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Letters to the Editor Letter to the editor: A heated discussion was held at last thursday night’s Common Council public work session regarding the County’s unconscionable decision to close the homeless shelter without offering a realistic option for these unfortunate hardcore homeless. Councilman Hockley reminded Councilpersons Malmud, Roach, Boykin and Power of their decision not to pass last November’s Resolution insisting that the County bosses place these hardcore homeless in a more suitable location not one in the heart of our downtown within walking distance of 6 schools and our library.
Councilman Boykin responded by noting that they did not like the language of the Resolution. I pointedly remarked that you deferred the Resolution for 3 months. I would note parenthetically that this is a classic crass demonstration of putting party politics in front of the best interests of the people of White Plains in order to protect and placate party bosses.
During further comment, Councilman Power attempted to join the conversation. I interrupted him pointing out that in the Ethics Board’s findings last year of his conduct regarding a prior conflict of interest matter between the City and County, he was specifically advised that except for routine contractural matters between the City and County, he should not participate without first seeking an opinion from the Ethics Board as to whether his being a County employee affects his ability to be impartial. I would note parenthetically that the decision noted the Attorney General’s caution “ to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in order to maintain public confidence in government” .The Ethics Board stipulated to the soundness of the guidance and recommended its adherence. It further concluded that it stands ready to provide appropriate guidance on issues which may arise. The contentious matter of the Homeless Shelter certainly qualifies as one where guidance should be sought.
Councilman Power strongly disagreed with my comment. I suggested he review the decision again.
Given the great pains Councilman Power took to very publicly trumpet the parts of the decision he found favorable, and given his obvious familiarity with the contents of the decision, I found it disturbing that he would take umbrage with my reminding him of his duty.
September 18 th is Democratic Primary Day, a notation which is curiously missing from my opponents advertising. The members of our party have a choice to vote for incumbent Councilman Arnie Bernstein, a proud independent democrat who votes his conscience on the issues always putting people first, or, the others who have inherent conflicts because of either their full time employment with the County in the case of Councilman Power, or, their fealty to Party bosses as with the cases of Councilmen Boykin and Power and the party nominee who is a member of the Westchester County Planning Board.
I have every confidence that our par ty will seriously consider the issues, how they wish to be represented and vote to put White Plains first by selecting Arnold Bernstein as his par ty’s nominee to run in the September 18 th primary election.. Arnold Bernstein Aug1, 2007
What We Can Learn from Tragedy The tragic events at Virginia Tech have put a spotlight on serious mental illness. Mainstream news sources offer dramatic headlines. The news media create a misperception that individuals with mental illnesses are especially dangerous. The reality is that the vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to commit violent acts than the general public. What can we do to prevent future tragedies? First, we must educate ourselves about the realities of serious mental illnesses. Serious mental illness is not a result of a weak or evil character. During psychotic episodes, individuals lose contact with reality and cannot think rationally because their brains are not functioning normally. Harmful myths must be stamped out, along with stigma and shame that prevent people from seeking help. Mental illnesses are treatable and most people get better. Unfortunately, two thirds of Americans with mental health issues go without needed care. Second, we must develop progressive public policy that provides access to treatment for all populations, with a focus on early intervention. Third, we must develop legal systems that allow mental health professionals to protect society while ensuring the personal freedom of the people they serve. And yes, we must reconsider the implications of easy access to semi-automatic weapons. An estimated 26% of all Americans are affected by mental illness each year. These are our mothers, fathers, children, relatives and neighbors. We need to protect those we care about and broaden the circle of people that we care for. As we come together to support all those affected, let us resolve to do the hard work needed to prevent this from ever happening again. Carolyn S. Hedlund, PhD Executive Director, Mental Health Association of Westchester submitted April 2007 Re: The 2004 County Budget
Dear Editor,
There has been much said about the 2004 County Budget, with many expressing anger over Westchester's 2004 County property tax increase, faulting "tax and spend arrogant politicians" who don't feel the pain of the average homeowner/taxpayer. Partisan fingers are being pointed to assess blame on one party, and on the current Board majority - but there is no effort made to put these difficult times into any real perspective. Permit me a few thoughts.
1) The problem of higher County property taxes is not unique to Westchester. Consider the following chart, which shows a significant number of other counties statewide that have experienced one or two years of double-digit property tax increases - unprecedented prior to 2003:
Keep in mind that for 10 consecutive years (1993-2002), under Republican and Democratic rule, Westchester County property taxes increased an average of less than 1% per year, with five years of tax cuts (1993, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001).
