WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE-ELECT ASTORINO NAMES FOUR COMMISSIONERS

Ann Marie Berg, George N. Longworth, Kerry M. Oristano, and Lawrence C. Soule Will Serve Key Roles in New Administration

White Plains, NY-Dec. 30...Westchester County Executive-elect Rob Astorino (R-I) today announced that he has appointed four key commissioners to his incoming administration: Current Town of Eastchester Comptroller Ann Marie Berg will serve as Westchester County Commissioner of Finance; former Dobbs Ferry Police Chief George N. Longworth will be Public Safety Commissioner; Lawrence C. Soule, Deputy Secretary of Finance for the New York State Senate will join the Astorino Administration as Budget Director, and current Deputy Personnel Officer for the City of White Plains, Kerry M. Oristano, will serve as Human Resources Commissioner.

The new commissioners come from diverse political backgrounds. Ms. Berg and Ms. Oristano are Republicans, Mr. Soule is a Democrat, and Mr. Longworth is not registered with any political party.  Mr. Astorino will become Westchester County Executive at the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2010.  His formal swearing in ceremony will be held on Sunday, January 3rd at SUNY Purchase.

Ms. Berg, a resident of Ossining, NY, holds three degrees from Pace University (B.B.A. 1983; M.S.E. 1997, and M.P.A. 1999.) She has served as Comptroller of the Town of Eastchester since 1997.  She served as Comptroller of the Town of Mount Pleasant from 1992-1997.

Mr. Longworth, a graduate of the FBI National Academy, served as Dobbs Ferry Chief of Police from 1982-2007.  He received his law degree from Pace University in 2002, and a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Mercy College (1993.)

Ms. Oristano has served as Deputy Personnel Director for the City of White Plains since 2003.  Prior to that, she maintained a private law practice in Scarsdale, NY, the Law Office of Kerry Oristano, which specialized in employment matters. From 1987-2001, Ms. Oristano served as Senior Counsel at Axa Financial Services/The MONY Group in New York City.  She holds a B.S. degree from St. John's University and a J.D. from St. John's School of Law.

Before joining the New York State Senate in 2009, Mr. Soule served as a Vice President at Banc of America Securities, LLC, Bank of America. He served as a financial advisor to the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Government of Guam from 1998-2002, while at First Union Capital Markets/Wachovia Securities.  He worked as an analyst for Moody's Investor Services from 1995-1998. Mr. Soule holds a B.S. from Lehigh University and an M.B.A. from Northeastern University.

Mr. Astorino recently appointed leading Westchester County attorney Kevin J. Plunkett to serve as his Deputy County Executive; current Westchester Board of Legislators Minority Leader George Oros his Chief of Staff, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch communications officer Edwin J. (Ned) McCormack to serve as his Communications Director and senior adviser. 

Moreover, Mr. Astorino retained the following commissioners:  Mae Carpenter, Senior Services Commissioner; Dr. Grant Mitchell, Community Mental Health Commissioner; Dr. Millard Hyland, Medical Examiner and Labs & Research Commissioner; Marguerite Beirne, Chief Information Officer; Joseph Stout, Parks and Recreation Commissioner; Rocco Pozzi, Probation Commissioner, Anthony Sutton, Emergency Services Commissioner; Thomas Lauro, Environmental Facilities Commissioner; Kevin Mahon, Social Services Commissioner and Larry Salley, Transportation Commissioner.

Mr. Astorino also announced a number of Deputy Commissioners that will be elevated to Acting Commissioner for their respective departments: John Hsu, Acting Public Works Commissioner; Kevin Cheverko, Acting Corrections Commissioner; Ed Buroughs, Acting Planning Commissioner and Patsy Yang, M.D.PH, Acting Health Commissioner.

"I am proud to announce the appointment of these four highly qualified new commissioners," County Executive-elect Astorino said. "Public safety and fiscal responsibility should be the top priorities of any administration, and I am confident that these key new members of my administration will carry out their duties brilliantly. We have a lot of work to do in Westchester, and I am fortunate to be surrounded by men and women with decades of expertise in their fields.  I will rely on them to hit the ground running on day one." 

