PRESS RELEASE: Westchester County Legislator Alfreda Williams Backs Ken Jenkins for County Executive

Jenkins Campaign Energized and Focused

GREENBURGH, NY — March 31, 2017 — Alfreda Williams, a Westchester County Board Legislator, today enthusiastically announced her endorsement of Ken Jenkins for Westchester County Executive.

“Since his first day on the Board more than 10 years ago, Ken’s dedication to those issues that impact us most has been unmatched,” said Williams. “Under Ken’s leadership, the Board of Legislators doubled the administration’s proposed tax relief and beat back outsourcing critical services—a plan that would have cost taxpayers millions. We could not have done it without him.”
Legislator Williams is a democrat from Greenburgh who has lead the fight for child care cost increases for parents.

“Ken’s a well-respected pillar of his community.  He is intelligent and efficient. Most importantly, he is always putting Westchester’s best interests first.”

The endorsement adds to a wave of support for Jenkins’ campaign, with endorsements from the Yonkers Democratic City Committee, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, and the Yonkers Black Democrats.
“I’m honored to have Legislator Williams’ support. She’s a remarkable public servant who works every day to educate our kids and keep our community safe,” said Jenkins. “It is wonderful to have her backing, and I look forward to working with her for many years to come.”

BREAKING: Yonkers State Senator George Latimer Makes It Official – Officially Announces His Candidacy for Westchester County Executive

YONKERS, NY — March 29, 2017 — State Sen. George Latimer will challenge County Legislator Kenneth Jenkins for the Democratic nomination for county executive at the party’s upcoming convention but would not force a primary if he falls short in his bid.

Latimer said Thursday he is officially entering his name for consideration at the May 10 convention in part because he has deep concerns about the long-term fiscal outlook for Westchester.

He said County Executive Rob Astorino has overseen zero percent tax increases, which has added to budget deficits and is fueled by an apparent second gubernatorial run.

Astorino has also overestimated sales tax revenue and borrowed to pay pensions and certioraris, which if allowed to continue will imperil the county’s finances, Latimer said. Therefore, a shift in priorities is needed to preserve the county’s financial standing.

“As I started to look back on some prior budgets I realized over the last couple of years, we’re really on the wrong path and if we don’t change that path we’re going to have a fiscal day of reckoning,” Latimer said.

Latimer, 63, who is in his third term in the Senate, is now the second candidate to officially vie for the nomination. Last summer, Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat and like Latimer a former chairman on the Board of Legislators, announced his candidacy for county executive last summer.

Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti (D-Pleasantville), who in February made it known that he was weighing a run for county executive, said Thursday he will make a decision within the next few weeks. Latimer said another potential candidate, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale), recently told him she will not pursue the nomination.

Although he is challenging Jenkins, Latimer said he would avoid a September primary if he is not designated by the party as the nominee. Instead he would look to help the Democrats unite the party.

“I’m not opposing Ken Jenkins. I like Ken,” Latimer said. “I think we have a lot more in common on public policy than what differentiates us. This is not going to be about me making a case about anything negative at all that deals with Ken. This is about me and my credentials and what I’ve done.”

Jenkins said he is encouraged by the Democrats’ interest in winning back the county executive’s office and welcomed the competition.

“I think we are going to do very well with whatever person we have because we have a great story to tell, we have a lot of enthusiasm and a great dossier to make the case against Rob Astorino,” Jenkins said.

However, Jenkins said he would press ahead with a primary should he not be the choice at the convention. When he announced his candidacy last August, Jenkins said he pledged to give his party a choice and would maintain that promise.

Latimer pointed to his three decades of service at the local, county and state levels of government as to why he would be a strong candidate.

He acknowledged that part of his motivation in running for county executive was his ongoing frustration with the power structure in Albany. Not only has it been difficult to make changes with the Independent Democratic Conference siding with Republicans in the Senate, but the Assembly speaker, Senate Majority Leader and governor hold enormous power over state government, Latimer said.

