Yonkers Insider: Yonkers Democratic 3 for Justice. Vote Primary Day - June 23rd - Yonkers City Judge - 3 Spots.

The ONLY 3 Democratic Party Endorsed Candidates for Yonkers City Court Judge - Daly. Shako. McGrath.

YONKERS DEMOCRATIC 3 FOR JUSTICE·MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020·

At the Yonkers Democratic Convention on February 5th, candidates Judge Tom Daly, Verris Shako and Judge Brendan McGrath won the endorsement of the party with an overwhelming number of votes.

This June they are humbled to put their names on the ballot for Yonkers City Court Judge.

Judge Thomas Daly, Attorney Verris Shako and Judge Brendan McGrath.

Yonkers Insider: TUESDAY: Senator Mayer hosts Education Virtual Town Hall with Education Leaders.

Yonkers Insider: ***STATEMENT***: YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING LOCAL PROTESTS AND THE TRAGIC DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING LOCAL PROTESTS AND THE TRAGIC DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD.

YONKERS, NY – MAY 31, 2020 -- Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today issued the following statement about the tragic death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd and the need to protest peacefully. Local Yonkers residents will March for Justice at 2PM today, starting at Yonkers City Hall:

“The emotions running deep throughout my body are similar to those of our entire city. The tragedy of George Floyd creates a heaviness in my heart and anger within — emotions that cannot be undone.

What can be done is choosing how we respond. To truly create change, we must work toward achieving better understanding, educate ourselves, and vote — our country’s future depends on it.

Over the last 24 hours, I’ve met with local Yonkers community and church leaders resulting in a fruitful conversation about the need to come together as one city, one community and one purpose to fight for justice and peace.

For these reasons, I will be participating in a peaceful protest today alongside our residents and community leaders looking to exercise their first amendment right. I urge attendees to gather in memory of George and not lose focus of our message of unity and nonviolence.”

Yonkers Insider: Sammy Ravelo for Congress Event: Please join us today for the mask drive.

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers Public Library: Reminder: Great News: Senior Law Day is ON!

Dear Patrons and Friends,

Senior Law Day Collaborative, the City of Yonkers and Yonkers Public Library are excited to virtually bring to our community the 3rd Annual Yonkers Senior Law Day! Our educational workshops and consultations will cover legal, financial, and health topics - information and advice you can use today.

Questions for Senior Law Day Collaborative?

• "ASK US" in advance by going to: seniorlawday.info

Tune in Monday, June 1, 9:00 a.m.

Choose how you want to watch Yonkers Senior Law Day:

• Yonkers Public Library Facebook Live
• City of Yonkers Virtual Meetings
• TV Channels - 78 (Cablevision) and 39 (Verizon FIOS)
• Call Toll-Free Phone: 1-408-418-9388 (Access code: 712.797.297 Password: 9352663)

Schedule for Yonkers Senior Law Day:

1. Scammers Follow the Headlines: What to Know. What to Beware
2. COVID Prevention Tips While Shopping
3. The Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act Of 2019: What Every Tenant Needs to Know
4. Elder Law 101: Everything Families Need to Know about Planning to Preserve Your Assets
5. Changes to New York State Medicaid
6. Advanced Directives

Also, stay tuned for remarks from the City of Yonkers Department of Aging, Westchester Library System, and Yonkers Public Library.

Yonkers Insider: WCLA PAC: Elijah Reichlin-Melnick Endorsed - NYS Senate District 38!

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ENDORSEMENT NYS SD #38. Westchester County: Ossining; plus Rockland County: Clarkstown, Orangetown, Ramapo.