WESTCHESTER LEGISLATORS REACH 2010 COUNTY BUDGET AGREEMENT
Board restores funding for social safety net services and reduces tax increase to low 2.9%

(White Plains, NY) ~ After weeks of deliberation, the Westchester County Board of Legislators reached final agreement and, tonight, voted to approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 county operating budget.  The $1.8 billion dollar budget includes 3.3% estimate of sales tax growth in 2010, eliminates a combination of twelve filled and vacant staff positions and took a vacancy factor in almost all county departments for added savings, includes a consolidation of the county’s departments of health and mental health and continues the transfer of non-mandated programs.  The budget protects essential County services and cut the tax increase to a low 2.9%. Westchester County Board Chairman William J. Ryan (D, WFP-White Plains) said “the budget adoption was the result of hundreds of hours of serious discussion where legislators and staff worked to reduce spending and lower the tax rate.”  The Board worked through the nation’s most difficult economic crisis since the Great Depression, exercising great care to protect our residents and keep our triple “A” financial bond ratings at the highest level. This budget includes keeping vital day-care slots available for needy families and preserving programs for our county’s seniors.  “This is one of the toughest budgets our county has faced in decades,” said Chairman Ryan.  “I am proud of the hard and difficult work that my colleagues and our staff did to protect core services such as neighborhood health centers, child care, and legal assistance for the indigent and public safety services among many others that will keep our people safe and secure.”

Highlights of the 2010 proposed budget include:

·  Millions in savings in federal aid from Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP)

· Transfer of non-mandated programs to local providers

· Reduction of staff positions countywide (transfer of non-mandated programs & vacancy factors)

· $13.6 million dollar Capital program for road  and other critical infrastructure projects

· No raises for Commissioners or Deputy Commissioners

· Full restoration on proposed countywide furloughs for all employees

As per our Charter mandate, the Board held numerous hearings on the FY10 budget that included over a hundred hours of testimony.  The Board heard from county agencies and well over 150 members of the public during weeks of regional public hearings.  This year’s budget details many of the concerns expressed by agency commissioners, Legislators and average Westchester residents during the FY10 preliminary budget hearings.   “This agreement will balance the operating budget during one of the most tumultuous economic times in recent memory,” said the Board’s Committee on Budget and Appropriations Chairman Jose Alvarado (D-Yonkers).  “This has not been an easy budget to craft, but tonight, I'm gratified that we are able to balance a budget that will protect core county services, and keep residents safe and healthy”. 

This budget was accomplished despite a 4% increase of in contractual raises for union employees; millions in additional state and federally mandated social services; and other mandated costs. If these costs were not addressed, it could have resulted in a 4.9% property tax increase.  “This budget takes into consideration the current economic climate, both locally and nationally,” said Chairman Alvarado. “Overall, this budget shows, once again, that this Board can come together for the benefit of all Westchester residents.”

“I want to congratulate Chairmen Ryan and Alvarado, my fellow Legislators and Board staff members for their extraordinary work in negotiating this budget under the tough fiscal circumstances we face currently, as well as uncertainty that exists in Albany at this time,” said Majority Leader Martin Rogowsky (D-Port Chester). “In these most difficult economic times, we are able to protect the most vulnerable residents in restoring budget cuts to the safety net, while remaining fiscally responsible. There were tough choices to be made; however, we have successfully negotiated a budget that will protect working class Westchester residents.”

WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR PETER HARCKHAM ANNOUNCES BID FOR STATE ASSEMBLY

Hold the salt! Learn the latest environmentally friendly methods of de-icing roadways during the Conservation Café on Friday, December 4, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Greenburgh Public Library in Elmsford.

Highway superintendents, municipal managers, planners, naturalists, environmentalists, students and the public are invited. Topics and speakers for the program are as follows:

• “The Benefits of De-Icing with Brine” by Michael Simone, Superintendent of Highways, Town of Carmel;
• “Environmental Impacts of Traditional vs. Modern De-Icing Techniques” by Jim Reed, principal of Jim Reed Enterprises, Inc., specialists in brining equipment and technologies;
• “Impacts of Road Salt on the Environment and Organisms” by Dr. Stuart Findlay, aquatic ecologist from the Cary Institute of Ecosystems Studies.