“There are certain things in Albany that are very hard to change,” he said. “I’m going to come home and make the effort to govern the county that I grew up in and the county that I love.”

PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers State Senator Latimer Blasts Senate Republican Leadership for Ethics Failure in 2018 Budget

Yet Again More Indictments are Met with More Silence”, Latimer Says

ALBANY, NY — March 28, 2017 — Following the indictments this week of a recently retired Western New York Senator as well as the man who replaced him in the State Senate, State Senator George Latimer (D-Westchester) slammed the Senate Republican Leadership for its failure to include any real ethics reform in its proposed 2018 Budget Resolution.

“In the last year and a half, the two top Republican Senators have been indicted and convicted, and last week, a former senator and his successor were both indicted. The certainty we have in Albany is that every year a budget is going to pass. If we really want to do ethics reform, it should be made part of the budget. Yet again more indictments are met with more silence,” Senator Latimer said today.

Latimer specifically pointed to three bills he co-sponsors that he believes should be included in this year’s budget. Those bills would change the definition of bribery to focus on the intent of the exchange of money in return for political favors, rather than requiring an in-advance agreement to do so (S.1873- Sen. Avella), limiting state legislators’ outside income to 15% of their annual state salary, as is the rule for Members of Congress (S.25 – Sen. Hoylman) and a bill requiring annual ethics training for all members of the state legislature and the executive branch, and all of their employees (S.919 – Senator Croci).

“Whether they are Republican, Democratic or IDC bills, they are met with the same response by Senate Leadership… Silence. Year in and year out, the problems persist, and Albany continues to fail to act. This is unacceptable and with the budget deadline fast approaching, the time to remedy this is right now,” Latimer added.

PRESS RELEASE: Assemblyman Gary Pretlow Endorses Yonkers Legislator Ken Jenkins for Westchester County Executive

YONKERS, NY — March 27, 2017 — Assemblyman Gary Pretlow today endorsed Ken Jenkins in the election for Westchester County Executive.

“I have known and worked with Ken for several years, and he is one of the most effective and responsive leaders I have ever worked with,” said Pretlow.

The endorsement comes on the heels of the Yonkers Democratic City Committee, which was announced their support of Ken Jenkins late last week.

“Assemblyman Pretlow’s hard work and dedication to his constituents is a model we should all follow,” said Jenkins. “I look forward to working with him to deliver real and impactful results to Westchester County in the years to come.”

Ken is the only announced Democratic candidate in the race to replace Rob Astorino, who made news recently for suffering eye-popping financial losses in his management of the Westchester airport.

“Ken is the fighter we need to take on the Trump agenda here in Westchester,” said Pretlow. “He has worked to decrease our taxes and improve the economy. He’s fought hard for day care services, health services, women’s health services. He’s fought hard for immigrant protection, and ensuring a fair and open society. Now more than ever, we need Ken Jenkins as our County Executive.”

PRESS RELEASE: New York Appeals Court Orders Cuomo Administration to Release School Improvement Grants

YONKERS, NY — March 27, 2017 — A New York appeals court has ordered the State Division of Budget to immediately release over $37 million in improvement grants to 20 designated needy schools across the state. A year ago, the grants were frozen by Governor Andrew Cuomo‘s Budget Director, Robert Mujica, triggering a lawsuit by parents of students in three of the affected schools.

“I am most happy for the children who would benefit from these funds as it shows them that there are people other than their parents who care about their future,” said Curtis Witters, a parent plaintiff in the lawsuit. “I hope the schools will utilize these funds to help our students be as successful and progressive as possible.”

Education Law Center represents the parents of students in the three schools: Hackett Middle School in Albany, Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, and JHS 80 Mosholu Parkway Middle School in The Bronx.

In an order issued today, the appeals court “vacated,” or lifted, a “stay” of a December 28, 2016, decision by Judge Kimberly O’Connor in Albany finding Mr. Mujica had acted illegally in withholding the grants. Judge O’Connor directed the Budget Director to immediately release the impounded grant funds.

