County Executive George Latimer to Give Westchester Weekly Update.
Monday, August 1
2 p.m.
Watch on https://www.facebook.com/
During his weekly Westchester briefing, Latimer will discuss:
· Guest: New Castle Town Supervisor Lisa Katz
· Westchester County “60 Control” turns 40
· Memorial Field update
· Monkeypox vaccine clinic update with LOFT Executive Director Judy Troilo
MEETING NOTICES – August 2022.
Go to meetings.westchestergov.com to watch.
Meetings will be held as follows:
Westchester County Independent Office of Assigned Counsel Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 12:45 PM
148 Martine Ave, 6th floor, County Attorney’s Conference Room
White Plains, NY 10601
Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.
The Westchester County Historic Preservation Advisory Committee will be meeting on 8/17/2022 at 4:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.
The Westchester County LGBTQ Advisory Committee will be meeting on 8/29/2022 at 6:30 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.
Westchester County Named One of The “Top 10 Digital Counties” by NACo & CDG.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) and Center for Digital Government (CDG) named Westchester among its winners on their 20th anniversary list.
(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer is pleased to announce that the County was named a “Top 10 Digital County” by NACo and CDG as a part of its yearly survey of United States counties.
Latimer said: “Westchester County prides ourselves in providing the best possible services to the people we serve – and doing so in the most efficient manner. Additionally, in today’s modern world, governments must protect themselves from any number of cyber threats stemming from bad actors both near and far. Under the leadership of IT Commissioner Marguerite Beirne, we are able to accomplish both of these goals and it is an honor to be recognized for it.”
In April, all counties in the U.S. were invited to participate in the 2022 Digital Counties Survey. The survey identifies best technology practices in a number of areas, including initiatives that streamline service delivery; encourage collaboration; enhance cybersecurity and apply innovation to achieving county priorities.
DoIT Commissioner Marguerite Beirne said: “I am honored that CDG and NACo have acknowledged our collaborative, results-oriented approach to IT service delivery. Thanks to the support of County Executive Latimer and the dedicated staff that comprise DoIT, we are well positioned to tackle any new challenges that come our way and will continue to build on this accomplishment moving forward.”
Westchester County was the only New York State county to be recognized in the one million or more population category and one of only two New York counties across all population categories.
Quoting directly from the survey results, NACo and CDG said: “Westchester County is back on the list this year with a slew of organizational cybersecurity initiatives, system upgrades and collaborative efforts between departments and with other local governments. A reorganization of the Department of Information Technology created new cybersecurity-focused job titles and a comprehensive list of IT projects to share with administration. An executive order created a Task Force on Cybersecurity, supported by a working group that meets regularly, and the county got heavily involved with the statewide cybersecurity preparedness task force as well. For its own staff, the county implemented browser isolation technology that keeps web browsing activity separate from the rest of the network, enrolled in a 24/7 managed detection and response program and launched new cybersecurity awareness training initiatives, including the implementation of a new web-based training platform and proactive analytical tools to detect suspicious behavior. It also hired additional staff to work with other infrastructure teams in the county and even with other municipalities.
“It was also a busy year for modernization and proactive improvements. A new data-loss prevention initiative involved data classification, email monitoring and a review of all data being sent to external recipients; the establishment of a new architecture committee will ensure consistent standards in developing new applications; and redesigned project intake forms now require clear statements of purpose, costs and benefits, so all involved are on the same page. To aid economic development efforts, the county developed several online application forms for businesses and nonprofits to access support programs from the county and partners, and it expanded the offerings in its online portal for procurement and shared services with municipalities, one of two such resources in the state.”
In its release, NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase said: “In our increasingly complex world, counties are using technology to pursue bold, cutting-edge approaches to serving our residents. From broadband accessibility to public health and safety, from transportation to community development and much more, technology plays a key role in helping our counties thrive. We applaud this year’s Digital Counties Survey winners for their leadership, innovation and expertise in leveraging technology to achieve county goals.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, July 28, 2022.
WATCH: Sean Patrick Maloney Caught Lying on Obamacare Votes.
Maloney previously bragged he had voted against Obamacare more than just about anyone in the party.
Maloney: “Of course I have voted against the Affordable Care Act repeatedly — 45% of the time, I think, against my own president”
Westchester, NY — In a new video - https://twitter.com/Biaggi4NY/status/1552668364778225666 released by the Working Families Party, Sean Patrick Maloney is caught lying about his record of voting repeatedly with Republicans against the Affordable Care Act. In a recent Yorktown Democratic Committee forum, State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, Democratic candidate for Congress in NY-17, accurately highlights Maloney’s record of voting with Republicans to water down the Affordable Care Act.
Despite Maloney’s protestations, Maloney clearly boasts in 2014: “Of course I have voted against the Affordable Care Act repeatedly — 45% of the time, I think, against my own president.”
