrates the commitment by the County to make meaningful strides to combat the climate crisis.  This investment enables the department to create a tree planting initiative, significantly reduce greenhouse gasses and save money through energy efficiency, and invest in renewable power. This is a win, win, win.”

County Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Peter McCartt said:  “Implementing these various programs shows a further commitment by this administration that we are up to the task of battling back against the forces that are exacerbating this climate crisis.”

Working towards a complete count, Latimer has allocated $150k for Census 2020 initiatives to ensure that every resident in Westchester is counted so the County does not lose out on both federal representation and federal funding.  Specifically:

• Capacity building – helping organizations increase awareness about the census,
• Volunteer recruitment and
• Creation of local census hubs.

Latimer has also set money aside to meet the new state mandates for criminal justice reform and election reform.

After the rash of hate crimes in the County, Latimer is also refocusing on the County’s Human Rights Commission and adding the position of a Hate Crime Specialist to the department.   Additionally, dollars have been set aside for Anti-Bias Educational Programs for Schools and College Campuses. 

In our nationally accredited Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, on the heels of a banner year at Playland, with the highest attendance for the past four years, Latimer is continuing to invest in the Park this time by increasing Playland’s marketing budget by $250K, bringing the total amount now to $1.2 million in 2020.  Three curators will also be added to the Parks Department to be rotated among facilities to have 7 day Curator coverage.  Additionally, a maintenance employee will be added at Hilltop Hanover Farm.  

Non-profits are also slated to receive an overall 3% increase, and the budget includes the creation of a non-profit contracting position to improve the procurement process.  The Chief Non-Profit Contract Officer will serve as County-wide liaison to non-profit agencies contracting with the County to assist with the processing of contracts, provides training with the Department of Information Technology for departments and vendors on modules of the Vendor Portal, and ensure all of the administrative processes involved in the development, awarding and monitoring of contracts are handled in a timely and efficient manner.

Additionally, the Invest in Kids programs will be expanded to include pilot programs that will allow innovation, and will not be limited to geography or socioeconomic patterns. Invest in Kids was established under the Westchester County Youth Bureau Charter as a mechanism for provision of local tax levy financial resource for expanded use of the positive youth development model in addressing the needs of at-risk youth under the age of 21.

Additionally, the budget is making significant changes to how the County administers its daycare program by reducing the parent contribution for childcare from 27% to 25%, eliminating hourly billing and granting a 3% provider increase.

Moreover the 2020 budget also earmarks money for:

•      Stepping-up County customer service initiatives for Bee-Line and Paratransit,

•      Streamlining the capital project process (DPW & Parks),

•      Takes a holistic approach to community development and sustainability (DPW & Planning) and

•      Studying fire response and prevention at Valhalla Grasslands Campus.

Latimer has handed the budget to the Westchester County Board of Legislators.  They are charged with passing the budget before December 27, 2019 as ordered by the Charter.

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2019. NOVEMBER 5, 2019  UPDATED NOVEMBER 6 9 E.S.T.:

WITH ALL DISTRICTS COUNTED White Plains voters have sent Democratic Candidates for Common Council, incumbent Councilwoman Nadine Hunt-Robinson, and first-time candidates Victoria Presser and Jennifer Puja into office.

Virtually 3 out of every 4 voters, chose them over Andrew Custodio, Anne Marie Encarnacao and Brian Peroni, and Independent Candidate, Kat Brezler.

The Hunt-Robinson, Presser, Puja election guarantees an all-Democratic Common Council in White Plains beginning in January 2020, with four men and 3 women making up the Council

As dawn broke this morning, 15 County Legislature seats will all be held by Democrats. Because Gordon Burrows, longtime Yonkers legislator lost 51% to 49% to Ruth Walters, with Walters having 5,395 votes to Burrows’ total of 5,193, a slender 202 votes. Pending a recount, The Westchester County Legislature will be 15-2, in favor of the Democratic Party

Benjamin Boykin, of the uncontested Democrat incumbents returns to the County Legislature in District 7.

Here are the unofficial White Plains Common Council results with all districts tallied

NADINE H ROBINSON  Totals 5,787 24%

VICTORIA F PRESSER 5,143 22%

JENNIFER L PUJA  Totals 5,650 25%

 ANDREW C CUSTODIO  Totals 1,964 9%

BRIAN J PERONI 1,964 9%

ANNE ENCARNACAO 1,905 8%

KAT BREZLER 607 3%

Salaries  Go up 1/4% in 2018-19. 3% in each of next two years.

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. November 4, 2019 UPDATED NOVEMBER 5:

The City of White Plains Common Council on the night before election day, approved a stipulated agreement with the White Plains Professional Firegighters who have been without a contract since June 30, 2018. The vote was 6-0, with Councilman John Kirkpatric absent.

The first year of the contract beginning July 1, 2018, calls for a 1-1/2% increase in the step salary levels, but according to the agreement:

“In exchange for the City adopting and paying all of the costs associated with the (firefighters’) pension plan now and in the future, the PFFA will contribute to the cost of  (their) Pension Plan by reducing its  July 1, 2018 salary increase by 1% ( to)0.25% and to waive all retroactive payments (associated there with.”

“The PFFA will further contribute to the cost of the (firefighters) pension plan by waiving the July 1, 2018 Welfare Fund increase of $40 per employee and any retroactive payment associated therewith. Employees will continue to contribute toward their pension plan as required by the New York State Retirement and Social Security Law.”

WPCNR asked the Mayor’s Office for an explanation of the new agreement this morning, because the details of the plan were not included as part of the agenda.

In an unusual phenomena, the backup packet  for all items was also not included below the Common Council agenda on the city website for reference.

The backup packet was eventually published by 2 PM and put on the website.

In year two of the agreement the firemen’s salary schedules will be increased by 3% and also 3% in year three, 2020-2021.

It is unclear what costs the city  will pay of the costs of the firefighters pension plan at this time, i.e. whether all medical costs will be paid by the city, for example. Currently the firefighters WPCNR believes are required to pay 15% of their medical costs.

City hall did not get back to WPCNR there is no telling whether the 3% increases the next two years wipe out the givebacks the PFFA agreed to in the Stipulation of agreement.

It is also unclear how retired firefighters are affected going forward.

Firefighters’ contribution to the Welfare Fund will increase $40 each year of the three year contract.

The Professional Fire Fighters are expected to vote on the agreement Friday.