An appeal of by the Cuomo Administration triggered an automatic stay of Judge O’Connor’s ruling. The parents then asked the appeals court to lift the stay, citing the urgent need to release the funds so needed programs could be implemented in the upcoming (2017-18) school year. Today’s order clears the way for the funds to be released so the schools can begin their planning process.

“We are pleased the Appellate Division ordered the immediate release of the grant funds,” said Wendy Lecker, ELC Senior Attorney. “These grants were frozen illegally, forcing the schools to discontinue vital academic and support services in the current school year. These schools can now plan to restore these programs to improve performance and help their students succeed.”

“Mr. Mujica had no legal basis for impounding these grants in the first place,” said ELC Executive Director David Sciarra. “It’s tragic that the Cuomo Administration would waste time and money to defend their illegal action in court, rather than working cooperatively with local educators to improve outcomes for vulnerable children.”

In addition to vacating the stay, the appeals court also granted the parents’ motion to expedite consideration of the merits of the appeal, placing it on the court’s May 2017 calendar.

PRESS RELEASE: Stagg Group Gets Approval for New Apartment Building in Yonkers

YONKERS, NY— March 23, 2017 — Stagg Group has today announced that its plan for transforming a rundown abandoned property in Yonkers into a new luxury rental building is after three tears of review and community outreach is finally moving ahead.

The Yonkers City Council voted on March 21st to rezone 705 Bronx River Road from commercial to residential thereby allowing the Stagg Group to move forward with its plans to develop a 160-unit, nine-story luxury apartment rental building with parking.

After investing $7 million into the project, the Stagg Group asserts their plan is to begin demolition within the next 30 days and start construction later this spring. The new complex will take up a city block on Bronx River Road, Crescent Place and Reyer and Springer Avenues. Currently, the block has an empty commercial building, parking lot and the 5 houses Stagg Group has acquired on Crescent Place.

For the past three years, the Stagg Group has met repeatedly with neighbors and worked with City officials to adjust the number of units and address parking and density concerns so that it could proceed with plans to raze the existing structure and build new apartments there.

“We want to be part of the solution,” said Mark Stagg, President of the real estate development company that is best known for the many units of housing it has built in Westchester County and The Bronx since 1996. “We wanted to find out what works best for the neighborhood, what works best for the city.”

When Stagg first acquired the rundown property at 705 Bronx River Road in 2013, he envisioned it as the new headquarters for his company. “We liked its central location and the fact that the building could accommodate all of our employees under one roof,” he said.

But after inspecting the abandoned building, which had undergone four awkward additions over the years, Stagg realized that renovating the existing structure was not economically feasible. “It’s completely unworkable as is. It’s a tiny commercial island surrounded by residences. If you look at a map, it looks like a missing tooth,” he said.

After meeting with neighbors, it became clear that their primary concerns were about density. To address those concerns, Stagg and his team reduced the number of units several times, going from as high as 224 apartments to its current plan for 160 rental units. “We realized that 160 is the right number,” Stagg said. “This is what the neighborhood wants.”

PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Democratic City Committee Endorses Ken Jenkins for Westchester County Executive

YONKERS, NY — March 23, 2017 — The Yonkers Democratic City Committee has thrown their support behind Ken Jenkins for Westchester County Executive.

“Ken is the very picture of what a public official should be,” said Tom Meier, Sr. Chair of the Yonkers Democrats. “He is a smart, dedicated legislator who has proven, time and time again, that he has what it takes to beat Astorino and put Westchester back on track.”

The Ken Jenkins for Westchester campaign has been picking up steam with added staff, and an influx of hundreds of volunteers in a show of grassroots support. Ken has been crisscrossing the district, attending as many as 3 meetings a night with Democratic leaders from New Rochelle to Ossining.

