Wishing You A Merry Christmas By Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano

On Christmas Day, we celebrate the birth of Jesus and reflect on the universal message of compassion and faith that He taught. Today, families and loved ones across Yonkers will gather to exchange gifts, give thanks and share a Christmas meal, as they reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.

The reason for the season is timeless – and can be applied to each one of us, despite differences in faith. We all have a responsibility to be kind, to give back and to help those among us who are most in need. In the spirit of kindness and generosity, let’s keep the Christmas message alive not just today, but in the days and weeks that follow.

Let’s also give special thanks to the men and women of the Armed Forces and the first responders who so often sacrifice time with their loved ones to guard our country and protect our quality of life.

On behalf of Mary, Michael, Alexandra, and Christopher, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

Sincerely,

MIKE SPANO
Mayor

YFD UNION PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Firefighters Deliver Christmas Miracle by Saving Life and Bronx River Road Building

YONKERS, NY — December 25, 2015 — The six-story building was threatened by a fire that emanated from Apartment 3D of the 355 Bronx River Road apartment complex.

The call received at about 10:05am, Christmas Day. Firefighters from Ladder 73 and Engine 313, located on Kimball Avenue, were first to arrive at 10:09 am, four minutes after being dispatched. Firefighters from Ladder 73 forced entry to the locked apartment door as Engine 313 began the process of stretching a hoseline to the burning apartment.

Prior to a hoseline being put into place, Lieutenant Daniel Nee crawled past the heavy fire and proceeded to the rear bedroom where the victim was trapped. In heavy smoke conditions, Lieutenant Nee shared his air-mask with the victim as he rescued her from the burning apartment. Shortly thereafter, Firefighters Timothy O’Connell. Richard Padilla and Gerard Boyle from Engine 313 were able to place their hoseline into position, and made an aggressive attack to extinguish the fire.

The apartment suffered heavy fire damage and the remainder of the building suffered smoke and water damage. There was significant smoke and window damage to 3D, and water damage in 3D, 2D, and 1D. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Both Lieutenant Nee and the victim were transported to Jacobi Hospital in The Bronx, New York, where they are each being treated for smoke inhalation and elevated carbon-monoxide levels. Lieutenant Nee is a six-year member of the Yonkers Fire Department and a USMC Iraq War Veteran.

Notably, Nee was laid off during a City of Yonkers budget crisis in 2010, and Yonkers Fire Officers have not received a cost of living increase in salary from the City of Yonkers in seven years! The Uniformed Fire Officers Association, who did not endorse Mayor Mike Spano in his most recent run for office, have been mired in a protracted contract negotiation stalemate with Mayor Spano and recently filed for impasse. While the larger Yonkers Firefighters Union received a 10-year contractual agreement 9-months ago,

Mayor Mike Spano has been insistent that he will not grant a similar agreement to the Fire Officers unless they agree to contractual language that would gut the longstanding line-of-duty injury protections that have been in place. Yonkers Fire Officers are willing to accept the exact same contractual language that the Firefighters Union accepted nine months ago, including their agreement that applies to line-of-duty injuries.

However, Mayor Mike Spano has demanded that in order to receive the same cost-of-living increase in salary granted to Firefighters, the Fire Officers Association must accept significantly less protection from line-of-duty injuries than what has been granted to Yonkers Firefighters.

Today’s events are a stark example of why the Uniformed Fire Officers Association is unable to allow the contractual protections for their members injured in the line-of-duty to be gutted by Mayor Mike Spano for political and/or personal reasons.

SOURCE: Assistant Chief Robert Antulov, Battalion 2

YPD PRESS RELEASE: Detective Division Investigation – Shooting at 615 Warburton Avenue; Suspect Taken Into Custody

YONKERS, NY — December 24, 2015 — On December 23, 2015, at approximately 11:47 p.m., the Yonkers Police Department Communications Division received a call from St. John’s Hospital advising that a female walked into the Emergency Room with an apparent gunshot wound to her neck.

Responding units were informed by hospital staff that the victim, a 39-year -old female Yonkers resident, had sustained a gunshot wound to her neck. 

Members of the Yonkers Police Department Detective Division immediately began an investigation into this shooting and they subsequently gathered information that the shooting occurred inside an apartment located at 615 Warburton Avenue. Investigation revealed that the victim was in a domestic dispute with the suspect, later identified as Jose Guerrero, that took place within the apartment.

The victim and suspect share a child in common. The dispute escalated to a time when suspect, Guerrero, fired a round from a handgun which struck the victim in the neck.

The suspect was taken into custody and has been booked for Assault 2nd degree by the arresting Police Officers. Charges may be escalated or amended at today’s arraignment in Yonkers Criminal Court. The victim was treated and released from the hospital.

The suspect is a 49-year-old male who resides at 615 Warburton Avenue. He is employed as a Sergeant with the New York City Police Department.

Members of the Yonkers Police Department notified the N.Y.P.D. of this incident.

CONTACT: Yonkers Police Department Detective Lieutenant Patrick McCormack

Follow the Yonkers Police Department on: https://twitter.com/#!/YonkersPD

http://www.facebook.com/YonkersPD

YONKERS TRIBUNE EXCLUSIVE: Lt. Thomas Phelan to Step Down as C.L.S.A. President

HEZI ARIS: Deputy Chief Intervallo Concludes His Service to Yonkers Police Department

YONKERS, NY– December 23, 2015 — Yonkers Police Captains Lieutenants and Sergeants Association (CLSA) President Lt. Thomas Phelan is stepping down; perhaps stepping down and to the side wold be more exact. Lt. Phelan will serve with the Yonkers Police Department Detective Division.

