One Party United
Vol. I No. II March 2, 2006
YONKERS REPUBLICAN JOURNAL
State Senator Nicholas Spano
EDITORIAL
It’s only March and November seems so far away, but now is the time to begin working to ensure a successful outcome for the Republican Party. Right now we have former U.S. Atty. and Mass. Governor William Weld (a New York native), Former N. Y. Assembly Minority Leader John Faso and 6-term Hopewell Junction Assemblyman Pat Manning seeking the Republican nomination for governor. Former Westchester D. A. Jeanine Pirro is running for Attorney General. Former Yonkers Mayor John Spencer is looking to replace Hillary in the U.S. Senate and we now hear that Kathleen Troia McFarland, a deputy asst. secty. of defense under Ronald Reagan, is considering the Senate race as well. 12th Ward President Richard Hoffman is exploring the race for the House of Representatives, while State Senator Nick Spano and Assemblyman Lou Mosiello are gearing up their campaigns.
Now is the time to support your candidates for this November’s elections - right through any primaries we may have. But once our candidates have been chosen, we must unite behind them as one party - the Republican Party - and work to ensure that we do everything possible to give this state the strong Republican leadership that it deserves. This is important for everyone, from the rank and file through our elected officials. Party unity is of paramount importance.
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FROM THE CHAIRMAN
One of the most important things that we as Republicans can and should be doing at this time is party building. There are many things that we can do to show people why they should be a part of the Republican Party. We need to talk to our relatives, family, friends and neighbors to let them know what we Republicans stand for and what we’re doing to advance our community and our state. Along with this we can tell them what we, our party and our elected officials have done for them over the years.
A prime example of this is State Senator Nick Spano. Over the last two decades Nick has worked continually for the people of Yonkers, Westchester and New York State.
In the current legislative session Sen. Spano has obtained a commitment that the installation of Video Lottery Terminals at Yonkers Raceway will result in annual revenues to the City of Yonkers in the amount of at least $20 million dollars. This is revenue that will provide much needed dollars to our school system while easing the burden on our taxpayers. Nick has also obtained over a million dollars for a Department of Transportation study of the traffic situation for the proposed Ridge Hill development.
Nick has been hard at work to strengthen our sex offender registration statutes and to bring about a civil confinement statute for sexual predators. Last month he was appointed to a joint-legislative conference to make civil confinement a reality in this legislative session.
Sen. Spano is also one of the authors of REBATE-NY, a 25 point plan to reduce the tax burden on New Yorkers by expanding the STAR program, providing direct rebate checks to taxpayers and encouraging consolidation of local government services.
Yonkers City Councilman John Murtagh is another example. John spearheaded the move for ethics reform in Yonkers city government which resulted in overwhelming approval by the electorate in last November’s election. John continues to insist on smart development - development which will benefit the City of Yonkers while not further burdening our taxpayers.
This is what the Republican Party is about - holding the line on spending, keeping taxes down and smart development. We need to take this message to everyone we know and urge them to register as Republicans and to take an active part in our party.
It is encouraging to see the activity of the 12th Ward and the recent combined meetings of the 1st, 3rd & 6th Wards. Our Executive Committee will continue to work with the wards to encourage clubs which give all of us a way to have an effective voice in our party and our city government.
All of this - educating our neighbors as to our principles and accomplishments, encouraging them to register and vote as Republicans, the creation of political clubs to revitalize the wards - will work to build our party and to ensure the reelection of our elected officials as well as to open the door for Republicans to win more seats so that we may continue to work for Yonkers, Westchester County, New York State and our nation.
I encourage all of you to become a part of it.
- Zehy Jereis
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From the desk of . . .
Senator
Nick Spano
March 2006
Dear Friends,
Once again, let me begin by thanking our dedicated Republican leaders for all of the time and effort that has been put forth to spearhead a true resurrection of the 1st, 3rd and 6th Wards.
