Former Yonkers City Council President Mike Khader Statement to Yonkers Rising/Yonkers Times.

https://yonkerstimes.com/former-council-president-mike-khaders-statement-to-yonkers-rising-and-yonkerstimes-com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEXpOBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbVnjBAcFcryKYQ1SXg0umZcBbgNonLyEhhw-irkIcFiMyVCfAxbrjKwQQ_aem_JgEdApzZkhlcFBUk-rGvNQ

Source: Yonkers Times.

former Yonkers City Council President Mike Khader.

The allegations of quid pro quo outlined in Liam McLaughlin’s report are entirely baseless and unsupported by facts. I have neither owed rent to anyone nor received any free office support services from SBJ, and have provided documents to media sources to prove the report is a biased political attack. The timing of this report is nothing more than a political intimidation tactic, similar to the bogus attacks during my 2021 campaign. This investigation was conducted over three years ago, yet the Yonkers Political Machine release it now to attempt to poison my anticipated candidacy. In short, Liam, whom I beat in 2017 and who hasn’t gotten over it, and has weaponized the Office of Inspector General to go after political enemies that want to clean up Yonkers’ government.

Unusually, the report was leaked to the media before either my attorney or I could review it, a clear indication of the Political Machine’s interference, which became evident when they learned about my upcoming campaign fundraiser. The emails were leaked from a fake non-governmental email address.

There was never a “sweetheart deal.” I rented from SBJ prior to June 2017 and vacated after announcing my candidacy for City Council President. This action marked the onset of political retribution. Thereafter, SBJ Partners met with Robert Spolzino and Liam McLaughlin to secure a multi-million dollar City contract. Spolzino was made a partner at SBJ, and Liam McLaughlin voted to approve the contract and secured a financial contribution, exposing the report’s political bias.

The report misrepresents the office space situation. I was actively seeking new office space in 2018, and gave the names of five local attorneys that I contacted about office space, yet none of these attorneys were contacted to confirm my attempts to secure office space in 2018. Truth and facts were cherry-picked to invent the claims of a sweetheart deal. The space provided by SBJ was in a state of disrepair, making it unsuitable for my type of law practice.

McLaughlin’s report relies on witnesses with clear political motives, seeking retribution and financial gain, which undermines their credibility. The witnesses who spoke positively about my integrity were omitted from the report. This report, funded by Yonkers taxpayers at a cost likely exceeding $1 million, is a flagrant misuse of resources. Also, the notion that I received free office support services is false as notarizing documents is a well known common professional courtesy in our industry.

McLaughlin’s involvement in this report reflects his own political wrongdoing. My successor, Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, is grandstanding on a report that tries to hurt me financially and politically. She should worry about her own controversies, including Hatch Act violations and securing jobs for family members, to name a few. Together, McLaughlin and Collins-Bellamy and their family members are costing Yonkers taxpayers over $1 million in annual salaries.

Finally, the fact that McLaughlin targets me while ignoring obvious conflicts, complaints and referrals about other Yonkers elected officials further demonstrates how his office is functioning as a weapon against political rivals. This is a witch hunt. The one thing they have not discussed is how they plan to make our city better for all in Yonkers. I’ll be waiting to tackle those issues, when they decide to move from propaganda and misinformtion to addressing real life problems and policy.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: ***NEWS RELEASE***: CITY OF YONKERS FIRE DEPARTMENT (YFD) RECEIVES FEMA GRANT FOR OPERATION AND SAFETY.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CITY OF YONKERS FIRE DEPARTMENT (YFD) RECEIVES FEMA GRANT FOR OPERATION AND SAFETY.

 

Over $800,000 Granted to YFD Earmarked for Specialized Training.

 

Yonkers, NY – July 31, 2024 – Mayor Mike Spano today announced the City of Yonkers Fire Department has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Operations and Safety programs. The City of Yonkers procured $807,545 -- the most of any Westchester municipality.

“Thank you to FEMA for recognizing the needs of the Yonkers Fire Department,” said Mayor Spano. “This grant will support critical training needs to protect our Firefighters and remain up to date on all aspects of fire service and fire-related hazards.”

“This is tremendously important for firefighter safety and accountability,” said City of Yonkers Fire Department Commissioner William Fitzpatrick. “The funding allows us to continue strengthening the City of Yonkers Fire Department and keep a firm foundation with consistent training that will safeguard all our firefighters, and ultimately our residents.” 