“Yonkers is my home, and it is a true honor to have the support of the Yonkers Democrats,” said Jenkins, upon receiving the endorsement. “This is going to be the largest grassroots campaign Westchester County has ever seen, and with this endorsement, we’re off to the races.”

“Ken is a strong advocate for the people of Yonkers, and all the people of Westchester County,” said Meier. “Today, more than ever, we need a leader that will create opportunities for ALL its residents.”

YONKERS TRIBUNE: Mayor Mike Spano Asserts Yonkers on Positive Footing

YONKERS, NY — March 22, 2017 — Mayor Mike Spano presented the State of the City to a hungry audience who punctuated every sentence with enthusiastic applause that would in time fade from its initial exuberance. The list of accomplishments were expressed ad nauseum, as they have under his reign year after year devoid of proof, yet extolled as if real and credible. Hiding behind the accomplishments of the men and women of blue was Mayor Spano’s assertion that the City of Yonkers (CoY) was recognized as the second safest city in the nation of cities of equal size. Mayor Spano delighted in stating that CoY had been ranked higher than last year when it is suggested the city was judged in third place. Assertions with no proof; but it sounds wonderful..... 

http://www.yonkerstribune.com/2017/03/mayor-mike-spano-asserts-yonkers-on-positive-footing-by-hezi-aris

PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers State Senator George Latimer Calls for Inclusion of JCC Hate Crime Bill in New York State Budget

ALBANY, NY — March 21, 2017 — State Senator George Latimer (D-Westchester) today called on Legislative Leaders to include in the 2018 budget his legislation which establishes bomb threats to religious affiliated community centers as hate crimes.

The bill introduced earlier this month, has 14 New York State Senate co-sponsors and has been introduced in the Assembly by Charles Lavine of Nassau County. The bill is now S.5065 (Latimer)/A.6739 (Lavine).

“This legislation was introduced to address a pressing problem — one that continues to grow, with new bomb threats across New York State in the last two weeks. There is support for it, as it is now sponsored by a very prominent colleague in the Assembly. New York needs to act now to stem the growing number of hateful threats on our families simply because they attend locations with religious affiliations,” Senator Latimer said.

Latimer pointed out that once the budget is complete, consideration of major legislation tends to wait until the end of session, currently slated for the third full week of June. “There is no good reason to allow these hateful acts to not face the full measure of justice until it is convenient for the legislative calendar,” Latimer added.

Yonkers Councilwoman Corazon Pineda-Isaac: Embarking On a New Journey

YONKERS, NY — March 19, 2017 — Four years ago I embarked on a new journey and became a Council Member in the City of Yonkers. It has been one of the most beautiful journeys I’ve been on. It has shaped a big part of who I am and has taught me so much.

I am seeking re-election. My goal is to continue the work we have begun, to improve in areas where we can and to see projects started to their completion. I am so grateful for everyone who has supported this journey and will once again ask you to support my candidacy.

Please join me for my first official re-election fundraiser. I hope to see you there and I hope to count on your support!

Contact information:

Corazon for Office
P.O. Box #1521
Yonkers, NY 10704
E-mail: corazonforoffice@gmail.com

Yonkers Detectives Investigating Structure Fire at 1 Hawley Terrace

YONKERS, NY — March 16, 2017 — On March 15th, 2017, at approximately 3:45 AM, members of the Yonkers Police Department responded to an apartment building at 1 Hawley Terrace on a report of a fire.

Responding Officers met with the Yonkers Fire Department who were actively battling a substantial fire engulfing a large portion of the premises. Officers secured the area, established traffic posts, and escorted residents and members of the public to safety.

A temporary shelter was established at the Yonkers Police Athletic League building at 127 North Broadway. Affected residents were provided with provisions with the assistance of the Yonkers Office of Emergency Management and the Red Cross. Representatives from the City of Yonkers Office of Constituent Services and the Office of the Aging were present to assist residents and facilitate social services.