There is an amazing commitment and renewed enthusiasm not only for our party, but across our community as well. It is always wonderful to see so many citizens as active participants in our government.
With the 2006 legislative session now in full swing, and the state budget deadline just weeks away, there is an abundance of work to be done.
Recently, I joined with District Attorney Janet DiFiore and esteemed members of our judicial system to make New York the first state in the nation to establish an adult sex offense court right here in Westchester.
The sex offender court is an important cutting edge initiative for our county, specifically charged with handling cases involving felony sex offense charges. This specialized court will allow our justice system to hone in on sexual predators while enabling services to be delivered more effectively and efficiently.
Here in Yonkers, I was proud to announce $375,000 in state grant monies for public safety programs. The State grant dollars will be used to continue the successful anti-gang violence task force and to implement new security measures at public housing complexes, especially senior citizen complexes.
Specifically, the Yonkers Police Department will receive $200,000 for the Safe Streets Initiative Task Force and $100,000 for Public Housing Drug Control. An additional $75,000 will be allocated to install 24-hour security camera monitoring at three of the City’s senior citizen public housing complexes.
Without question, programs like these make a real difference in the community by providing a sustained and visible police presence in the area. When people see the cops out on the streets, they feel safer and they’re able to take back their neighborhoods.
As always, I am here to serve you. If you have a question, a problem or want to share your views, please know that I am here to listen to your concerns and help you in anyway I can.
Best Regards,
NICK SPANO
Senator
Editors Notes:
Sen. Nick Spano has represented the people of Yonkers and New York State in the New York State Senate for the last two decades. Nick was first elected to the Senate in 1986, and has steadily risen through the ranks to become both the Senior Assistant Majority Leader of the Senate and the Chair of the Senate Committee on Investigations, Taxation and Government Operations. In his last campaign he was endorsed not only by the Republican Party, but also by the Conservative, Independence and Working Families parties. Prior to his first Senate campaign, Nick represented us in the New York State Assembly.
In his current position as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Investigations, Taxation, and Government Operations, Senator Spano has tackled a host of issues, including the collection of sales and excise taxes on Native American reservations, Residential Treatments Centers and the foster care system, and fair accounting practices.
With the federal government failing to take any action to help low income workers, Nick was the prime sponsor of legislation to increase the state minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.15, phased in from 2005 to 2007.
As a member of the Senate Medicaid Reform Task Force, Sen. Spano fought to cap local Medicaid spending and accelerated the full takeover of the local share of Family Health Plus (FHP) which helped to stabilize local property taxes and resulted in an annual $11 million saving for Westchester County.
Nick was also the sponsor of the Geriatric Mental Health Act, (2005) which is the first state law in our nation to lay the groundwork for the state to provide high quality services to meet the mental health needs of older New Yorkers and to prepare for the coming elder boom.
Over the last 12 years Sen. Spano has worked to bring about over $68 billion in personal income tax cuts and $29 billion in business tax cuts.
This is the kind of representation that the people of the City of Yonkers need and deserve. Let’s work to ensure that Nick continues to represent us.
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Susan W. Kaufman to Address 1st, 3rd & 6th Wards
Susan W. Kaufman, Esq., will be the keynote speaker at the March 2nd meeting of the 1st, 3rd & 6th Wards, Her presentation will be “Women in the GOP Making a Difference”.
Susan W. Kaufman is an attorney with a general practice specializing in family law in Westchester County. A graduate of Barnard College and Columbia Law School, Susan was formerly Assistant General Counsel of New York Life. She has served as a member of the Westchester County Republican Committee and as Vice Chair in the Town of Greenburgh. A former candidate for Greenburgh Town Justice who received endorsement of the Republican, Conservative and Independence Parties, she is very active in civic affairs. She is Co-Chair of the Legislation Committee of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York., Board Chair of her community United Way, and a Board member of United Way of Westchester Putnam.