Following the program, attendees are invited to participate in an open discussion from

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Joseph “Bud” Nicoletti, Commissioner of Public Works from the City of White Plains, will moderate.

Advance registration is requested by calling (914) 864-7047. Beverages will be served; participants should bring their own coffee mug. Carpooling is encouraged.

The Conservation Café and Conversations on Conservation (CoC) programs provide a forum for dialogue about current environmental issues. Private citizens, members of concerned organizations, municipal planners and others hear the latest information and have an opportunity to network.

Sponsors are Westchester County’s Parks and Planning departments, Greenburgh Public Library, Pace University, Friends of Westchester County Parks, Teatown Lake Reservation, Westchester Land Trust, Greenburgh Nature Center and Federated Conservationists of Westchester County.

The Greenburgh Public Library is located at 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford (right across from Syms and Bed, Bath and Beyond on Route 119).

Also Announces New Advanced Web Site with Patient-Friendly Portal

Today The Westchester Medical Group, a multi-specialty group medical practice based in White Plains that has served patients in the Hudson Valley since 1996, announces the change of its name to WESTMED Medical Group. At the same time, WMG is rolling out a newly designed Web site, which will enable patients to participate more actively in their health care and keep them in better touch with their doctors.

“Our name change, which is modern and concise, represents our vision for medicine,” said Simeon Schwartz, MD, president of the WESTMED Medical Group. “WESTMED is a model of the future of medicine—right now—today--because we provide a broad range of quality, coordinated medical care; we offer a full service experience for patients; and we work to prevent major procedures and surgeries.”

Dr. Barney Newman, WESTMED’s medical director, further explained, “Health care at WESTMED is patient-centered and already at the standard that President Obama often cites with his emphasis on primary care physicians and specialists working together as a team to give the best patient care, and using state of the art systems and electronic medical records.” WESTMED was an early adopter of electronic medical records in 2002, implementing it as a way to improve care and reduce the cost of health care.

“For these reasons, our brand is different from other health care providers, which is one of the reasons why we broke off from ‘Westchester this or that,’ Dr. Schwartz added. “We are looking to lessen confusion with this name change.”

WMG’s Medical Director, Dr. Barney Newman, said, “Along with our name change, we are bringing more technological innovation to the doctor-patient relationship to improve communication. We are enabling patients to have better access to us through our Web site at their convenience.” For example, patients will be able to view their virtual medical record 24/7 and see lab and radiology results, pay bills, schedule appointments, request prescription renewals and much more.

“These self-service and interactive features will be available to WESTMED patients 18 years of age and older via the patient friendly portal on the practice’s Web site at www.westmedgroup.com, “ said Dr. Newman. “We’re giving our patients easy-to-use Web tools to help them manage their non-emergency health care around the clock.”

“This newly signed law will lead to enhanced security on the roads, as it will ensure greater safety among all drivers, and especially among our children, who need this protection during their most vulnerable years driving.  While the recent wave of communications technology has changed the way we live, we must not let it change the way we drive, as study after study has shown the extremely dangerous impact of this combination,” Galef said. “In fact, the risks associated with driving and using hand held technology have been proven equally hazardous as those for drunk driving.”The law includes two sections aimed to help new drivers focus on their driving in order to prevent greater danger to themselves and others on the road.  This includes reducing the number from two to one non-family passengers under the age of 21 allowed in the car driven by a junior driver who is not accompanied by a specified supervising adult.

Additionally, there would be an increase in the number of hours of supervised driving from the current 20 to 50 hours required for a teen with a learner’s permit to qualify for a driver’s license. It also requires that at least 15 of these hours are at night. Lastly, the legislation prohibits drivers of all ages from engaging in the often dangerous behavior of using portable electronic devices.

This behavior is most commonly found in people who are texting while driving. The bill also bans drivers from accessing e-mail, playing games, transmitting images, using pagers, and using laptops. To enforce this ban, a $150 fine will face anyone convicted of such behavior.