Three (3) candidates are vying to win the Democratic Primary to be the Party nominee in NYS SD #38. One is anti-choice. One is rated pro-choice but NOT endorsed, and ONLY ONE IS PRO-CHOICE  ENDORSED! "WCLA PAC is excited to endorse Elijah Reichlin-Melnick for NYS Senate in District 38. Elijah is a breath of fresh air for this district, and is well equipped with solid community and government experience. His knowledge of and passion for reproductive freedom and social justice are unquestionable. From his prior government experience, having worked in the regional Nyack offices of Congress Members Engel and Lowey, to his current positions as a Village of Nyack Trustee and Legislative Director for Senator Skoufis, Elijah Reichlin-Melnick understands firsthand exactly what it takes to advocate for and pass important legislation, and to represent his constituents. He successfully brought that commitment and knowledge to bear in this 2019-2020 legislative session, and he will bring it to Albany when you elect him on June 23, 2020.” Catherine Lederer-Plaskett, WCLA PAC <<>> Remember: Tuesday, June 23rd, is the NYS Primary. In-person early voting begins on June 13th. Because of COVID-19, all registered NYS voters will receive an application for an Absentee Ballot in the mail for the Primary Election. In order to receive your ballot, you MUST return that application! Return your absentee ballot application by June 16th. <<>> WCLA PAC Voter Endorsement Policy WCLA PAC is a New York State political action committee that makes its endorsements based on the candidate ratings made by the Board of Directors of WCLA - Choice Matters. WCLA PAC's endorsements are determined case by case. These ratings and endorsements have been made based upon interviews, actions and questionnaires, and are an evaluation of the candidates' positions on a woman's right to choose.To be considered for endorsement, candidates must complete and return the Organization’s questionnaire and participate in an interview if requested. Candidates who fail to return the questionnaire are rated anti-choice and have been fully informed of that consequence before making their decision. All endorsements are made on a strictly non-partisan basis. The questionnaires, incumbents’ and opponents’ records, leadership, and helpfulness during the legislative session are all reviewed. Consistency between candidates’ actions, interviews and questionnaire responses is important. Each race is voted separately. Incumbents may be endorsed over pro-choice challengers if they have consistent voting records and have established a reputation for strong leadership and extra effort in advancing access to abortion and contraception. Non-incumbents may be endorsed if they have demonstrated leadership on the issue. Endorsement is considered only for those who unequivocally support: Access to abortion and contraception for ALL women, unimpeded by laws, restrictions or regulations; Strict confidentiality for all reproductive health care; Coverage by public and private insurance of abortion and contraception.

Make a contribute to WCLA PAC. Click Here! We get pro-choice candidates elected!

Yonkers Insider: 6/1 - 11AM - Westchester County Executive George Latimer, MTA Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi host Facebook LIVE discussion on the MTA and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer, MTA Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi host Facebook LIVE discussion on the MTA and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Watch the conversation on Facebook LIVE: https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/

Monday, June 1

11:00 a.m.

In continuance of his video discussions with various leaders throughout Westchester during the Covid-19 pandemic, County Executive George Latimer will host a Facebook Live conversation with MTA Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi

Catherine Rinaldi has been President of MTA Metro-North Railroad since Feb. 21, 2018. She is the sixth president of Metro-North and the first woman to hold that position.

Rinaldi has overseen a host of customer-facing initiatives, from the delivery of real-time service information at Grand Central Terminal and outlying stations to a multimillion-dollar station upgrade at White Plains Station, the railroad’s third busiest station. Metro-North’s customer-facing safety program, TRACKS, won the 2018 APTA Gold Award for Safety. She has also led the effort to implement a federally required positive train control (PTC) system across Metro-North.

Yonkers Insider: STATEMENT: Congressman Engel Supports Investigation Into Brooklyn Police Violence.

ENGEL STATEMENT SUPPORTS INVESTIGATION INTO POLICE VIOLENCE IN BROOKLYN.

Congressman Eliot Engel has issued the following statement on police violence in Brooklyn:

New Yorkers have the right to have their voices heard. They have the right to peacefully protest. And in the case of the murder of George Floyd, so many in our communities feel that they have a duty to do so. Their message is vital. And we in government must listen.

What happened last night in Brooklyn on the part of the police was wrong. I agree with Governor Cuomo: the public deserves answers and they deserve accountability. I support his call for Attorney General James to investigate the actions of the police last night, and to seek justice in cases of police violence.

Yonkers Insider: Hosted by Yonkers Peace March.

Hosted by Yonkers Peace March.

Yonkers Insider: *NEWS RELEASE* BREEN VOTES TO ADOPT CITY BUDGET.

Breen Votes to Approve City Budget.