The exact date of departure is somewhat fuzzy. Lt. Phelan’s term in office is valid until December 31, 2017. His intent to step down is triggered by is desire to return to police/detective work. A successor to the CLSA will therefore be engaged upon Lt. Phelan’s departure.

There is “chatter” over the succession process. First Precinct Sgt. Chris Sapienza and CLSA Trustee-at-Large is being spoken about as a likely successor to Lt. Phelan.

On another item, Yonkers Tribune has learned that Deputy Chief Francis Intervallo will officially conclude his service to the YPD at the end of this month.

A hat tip and gratitude to those who advised us of these circumstances coming to bear in the City of Yonkers; we celebrate and acknowledge those mentioned herein for their contribution to Yonkers. Thank you! 

http://www.yonkerstribune.com/2015/12/exclusive-lt-thomas-phelan-to-step-down-as-c-l-s-a-president

PRESS RELEASE: Governor Cuomo Signs Yonkers Assemblymember Shelley Mayer’s Bill Ensurs Seniors Receive Vital Information When Discharged from Hospital

Governor Cuomo Signs A.7791/S.5892, Requiring the Director of the State Office of the Aging to Develop a List of Senior Services and Requires Hospitals to Provide Information to Senior Patients When They are Discharged from Hospital

YONKERS, NY — December 22, 2015 — On Friday, December 11th, Governor Cuomo signed A.7791/S.5892, sponsored by Assemblymember Shelley Mayer (D-90th AD) and Senator David Valesky (D-53rd SD). The bill requires the director of the New York State Office of the Aging to develop a list of programs serving seniors in each county to be provided to individuals sixty years of age and older upon discharge from the hospital. These senior services and programs will provide seniors with the opportunity to remain at home, while attending day programs and receiving services that offer nutrition, social activities, medical monitoring and transportation. This bill requires hospitals to provide this information to patients sixty years of age and older when they are discharged from the hospital based on the county of residence of the patient. Research shows social adult day services and other local aging programs are an essential component of the community-based service-delivery system that helps seniors remain in their homes, rather than move to a nursing home or other setting. In Westchester and elsewhere, these services and locations provide a safe environment and essential services where seniors and their families can have confidence that the daily needs of living are met, while providing a stimulating social environment for seniors during the day.

Assemblymember Mayer explained, “I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing this bill, which ensures seniors who are discharged from the hospital are aware of and connected to their communities and to vital services. Senior centers and programs provide essential assistance to seniors, keeping them out of nursing homes and reducing costs. Equally important, these centers and services provide relief to informal caregivers and improve the quality of life for our seniors. This bill furthers our commitment to seniors living at home for as long as possible, while ensuring their social and nutritional needs are met.”

“Seniors and caregivers are often unaware of local services, such as social adult day care programs, that can help avoid unnecessary placement and the need for other costly assistance,” Sen. Valesky said. “Making this information readily available will help individuals find the care they need and ease the burden on their caregivers.”

“This is an important bill that supports the needs for older New Yorkers when being discharged from the hospital. This certainly speaks to the Governor’s recognition of how vital community based supports and services are, and will ease in, the sometimes difficult transition from hospital to home,” said Michael Romano, President, Association on Aging in New York.

Igal Jellinek, Executive Director, LiveOn NY, states, “On behalf of older New Yorkers throughout the state and their family caregivers, LiveOn NY wholeheartedly thanks Governor Cuomo for enacting this bill and for the leadership of Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer and Senator David Valesky for sponsoring it. Information is not only power, knowing what services are offered will make a difference in the health and quality of life of an older adult remaining independent . Family caregivers will also be supported as these services assist them in their caregiving responsibilities. Caregivers across the state provide $32 billion of free care to their parents and other loved ones – raising awareness and funding these services is a good return on investment for the state.”

Under current law, when a senior patient is discharged from the hospital he or she may not be aware of the programs available in the area that provide nutrition, exercise, pain management, and personal care services. This bill seeks to correct this deficiency, connecting data compiled by the State Office of the Aging on a county-by-county basis with hospital discharge planners in order to help patients and their families receive current information regarding the senior programs and services available in their county. This law becomes effective immediately.

SOURCE: Rachel Estroff, Communications, Assemblymember Shelley Mayer

Riverdale Avenue Tenant’s Association: The Grinch That Stole Christmas: Mayor Mike Spano and Disabled Yonkers Firefighters

As reported recently in the Yonkers Tribune, Yonkers Mayor Michael Spano is now targeting disabled Yonkers firefighters by attempting to reduce their monthly disability payments. The disabled firefighters, who were informed by letter earlier this month, were given a mere ten days to respond before Christmas.