Members of the Yonkers Fire Department reported they located a deceased occupant in one of fire apartments. The decedent was subsequently removed by the Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office. Detectives from the Yonkers Police Fire Investigation Unit and Crime Scene Unit are actively investigating this incident, interviewing witnesses, canvassing the scene, and processing forensic evidence. Due to the extent of fire and water damage to the building, the investigation may span several days. The identity of the victim will not be released pending family notification.

Latest reports indicate that the main body of the fire has been knocked down; residents are still urged to avoid the area pending removal of heavy equipment and treatment of local roads. Affected residents of the building will be advised if and when they may re-enter their apartments.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Yonkers Police Detective Division at (914) 377-7724; all calls will remain confidential. 100% anonymous tips can be sent by texting the key word YPD plus the tip to 847411. Anonymous tips can also be sent to us directly through the Yonkers PD Tips app which can be downloaded for free to any Apple or Android device.

PRESS RELEASE: Anthony Merante Announces Bid for Yonkers 6th Council District

YONKERS, NY — March 12, 2017 — Anthony Merante, a local businessman, CPA, husband and father of two has announced his candidacy for 6th District of the Yonkers City Council. Merante has received the endorsement of the Yonkers Republican Party. He is seeking his first elective office. 
A lifelong resident of Yonkers, Merante 56 is running on a platform of holding the line on property taxes, increasing safety by greater community policing, improving and rebuilding Yonkers Public Schools, and better city services to improve neighborhood quality of life.
“I love Yonkers”, said Merante. I’ve lived here for over 30 years, and this is where my wife and I are raising our children. But, like countless other Yonkers families, we have great concern about the future. Taxes are rising yet services remain stagnant, and our school children are receiving less services and activities. Merante said. “I’m running for City Council because there is a better way. As councilman, I will focus on safer, cleaner streets for our families, better schools for our kids, and holding the line on property taxes to protect homeowners and seniors on fixed incomes”.

As a CPA, I will use my skills to make certain that Yonkers taxpayers are getting better value for their tax dollars. I’m committed to making city government work smarter and more effectively on the issues that really matter,” Merante added.

Anthony Merante has received the endorsement of the current 6th District Councilman and City Council Majority Leader John Larkin. Larkin stated “I met Anthony more than twenty years ago through our involvement in our neighborhoods and we became friends. Anthony truly has the best interests of our City’s neighborhoods. I know Anthony will continue to represent the District with care and professionalism to insure residents’ voices are heard. I support Anthony 100 percent and look forward to his representing the people of the 6th District”.

Mr. Merante has also been endorsed by Dee Barbato, the former 6th District Councilmember who noted, “I’ve been a friend and neighbor of Anthony for more than 20 years and know him to be a hard working, caring individual who has devoted himself to his community; he truly cares about the City of Yonkers as witnessed by his involvement in countless organizations over the years. I’d be proud to have him as my representative on the city council and know the 6th District would be in good hand”.

Anthony Merante is a 30-year resident of Yonkers, He graduated Saint John’s University, Bachelor of Science in Accounting and has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1987. Merante is also a member of the New York State Society of CPAs. He is a Yonkers businessman; the owner of Anthony J. Merante CPA, P.C., and Co-Owner and Vice-President, Westchester Kitchen & Bath, Inc.

Anthony has been married to his wife, Yolanda, for (33) years. They have two children, Anthony Jr. (22), Gianna (16), and their dog Snoopy Rudolf. The Merante children attended Yonkers Public Schools and the family are Parishioner of Annunciation–Our Lady of Fatima.

Over the years, Anthony Merante has shown dedication to his community. He has been Sprain Lake Knolls Civic Association President for 7 years and a member for 20 years. He has also served as a former treasurer to the First Precinct Community Council, and spokesperson for Yonkers Education Advocates. He is a member of the Enrico Fermi Educational Fund and a treasurer for the Yonkers Columbus Day Celebration Committee. Anthony has been active in Yonkers schools as a former member of the Patricia DiChiaro Elementary School PTA, and the Yonkers Middle/High School PTA. He has been a supporter of law enforcement as a volunteer at the Annual Police National Night Out.