Ms. Kaufman has been President of The Westchester County Women’s Republican Club known as “WCWRC” since 2001. In the last few years, the Club has expanded its membership, reaching out to women of diverse backgrounds. The Club encourages its members to get involved. Many Club members have run for office, served as campaign managers or treasurers for candidates, worked as staff members for elected officials, or become active in their City or Village Republican committees.
Each year, the Club holds an annual Spring Gala. Featured speakers have included the Hon. Jeanine Pirro (2001 and 2004), Lt. Governor Mary Donohue (2002), Curtis Sliwa (2003), Hon. Randy Daniels (2004), Steve Malzberg (2005), and Senator Nick Spano (2005). The 2006 Gala will honor newly elected District Attorney Hon. Janet DiFIore. The Club has used a portion of its fundraising proceeds not only to support Republican candidates, but also to contribute to worthy organizations such as the Northern Westchester Shelter, Pace Women’s Justice Center, the Coalition for Family Justice, Literacy Volunteers of America, the Untermeyer Performing Arts Center, the Guardian Angels, and the Red Cross for Katrina Relief.
If you would like to join the WCWRC or make a contribution, please go to WCWRC. org
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 2nd 7:00 PM - 1st, 3rd & 6th Ward Combined Meeting at the Ukrainian Youth Center, 301 Palisade Ave.
Contact Jim Faulkner @ 914 426-4944 for info.
March 9th 7 PM - 9 PM Councilman John Murtagh’s fundraiser at the Old Stone Mill, Yonkers NY. 7 PM - 9 PM.
$99 per person.Contact Zehy Jereis @ 914 774-7571 for information.
March 14th 6 PM - 7:30 PM Sen. Nick Spano’s fundraiser at Kelsey’s Restaurant in the Crowne Plaza, State & Lodge St., Albany NY. $500 per person, $1,000 for Patrons. For further info call 914 963-0161.
March 23rd 7:45 PM - 12th Ward Meeting at Empire VFW Post 375, Central Ave. & Huber Pl.
April 6th 7:00 PM - 1st, 3rd & 6th Ward Combined Meeting at the Ukrainian Youth Center, 301 Palisade Ave.
Contact Jim Faulkner @ 914 426-4944 for info.
Upcoming events? Let us know.
yonkersrepublicanjournal@gmail.com.
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Taking the Necessary Steps to Protect Children
Legislative Column by Assemblyman Lou Mosiello
The 2006 session is off to a quick start with proposed legislation that further protects children from sexual predators at the forefront of debate. We have been able to significantly extend and strengthen current state laws concerning sexual crimes committed against children and adults, such as Megan’s Law and its Sex Offender Registry, and legislators from both sides of the aisle continue to discuss an effective civil confinement policy and stiffer sentences for perpetrators under “Jessica’s Law.”
Our first success this year was extending Megan’s Law before certain provisions could expire in late January. Without the extension, information regarding the location of hundreds of convicted sex offenders would have dropped from the state Sex Offender Registry immediately; thousands would have been off law enforcement’s radar by year’s end.
A joint conference committee of both houses of the state Legislature was formed and proved to be very successful in producing a timely bipartisan agreement extending the registry and reforming the law. Megan’s Law now requires lowest-risk Level 1 offenders to register their information for 20 years after their convictions, while Level 2 predators must appear on the list for at least 30 years before requesting their removal. Highest-risk Level 3 perpetrators remain registered for life. Visit www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor to view the registry.
The state Legislature is working on civil confinement legislation for the most violent sexual predators and, after 13 years of trying, my Assembly Republican colleagues and I are optimistic that a unified, bipartisan bill will arrive on the Assembly floor for a vote and, ultimately, be signed into law by the governor. A joint conference committee has convened to negotiate details of the various civil confinement proposals advanced by both sides in each of the state Senate and Assembly. We expect this committee to be as successful as the one that hammered out an equitable Megan’s Law.