In his letter to the Editor, Barry McGoey (Yonkers Fire Department and President of I.A.F.F. Local 628) described the Mayor’s craven attack on the Fire Department’s most vulnerable and most deserving members:

“Many of the Firefighters who received the notices are suffering from disabling injuries and illnesses including Stage 4 cancer, serious burns, and 9/11 illnesses, along with crippling injures to their legs, backs and various other body parts.”

http://www.yonkerstribune.com/2015/12/letter-to-the-editor-nefarious-accusations-against-disabled-yonkers-firefighters-by-barry-mcgoey-2

Rather than addressing budgetary deficiencies throughout Yonkers in a transparent, responsible, and sustainable manner, Mayor Spano and his administration have chosen instead to waste public money by employing predatory upstate law firm(s) and instituting frivolous legal proceedings in their headlong rush to inflict additional emotional and physical pain on disabled firefighters.

As we prepare to mark the two-year anniversary of an alleged arson in our building, we recall the efforts of the Yonkers Fire Department. Back in January 2014 Yonkers firefighters battled a three-alarm fire in our seven-story building, which broke out on the top floor during a bitterly cold winter night. With an outside temperature of 0°F and frozen hoses,  Yonkers firefighters still managed to extinguish the blaze, rescue two people who are believed to have started the fire, and save the building and the homes of its tenants.

While we do not know if any firefighters suffered injuries that night, we would expect the Mayor and City of Yonkers to uphold their legal responsibility to take care of each and every Yonkers firefighter whenever they are injured or disabled while serving and, in some cases, saving the public.

In their effort to instrumentalize disabled Yonkers firefighters for politically expedient ends—whether as retaliation for lack of support during his recent re-election campaign or simply as a morally bankrupt scheme to plug budgetary holes on the backs of disabled firefighters—Mayor Spano and his administration have reached a new low. Their actions are morally and ethically repugnant and warrant swift and sustained public condemnation.

The 461 Riverdale Avenue Tenants’ Association fully supports the Yonkers Fire Department in its efforts against Mayor Spano, his administration, and his supporters.

https://461riverdaleavenuetenantsassociation.wordpress.com/2015/12/19/the-grinch-that-stole-christmas-mayor-mike-spano-and-disabled-yonkers-firefighters/

VIDEO: City of Yonkers 2015 Holiday Message

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfqHuoadGKw

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Nefarious Accusations Against Disabled Yonkers Firefighters

Instead of sending DISABLED Yonkers Firefighters Christmas Cards this year, Mayor Spano sent them a letter telling them that he was going to be reducing their monthly benefits by hundreds of dollars a month.

Many of the Firefighters who received the notices are suffering from disabling injuries and illnesses including Stage 4 cancer, serious burns, and 9/11 illnesses, along with crippling injures to their legs, backs and various other body parts.

These Firefighters and Fire Officers have been found to be fully disabled due to job-related injuries by BOTH the City of Yonkers and the State of New York.

Despite Mayor Spano trying to make nefarious accusations that there may have been some impropriety or illegality in the granting of these benefits, the record will show that these benefits have been legally and justly paid for over 30 years with the full knowledge and consent of the City of Yonkers. In fact, this same very issue was litigated in the NYS Supreme Court which found the payments to be proper and justified.

The City’s outside legal counsel on this issue are upstate New York attorneys who have made a fortune off of trying to deny disability benefits to police officers and firefighters throughout the State. It appears the City’s Inspector General fully relied upon the opinion of this “outside” legal counsel and never gave the Firefighters Union’s counsel an opportunity to be heard and present him with various legal opinions and decisions and other evidence to support the Firefighters’ legal position. Regardless, we intend to challenge the legality of this outrageous action taken against our DISABLED Firefighters by the City of Yonkers and we will present ALL of the evidence in Court.

We are confident we will prevail on behalf of our DISABLED Firefighters and those Yonkers Firefighters who, God forbid, may become disabled tonight, tomorrow or any time in the future trying to save the lives and property of the citizens of Yonkers.

This Christmas may not be so Merry for these DISABLED Firefighters but Local 628 will do whatever we can to to overturn this action by the City and to bring as much joy and comfort to these DISABLED Firefighters.

Barry McGoey
Yonkers Fire Department
I.A.F.F. – Local 628 President
Yonkers, NY

NYS COMPTROLLER PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Public School District Can't Explaihn Why Items Valued Over $225,000 Cannot be Located

PHOTO: NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli

YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapol’s report questions the integrity of the oversight and protection of taxpayer paid for assets. 

YONKERS, NY — December 19, 2015 — New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapol’s findings regarding the location of and substantiation of assets valued at over $225,000 cannot be found by the Yonkers Board of Education Department.

“The Office of the NYS Comptroller’s audit asserts and substantiates their inability to find those assets by writing: “We selected 30 assets totaling $377,252.2 We found that 10 assets valued at $225,307 could not be located and 10 assets valued at $91,704 were either not tagged or the asset tag information on the tag did not agree with the accounting records.

Furthermore, nine assets valued at $15,3543 could not be located on either asset list and 20 assets valued at $21,135 recorded as disposed of did not have disposal request forms from the departments responsible for those assets.

As a result, District officials and taxpayers have no assurance that all District property can be accounted for.

Read the entire report and weep: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/schools/2015/yonkers.pdf

HEZITORIAL QUESTIONNAIRE: Why Are the Yonkers Police Department (YPD) Investigating the Christmas Party Assault that Took Place on Westchester County Property?