Westchester County and Furniture Sharehouse hold collection drive at Glen Island Park on Sept 26

 Westchester County is teaming up with Furniture Sharehouse to recycle unwanted furniture that is in good condition to help needy Westchester families moving out of homeless shelters or recovering from personal or other disasters.

The collection drive will be held at the county’s Glen Island Park on Saturday, September 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The donated furniture is redistributed directly and free of charge to those who need it, and the items are kept out of the waste stream and recycled – a win-win situation for everyone.

Upholstered items must be free of stains, rips, fraying, pet hair, odors; wooden case goods must be in good repair without excessive staining, watermarks, or other wear. Go to www.furnituresharehouse.org and review donation guidelines to make sure your items qualify for donation – items that do not meet those criteria will not be accepted.

Do bring basic moderately-sized home furniture:

• Stain-free used mattresses/boxsprings
• Metal bed frames
• Sofas (no sleeper sofas and no sofas over 80" long)
• Armchairs
• Kitchen/Small dining room tables and chairs
• Dressers/Chests of drawers
• Side tables
• Lamps
• Countertop microwaves
• Mirrors
• Clean area rugs
• Artwork

DO NOT BRING:

• Desks or bookshelves
• Oversized or excessively heavy items
• Office furniture, including desks, credenzas, file cabinets
• Sleeper sofas
• Glass-topped tables of any kind
• King-sized bedding
• Platform beds larger than twin size
• Entertainment units/Armoires over 5’ tall
• Large appliances
• Outdoor furniture
• Pianos
• Waterbeds
• Exercise equipment
• Stereo equipment, computers
• Linens
• Household items (electric appliances, dishware, pots and pans, bric-a-brac, etc.)
• Books, clothing, children’s toys

Tax receipts for acceptable donations will be made available by Furniture Sharehouse. If you would like to volunteer to help with the drive, e-mail info@furnituresharehouse.org or call 914.834.1294.

New vehicles are being used at Playland to replace older, diesel vehicles In keeping with Westchester’s goal to reduce carbon emissions as part of its Climate Change initiatives, 13 electric powered vehicles are now being used at Playland in place of older, diesel powered vehicles. The new electric vehicles were paid for in part by the New York Power Authority as part of its “Green Zones” program, which seeks to replace internal combustion vehicles with cleaner, more efficient electric ones. The program is one approach to meeting the state’s “15 by 15” clean energy pledge to cut energy demand by 15 percent, increase power-generating capacity and lower energy bills. The 13 vehicles include 10 club car utility vehicles and three club car utility carryalls. In addition to the thirteen vehicles that will be in use at Playland, two electric cargo vans will replace large vans with high emissions that are currently being used at the county’s Valhalla campus.

Insurance Discount Only A Click Away: Defensive Driving Course Now Available Online For the First Time in New York With "Improv Aware Driver"

National Point and Insurance Reduction Course, a leader in defensive driving courses, announced today the launch of its Improv Aware Driver Course, one of the first New York State Department of Motor Vehicles approved online programs for New York drivers. First introduced in the 1980’s as an interactive and fun option for Los Angeles motorists, the Improv Aware course uses the company’s much-heralded “Edutainment” approach and is available completely online, allowing New Yorkers to qualify for a mandatory 10% three-year insurance discount and receive a four point reduction on their driving record without ever leaving their home.

Read full article

ASTORINO APPOINTS NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Laurence Gottlieb, longtime marketing executive, to serve as liaison to business community

 County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced today that he is appointing Laurence Gottlieb, a senior-level marketing executive who is well known to the Westchester business community, as the new director of economic development.

The appointment, which will take effect on Jan. 19, was announced this morning by Astorino in his first post-inaugural appearance before the business community. The event was The Business Council of Westchester breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains.

In his inaugural address on Sunday, Astorino listed economic growth as one of his top priorities, saying his administration would reach out to businesses large and small to create a partnership for job creation.

“Business owners need to know Westchester is a place where they can prosper and the County government is on their side,” Astorino said. “Larry’s marketing savvy, global business experience, deep ties to Westchester, and ability to get people to work together make him an ideal choice.”