Gov. George Pataki recently introduced Jessica’s Law that would provide longer prison sentences for certain sex offenders, including a required 25 years to life for perpetrators of sexually violent felonies against children. It is modeled after Florida’s Jessica’s Law, which is considered one of the toughest laws in the country against violent sexual predators of children. The law was named after Jessica Lunsford, a 9-year-old who last year was abducted, raped and murdered by a registered sex offender living in her neighborhood. Assembly Republicans are introducing a similar, almost identical, bill.
Protecting children from becoming victims of heinous sexual crimes is an issue that demands bipartisanship and I am proud that my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, have been able to settle their differences through Joint Conference Committees. I look forward to working with the same spirit of bipartisanship on upcoming issues for the remainder of the 2006 Session.
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ITEMS OF INTEREST
$3.1 BILLION DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN NOT FULLY DEFINED
On February 2nd Mayor Amicone announced an agreement with Struever Fidelco Capelli LLC for a $3.1 billion downtown and waterfront redevelopment deal calling for a baseball park, 800 residential units and a retail complex to include 750,000 square feet of retail space with several three to six story buildings in what is being called the “Gateway District”. This would be built on the area which we presently know as Chicken Island.
The agreement called for the developers to pay $1.2 million dollars per acre for 2.5 acres of river front property owned by the Community Development Agency (CDA) and one dollar for the Chicken Island property. It further calls for the developers to reopen parts of the Saw Mill River so that it flows freely through downtown Yonkers. 386 residential units would be built on the CDA property in several buildings that would be up to 30 stories high.
The City Council has begun to review the agreement, which is only binding on the city in that it may not negotiate with other developers for the property within a six month period.
Several concerns have arisen. City Council members are concerned that Chicken Island would be sold for one dollar. Sale at the actual value of the property might help the city to lessen the gap on the school budget. In addition, the $3 million being paid to the CDA would have to be expended, under the agreement for project infrastructure improvements. Furthermore, the cost of the reopening of the Saw Mill River would not be paid by the developers, but would be “subject to the receipt of sufficient public funding to pay for all of the costs of the project.” In other words, funds from an already over-stretched city budget or from the state or, possibly, from funds raised from the public? In the 2005 State of the State Address Gov. Pataki indicated that the state would work with Yonkers to uncover the river. Does this mean that the state will provide funds? There has been no such commitment.
The inability for Yonkers to take any money from the project to narrow the budgetary gaps and the possible necessity of expending city funds on the river project are matters of concern for not only the City of Yonkers, but also Yonkers taxpayers.
Many residents, while indicating that the City Council should move forward with all due speed, have concerns that many areas of this agreement require intensive review and that the final agreement and the development which rises from it must be fair to the city and must not impose further financial burdens on the city and its taxpayers.
SEN. SPANO ANNOUNCES KEY PUBLIC SAFETY GRANTS FOR YONKERS
Senator Nick Spano, joined Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone at City Hall on February 21st to announce several key public safety programs, including the institution of a successful anti-gang violence task force and the implementation of new security measures at public housing across the city.
The announcement came after Sen. Spano was able to secure a total of $375,000 in state grant funding for the programs. This funding will be available for the 2006-2007 Yonkers budget and will cover the following programs.
Safe Street Initiative Task Force: $200,000 Grant to Y. P. D.
This will continue a program initiated in 2005 by the YPD to combat gang violence. It will provide additional uniformed patrol, narcotics detectives assigned exclusively to the affected areas, a crack down by the warrant squad on wanted persons frequenting the area, surveillance of the area by the YPD Gang Unit, and a community assistance program to advise police of suspicious activity.
The Safe Street Initiative has proved successful so far with more than 180 arrests, 350 summonses and numerous confiscations of drugs and guns.
Public Housing Drug Control: $100,000 Grant to Y. P. D.
This will help to continue the YPD program begun in 2005 to increase patrols of the city’s public housing facilities by the YPD Housing Police, particularly the Mulford Gardens complex off of St. Joseph’s Avenue.