Fitzpatrick says the money will be used toward training all department members in the latest Firefighter Assist Search Team (FAST) operations. These specialized rapid intervention teams consist of seasoned firefighters trained in distinct rescue techniques with the ability to access, locate, stabilize, and remove firefighters in extreme situations.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO & YONKERS FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE FIREFIGHTERS (Thurs., 8/1 @ 1 P.M.)

 

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO & YONKERS FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE FIREFIGHTERS.

 

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano will join Yonkers Fire Department Commissioner William Fitzpatrick on Thursday, August 1 at 1 P.M. at  Saunders Trades and Technical High School on 183 Palmer Road for the promotions of 9 fire officers in the Yonkers Fire Department.

Yonkers Insider: MTA: Gov. Hochul Just Proved the Sky Isn't Falling.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: STATEMENT PRAISING GOVERNOR HOCHUL FOR FINDING ALTERNATE REVENUE STREAM FOR SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY WORK BY KEEP NYC CONGESTION TAX FREE.

July 30, 2024.

 

“Governor Kathy Hochul just proved the sky isn’t falling by finding $54 million dollars to continue work on the Second Avenue Subway. We commend the Governor for her resourcefulness.

 

“Ever since Governor Hochul bravely canceled the regressive, inequitable, unfair and unsustainable congestion toll-tax scheme, radical, anti-automobile activists have engaged in a hysteria campaign, promoting outrageous hyperbolic predictions in the news media about the end of mass transit as we know it. It’s a lie. New York City and State have managed to run our transit system for more than 120 years, without a nickel from a Congestion Pricing Tax.

 

“The astroturf lawsuits filed by some of these ideological mercenaries are nothing more than attention-grabbing attempts to advance a car-free vision financed by a handful of hedge-fund Utopians. Rather than propose solutions to fund mass transit, these toll-taxers continue to spread false narratives of a MTA doomsday. They held publicity stunts including delivering hundreds of toy cars to the Governor’s midtown office and deliberately tried to mislead the public by illegally posting fake service change notices on subway platforms over the 4th of July weekend.

 

“Day after day, the mercenaries for these hedge-funder financed groups blame transit woes on the ‘pause.’ They continue to press for the toll-tax scheme with a variety of hard-core tactics and demonstrations — and now lawsuits — without any basis in law.

 

“Fortunately, the Governor has kept her promise to cash-strapped New Yorkers to halt the $15 tax, while finding available monies elsewhere. There are plenty of resources in this state. The key is spending them wisely.”

 

Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free, a diverse coalition of civic, business, and labor organizations and businesses throughout New York City, argues that implementing a tax on vehicles traveling south of 6oth Street in Manhattan will, among other things, permanently damage efforts to revitalize the two districts.  

Yonkers Insider: As Europe Moves Against Child Puberty Blockers, New York Works to Block Parents from Having a Say.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WHILE EUROPE MOVES TO BAN DANGEROUS PUBERTY BLOCKERS FOR PREPUBESCENT CHILDREN, NEW YORK STATE WANTS TO BLOCK PARENTAL GUIDANCE.

 

“With every passing day, New York is showing itself out-of-step with

science on dangerous puberty blockers and other

youth gender transition procedures.”

 

New York - July 30…The British High Court has upheld a ban on puberty blockers for children, as it becomes increasingly clear that the controversial drugs are harming prepubescent adolescents without a shred of scientific evidence that they provide any benefit, the nonpartisan Coalition to Protects Kids - NY today noted. U.K. Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised the court ruling, asserting that children's healthcare must be "evidence-led."

 

The important court decision follows dramatic reversals on puberty blockers by other European nations that increasingly understand the permanent, life-altering ramifications of the drugs on young, gender-confused children, most of whom gain gender clarity over time.

 

Meanwhile, the State of New York, through its so-called “Equal Rights Amendment”, is actively working to prevent parents from knowing if a child is undergoing gender-transition procedures in school, including the use of puberty blockers.

 

Prop One, which parent groups are calling the “Parent Replacement Act”, and which will appear on the November 5th ballot in New York, would prohibit teachers and school administrators from letting parents know about or weigh in on these hugely-consequential life decisions. At the same time, parents have to submit school consent forms for mundane daily activities.