YONKERS TRIBUNE: Thomas F. Fitzpatrick Jr., Yonkers Fire Department Chief of Personnel, Will Attend an Investigative inquiry of Him, His Witness of the Assault and Conduct Thereafter on Monday, December 14, 2015

YONKERS, NY — December 14, 2015 — A Christmas party was held at The Fairways of Dunwoodie for staff, and spouses of some members of The Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) Friday night, December 11, 2015.The catered event deteriorated into an alleged assault, identity impersonation detrimental to the health of Lt. Michael O’Connor, driving while allegedly inebriated, moving the “patient” to avoid medical inquiry, among many other concerns.

A Yonkers Fire Department (YFD) rig was first to respond to the 911 call, Westchester County Police Department (WCPD) did also, as did Empress Ambulance. Each was turned away. What is the end result with respect to each respective dispatch? The records of the computer-aided disatch (CAD) cannot be expunged.

Yonkers Tribune’s inquiry of the incident that transpired, HEZITORIAL INVESTIGATION: Knotted Linen Napkin Thrown to Gain a Woman’s Attention Strikes Yonkers Fire Commissioner John Darcy Instigating a Fight that Caused YFD Lieutenant Michael O’Connor to Be Hospitalized By HEZI ARIS, reveals the confirmed circumstances known to have taken place through multiple sources. The timeline herein puts into question the credibility of Yonkers City Hall as to what they did or did not know when asked, that is after 5pm, Saturday, December 12, 2015. The timeline puts into question whether they had been forthright. Were they in the loop or not?........ 

http://www.yonkerstribune.com/2015/12/hezioa-questionaire-why-are-the-yonkers-police-department-ypd-investigating-the-christmas-party-assault-that-took-place-on-westchester-county-property

HEZITORIAL INVESTIGATION: Knotted Linen Napkin Thrown to Gain a Woman’s Attention Strikes Yonkers Fire Commissioner John Darcy Instigating a Fight that Caused YFD Lieutenant Michael O’Connor to Be Hospitalized

YONKERS TRIBUNE: An emergency 911 call was initiated. The Yonkers Fire Department (YFD) were first to respond, followed by the Westchester County  Police Department (WCPD), and Empress Ambulance.

YONKERS: Each were turned away. An official report is unlikely even though it must be filed in order to protect the injured party. A medical examination must be undertaken so as to protect the injured party from what is now conjectured as nothing to be concerned about, even so,

Lt. O’Connor was readmtted to hospital again today. No one would have suspected such an outcome; it was after all a Christmas Party. Also, why would anyone believe that dismissing the dispatched YFD, WCPD, and Empress emergency responders could expunge the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system that is the backbone of the City of Yonkers and Westchester County.

The tables were set in festive hues. it was a family affair. Couples dressed to the nines. and, as is too often the case, each of us may at one moment or another be engaged in thought, deflected from the very moment when someone seeks our attention.

He sought the attention of a staff member. She did not notice. Enamored, smitten, buzzed, or otherwise, he threw a knotted linen napkin toward her. Recognize that even a knotted napkin is a tricky and inexact projectile that rarely reaches its intended subject as was the case at Friday night’s Christmas party at The Fairways at Dunwoodie. The napkin struck Yonkers Fire Commissioner John Darcy.

The knotted napkin hit Commissioner Darcy in the back of his head seemingly causing Commissioner Darcy to fall out of the chair upon which he sat, landing on the floor writhing in a manner suggestive of a soccer player in a state of agony. Within moments Fire Lieutenant Michael O’Connor approached Commissioner Darcy to apologize for the pain cased to him by Lt. O’Connor throwing the knotted napkin. Sources advise that Commissioner Darcy responded by pummeling Lt. O’Connor in the solar plexus and thereafter lifting him into the air by grabbing his legs, initiating a somersault effect upon Lt. O’Connor’s while in mid-air causing  him to eventually land on the floor, invoking a loud snap of the neck heard throughout the room. Lt. O’Connor lay on the ground suffering from a concussion, foaming  at the mouth, and snoring. Signs indicative of some dire neurological damage.

The women present, spouses and staff were screaming in horror and shock. It may even be prudent of them to infer that if they were likewise manhandled, they would likely find themselves helpless. Note that Lt. O’Connor is known to suffer medical concerns known to Commissioner Darcy. Lt. O’Connor has won his battle against cancer, suffers from a weak and fragile back, and recently underwent hip replacement surgery. Seeing Lt. O’Connor in his incapacitated state cajoled Commissioner Darcy to say, “He’s lucky I didn’t kill him!”

The knotted napkin intended for staff was not thrown like a baseball pitcher toward a batter at home plate at 100 miles an hour; Commissioner Darcy falling off a chair onto the floor writhing in a convulsive state does not seem plausible. It seems over the top. If it was an honest reaction, then I apologize in advance. What is incredulous of Commissioner Darcy is to accept the rage by which Commissioner Darcy responded to Lt. O’Connor’s apology, followed by the noted “death” threat.

In the midst of the horror and chaos, someone called 911 with the premise that emergency assistance was required. YFD was first to arrive on the scene but waved away; likewise WCPD. It was in fact John Halpin, recently appointed to the position of captain by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano who, when Empress Ambulance arrived in response to the 911 call was told by Capt. Halpin that he was the person on behalf the call was made, that he was well, and did not need any medical attention. Capt. Halpin’s pretense of being the intended “patient” deceived Empress Ambulance. They departed the scene. Lt. O’Connor had yet to receive any medical attention.