 

(Yonkers, NY- May 30, 2020) After weeks of hearings and deliberation, yesterday the Yonkers City Council adopted the City's $1.24 billion budget with a 6-1 vote.

The adopted budget stays within the state-mandated property tax cap and includes an increase in the property tax levy of 1.58%. A typical property with the median assessed value of $11,000 will see an increase in their property tax bill of $225 annually while City water and sewer rates remain unchanged.

Minority Leader Breen said "The City's finances were on pace to exceed projections and then the global pandemic caused a loss of millions of dollars in economically sensitive revenues. Even still, we were able pass a responsible budget that maintains City services while not overburdening our taxpayers with excessive increases."

The City of Yonkers continues to show it values the importance of funding the Yonkers Public Schools by increasing the City's contribution to $269.9 million. Despite the unprecedented increases in aid, funding from New York State remains woefully inadequate. This underfunding is causing the elimination of up to 168 position in the Yonkers Public Schools.

"While the City continues to provide record aid as our students deserve, the State of New York gets a failing grade once again," said Minority Leader Breen. "They must correct these gross inequities immediately by making the same investment in our children as they do in other municipalities."

The budget will now be sent to Mayor Spano for his signature and to the New York State Comptroller's Office for certification.

Yonkers Insider: Breaking News. GAHLEP endorsed Sammy Ravelo Campaign for US Congress.

I am humbled to have received the endorsement of the Global Hispanic Alliance of Law Enforcement Professionals. This is truly an honor. I want to thank @gahlep and @advocate_corner for their support and continued participation in matters that the community cares about and their advocacy for Law Enforcement.

Yonkers Insider: Engel Blasts Trump Admin. for Attacking Planned Parenthood During Pandemic.

Engel Blasts Trump Administration for Playing Politics with Reproductive Health Care During Pandemic. Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a Member of the House Pro Choice Caucus with a 100% pro-choice voting record, today joined his colleagues on a letter to the Trump Administration demanding that they stop their efforts to strip federal relief dollars from Planned Parenthood clinics.  “Once again, the Trump Administration is using a veil to launch a political attack on Planned Parenthood and undermine access to reproductive health care,” said Rep. Engel. “This latest bit has nothing to do with Planned Parenthood’s eligibility for federal dollars, but is yet another tactic to deflect from the Administration’s failure to curb the pandemic, which has claimed far too many New Yorkers.”  The Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration (SBA) have launched an ideologically-driven investigation into the loans that Planned Parenthood received as part of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which helps non-profits and businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Congressman Engel joined over 160 of his Democratic colleagues in a letter to the Treasury Department and SBA demanding that they stop these investigations and efforts to rescind the PPP loans given to Planned Parenthood clinics, which are safety-net facilities that provide comprehensive reproductive health services to vulnerable communities. Congressman Engel has been a longtime supporter of Planned Parenthood and advancing reproductive rights. Last year, he helped introduced the Women’s Health Protection Act, H.R. 2975, which bans states from enacting medically unnecessary restrictions that limit a woman’s access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including abortions care. On February 12, 2020, he helped secure a hearing for this legislation in the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. On February 5, 2020, as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he led a hearing on challenges women across the globe face in accessing health care services.

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio: Girl Scout Troop 1188 Food Drive - Tomorrow, 8 A.M. - 4 P.M.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This Sunday, May 31, Girl Scouts of Troop 1188 will be running a Community Food Drive from 8 AM - 4 PM. See the flyers below with all the details, including a recommended donation list. Please drive through, drop off your grocery items and support them by donating this coming Sunday!

Sincerely,

Yonkers Insider: Union Endorsement for Alexandra Murphy and Bob Ondrovic for New York State Supreme Court.

ENDORSEMENT UPDATE

:::

We are proud to announce that Alexandra Murphy has received the endorsement of the Yonkers Uniformed Fire Officers Association!

Thank you to President Lt. Pj Goldfeder and the membership for this recognition.

We are honored to be endorsed by the brave men and women of the Yonkers Uniformed Fire Officers Association. Thank you to President Lt. PJ Goldfeder and all your members for your support!

Yonkers Insider Report.