 

“The science is going the other way, but the hardcore ideologues have become blinded by their own rhetoric,” said Coalition to Protect Kids - NY spokesperson Ayesha Kreutz. “We have to remember that we’re dealing with children here — as young as 10 or 11 — who desperately need proper guidance. To strip parents from that decision-making process, especially as science is flashing warning lights about these drugs and procedures, would be criminal. With every passing day, New York is showing itself out-of-step with science on dangerous puberty blockers and other youth gender transition procedures.” 

 

The Coalition to Protect Kids-NY is a nonpartisan ballot issue committee registered with the New York State Board of Elections. It is composed of New Yorkers from all walks of life dedicated to defeating the so-called Equal Rights Amendment to the New York State Constitution.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers Parks: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO & YONKERS PARKS DEPARTMENT TO UNVEIL RENOVATIONS AT KINSLEY PARK - Wed., 7/31 @3P.M.

 

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO & YONKERS PARKS DEPARTMENT TO UNVEIL RENOVATIONS AT KINSLEY PARK.

 

Kinsley, One of Seven Yonkers Neighborhood Parks, Renovated this Summer.

 

 

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano will join Yonkers Parks, Recreation & Conservation Commissioner Steve Sansone, staff, residents, and community members to re-open Kinsley Park Wednesday, July 31 at 3:00PM at Kinsley Park (Park & Chase Avenues), unveiling renovations to the neighborhood park.

 

Renovations include new playground equipment; new rubber safety surfacing; new basketball courts, poles and hoops; new benches and picnic tables; and improved site work including walkways, drainage, landscaping and trees.

 

Kinsley Park is one of seven parks undergoing renovations. Currently, Hudson Fulton, Schultz, Ravine, Wilson, Cochran and Stefanik Parks are under construction and expected to be completed later this summer.

Publisher Delfim Heusler Statement: So Proud of Kinsley Park and that it's getting renovated. it's a tremendous park. Northwest Yonkers is the Best. I am honored to be A Northwest Yonkers Boy!!

Yonkers Insider Publisher Delfim Heusler.

 

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: ***NEWS RELEASE***: YONKERS CITY HALL TV RECEIVES TWO PRESTIGIOUS NEW YORK EMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS CITY HALL TV RECEIVES TWO PRESTIGIOUS NEW YORK EMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS.

Yonkers, NY – July 30, 2024 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced Yonkers City Hall TV received two prestigious New York Emmy Award nominations in the categories of Interactive Media and Public Affairs Series. It is the first time in the station’s more than 40-year history, it has been honored with a nomination from the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

“To be recognized by such a distinguished organization shows we remain relevant when it comes to communicating our important initiatives to the people of Yonkers,” said Mayor Spano. “I’m proud of the work our Communications Department produces every day and am pleased their creativity and skillsets  are being recognized amongst their peers and profession.”

In 2023, Yonkers’ Communication Department produced an interactive social media campaign during National Pizza Month highlighting the top pizzerias in Yonkers and a weekly public affairs series, “Your Yonkers Now.” All productions can be viewed on Yonkers City Hall TV Optimum Channel 78, Verizon Channel 39, and the City of Yonkers’ social media platforms along with Mayor Mike Spano’s YouTube channel.

The award ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in the New York City.

Yonkers Insider: Statement from New York State Senator Shelley Mayer 37th District.

 

Dear Friends,  Welcome to my community events and resources newsletter!  As a reminder, you will still receive my regular newsletter in which I cover important news from Albany and our Senate District, District 37. If you have an announcement for a free event in our community, please email my Communications Director, Hannah Kirk, at hkirk@nysenate.gov.

If there is anything my office can assist you with, please email me at smayer@nysenate.gov or call (914) 934-5250.   Warm regards,

Shelley B. Mayer State Senator 37th District

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: Parks Department: Music By Therapi Band on Runyon Avenue and The Movie "Elemental" at Depeyster Street this week! Join us!

 

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: ***NEWS RELEASE***: CITY OF YONKERS DENIED $5.2 MILLION BY FEMA FOR HURRICANE IDA EMERGENCY REPAIRS.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CITY OF YONKERS DENIED $5.2 MILLION BY FEMA FOR HURRICANE IDA EMERGENCY REPAIRS.

Yonkers Taxpayers Left to Fund Mitigation Work Required to Stabilize Slope that Caused Damage to MTA Metro North Railroad and Residential Homes.