Gottlieb, who has 20 years of marketing and public relations experience, is an executive board member of The Business Council of Westchester. Most recently, he worked as a public affairs managing director for Burson-Marsteller in New York, overseeing a list of clients, ranging from energy companies to government and non-profit agencies, for the world’s largest public relations firm. Prior to that, he served for six years as director of communications for Entergy Nuclear, the second largest owner of nuclear power plants in the U.S.Entergy operates Indian Point’s twin reactors in Buchanan. Gottlieb was also the director of marketing for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and marketing manager for Castle Oil in Harrison.

As the new economic development director, Gottlieb said a big part of his job would be to remove obstacles to business growth.

“ Westchester has so many strengths, but needs to become more competitive and aggressive when it comes to attracting and retaining businesses,” Gottlieb said. “Whether it’s solo entrepreneurs or major corporations, businesses have been drowning in a sea of rules, regulations, fees, taxes and paperwork. We need to streamline government, get more creative in our approach to marketing, and show businesses that Westchester is indeed the place for economic opportunity.”

Gottlieb grew up in Yonkers and graduated from Pace University. He currently lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife and two children. In 2004, he was named a 40 Under 40 Rising Star by The Business Council of Westchester and also received the Westchester County Association’s Business Leadership Award.

Also Announces New Advanced Web Site with Patient-Friendly Portal

Today The Westchester Medical Group, a multi-specialty group medical practice based in White Plains that has served patients in the Hudson Valley since 1996, announces the change of its name to WESTMED Medical Group. At the same time, WMG is rolling out a newly designed Web site, which will enable patients to participate more actively in their health care and keep them in better touch with their doctors.

“Our name change, which is modern and concise, represents our vision for medicine,” said Simeon Schwartz, MD, president of the WESTMED Medical Group. “WESTMED is a model of the future of medicine—right now—today--because we provide a broad range of quality, coordinated medical care; we offer a full service experience for patients; and we work to prevent major procedures and surgeries.”

Dr. Barney Newman, WESTMED’s medical director, further explained, “Health care at WESTMED is patient-centered and already at the standard that President Obama often cites with his emphasis on primary care physicians and specialists working together as a team to give the best patient care, and using state of the art systems and electronic medical records.” WESTMED was an early adopter of electronic medical records in 2002, implementing it as a way to improve care and reduce the cost of health care.

“For these reasons, our brand is different from other health care providers, which is one of the reasons why we broke off from ‘Westchester this or that,’ Dr. Schwartz added. “We are looking to lessen confusion with this name change.”

WMG’s Medical Director, Dr. Barney Newman, said, “Along with our name change, we are bringing more technological innovation to the doctor-patient relationship to improve communication. We are enabling patients to have better access to us through our Web site at their convenience.” For example, patients will be able to view their virtual medical record 24/7 and see lab and radiology results, pay bills, schedule appointments, request prescription renewals and much more.

“These self-service and interactive features will be available to WESTMED patients 18 years of age and older via the patient friendly portal on the practice’s Web site at www.westmedgroup.com, “ said Dr. Newman. “We’re giving our patients easy-to-use Web tools to help them manage their non-emergency health care around the clock.”

 Westchester County residents and visitors may notice some unusual police activity in the county this evening as police for the first time deploy a highly visible “Hercules Team” as part of ongoing counterterrorism initiatives in Westchester.

The decision to utilize Hercules Teams in Westchester was not made in response to any specific terrorist threat. It is a new initiative of Counterterrorism Zone 3, which includes all police departments in Westchester, and has been planned for some time.

The chairman of Counterterrorism Zone 3 is Chief Louis Alagno of the Mount Pleasant Police Department.

Comprised of specially trained and heavily armed police officers, the Hercules Team will begin paying unannounced visits in the weeks and months ahead to a range of locations in Westchester from transportation hubs to busy shopping areas. The goal of the Hercules Team is to provide an additional, and unpredictable, layer of security to key locations in Westchester where people congregate.

A Hercules Team comprised of officers from the Mount Vernon Police Department, the Yonkers Police Department and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety will visit a number of different locations this evening.