Message From Mike Dear neighbor,   Today I joined my colleagues in adopting the City of Yonkers Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Budget in a 6 - 1 vote. This year’s budget process was different because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic requiring them to be held virtually for the first time in council history. Due to the tremendous negative impact that the pandemic has had on our city, it was important that this budget was passed on time to prevent the city from running out of money.   This budget calls for no cuts to city services and has no layoffs, while staying under the state-mandated 2% property tax cap. It also makes improvements to our water system, with zero water rate increases for residents in the upcoming year, and the creation of a tiered water rate system - something that protects residents by now charging commercial enterprises in Yonkers different rates than homeowners . Additionally, funding has been included for a number of important projects and programs in the upcoming year. These include increased funding appropriations for pest control and renovations and repairs to many long-neglected parks throughout the city, funding to help combat teen pregnancies, and funding for school nurses and school resource officers.   Finally, the City Council will soon invest in a “good government” software system that is has been used by other governmental agencies like Westchester County and New York State for years. This will be used by the City Council and Clerks Office to modernize record-keeping, help speed up interdepartmental coordination, and increase transparency.   These are just a few of the positive developments that came out of this budget. I’ll be clear – this budget is not perfect – but for the reasons listed above and uncertain days ahead, I felt justified in supporting it. During this time of uncertainty, it’s important that our residents still get all of the help that they are entitled to. I urge extreme caution over the next few months, and while this part of the process is over, we still have a lot of work to do.   As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to send us an email at councilpresident@yonkersny.gov or call our office at 914-377-6060. Please stay safe, wash your hands, and remember that we are in this together. Best, Mike

Yonkers Insider Rebuttal: There are Layoffs in Board of Education, You wouldn't know it in this Newsletter by the "Incompetent Council President Khader". He discusses Transparency, Let's discuss about the City Council President's Office under his reign and let's look at the salaries and Lack of Job Performance of this Office. The Photo OP Council President is a disgrace in my view. Whatever happened to Draining the Swamp, Council President Khader?

We congratulate Mayor Spano for offering this City Budget that does help Yonkers in these tough times. We also congratulate Yonkers City Council Budget Chair Anthony Merante for doing a great job in this Process.

This View is the opinion of Yonkers Insider.

Yonkers Insider

Yonkers Insider: ***NEWS RELEASE***: CITY OF YONKERS ADOPTS 2020-2021 BUDGET.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CITY OF YONKERS ADOPTS 2020-2021 BUDGET.

Budget Stays Within State-Mandated Tax Cap;

Maintains City Services & Provides Largest Contribution to Yonkers Public Schools.

YONKERS, NY – May 29, 2020 -- Following weeks of budget hearings, the City of Yonkers 2020-2021 Budget was adopted today with a  6-1 vote by the Yonkers City Council. The Adopted Budget stays within the state-mandated property tax cap and maintains all city services.

The Adopted Budget stays within the state-mandated property tax cap and includes an increase in the property tax levy of 1.58%.  A typical one-to-three family home at the median assessed value of $11,000 will see their annual property tax bill increase by approximately $225 annually. City water and sewer rates will remain flat.

“This year’s budget has proven to be one of the most difficult as our city, state and country deal with the economic impacts of a global pandemic,” said Mayor Spano. “The city has lost millions in economically sensitive revenues. Despite this, we stayed within the tax cap so as to not overburden our taxpayers as they, too, are trying to navigate this storm.”

The 2021 Adopted Budget also increases the School District’s budget, totaling the city’s contribution to $269.6 million -- making it the largest local share of any big city to a district outside of New York City. Despite the record increase in the City’s school funding, the School District still will need to eliminate up to 168 positions because Yonkers continues to receive far less school funding from the state government than the state’s other large cities.

Mayor Spano commented, “While the city has provided record aid to our schools, it is still not enough as the state did not provide the additional funding to our schools as we had hoped. Our schools will have to make some tough decisions and need to work within the allocated budget so that our students, teachers, administrators and staff can still work efficiently and effectively.” 

“Clearly this year’s budget is a tough one, but by working together with our local leaders, we are maintaining quality services for our residents, relieving our taxpayers as best as we can and making the vital investments in education so we can keep moving Yonkers forward,” Mayor Spano added. 

