On library policies
To the Editor:
As president of the board of trustees of the John C. Hart Memorial Library, I am responding to Sandra Goldstein’s letter published in your June 3 issue. While I understand her disappointment at not being able to register her visiting grandchildren for our storytelling program, I’d like to take this opportunity to explain the reasoning behind our resident policy.
The library is not alone in having a resident use policy. The Yorktown and Lakeland Central School Districts, and the Yorktown Department of Parks & Recreation also require that participants reside in the Town of Yorktown. Visitors such as grandchildren who reside in other communities are not considered residents.
Our story hour is one of the most sought-after and successful programs among the many we provide for the children of Yorktown. Because of the overwhelming demand, and because our staff and program space are limited, we find it difficult to accommodate the children who are residents of the Yorktown community.
However, Ms. Goldstein is most welcome to bring her grandchildren to visit the library and participate in our summer reading program – and, of course, she may use her library card to borrow books, DVDs, games, etc. for her grandchildren to enjoy.
Audrey Sherman
President, board of trustees
John C. Hart Memorial Library
Rethink new tree code
To the Editor:
At a recent public meeting, most residents objected to the over restrictive proposed tree ordinance. This law will require a resident to obtain a permit to remove more than a specific number of trees based on lot size. In most cases, this equates to homeowners having to obtain a permit for removing more than two trees. However, the objections must have fallen on deaf ears. This is not about trees; it is yet another example of the current majority demonstrating a profound lack of leadership.
The town board is now proposing to force through this legislation by enacting the tree ordinance with little revision. The logic or lack thereof, is to “try out” the ordinance and see what complaints are received from the residents. The plan is to put a sunset provision in the ordinance that will require the town board to revisit it at a later time. During that time, no fees will be collected, but fines will be levied against residents who violate this very convoluted set of requirements.
The town board (and town hall) needs leadership, and someone prepared to make a decision for the good of the community. This “let's try it and see” attitude is an abdication of their responsibility. The inaction on the Comprehensive Plan, senior center, safety, police, roads, taxes are all examples of the current majority’s lack of leadership and inability to get things done.
This being said, there is much benefit from preserving, protecting, conserving our forests and woodlands. We must prevent uncontrolled, widespread cutting of trees. However, ignoring the obvious problems and enacting such an intrusive, restrictive and convoluted ordinance just does not make common sense. If the goal of this ordinance is to prevent widespread clear cutting, then let’s rewrite the ordinance to address this specific situation without infringing on property owners’ rights.
Then let’s couple that with a campaign to educate our residents as to the benefits of minimizing the cutting of trees, planting desirable species, and accomplish the goals of the Tree Conservation Advisory Commission. It is time for the Yorktown Town Board to re-think the need for the proposed tree preservation ordinance.
J. Mark Drexel
Yorktown
[Mr. Drexel is a Republican candidate for Yorktown Town Board in the
coming fall elections.]
Be a volunteer
To the Editor:
As the president of the Peekskill Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps, I am writing to thank you for your commentary asking the community to recognize and remember the efforts and sacrifices of volunteer emergency service workers.
The Peekskill Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps has been serving the Peekskill area since 1964. Our members have jobs and families and the busy schedules that seem to be part and parcel of life today, and yet, they take time out to provide outstanding volunteer emergency medical services to our community. Additionally, our youth group seeks to teach teenagers the importance of giving back to one’s community.
So, Mr. Apar, allow me to echo your words of thanks to all those emergency service workers, especially the volunteers, whose expertise and dedication are crucial to keeping our communities safe and healthy.
I encourage anyone interested in learning more about the Peekskill Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps to visit our Web site at pcvac.org or e-mail us at pcvac75@gmail.com.
Dawn Maldonado
PresidentPeekskill Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Keresey lauds Whetsel
To the Editor:
In Sunday’s Journal News, the chairwoman of the Putnam Valley Democratic Committee noted to the writer that incumbent Wendy Whetsel was not endorsed by the town committee because she did not adhere to the Democratic platform. In particular, Chairwoman Orenstein was quoted as saying that Mrs. Whetsel did not support the building moratorium put forth by then Supervisor Sam Davis.
In fact, Mrs. Whetsel was a strong supporter of the building moratorium, and it was I who disagreed with the moratorium. Mrs. Whetsel and I had many conversations in which she tried to convince me of the importance of passing that resolution. I could not in good conscience change my mind, so in the end she suggested we simply remove it from the agenda, leaving open the possibility of voting it in at any time in the future (having had all the necessary public hearings).