“People should not be alarmed when they see the Hercules Team tonight or at any point in the future,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “These officers are being deployed as part of an overall strategy to deter those who would do us harm. It is one more way that law enforcement in Westchester is working to keep our communities safe.”

The Westchester Bank to Expand 
With New Branch in White Plains

Fast-Growing Local Bank Gains Regulatory Approval
to Open New Branch at 464 Mamaroneck Avenue

 YONKERS, NY (September 2009) – Building on the momentum of a highly successful first year in business, The Westchester Bank announced that it has received regulatory approval from the New York State Banking Department and the FDIC to open its second branch in Westchester County.

The new branch will be located at 464 Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains. The 2,200-square-foot branch location, which was formerly a branch for Washington Mutual, is expected to open in late fall.

“This is an exciting and important milestone for our Bank. Our new White Plains branch will position us for continued growth in what is one of the region’s most dynamic cities,” said John Tolomer, President and CEO of The Westchester Bank. “Downtown White Plains is enjoying a remarkable renaissance with new housing, retail stores, restaurants and small businesses. This is an ideal market for our Bank which prides itself on providing businesses and consumers with highly personal and responsive service,” he added.

Earlier this year, The Westchester Bank officially opened it new 8,000-square-foot headquarters and branch at 2001 Central Park Avenue in Yonkers. Currently the Bank’s assets total over $116 million with deposits in excess of $100 million with more than $50 million in commercial loans.

For more information about The Westchester Bank please visit www.thewestchesterbank.com

County Park to be Named After Former Parks Commissioner Dr. Sal Prezioso

(White Plains, NY) ~ In honor of the former Deputy County Executive and state Parks Commissioner, the late Dr. Sal Prezioso, the Westchester County Board of Legislators voted to rename Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem at their monthly meeting yesterday.  A resident of Westchester County for over 60 years and a lifelong public servant, educator and civic leader, Dr. Prezioso passed away at the age of 95 on Memorial Day last year.  “The board has taken this step to recognize a person who has given so much to the enhancement of parks and recreation and the quality of life for Westchester residents,” said Board Chairman William Ryan (D,WFP-White Plains).  “Dr. Prezioso was a visionary educator; a dedicated public servant and government official and his many contributions will influence the imaginations of future generations.”  

Mountain Lakes Park is comprised of approximately 1,082 acres and is Westchester’s northernmost park.  What originally began as an overnight camp for boys and girls in 1961, the park is now used for fishing, skating, boating and canoeing, hiking and nature study, along with a slew of other outdoor activities.  The park is also the home of the former Croton Point Camps, affectionately renamed “Camp Morty”, in honor of Mort Hyman, the supervisor of campaign on the site.  Dr. Prezioso was instrumental in the acquisition of the property in 1960-1 during his tenure as Superintendent of the Westchester County Recreation Commission. 

Route 2 is being extended weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to accommodate hundreds of new jobs emerging in the park. Half of the cost to extend the route is being paid for by the Federal Transit Administration under a Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) grant. Currently, the Route 2 starts at the W. 242 nd Street subway station in the Bronx and ends on DeHaven Drive in the Tudor Woods area of Yonkers. The extension will take the bus route past St. John’s Hospital, onto Executive Boulevard and through the business area.Bee-Line schedule changes are routinely made three times a year to reflect riders’ requests for schedule changes, the needs of the county’s business community to get employees to work and the need to make the bus service operate as efficiently as possible.

Other bus schedules that will be changing on Tuesday include:

• Route 8 weekday trips will start earlier to make better connections to Route BxM4C, the express bus to Manhattan.The last Route 32 weekday trip will be extended to the Yonkers Metro-North train station.Route 45 will have a trip extended on weekday mornings to meet passenger demand at the Pelham Bay subway station in the Bronx.
• Route 75, 91 and 92 seasonal service to Playland will end on Labor Day.

New bus schedules are onboard all Bee-Line buses now. Riders can also get one mailed to them by calling the Bee-Line hotline at (914) 813-7777 or go to www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus for schedule information.