Dr. Robert Capurso, Yonkers Fire Department Chief of Operations was devoting his medical attention toward Capt. Darcy; none was afforded to Lt. O’Connor who was out cold....... 

http://www.yonkerstribune.com/2015/12/hezitorial-investigation-knotted-linen-napkin-thrown-to-gain-a-womans-attention-strikes-yonkers-fire-commissioner-john-darcy-instigating-a-fight-that-caused-yfd-lieutenant-michael-oconnor-to-be-h

YONKERS TRIBUNE EXCLUSIVE: Gail Burns Mayoral Designee to Succeed Ailing Lisa Mrijaj as Yonkers Parking Authority Executive Director

YONKERS, NY — December 11, 2015 — Yonkers Parking Authority Executive Director was the center of attention last week in celebration of her four-year contribution to the evolution of her efforts. 

Yonkers Tribune has learned that Mayor Mike Spano has designated Gail Burns to succeed Ms. Mrijaj in anticipation of the next Yonkers Parking Authority Board of Directors Meeting to be called to order sometime before the close of December 31, 2015.

The position may be contractual for a four-year term and be remunerated at $150,000 per annum as it has been for the last 4 years.

http://www.yonkerstribune.com/2015/12/exclusive-gail-burns-mayoral-designee-to-succeed-ailing-lisa-mrijaj-as-yonkers-parking-authority-executive-director-by-hezi-aris

PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Wins $3 Million as Part of Governor Cuomo’s Economic Development Competition

YONKERS, NY — December 11, 2015 — Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced that projects in the City of Yonkers have been awarded nearly $3 million in economic and community development funding as part of Round V of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative and the Upstate Revitalization Initiative.

“Combined with $1 billion of private investment in Yonkers, this funding proves that economic development, job creation and investment are back on track,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “I’d like to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo and our State Delegation for these latest awards and their continued support as we work to further grow our city, improve our economy and position Yonkers as the best city in which to live, work and play.”

About the Projects

SoYo Mixed-Use Development, $1,250,000 – SoYo Exalta, LLC will undertake the construction of a mixed-use transit-oriented development at Larkin Plaza, nearly a full square block in the center of downtown Yonkers adjacent to Van der Donck Park, which features the daylighted Saw Mill River, and near the Yonkers Train Station. Plans call for the construction of 25-story and 17-story residential unit towers and 40,000 square-feet of ground-level retail and restaurant space.

Yonkers Carpet Mills Arts District Revitalization Project, $500,000 – R.J. Rose Realty, LLC will make critical improvements to the former Alexander Smith Carpet Mills site to transform the aging facility into a working arts and new technology hub.

Yonkers Downtown Riverwalk Expansion, $400,000 – The City of Yonkers will expand and enhance the downtown waterfront esplanade.

Yonkers Rail Trail Phase One Capital Construction, $394,280 – Groundwork Hudson Valley will use funding to construct phase one of a 2-mile rail-trail that stretches from the Downtown Yonkers Waterfront to the 242nd Street subway station in Riverdale. This segment includes a major new park and play area along the trail, which was a primary request from local residents during the planning phase.

Greyston Bakery Capital Improvements, $200,000 – Greyston Bakery will invest in equipment upgrades utilized within its Yonkers Facility; upgrades will include environmental control and electrical system upgrades.

Yonkers Arts and Culture Project, $90,000 – The City of Yonkers, ArtsWestchester and the Yonkers Board of Education will work with local artist Vinnie Bagwell to develop an urban-heritage public sculpture.

Production Training, $99,888 – Greyston Foundation Inc. of Yonkers will train 75 workers.

 CONTACT: Eddie Ayala, Deputy Communications Director, City of Yonkers, Office of the Mayor

BLUE TRUTH HEZITORIAL: ‘Tis the Season When Not All Is Jolly in Yonkers

YONKERS TRIBUNE: Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano has a lot on his plate with respect to the beautification and modernization effort intended for the Yonkers Waterfront.

HEZI ARIS: Some will acknowledge he has engaged in an intentioned pace to imprint a sense of modernity and a rejuvenated perception to the fourth largest city in New York State.

The restructuring he insinuated into governance has clearly placed a burden of responsibility that will follow him toward future political adventures as he takes the helm of the City of Yonkers (CoY) for a second term come January 1, 2016. He carries an enviable 80 percent plus majority of those who voted in the November 3, 2015 General Election into his next term based on support of Yonkersites. The prospects are many for him and for CoY, yet the baggage for both is daunting. 

The historical chapters and tenor of the city continues to exact ingredients that serve a bitter aftertaste comprised of internal political strife, budgetary constraints, and diminishing funding capacity as is plainly and painfully the major issue impacting an urban city setting. One would be unfair were Mayor Spano’s responsibility and concern not recognized to be his uppermost concern and resolve.

Unconfirmed rumors abound contending Mayor Spano is keen to challenge incumbent Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino for his office in two years time. CE Astorino, described in positive fashion, akin to those descriptive of Mayor Spano above, suggest CE Astorino has delivered in cutting costs, not increasing property taxes since acceding to office, challenging confrontational unions, and trimming down wasteful programs. Both Spano and Astorino have set the chessboard for play and thereby painted a “pretty picture” that is stymied by yet unannounced fiscal challenges to their respective political resumes.