In her usual fashion, Mrs. Whetsel graciously took the high road in her response in that article, rather than tear down another member of her team (me). She has always been a quiet, dignified and powerful presence in our community, refusing to sling mud at her opponents, and working tirelessly for alternative energy concepts that do not stress taxpayers; lower taxes for the citizens of Putnam Valley; and as much green space as is legally permissible.
She is the best candidate for Putnam Valley Town Board in my opinion, and has my total support. Wendy truly represents the mainstream Democrats in our community. She will continue to serve as a strong voice for all the people in Putnam Valley always willing to listen and compromise when necessary. She is the only true solid choice for councilperson this September for the primary, and in November for the general election.
Priscilla Keresey
Putnam Valley Town Council
Get to know Lieberman
To the Editor:
Anthony Bazzo's commentary discusses the town board race in Putnam Valley.
Hopefully, Putnam Valley Democratic voters will take the opportunity over the next two months to acquaint themselves with Chris Lieberman. He is not new to Putnam Valley and his qualifications for the town board are indeed impressive. A former EMT, he is now the chief pilot for the Aviation Unit of the Westchester Police. He came to the fore this season with the Peekskill Hollow Road issue and was active in advocating for the continuation of county EMT services.
He will be an asset working with budgets and financial planning for the future of Putnam Valley. And, unlike the current board, he will be attentive to the needs of the residents.
It is unfortunate that Councilwoman Whetsel feels the need to oppose this newcomer to town politics. The public has been clear in rejecting her continued candidacy.
We need Chris Lieberman’s fresh perspective.
Dawn V. Powell
Putnam Valley
Thanks to Good Samaritans
To the Editor:
I would like to thank everyone who assisted at the scene of our school bus accident on Route 6 and Curry Street, which occurred on June 23: Officer Peters of the Yorktown Police Dept., Asst. Chief Brian Wolert, Mohegan Volunteer Fire Association and his staff; the EMS staff; Paul Perry and Mike Weber of Different Strokes Pools Inc.; Yorktown and the unknown woman who witnessed the accident and comforted the driver and attendant at the scene.
Fortunately, there were no students on the bus and no serious injuries.
Thank you to everyone for your dedication, professionalism and help in a very frightening situation.
Rochelle O’Mara
Transportation Supervisor
Croton Harmon UFSC
Free rides need to stop
To the Editor:
The Dream Bill is a nightmare for legal U.S. residents.
Why should those who have chosen to violate our laws now demand equal treatment? If illegals are allowed to violate one law, entering the country illegally, then legal residents should be allotted the same. Let legal residents violate one law as well. Then we would have equal treatment.
How many children of legal immigrants have worked two or three jobs to attain a college degree because the government could not help them financially? Further, if these illegal immigrants want to attend college and get their citizenship they can do so proudly through our armed services. The Montgomery and Post 9/11 Bill provides for this. How many of those illegal immigrants are registered with our selective service, a requirement that must be fulfilled by legal residents as well as illegal residents?
Legal immigrants throughout our history have struggled to attain the lofty positions they hold today. Many have done so without government aid, too proud to take handouts. Many also entered our armed services bravely serving their new country.
The free rides need to stop. If you are here illegally, you have shown you do not respect the laws of this country. If it is an education that you seek, go back to your homeland and get it there. Petition the government in your homeland to make the necessary changes to pay for your education. Legal U.S. residents cannot afford to pay for illegals anymore.
Linda Cabral Marrero
Ossining
Hall doesn’t represent her
To the Editor:
Our Representative John Hall voted “yes” on the Cap and Trade Bill, the biggest tax increase and job killer in our history. Get ready for our energy rates to skyrocket, double- and triple-fold.
I called Mr. Hall’s office the day before the vote and was told that he had not decided on how he would vote. I asked if he had read the 1,500-page bill and was told yes he had. OK, so far so good. I was left with some hope that he would vote no.
I called his office again on Friday, June 26, just hours before the vote and again was told he had not made a decision. At this point, it required my “willing suspension of disbelief” to believe what I was hearing. Just one hour after the House vote was final, Mr. Hall sent an e-mail stating how proud he was that he voted yes on the Cap and Trade Bill.
Well, if he was so “proud” of his vote, why didn’t he want to tell me that he was voting “yes?” Do the people of District 19 want this kind of representation? So far in his three years in office Mr. Hall has not made one vote that I agree with. He has voted 100 percent of the time with Mrs. Pelosi. Sorry, but Mrs. Pelosi does not represent me and now neither does Mr. Hall.
It is time for a real change.
Nina Ceccacci
Somers
Somers festivities ‘perfect’
To the Editor:
Thanks to all who participated in our 2009 Independence Day Celebration.