 

YONKERS, NY – July 29, 2024 – Nearly three years after Hurricane Ida devastated the lower Hudson Valley, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied the City of Yonkers over $5.2 million required to stabilize three slopes along the Hudson River and MTA Metro North Railroad, leaving Yonkers taxpayers to fund the emergency repairs.

“Despite President Biden’s declaration of a major disaster caused by Hurricane Ida, FEMA denied Yonkers funding that would mitigate the damage of the storm. We are deeply concerned FEMA has decided to back away from its commitment to assist residents during and after major disasters, like the one we experienced,” said Mayor Spano. “By ignoring the agency’s core obligation, Yonkers is left to handle the storm’s rippling effects, placing this community, the Hudson Valley and its future in peril.”

In September 2021, Hurricane Ida caused runoff from Warburton Avenue, alongside the Hudson River and Metro Railroad, to pound water flow channeled through a culvert on New York State property, under the Old Croton Aqueduct. The concentrated flow caused substantial damage to the slope supporting Warburton Avenue, the homes and a residential building, washing thousands of tons of soil down onto the Metro North Hudson Line railroad track, causing a four-day closure of one the busiest commuter rail lines in the country.

Mayor Spano added, “What FEMA fails to realize is that their lack of action exposes Metro North’s vulnerability to future storm damage along its tracks -- not only affecting Yonkers, but the entire Hudson Valley region. The infrastructure repairs necessary to shore up the slopes along Warburton Avenue and the Metro North rail line are imperative in order to prevent our economy and livelihood from coming to screeching halt once again.”

The City of Yonkers was notified of FEMA’s denial this week, after the City first applied for assistance and filed two appeals over the last three years.

Said Mayor Spano, “After repeated amendments and appeals to our application based on the agency’s initial comments, FEMA has failed to uphold its mission and has failed the people of 

Yonkers. Instead, Yonkers taxpayers are left footing the bill of an empty promise.”

“The question now remains, what will FEMA do when, not if, this happens again? I am afraid loss of property may be the least of the devastation,” added Mayor Spano.

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Michael Khader.

 

It appears that the Yonkers Inspector General's office, led by Liam McLaughlin, whom I defeated in the race for President of the City Council, paid for and managed this report. He is once again using his office as a tool for revenge and political intrigue. A city-funded "report" that neither I nor my attorney have received, but is circulating on the internet, is now attempting to revive false and baseless allegations against me. The timing of these unfounded reports is highly suspicious and indicative of another political witch hunt aimed at discouraging effective, honest, and promising citizens from running for office.

Though the primary isn't until next summer, it seems the "silly season" has started early for some. Yonkers has long been mocked as "the city of hills where nothing is on the level," and it's due to dirty political tactics like these that seek to intimidate potential candidates, misuse public tax dollars for political gain, and misinform the public. It's time to rid Yonkers of such practices and focus on the important issues that affect the good people of our city.

Michael Khader

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: Sayegh 9/11 Notice Act.

Assemblyman Nader J. Sayegh receiving an update regarding his 9/11 Notice Act from the NYS Empire State Development Corporation.

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: Meeting with Yonkers Public Schools Leadership.

 

Assemblyman Nader Sayegh alongside Yonkers Superintendent Anibal Soler Jr. and Dr. Michelle Yazurlo and Dr. Frank Hernandez to discuss initiatives and funding sources for the Yonkers Public Schools.

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: Addressing the Muslim-American Community at Andalusia Center.

 

Assemblyman Sayegh addressing the Muslim-American community at Andalusia Center in Yonkers. The over 200 attendees were given an overview of the Assemblyman’s initiatives focused on improving the success of the Muslim-American Community in Yonkers and New York State. My gratitude to the centers Iman Sheik Aly Kamel.

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: Westchester Medical Center Critical Care Tower Groundbreaking Ceremony.

 

Assemblyman Sayegh in attendance at the WMCHealth Critical Care Tower Groundbreaking Ceremony of the new intitiative "A Tower to Heal" alongside Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and fellow Assemblymember Gary Pretlow.

Yonkers Insider: Statement from New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District.