Mayor Spano may hunger for higher office while Yonkersites are concern over hyperlocal concerns. Mayor Spano must resolve to resuscitate the Yonkers Police Department by depoliticizing the YPD and instead infusing the YPD with the professional integrity it had once earned to the acclaim of most familiar with the department. Mayor Spano’s Office has by him or in his name chosen to impose and insinuate a political outcome that has exacerbated turmoil since Mike Spano acceded to office. Worse still, the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association (PBA) can’t seem to reduce the political controversy it creates that undermines its president, Keith Olson, and the union membership.

The Yonkers Tribune has for over two years engaged in telling the alleged misconduct of Yonkers PBA President Keith Olson specifically in the Blue Truth series of articles.There is no doubt that Olson and others close to him are huge liabilities for Mayor Spano. Serious legal allegations of internal police misconduct, alleged internal corruption stemming from the Dario Tenor police raid and subsequent death led to the indictments and arrests of two Yonkers Police Officers.

Olson has revealed himself to be the biggest liability and threat to Mayor Spano’s political future prospects. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara’s continuing success in convicting the likes of Sheldon Silver, in the federal courts, and the pending conclusion likewise of Dean Skelos, is a loud shot across the bow, that signals Mayor Spano wash his hands, and avoid the simmering conundrum devised and allowed to be defined by the rogue police union leader.

Sources confirm that Olson is bad for the Yonkers PBA, and bad for Yonkers in how the city is perceived and the alleged liability to which he exposes the city financially. Further, Olson’s fixation in pushing and / or using the membership’s funds to make ” Acting Chief ” John Mueller the Police Commissioner is the “smoking gun” that has been made the catalyst to the disarray and divisions among the YPD.

Police morale is in the gutter; it is not Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner that created this cesspool contrary t professional police departments. It was Olson who targeted members of the Captains, Lieutenants, and Sergeants Association (CLSA) and the PBA that trampled the standards and protocol of command. Olson and some members of the PBA Board engaged in pre-meditated confrontations with other police personnel both during and after work hours.

All these alleged incidents reek of Olson’s “dirty union” hand and conduct. PBA members were quick to learn they could be “blackballed”; they would come to fear being targeted just for being friends with officers that Olson did not approve. Sources report Olson announced his re-election bid for PBA President at the PBA Christmas party held December 3rd at Zuppa’s Restaurant. Olson’s telling may have placed a kibosh on his prospects for another term in office.

Reports advise the Yonkers Tribune there was a recent late night police brawl during which President Keith Olson was one of the combatants. Olson, along with Yonkers PBA Trustee Joseph Galinski were involved in a brawl.

The union trustee was allegedly drunk when he attempted to verbally intimidate other Police Officers aligned with Olson. In response, the trustee became enraged and attacked another member instigating a melee by his physical response.

That union leader was allegedly ejected from the police gathering to the Main Street sidewalk. Sources advise Olson was allegedly unaware of the brawl because he was imbibing drinks in a private dining room with Acting Chief John Mueller. Eyewitnesses said that when Olson learned his union trustee was involved in a fist-fight, Olson became enraged and stormed out of the private dining room to confront one or more of the attending police officers.

Those same eyewitnesses advise that Olson had allegedly walked up to the person he thought was involved and slapped him across the face as that officer began to turn his head toward Olson...... 

http://www.yonkerstribune.com/2015/12/the-hezitorial-tis-the-season-when-not-all-is-jolly-in-yonkers-by-hezi-aris

HEZITORIAL EXCLUSIVE: Political Assassination Part of Plot Behind Yonkers City Councilmembers’ Intent to Push Part-time Pay / Benefits Legislation to $100,000 Plus Valuation Each

YONKERS TRIBUNE: The lowest paid Yonkers City Councilmember earns a base pay of $38,500 each. Last Tuesday they held a Rules Committee Meeting during which they rationalized that a $49,000 base pay was appropriate.

HEZI ARIS: The political “spin” and rationalization for the suggested increase is explained to be appropriate by noting that there has been no pay increase for the past 12 years. Please note that each member of the Yonkers City Council hold a part-time job, allowing each to be also employed elsewhere; only one is retired, the others all have a second job.

Were one to consider how many days was demanded of each councilmember to attend a Yonkers City Council function, it is unlikely they would attend even 30 days throughout any given year. Each councilmember has at minimum one aide, the majority and minority leaders each have two aides, and the Yonkers City Council President has a minimum of at least three aides.

Councilmembers’ filled calendar events are part of garnering support and votes; the councilmembers need not attend such functions to conduct the business of governance. Yet the Legislative branch is set to increase their respective salaries as they deem proper without public input. Each intends to approve their salary / benefits increases irrespective of the public’s interests or their sensibilities.

The councilmembers are intent to pass this legislation during the last days of December. In fact, it would be considerate and transparent to present the entire issue before the public in a future referendum instead of deciding to do so on their own. The proposal will be voted upon this Tuesday, December 8, 2015.

Take the baseline pay, add the value of a Cadillac medical health insurance plan valued at approximately $30,000, to which they do not pay a penny and their remuneration is now valued at $69,000. Note that public sector employees would have to earn in excess of $30,000 to arrive at being able to pay for an equivalent health benefit plan. No Obama Care Plan for the Yonkers City Councilmembers

Then you have free, four wheel drive “trucks” that are afforded each councilmember. Were anyone to even lease such a “truck”, expect a cost of $250 after taxes per month or $3,000 per year. We have reached the threshold of $72,000 per annum. Then there there is the value of gasoline; another free benefit. Add an additional $3,000 per annum to the freebees made available to the Yonker City Council membership.