Whether you just came and enjoyed the festivities or volunteered to run an activity, your presence made the day more memorable. Beginning with the Lynn Adams Memorial Run/Walk through the spectacular fireworks that culminated the day’s events, everything was perfect.
Special thanks to the Somers Lions Club, Newcomers Club, SEF Leadership and Taconic Roadrunners, as well as the Somers Volunteer Fire Department, Somers Police Department and the Somers Parks Superintendent. These folks work tirelessly for months in advance so the day will run smoothly.
It is an honor to serve a town with such a strong community spirit and sense of place.
Mary Beth Murphy
Supervisor
Somers
Assembly keeps working
To the Editor:
What is taking place right now in the New York State Senate offers people another opportunity to become extremely frustrated with the state legislature. People have stopped me asking if I have been working. I can assure you that I have. Sometimes the responsibilities of the two houses in New York State can be confusing. However, during our session the Assembly was able to complete a very large agenda.
The Assembly passed many important bills. This included bills that would not impose unfunded mandates on other governments, which might result in increased property taxes, legislation that would keep people safe, and bills that would help with basic needs.
One of my major concerns is that most of the 1,252 bills which the Assembly passed have not been voted on in the Senate. Of particular importance, bills that allow both Putnam and Westchester counties to continue to have their county sales taxes must be approved by the state. The Assembly has approved the bills, but without Senate action, no sales tax could mean increased property taxes to make up for lost revenues. Certainly none of us would like this to happen.
To keep our businesses here, the Assembly has approved legislation to continue providing low cost power to certain companies in our state. That is also in jeopardy because of the Senate’s inaction.
The bills we passed will keep our state competitive and green, and help our residents with health care and consumer issues. Hopefully the Senate will find a way to complete the job they were elected to do for all New Yorkers.
Sandy Galef
New York Assembly
90th District
Kudos to Colonial Terrace
To the Editor:
We had a family function recently at Colonial Terrace in Cortlandt Manor. We were treated like family from our first meeting through the party and were even helped getting gifts to the car.
What an extraordinary person - Leon [Drogy] is a great businessman, but a greater human being! I am so happy I did not go to another place in New Rochelle when we are blessed with such an establishment in our backyard.
A thank-you simply wasn’t enough for the extras that Leon does with love and patience to accommodate you and your guests. Also, as a board member of the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, I see Leon's generosity to the community on a regular basis. I felt compelled to pass this along.
Diane and Bob Arenholz
Yorktown Heights
For the record
To the Editor:
This is the speech that the Yorktown Democratic Party refused to let me read at their recent un-Democratic Convention.
The “book” [I was holding] is a loose- leaf binder containing hundreds of letters to the editor, photos, proclamations, military schools graduation certificates, Taconic opera reviews, personal letters from U.S. presidents and Congressman Mario Biaggi.
Tonight, you are being asked to select two candidates from a field of five. Keep in mind, that only one, the incumbent, has the advantage of incumbency. Of the four remaining first time candidates, what criteria will you use in selecting one or perhaps two of the four candidates? Should you by-pass the incumbent in-spite of his incumbency advantage, how will you make your selection. Will it be decided on a two minute speech?
Will the candidate be selected because he is a member of the ol’ boys’ club or will it be the pay to play system that seems to be prevalent in modern day politics?
I pray none of the above.
I know not what others have done to warrant their selection, but as for me, look at my record as a community activist. Presently, I am president of the Seniors Club. Just recently was re-elected president of the Yorktown Chapter of the AARP. I am Chairman of the Seniors for the Yorktown senior center. I am the host of the “Senior Forum” TV show, the most viewed Show on Yorktown's public access channel 74. I publish the widely read Seniors Forum newsletter and The AARP newsletter with a combined distribution of 700 newsletters per month.
I'm here tonight in spite of attempts to discourage me from seeking the Democratic nomination for one of the open council seats. My visibility because of my active community involvement over the years has given me recognition and stature among my peers. Tonight, you have an obligation to your democratic constituency that you select the two candidates that are elect-able and who will best represent the party of the people, but more importantly will best serve the Yorktown community at large. Tonight you have an obligation to the voters of Yorktown that you will make sure that the nominating process is fair and balanced.
Due to recent disturbing allegations of political impropriety, you have the responsibility of selecting candidates having moral integrity, whose purpose is to serve the people of this community, and not one of self-interest.
My record of 12 years will attest that my interest, my purpose for involvement has always been one of public service. Seniors and non-seniors, because of my involvement, are enthusiastically supportive of my candidacy and are urging me to move forward with determination and sense of purpose.
Nick DiTomaso
President of Yorktown Chapter of AARP,
Chairman of Yorktown Seniors for a Senior Center,
and host of the “Senior Forum” TV show. |