 

Friends, This week marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the Westchester Medical Center Health Critical Care Tower, an exciting new initiative called "A Tower to Heal." It was a privilege to be there alongside EVP & Chief Strategy Officer of WMCHealth Joshua S. Ratner, President & CEO of WMCHealth Michael D. Israel, New York State Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado, New York State Assembly Health Committee Chair Amy Paulin, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, and Chairman of the WMCHealth Board of Directors Zubeen Shroff. The ceremony marked the beginning of a project that promises to enhance healthcare services in our region significantly. Additionally, I was a guest speaker at the Andalusia Muslim Center in Yonkers to discuss numerous concerns and plans to expand the growth of the Muslim-American Community especially in my role as NYS Assemblyman. It was a productive discussion, and I am committed to working together to achieve our shared objectives. Engaging with different communities and understanding their needs is crucial for fostering a supportive and resourceful environment for all. This week also marked a special milestone for Asez Wao, a volunteer organization for the Church of God, as they celebrated their 60th anniversary. I had the pleasure of congratulating them with a short video message alongside Regional Director Victor Lozada and Asez Wao volunteers. Their incredible contributions to our community over the years have been truly inspiring. Furthermore, I received an update regarding my 9/11 Notice Act Legislation recently passed by the Assembly and Senate and signed by the Governor into law. Ensuring that the act effectively serves and protects our community remains at the forefront of my efforts. I am dedicated to making sure that all necessary resources are in place for the many impacted by 9/11 illnesses. Moreover, I would like to extend my congratulations to owner-operator Israel Allmand and Chick-fil-A on opening their first Yonkers location! Situated on the corner of Central Park Avenue and Roxbury Drive, this new restaurant will provide nearly 100 jobs to our community. We wish much success to Israel and the team at Chick-fil-A. Lastly, my staff member for constituent services, Chandra Sookdeo, attended the grand opening of the Durga Temple in Westchester. Approximately 400 devotees showed up to pray and worship in the new temple, marking a significant milestone for the community. I again call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza! I urge all involved parties to engage in negotiations for a lasting peace agreement, which includes the release of all hostages and prisoners. Additionally, it is imperative that the international community promptly addresses the hunger and starvation affecting the population in Gaza. From the start of this conflict, nearly 40,000 have died, 80,000 are injured, and 1.5 million Palestinians have been displaced from their home. Nader J. Sayegh NYS Assemblyman 90th District-Yonkers

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT.

The Yonkers Police Department is gearing up for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Andrus Field, Coyne Park, Sullivan Oval, and JFK Marina. National Night Out is a nationwide effort to promote police and community partnerships.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: AFYA VOLUNTEERS.

Mayor Spano stopped by the AFYA Foundation to recognize volunteers who are living with disabilities. The volunteers dedicated time to help sort medical Supplies for those in need.

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

 

Dear Neighbors, This week we celebrated our Yonkers Parks - https://www.yonkersny.gov/291/Parks-Recreation-Conservation! We recognized the 110th anniversary of the Department at City Hall and thanked all our employees for everything they do for our City. With more than 80 parks, there's always a place in your neighborhood to explore. The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation offers programs for all ages. This summer they have hosted free concerts and outdoor movies. Be sure to check out the schedule and join us. Enjoy the weekend, Yonkers! Stay safe! MIKE SPANO Mayor

Yonkers Insider: UPAC: Event: The Library Jazz Band is in the Park tonight!

 

YES! We are outside tonight!

Looking forward to seeing you at another Summer Saturday Evening free performance under the stars of Untermyer Park!

Yonkers Insider: Statement from New York State Senator Shelley Mayer 37th District.

 

Dear Friends,  I can hardly believe July is almost coming to a close. I have been fortunate to spend much of this summer in the community, enjoying many free summer activities, hosting my virtual end-of-session town hall, attending key events and hearing from my constituents.  Among other things, this week I testified about Con Edison’s Climate Change Resilience Plan before the New York State Department of Public Service in White Plains. I argued that ConEd must improve its resiliency, but it cannot be allowed to pass those costs onto ratepayers. They have already received very generous increases approved in the last rate case, making additional increases unnecessary and unduly burdensome on ratepayers. I have heard from many of you about sky-high delivery charges, some of which have been more than double the supply charge. As the Commission outlines its strategies to prevent, mitigate, and respond to climate change vulnerabilities, it is critical that they also prioritize mitigating the financial impact on consumers.

If there is anything my office can assist you with, please email me at smayer@nysenate.gov or call (914) 934-5250.   Warm regards,

Shelley B. Mayer State Senator 37th District