YFD Deputy Chief Kevin Ford: The Alarm Structure Fire at 31 Riverview Place, in Yonkers, NY, Extinguished

YONKERS, NY — March 10, 2017 — This morning at approximately 6:30am, we received calls from the residents reporting heavy smoke in the building.

First arriving units confirmed the report and found heavy fire in the rear of the building from the ground floor to the top floor.

The building is a four story wood frame set back from the street making access for Fire apparatus very difficult. All residents were evacuated and suppression activities were initiated.

Because the rear porches were covered with plywood as well as sheetrock, it was very difficult to open up the walls to look for hidden fire. The fire eventually went to 3 alarms because of these difficulties.

The fire was contained to the rear of the building, but there was heavy water damage to all of the apartments. The building can not be re-occupied until the owner cleans up the water damage and repairs the back steps.

25 residents were relocated by the Yonkers Office of Emergency Management.

The fire started in the rear of the building, but the cause is still under investigation.

Deputy Chief Kevin Ford is Yonkers Fire Department Chief of Operations

DAILY VOICE: Yonkers Neurologist Among Those Charged In $50 Million Healthcare Scheme

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- A Westchester County neurologist was among six charged in a multi-million dollar health care fraud scheme that spanned more than a decade.

On Thursday, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara announced that Emad Soliman, who lives in New Castle and has a practice in Yonkers, was among those charged in a reported 12-year scheme to “defraud Medicaid, Medicare and other private health insurance companies out of more than $50 million.”
Soliman, 47, was arrested in Westchester on Thursday morning, Bharara said. 
“As alleged, these defendants that included a cardiologist and neurologist ran a medical practice that for years bilked public health care programs and private insurance companies of more than $50 million,” he added. “Thanks to the hard work of federal and state investigators, this fraud has been revealed and the alleged perpetrators forced to face the consequences of their actions.” 
According to Bharara, Soliman - who is a board-certified neurologist - was a part of the scheme that included making false representations to insurance providers, submitting false claims to those providers, paying “exorbitant kickbacks to local primary care medical offices in exchange for lucrative referrals from their office” and accessing, without authorization, electronic health records of patients at a particular Long Island hospital, among other infractions. 
In the indictment, it is alleged that to further their scheme, and to hide from the insurance providers the size of the fraudulent claims, the doctors submitted claims to the providers falsely representing that certain medical tests had been ordered or performed. 
“These doctors included Emad Soliman, who knowingly participated in the scheme to allow (the practice) to submit false claims to the insurance providers in his name, as well as two other doctors who did not know their identities were being used to further the fraud,” the indictment says. 
"Public health insurance programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, are not a personal pocketbook for criminals seeking to exploit a program designed to help those who need these programs the most," FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. stated. "As alleged, the six defendants carried out a massive health care fraud scheme against these programs and private insurance companies for over twelve years and submitted more than $50 million in fraudulent claims. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who defraud taxpayer-funded programs.” 
Soliman has been charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, wire fraud, making false statements relating to health care matters, conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with identification information and making false statements to a federal agent. He is due back in court later this year, where he will face up to 75 years in prison. 
“Health care fraud schemes like the one alleged here loot government health programs, compromise patient well-being, and undermine the public’s trust in the health profession," Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Regional Office of the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, said. "You can bet our agents will continue to thoroughly investigate such allegations and hold fraudsters accountable for their crimes.”

PRESS RELEASE:Yonkers Launches $325,000 New Generation Yonkers Marketing Campaign

Campaign Features TV and Radio Ads, Print and Digital Advertising, and Metro-North Car Cards

YONKERS, NY — March 3, 2017 — Dean Bender of the public Relations and advertising firm Thompson & Bender divulged that Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano had engaged the firm for the next generation of the Generation Yonkers marketing campaign, that people in the know have advised the Yonkers Tribune is an initiative that will cost $325,000. The advertising promotional is said to be an “innovative economic development initiative created to reposition Yonkers as the next great urban frontier.”