The compensation given each Yonkers City Councilmember has now reached $75,000. Let us further not forget the cost of car insurance for such a “truck”… $1,500 per year seems a fair costing. We are at the point of $76,500.

The $3,000 value of gasoline, and the value of free “truck” insurance of $1,500 together total $4,500 which is the cost after taxes. One must recognize that we are in the zone of approximately $80,000 in compensation value so far.

Now add the icing to the cake, the over $10,000 pay increase for the least paid councilmember, and we are at a yearly compensation package of $90,000 each. But there is more!!!

The largest aspect of their respective remuneration / compensation benefits package is the pension plan that is based on full-time employment, not the part-time basis required of them. So we now stand at $90,000 plus retirement pension bringing each to pulling over $100,000 each.

Were their proposed pay increase to be adopted unanimously with a 7 – 0 vote, their total remuneration / salary would be valued at $100,000 plus for four councilmembers; $110,000 plus each for the majority and minority leaders, and $120,000 per annum for the Yonkers City Council President. This is not chump change by any stretch of the imagination for a part-time gig.

Please do not dismiss the heavy lifting and responsibility undertaken by the aides to each of the elected councilmembers; they conduct the work of constituent services and everything else other than casting their vote and participating in photo-ops . Too often the public believes the councilmembers are involved, instead they are too often unaware of the issue(s), much less the concerns...... 

http://www.yonkerstribune.com/2015/12/hezitorial-exclusive

YONKERS PD PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Police Department Detective Investigations Continue

YONKERS NY -December , 2015 — On 12-05-2015 at approximately 1:03 p.m., the Yonkers Police Department Communications Division received a call of woman who was unresponsive in the back of a red jeep parked at 47 North Broadway.

Medics pronounced a 27 year old female Yonkers resident deceased at scene inside of the rear of the vehicle.

Members of the Detective Division are investigating this incident as a possible overdose at this time, pending further review of evidence. Initial investigation has revealed that the deceased was in the vehicle the previous night and at some time expired.

The deceased’s name is not being released at this time pending notification to family members. Anyone with information should contact the Detective Division at 377-7724 or text an anonymous tip by texting the key word ypd plus the tip to 847411.

On 12-05-2015 at approximately 7:38 p.m., the Yonkers Police Department Communications Division received a call of male shot during a robbery at an apartment located at 143 Voss Avenue. The suspects were described as 6 males/females wearing all black and masks. It was reported that the suspects fled to an unknown direction. The victim, a 24 year old male

Yonkers resident, was transported to a local trauma center for a gunshot wound to his right leg, he is expected to survive his injuries. Initial reports indicate that a male knocked on the door, when victim opened the door several suspects pushed their way in, ransacked the apartment and shot the victim in the leg.

It is unknown at this time if anything was removed from the apartment. Anyone with information should contact the Detective Division at 377-7724 or text an anonymous tip by texting the key word ypd plus the tip to 847411.

On 12-05-2015 at approximately 2:21p.m., the Yonkers Police Department Communications Division received a call of shots fired at 2 S Cottage Gardens. Responding units located a 16 year old male Bronx resident at 201 North Broadway with a gunshot wound to his left buttocks.

The victim was transported to a local trauma center where he underwent surgery for non-life threatening injuries. A crime scene was located at 2 S Cottage Gardens and was processed for evidence by members of the Crime Scene Unit. Initial reports indicate the victim was walking in the area of 2 S Cottage Gardens when he was shot for unknown reason(s).

It appears at this time that only one shot may have been fired. Anyone with information should contact the Detective Division at 377-7724 or text an anonymous tip by texting the key word ypd plus the tip to 847411

IN MEMORIAM: Charles Scott Adler, July 23, 1922 – October 10, 2015

Charles Scott Adler passed on October 10th. He was a true ‘son of Yonkers’. His parents were Ulysses Sam Adler and Besser Adler and they lived on Prospect Dr. Charles was a multi sport athlete in high school, including football and swimming. He won tennis tournaments at several levels.

Charles attended MIT for 2 years. He then received an appointment to West Point where he majored in engineering and graduated in the top 10% of his class. and West Point. In addition he received Masters Degrees from Purdue University and the University of New Mexico.

For 22 years he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. This took he, his wife Harriett and his 2 children, Paul and Joyce around the globe. He lived in Japan, Germany, England and many States, including Hawaii before it became a state. The 2 assignments about which Charles frequently shared stories were Iran where he designed communication systems for the Shah; and Sandia Base in New Mexico where he was part of the post-Manhattan project and helped to arm the bombs that were tested in Bikini Atoll.

Charles was an avid golfer and sportsman. During an assignment to Augusta, Georgia, he twice lead an Army battalion that was part of the gallery for the Masters Golf Tournament.

After retiring from the U.S. Army, he had a career as an executive with Martin Marietta in Bethesda, Maryland.

He is survived by a brother, Richard Adler in Oregon, son Paul Adler in Chevy Chase, Maryland, daughter Joyce Adler-Kahn, in Glen Rock, Maryland and 4 grandchildren. Charles’ wife, Harriett, died in 2009.