Security Cameras for Senior Citizens Housing:
$75,000 Grant to Municipal Housing Authority
This new program will install 24-hour security camera monitoring at three of the city’s four senior citizen housing complexes over the next four to six weeks, allowing time for the cameras to go out for public bid. The three complexes are - Msgr. Trot Houses, Willow St.; Loehr Court, Western Ave.; and Walsh Homes, Walsh Rd.
Senator Spano stated, “Programs like these make a real difference in the community by providing a sustained and visible police presence in the area. People see the cops out on the streets, they feel safer and they’re able to take back their neighborhoods. And the criminals and the drug dealers also see the cops and realize that they’re not welcome. We’re serious about making the community a better place to live and will do what ever we have to do to keep people safe.”
“What’s important here is that these programs work—they have a proven track record,” Amicone said. “Our residents not only feel safer, they are safer as a result of the steps we’ve taken. Our Police Department has done excellent work in implementing these measures, getting the drugs and guns and people who use them off the streets. We’re thankful to Senator Spano who has been able to deliver crucial funding for these programs for the second straight year.”
MOSIELLO APPOINTED TO BANKS COMMITTEE
Assemblyman to serve on prestigious committee
Assemblyman Lou Mosiello (R,C,I-Yonkers) has been appointed a member of the Assembly Banks Committee.
“Considering New York is the financial capital of the United States and one of the great financial centers of the world, I am honored to serve on this committee,” said Mosiello.
The committee is responsible for reviewing and initiating legislation affecting financial institutions that operate in or whose actions affect New York state.
Mosiello noted he would continue to serve as ranking Republican member of the Assembly Governmental Operations Committee as well as serve on the Cities and Education committees.
“I am looking forward to tackling many tough issues concerning bank operations and consumer-driven measures, such as identity theft,” said Mosiello.
In 2005, the Assembly Banks Committee focused its work on bank operations and consumer-oriented measures. It worked on legislation requiring the designation of banking development districts, and offered key measures on financial account inactivity, helping Holocaust victims settle unresolved financial claims and military-related issues.
ASSEMBLYMAN MOSIELLO ANNOUNCES NEW WEB SITE
Lou Mosiello has opened a new website www.loumosiello.com to make it easier for Lou’s constituency to communicate with him, as well as to make it easier for Lou to keep them apprised of current legislative developments. Visit the site to tell him what’s on your mind, how Lou can help you in Albany, who you think should be recognized for civic service or just to browse.
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REPUBLICAN ELECTED OFFICIALS
SEN. NICHOLAS SPANO
ALBANY OFFICE
Room 509 Legislative Office Building
Albany NY 12247
518 455-2231
WESTCHESTER OFFICE
1 Executive Boulevard
Yonkers NY 10701
914 969-5194
spano@senate.state.ny.us
www.senatorspano.com
ASS. LOUIS MOSIELLO
ALBANY OFFICE
431 Legislative Office Building
Albany NY 12248
518 455-3662
YONKERS OFFICE
35 E. Grassy Sprain Rd. 4th Floor
Yonkers NY 10701
914 779-8805
mosiell@assembly.state.ny.us www.loumosiello.com
County Legislators
Bernice Spreckman
County Board of Legislators
800 Michaelian Office Building
148 Martine Avenue
914 995-2815
amme@westchestergov.com
Gordon A. Burrows
County Board of Legislators
800 Michaelian Office Building
148 Martine Avenue
914 995-6554
sam9@westchestergov.com
Mayor Philip A. Amicone
Mayor’s Office
2nd Floor
40 South Broadway
Yonkers NY 10701
914 377-6300
cityhall@cityofyonkers.com
YONKERS CITY COUNCIL
John Murtagh
City Council
Room 407
Yonkers NY 10701
Off. 914 377-6315 Home 377-3555
johnmurtagh@cityofyonkers.com
Dee Barbato
City Council
Room 407
Yonkers NY 10701
Off. 914 377-6316 Home 377-3006
deebarbato@cityofyonkers.com
Liam McLaughlin
City Council
Room 407
40 South Broadway
Yonkers NY 10701
Off. 914 377-6314 Home 377-3004
liammclaughlin@cityofyonkers.com
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YONKERS REPUBLICAN CITY COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN
ZEHY JEREIS
914 774-7571
VICE-CHAIR
JEANNE MARTINELLI
2ND VICE-CHAIR
ALBERTO VILLATE
914 844-5086 - Cell
avillate@gmail.cim
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Richard Hoffman
914 924-8861
SECRETARY
RITA JEWELL
TREASURER
KEVIN DEIERLEIN
WARD LEADERS AND CO-LEADERS
1st Ward
Elizabeth Hemingway
Larry Sykes
2nd Ward
Bernadette Lawler
3rd Ward
Jim Faulkner
316 Warburton Ave.
Yonkers NY 10701
914 426-4944
jimfaulkner3@mac.com
web site www.yonkers3rdward.us
Cicely Greaves-Vega
4th Ward
Louis Arezeiga
Abraham Hattar
5th Ward
Henry Sershen
Helen Calabrese
6th Ward
Michael Ramondelli
Sheila Tuohy
7th Ward
Susan Salem
Gilbert Balezentis
8th Ward
Mike Valenti
web site www.8thwardgop.org
Steve Wilgermein
9th Ward
Justin Tubiolo
Vincent Volino
10th Ward
Rich Barbato
Stan Alexander
11th Ward
John Murtagh
Sandra Capuano
12th Ward
Geri Esposito
914 649-7359 Cell
Bernadette McLaughlin
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT -
Geraldine Esposito - 12th Ward Leader
Geri, who has been a District Leader for over 30 years, got started in Republican politics through Elli Klein, who at the time was Republican Co-Chair with Frank Coppola. She began handing out flyers and palm cards for Councilman Nick Longo. Geri was active in school issues, including busing and the PTA’s at her children’s schools.
Also active in the community, Geri is on the board of the Hyatt Association and is active in her church in the Rosary Altar, the Youth Ministry and other matters.
She was 12th ward Co-Leader from 1997 until September, 2005 when she became Ward Leader.
While Geri strongly believes in the Republican, Conservative way and freely expresses her beliefs, she also believes that we have the right to agree to disagree and that it is very important to avoid infighting in the party. We should stand up for what we believe in but work together to get the optimum result.
Geri would like to see more inexpensive or free functions to draw more people out to see what we, as Republicans, are all about.
We thank you, Geri, for all you have done
and still do for the Republican party in Yonkers.
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& GRANITE NEEDS
INSTALLATION - FABRICATION
BEST VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY
CITY COMMITTEE SECRETARY RITA JEWELL
Rita Jewell has been Secretary to the Yonkers Republican City Committee for more than thirty years. She first became a District Leader in the 3rd Ward and then in the 6th Ward, when the lines were redrawn and she and her house changed wards.
Elli Klein, Co-Chair to Frank Coppola first approached Rita to ask if she was interested in becoming Secretary. Rita said, “Yes,” and the rest is history.
With the exception of a three year hiatus, Rita has chaired the annual organizational meeting up to the point where the Chairman is selected; taken minutes and made thousands of telephone calls over more than three decades. Many of us could probably answer the phone in our sleep and instantly know it’s Rita on the other end.
You can probably pick her out quickly at most meetings - she’s the hard-working lady with the big smile. Thanks, Rita!
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YONKERS REPUBLICAN JOURNAL Vol. I No. II
Jim Faulkner, Editor
Paul Donohue, Associate Editor
A Monthly Publication
Published at 316 Warburton Avenue
Yonkers, New York 10701
Telephone 914 426-4944
www.yonkersrepublicanjournal.com
yonkersrepublicanjournal@gmail.com
COPYRIGHT MARCH 2006 Yonkers Republican Journal
The Yonkers Republican Journal welcomes comments, letters and submissions for publication. Submissions will be printed at the discretion of the Editor and will not be returned.
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