Partner Dean Bender suggests, “The new campaign, which was developed by the Westchester-based advertising agency Thompson & Bender, has a new look and feel from the previous two campaigns and features leaders in the fields of business, higher education, restaurants, arts and culture.

The firm advises those featured in the new marketing campaign include:

· Mike Brady, President & CEO of Greyston Bakery;
· Jason Evege, Founder and Owner of Linoto textile company;
· Christian Petroni, Chef and Owner of Fortina Restaurants;
· Kanwal Singh, Dean of Sarah Lawrence College;
· Melissa Starke, Curator of Urban Studio Unbound Gallery
· Masha Turchinsky, Director of the Hudson River Museum

The Generation Yonkers campaign kicked off during the opening days of March with TV ads running for three months on FIOS and Cablevision, as 60-second spots running on WCBS-880 radio through the end of August and Gen Y is sponsoring the WCBS-880 opening bell report every weekday morning. Print ads will be running through the end of the year in local publications and interior car cards are appearing on the Harlem and Hudson Line of Metro-North through March 26. The campaign also includes a comprehensive program on a digital ad network that includes geotargeting, geofencing, key word search, contextual ads, search retargeting and Facebook ads. In addition, www.generationyonkers.com, new website for the campaign was also launched.

The new campaign was unveiled at a reception held at the Hudson River Museum featuring those who are appearing in the new ads as well as those who appeared in the previous campaigns.

“The secret’s out – Yonkers is the city to live, work and play in,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in our city over the last five years, thanks in large part to the Generation Yonkers marketing campaign and I am confident that this latest re-energized and refreshed campaign will continue the momentum. The future of Yonkers is now – we invite everyone to be part of it.”

Here is what some of the leaders featured in the new marketing campaign have said about Yonkers:

· “Yonkers is in the center of a renaissance. That same energy that started happening in Brooklyn about 10 years ago is happening here. I feel it germinating.”
— Christian Petroni, Chef and Owner of Fortina Restaurant, who is opening his newest restaurant in April at the Boyce Thompson Center in Yonkers
· “As a business owner, it’s so refreshing in Yonkers. People are more receptive to what you need to keep your business going. When you look at Brooklyn and you look at Yonkers, Yonkers just makes more sense.”
— Jason Evege, Founder and Owner of Linoto, a high-quality textile company that moved to Yonkers from Manhattan

· “One of our partnerships with Yonkers is the Environmental Education Center right there in one of the most exciting parts of the city. It’s really a way for our students to be involved in the vibrancy of Yonkers.”
— Kanwal Singh, Dean of Sarah Lawrence College which has the Sarah Lawrence Center for the Urban River on the Yonkers waterfront

· “There is $1 billion worth of development going on in the City of Yonkers and the arts are leading the way.”
— Masha Turchinsky, Director of the Hudson River Museum

· “Yonkers has a really diverse artistic population. There’s a great vibe in the downtown.”
— Melissa Starke, FIT professor and Curator of Urban Studio Unbound Gallery

· “What we like about Yonkers and working with city officials is their real entrepreneurial spirit.”
— Mike Brady, President & CEO of Greyston Bakery, which has operated in Yonkers for the past 33 years

Bender writes: Yonkers is undergoing an economic renaissance with more than $1 billion in development under way. According to the city’s Department of Planning and Development, Yonkers has more than 5,000 multi-family residential units recently completed, under construction and approved for development. The city’s hotel market is also booming with approximately 1,200 rooms. Since 2012, the Department of Planning and Development has been responsible for winning 13 grants valued at more than $10 million and has administered a total of more than $40 million of existing grants during the past four years.”