The funeral will be at 2pm on December 14th at Arlington Cemetery next to Washington, DC.

YONKERS POLICE DEPARTMENT MISSING PERSON ALERT – Fernanda Jimenez, Aged 13

YONKERS NY — December 4, 2015 –The Yonkers Police Department (YPD) Youth Division is currently investigating a missing persons report involving Fernanda Jimeniz, a 13-year-old female; a Yonkers resident.

She was reported missing to the YPD last night at approximately 9m EST. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Yonkers Police Department at 914-377-7900.

UPDATE: She was found later that day

BREAKING NEWS: Yonkers City Council Hears the Spirit of Holiday Cheer; KaChing, KaChing

YONKERS TRIBUNE: YONKERS, NY — December 1, 2015 — The Yonkers City Council held a discussion on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, during which the issue of pay raises was central to their concern. 

HEZI ARIS: They have moved the issue, out of the Rules Committee so that it may be voted upon by the seven members when the city council next meets: on Tuesday, December 8, 2015.

Many Yonkersites would likely believe that for the Yonkers City Council, the legislative branch, voting themselves a pay raise reveals a conflict of interest as issues so often do among our polticans. Perhaps its the spirit of holiday cheer that has infused all seven councilmembers to come together with benevolence of heart to present each other with an increase in pay of 35 to 40 percent over their remuneration today.

The timing is perfect. Hanukkah is only days away; Christmas will be celebrated toward the end of month. The Yonkers City Council, always ahead of the curve will get a jump on the cheer they will bestow upon themselves. Can you feel the cheer? The laughter? The joy? 

It does however seem incongruous and a bit off kilter that the very people intent on embellishing the payment scale earned by a councilmember desire it become effective among the present office holders. If the proposed 35 to 45 percent pay increase is deemed appropriate, it should not apply to anyone voting to increase salaries for themselves unless they win future elections.

For example, should this legislation win approval, and it is expected that it will win the day by a vote of 7 – 0, the new pay scale should only apply to winners of election and / or re-election campaign efforts. That is fair.

The fact that Yonkersites have been kept out the loop is troubling.

Did I mention that the stipend specific only to the Majority and Minority leaders will also gain in girth by 35 to 40 percent? No? Well it will!!!

At issue is whether even one iota of time will be expended to benefit Yonkersites or will Santa Clause only visit the Yonkers City Councilmembership with such magnanimity? What about the taxpayer? Doesn’t he / she have a say? Why not? When will Yonkersites be acknowledged? Are we invisible? What are the Yonkers City Councilmembers thinking?

Do Yonkersites gain in any way by the Yonkers City Councilmembers’ gain? If you know the answer, please share it with the editor. I can’t figure it out!

                                                   *     *     *

The locallaw in regard to the compensation of the City Council President and the Councilmembers as follows;

President: $74,000* per annum, payable bi-weekly;

Mayority and Minority Leaders: $58,000*;

* Plus a $5,000 stipend applicable to the President, Majority, nd Minority leaders for serving n the capacity of “Chair” of a committee.

Councimembers: $48,000 each.

If / when enacted, the legislation becomes effective 45 days after adoption......

CITY OF YONKERS: City Council Municipal Operations and Public Safety Committee Meeting

PRESS RELEASE: Resolution Concerning the Use of Body Cameras Within the Yonkers Police Department

YONKERS, NY — December 1, 2015 — “Tonight we started an important dialogue as to whether the City of Yonkers’ Police Department should implement the use of body cameras within its force,” said Yonkers City Council Member Corazón Pineda-Isaac.

Tonight the Yonkers City Council’s Municipal Operations and Public Safety Committee, chaired by Pineda-Isaac, met to discuss a proposed resolution introduced by the Democratic Councilmembers that urged Mayor Mike Spano and the Yonkers Police Department to equip all members of the Yonkers Police Department with body cameras.

Members of the community and local organizations were present at the meeting, including the Yonkers branch of the NAACP and Community Voices Heard, as well as an expert in the field, Professor Joseph Ryan, Chair of the Criminal Justice and Security Department at Pace University.

Minority Leader Michael Sabatino, a co-sponsor of the resolution, said “I’m delighted that the discussion has commenced. While the technology is available, I want to ensure that all issues are addressed prior to implementation”.

Councilman Christopher Johnson, who also co-sponsored the resolution, stated that meetings like this help to build trust between the community and police. Using the latest technology in policing will strengthen that relationship.

A federal study was published in 2014 by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services of the United States Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). The study puts forth policy recommendations for police departments using body cameras, and touches on issues of concern that have to be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to adopt the use of this new technology. The study can be found at

http://www.justice.gov/iso/opa/resources/472014912134715246869.pdf

This meeting was the first of what is sure to be a series of such meetings meant to facilitate a community dialogue between elected officials, the Yonkers Police Department, and community members regarding the use of body cameras by the Yonkers Police Department in the City of Yonkers.

Council Member Pineda-Isaac said she “was glad to hear Commissioner Gardner state that the Yonkers Police Department is planning to implement a 3-6 month pilot program in the City of Yonkers in early 2016, and we are all looking forward to hearing the results and findings of that pilot program. The City of Yonkers continues to move in the right direction”.

The next Municipal Operations and Public Safety Committee Meeting will be scheduled in early 2016 to continue the dialogue in regard to the use of body cameras within the Yonkers Police Department.