Budget Snapshot:

•        $1.24 billion total budget

•        Includes record increase in aid  to Yonkers Board of Education

•        Maintains city services; Yonkers Public Schools to eliminate 168 positions

•        Contains 1.58% increase in property tax levy; stays within state-mandated tax cap

Yonkers Insider: NEWS RELEASE: Councilman John Rubbo Votes to Approve Yonkers City Budget.

Councilman John Rubbo Votes to Approve $1.2B Yonkers City Budget.

           

     COUNCILMAN JOHN RUBBO DELIVERS FOR HIS DISTRICT.

                                     
YONKERS, NY - May 29, 2020 - Councilman John Rubbo today voted to approve Yonkers 2020-2021 Operating Budget.  "I am happy to stand behind this budget today and I am ready to vote in the affirmative," stated Councilman Rubbo at today's virtual City Council Meeting.

Councilman Rubbo maintained all city services, all for an additional $18.75 per month or $225 per year in property taxes.  This budget:

• maintains 3 day pickup for sanitation,
• Keeps the men and women in blue in our precincts and on the street to protect each and every one of us,
• fully staffs the fire department,
• delivers much needed improvements to the Bernice Spreckman Senior center at Coyne Park,
• sets aside $1,000,000 for technology for our public school students,
• adds 4 additional nurses in September as our children prepare to return to school post COVID-19,
• invests tens of millions of dollars in our school buildings,
• delivers on a promise I made which is to improve the Yonkers Avenue Corridor, like we have done for Lockwood Avenue, McLean Avenue, Midland Avenue and Main Street.

During the budget vote Councilman John Rubbo stated, "Unlike my first two years on the City Council, this year we were forced to deal with a pandemic that no one expected. Our economy was booming.  Businesses were doing well.  People were working. And Our schools were educating a record number of students. And then COVID-19."

Although we are giving additional funding to our school system there will still be a shortage in our Board of Education.  "I am saddened by that, but the City of Yonkers and its residents can only do so much each year.  I want to thank Senators Shelley Mayer and Majority Leader Cousins for once again providing a $12M boost to our school budget," stated Rubbo.

Yonkers Insider: From Judge Thomas Daly Campaign.

Source: City Judge Thomas Daly Campaign.

Yonkers Insider: Former Federal Prosecutor Mimi Rocah Condemns Murder of George Floyd in Minnesota, Calls for Police Accountability.

***STATEMENT***
 

Former Federal Prosecutor Mimi Rocah Condemns Murder of George Floyd in Minnesota, Calls for Police Accountability. 

WESTCHESTER, NY  - Mimi Rocah, the 16-year federal Prosecutor running for Westchester District Attorney, today issued the following statement:

“I am devastated and heart-broken for George Floyd and his family. It should not be understated -- he was senselessly murdered in a despicable act of violence by a police officer, while three others, entrusted to protect and serve the public, stood by doing nothing. The Hennepin County Attorney must act immediately to ensure that all four police officers involved in his death are charged. 

Racism is far too prevalent in our country, especially in our criminal justice system, and it has been shamefully and tragically encouraged by the president. African Americans are disproportionately arrested, prosecuted, and incarcerated, including here in Westchester. They are disproportionately harmed by acts of police brutality. These are the facts, and if we are truly going to address injustices like George Floyd’s death, we must confront racism head on. 

As a prosecutor, I have been fortunate to know and work with many good police officers who care about their community and do their jobs with integrity and honor. And sadly, I have seen reports of too many who violate their oaths of office and betray the trust that has been placed in them by the people they serve. The reality is that these types of acts of police brutality have eroded trust in law enforcement for decades, making the job of every good police officer and every prosecutor more difficult. Real accountability, including the arrest and prosecution of those officers who violate the law, is the only way we can begin to repair the damage and make our community safer for all people. Law enforcement and prosecutors at every level must speak out and condemn wrongful acts of police violence. 

Our country was built on the promise of equality and senseless acts like this remind us that we have a long way to go. We can and must do better.”

www.MimiRocahforDA.com