Watch the video here: https://twitter.com/Biaggi4NY/
Sean Patrick Maloney voted with Republicans to weaken the Affordable Care Act repeatedly:
8/13 - Maloney voted for two Republican measures to delay implementation of key parts of the Affordable Care Act. Maloney was one of only 35 Democrats, and only three New York Democrats, to vote for the employer mandate delay, and one of only 22 Democrats and only three New York Democrats to vote for the individual mandate delay.
10/13 - Maloney was one of only 17 Democrats to vote with Republicans for repealing the medical device tax in the ACA.
10/13 - Maloney voted for a Continuing Resolution that contained a repeal of the ACA’s insurance mandate.
11/13 - Maloney was one of only 39 Democrats that joined Republicans in voting for the “Keep Your Health Plan Act,” — the bill’s support from Maloney and the other Democrats was described as a “stinging rebuke to President Obama.”
6/15 - Maloney was one of only 46 Democrats, and one of only two New York Democrats, to vote with Republicans for repealing the medical device tax in the ACA.
Watch the video here: https://twitter.com/Biaggi4NY/
WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS CONSERVATION DIVISION
RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE STATE FOR
THE HUDSON RIVER FISH ADVISORY OUTREACH PROJECT
(Ardsley, NY) – The Westchester County Parks Conservation division received a grant from New York State for the Hudson River Fish Advisory Outreach Project. The division was awarded $15,000 per year through Dec. 31, 2023.
The Hudson River Fish Advisory Outreach Project’s mission is to educate the public about fishing and fish consumption, and its accompanying advisories and regulations by appointing ambassadors to provide information at our parks, beginning with Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson in 2022, followed by Oscawana Park in Croton-on-Hudson and George’s Island in Montrose in 2023.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Fishing is a common pastime in Westchester County, and it is important that those who actively fish are educated and prepared. I am confident the Westchester County Parks Conservation Division and its ambassadors will provide the community with all necessary information.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Kathy O’Connor said, “I’m thrilled that the Conservation Division has been awarded such an important grant and are providing residents with a fun and interactive way to learn more about fishing in our parks.”
In addition to Croton Point Park, ambassadors can be found across the county at various events this summer including local farmers markets and County events like Heritage Cultural Festivals alongside an interactive educational stand-in display that allows visitors to learn about the mission in a fun way through various handouts, which are available in English and Spanish, as well as photo opportunities. The display is also located at Croton Point Park and visitors are encouraged to share photos on social media using #PRCFishingAmbassadors.
Additional information can be found on the New York State Department of Health - https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/fish/health_advisories/regional/hudson_valley_and_capital_district.htm
.png)
July 27, 2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa3PxJXEPTo
“In 2018, Sean Patrick Maloney said enacting cashless bail was his top priority. In 2019, Alessandra Biaggi led the charge to pass it into law in Albany. Since then we've seen one example after the next of violent criminals being released immediately upon arrest, only to commit another violent offense. In their world, being arrested for robbery, only to be immediately released, and then assaulting a police officer, only to be immediately released again is okay. It has to stop. Judges need more discretion to take into account a defendant's criminal history, as well as whether or not they pose a danger to society -- every other state allows it.
“Kathy Hochul needs to bring us back for an immediate special session and for Albany Democrats to fix this broken system and end cashless bail -- even New York City Mayor Eric Adams agrees. Sadly, if Maloney and Biaggi have it their way, more violent criminals will be released from prison and their innocent victims will be SOL. Does this sound like a system that's working?”
THE SOUL OF THE SPECIES
CLOSING RECEPTION AT WARD POUND RIDGE RESERVATION.
(Cross River, NY) – Closing reception for wildlife photography exhibit, The Soul of the Species, by photographer Dona Tracy, is Saturday, Aug. 6, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gallery in the Park at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River. Refreshments will be served and there will be live music.
This is the final opportunity for art-lovers to view the awe-inspiring work of this world-traveling photographer who captures wildlife where and how they are in the world.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “The nature-themed art exhibits that frequent the Gallery in the Park at Ward Pound Ridge are not to be missed. The closing reception is sure to be a great time to view the exhibit for the last time.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Kathy O’Connor said, “Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers a range of activities; enjoy the art, live music and refreshments and while you’re there, take in the surrounding natural beauty of the Reservation with a hike.”
Admission is free; parking is $5 with Park Pass, $10 without Park Pass, every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day; weekends only after Labor Day.
Art in the Park features various exhibits that always include a connection to nature. This is demonstrated through different vehicles of art like sculpture, photography, paintings and additional forms of artwork. The program is headquartered at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation and supported by Sigmund Cohn Family Foundation, Friends of the Trailside Museum and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Katonah Art Stroll, Hudson Valley MOCA, Katonah Museum of Art, Westchester Parks Foundation and Caramoor Center for the Arts. For more information about Art in the Park, call (914) 864-7317.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is located at the junction of Routes 35 and 121 South in Cross River.