YONKERS TRIBUNE: Yonkers Albany Delegation of Four State Representatives Still Clueless Over the Needs of Yonkersites

The Political Hezitorial New York State Democratic Conference Leader Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator George Latimer, New York State Assemblymember Shelley Mayer, and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow are suggested in a February 26, 2017 press release to have each approved, and have each subscribed that they have “listened” to constituent concerns and “answered” questions with respect to the FY 2017-2018 proposed NYS …

http://www.yonkerstribune.com/2017/03/yonkers-albany-delegation-of-four-state-representatives-still-clueless-over-the-needs-of-yonkersites-by-hezi-aris

PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Man Extradited from Scotland to Face Charges in Shooting Death

WHITE PLAINS, NY — March 2, 2017 — Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced that Sheppard Adeghe (DOB 07/25/85) of 125 Caryl Avenue, Yonkers, New York was arraigned today before Judge Barbara Zambelli on an indictment charging him with:

• one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a class “A-1” Felony,
• one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class “C” Felony

in the shooting death of Elias Flores.

On August 10, 2016 at approximately 7:15 p.m., a car drove into the emergency room area at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers. The victim, who was suffering from a gunshot wound, was dropped off. Within an hour of his arrival at the hospital, the victim was pronounced dead.

An autopsy by the medical examiner determined the cause of death to be a single gunshot wound that passed through the victim’s arm and entering his chest.

Detectives from the Yonkers Police Department located the car that transported the victim to the hospital. Blood stains were found in the back seat.

Two days later, on August 12, 2016, the defendant applied for and was issued an emergency United States passport. That same day he boarded an international flight to Amsterdam, The Netherlands. From there, he flew to Edinburgh, Scotland.

In the course of their investigation, Yonkers detectives obtained information leading to the identification of the defendant, placing him on Poplar Street at the time the victim was shot and just before his arrival at the hospital.

On August 26, 2016, Yonkers Police received a tip that the defendant was in Edinburgh. On September 1, 2016 police there executed a Federal warrant and detained the defendant.

Extradition proceedings were commenced which resulted in the defendant’s return to the United States with the assistance of the United States Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The defendant pled not guilty.

His remand continues.

His next court date is March 14, 2017.

The defendant faces a maximum of twenty-five years to life in state prison.

Assistant District Attorney Julia Cornachio and Assistant District Attorney Brian Bendish of the Superior Court Trial Division are prosecuting the case.

In compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.6, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

PRESS RELEASE: Jenkins for Westchester County Executive Campaign Ramps Up

YONKERS, NY — March 2, 2017 — The Jenkins campaign today announced two significant additions to his team for election as the next Westchester County Executive. The campaign has hit its stride, making pivotal new hires with the election still eight months away.

Joe Montalto has joined the team as Campaign Manager. For more than thirty years, Joe has served New York City, New York State and Westchester County governments. Before he spent time as a New York State Senator representing Brooklyn, Joe began his career serving the Koch Administration in New York City. He then made a move to the New York State Housing Department. Joe left the Housing Department to become a Senior Advisor to two state senate minority leaders and director of the New York State Senate Campaign Committee.

Montalto made the move to Westchester to serve as the deputy commissioner of the Westchester County Parks Department, and worked as the director of Rye Playland. Joe also brings to the table his vast experience in political campaigns at all levels throughout the state.

“Joe’s expertise is unparalleled,” said Jenkins. “He’ll come in and take the campaign to the next level. His political and governmental experience in Westchester helps us in all areas – strategic, tactical, and operational. He’s the right guy for the job.”

The campaign also announced the hiring of Peter Brown, a partner at BrownMillerGroup, to handle the campaign’s press operation. Peter, a national-level political operative, brings to the campaign laser-like focus on direct voter contact and targeted communications.

“Peter has won huge races. He has the breadth of experience we need to get the message out,” Jenkins said. “My campaign will be the most sophisticated grassroots campaign Westchester County has seen,” he added. “With the leadership in place, we are ready to go.

Yonkers Public School 7th and 8th Boys And Girls Basketball Championships at Roosevelt High School – March 10, 2017 at 3:45pm