This chart shows that there is, indeed, something wrong in this picture, but its not just tax-and-spend policies at one County government. This is an epidemic problem that speaks to what is wrong in County-State relations everywhere.
2) The problem is not Democrat or Republican. While Democrats are in the majority in Westchester, Republicans hold majorities in Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Delaware, Essex, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Orange, Oswego, Rensselaer, Schuyler, Tioga, Ulster and Washington Counties. Has tax-and-spend philosophies swept through Upstate New York Republicans like wildfire?
3) State mandated programs represent real budget costs that can't be controlled by County governments. Consider the following list of budget costs experienced over the last two years in Westchester:
$49 million increase (2004>2002) in Medicaid costs - State mandated
healthcare for the indigent These costs do not include the $13 million increase in health insurance in one year; a loss of $10 million in revenue from the Medical Center - no longer run by the County - which faces its own fiscal disaster; a loss of $14 million in tobacco settlement funds due to the problems of tobacco company RJR Reynolds. Please note: every $4 million in increased costs or lost revenue equals, on its own, a 1% increase in property taxes.
4) We need structural downsizing of County government, based on the State of New York taking responsibility for its own programs. Connecticut has no County government, therefore the State of Connecticut maintains responsibility for Medicaid, for prisons and jails, and the other duties listed as mandates in New York. New York State should take back these responsibilities, and all Counties tax levy can be downsized accordingly. A reduction in size of Westchester government's mandates, say 40% - triggering a proportionate 40% reduction in County property taxes - can be accomplished if Albany has the vision and political will to create a new State-County-Local partnership for the 21st Century. As a former Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, and a 13-year member of that body, I would welcome a sane, sensible plan to downsize, tied into focusing County government on those local/regional functions it should have responsibility for - sewer treatment, public bus transit etc. - and saving County taxpayers from the exploding costs of social services, medical care and other such items that can never be adequately covered by property or sales tax revenues..
Far from being a call to arms to "throw the bums out", this tax crisis can be a call to intelligent, sensible reform and restructuring that requires light rather than heat, cooperation rather than partisanship, and a commitment to act in the best interests of taxpayers, rather than to defend the status quo. May that call be heard not only in White Plains, but in Albany as well, given the State's ultimate authority over counties, towns, cities, villages, schools, libraries, fire districts and every other kind of local government.
GEORGE LATIMER Westchester County Legislator - 7th District (o) 995-2802/(h) 967-1819 Dec 2003 Dear Editor, The express bus service also provides commuters with convenience,
especially for those living on Central Avenue, where there are a
lot of apartments. The bus service help mitigate another Westchester
County problem - inadequate parking at local train stations. The
Hartsdale Parking District already has a significant waiting list
for parking permits. We do not have enough parking to meet the demand.
Dobbs Ferry Train Station is restricting non-resident parking. Other
municipalities are doing the same. If we The bus is a convenient way to get into the city, it is more enjoyable,
comfortable, and commuters are able to get off the bus at convenient
locations throughout the city. In the early 1980s I was instrumental
in starting the 1st bus service into New York City. The reason I
got involved in starting the Manhattan Express Line was because
Metro North was not providing commuters with adequate service. Trains
were frequently late, the air conditioning did not work, there were
numerous breakdowns, and windows did not open. It is important for
Metro North to have competition. Please call me at 993-1540 or e-mail
me at pfeiner@greenburgh.com if you'd like to get involved. Subject: Health Care - An Open Letter I want to comment on the growing political and community support for importing drugs from Canada. While I understand the situation many seniors face due to the high cost of prescription medications, I think you've found one right solution but importing potentially hazardous drugs from foreign countries is not the right solution" It is no coincidence that the cost of prescription
drug medication has risen substantially in the last few years while
during those same years the drug companies have spent millions of
dollars on TV and other advertising. I can't even imagine the budget
US drug companies have to spend each year. Hasn't anybody thought
about reinstating the ban on drug company advertising? We don't
allow alcohol or cigarette advertising so why do you allow Lipitor,
Celebrex and a host of other medications to be exhaustively marketed
to the general public? I would also venture to guess that a good
portion of people are taking these drugs don't really need them
- they think they need them because of advertising, and the doctors
prescribe them because people are old, demand them, and doctors
get incentives for writing more prescriptions! Great, import drugs
to help out those in need for the short term- but long term - look
at the real source of the problem. I really don't want the quality
of my medication jeopardized because in the end some drug company
lobbyists are more important than my health. |