County Executive George Latimer Appoints Leroy Frazer, Esq. as Chair of the Westchester County Police Board.
View full press conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer is proud to announce the appointment of Leroy Frazer, Esq. as Chair of the Westchester County Police Board.
Latimer said: “Leroy has a long and distinguished career as a dedicated public servant. From his time as a prosecutor to his efforts as an advocate, Leroy has shown his expansive knowledge of public safety functions and how to best use those tools to serve and protect all residents. This new role, and its new challenges, will best utilize those skills and knowledge.”
The Board, which was founded by an Act of the Board of Legislators in 1979, is charged with working with the Commissioner/Sheriff of the County’s Department of Public Safety on monthly activity reports and referral of any Departmental issues.
Frazer said: “It is an honor and a privilege to accept this appointment and to work with the fine men and women of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety. I thank County Executive Latimer for his trust in me and I am eager to get to work with Acting Commissioner Raynor on how to best provide the most important service any government offers.”
Frazer served for 38 years as a prosecutor in Manhattan and Brooklyn, N.Y. His first 30 years as a prosecutor were under the tutelage of the late and legendary Honorable Robert M. Morgenthau. He next served as an executive for the Honorable Cyrus R. Vance before completing his career as Chief of Staff at the Brooklyn District attorney’s Office. During this time, Frazer worked to combat 9/11 fund related fraud and other financial crimes, supervised the community, and later immigrant affairs, bureaus and also assisted in the conception and implementation of ground-breaking reform initiatives, such as the Brooklyn District Attorney’s benchmark Conviction Review Unit.
Most recently in Westchester, Frazer served as a co-chair of the County’s Police Reform and Reimaging Committee. The task force was comprised of County and local Law Enforcement professionals, clergy representatives, criminal justice and police reform advocates, human rights professionals, and public servants to develop a blueprint for new policing strategies and to highlight policies currently in place by the Westchester County Department of Public Safety (WCDPS).
The task force formed six working groups: Community Engagement, Qualification and Recruitment, Training and Equipment, Policies and Procedures, and Accountability and Transparency. Following its extensive work - which included public hearings, countless work sessions and insightful discussion on the serious issues at hand – the task force released a report organized in three main sections: 1) Background and structure of this task force; 2) Reports detailing the work, process, recommendations and overall findings; and 3) a description of the fifty-one recommendations organized based on the level of government to which they must be referred for action - opportunities for administrative action by the County Executive, recommendations for the County’s Board of Legislators, and recommendations for action by New York State.
Acting Public Safety Commissioner/Sherriff Terrance Raynor said: “I look forward to working with Mr. Frazer on our shared mission of making the Westchester County Department of Public Safety the gold standard for municipal police forces nationwide.”
7/27/2022
(White Plains, NY)
The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center in partnership with the Westchester County Department of Health announces that it will be hosting a second, first-dose, on-campus Monkeypox Vaccination Clinic, on Thursday, August 4th, 2022. Appointments can be made from the hours of 9:30 AM-4:30 PM for adults 18 years of age and up. Information on the second dose will be given to each vaccinated person after their first dose. The LOFT strongly encourages any and all members of the community who believe they are at risk to get vaccinated, immediately. The vaccination is free of charge.
The LOFT announced its first monkeypox clinic for Thursday, July 28, and all appointments were filled within hours of the announcement being made.
"The LOFT in partnership with Westchester County clearly sees that there is an urgent demand for monkeypox vaccines which is why we are opening a second clinic for first-dose monkeypox vaccinations. We are proud to partner with the County of Westchester and are truly grateful for their rapid, well-organized response to our community's needs," says, Executive Director, Judy Troilo.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, July 27, 2022.
Statement from Alessandra Biaggi on Opponent Sean Patrick Maloney’s Investments in Far-Right Republicans.
“Maloney is wasting valuable Democratic resources by investing in far-right Republicans instead of funding Democratic candidates”
“Maloney would rather take dangerous risks in GOP primaries than invest in working class champions”
WESTCHESTER, NY - In response to the latest report that Sean Patrick Maloney's DCCC is investing in pro-Trump Republican candidate - https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/25/house-dems-meijer-gop-primary-00047750?nname=playbook&nid=0000014f-1646-d88f-a1cf-5f46b7bd0000&nrid=0789bbeb-adff-4daa-b47d-8c4f5b091653&nlid=630318 John Gibbs, and recent reports that the DCCC and aligned organizations have spent nearly $44 million to boost far-right candidates - https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2022/07/democrats-spend-millions-on-republican-primaries/,
Democratic Congressional candidate for NY-17 Alessandra Biaggi issued the following statement:
“DCCC Chair Sean Patrick Maloney is wasting valuable Democratic resources by investing in far-right Republicans instead of funding Democratic candidates. This is a dangerous investment and asymmetric risk. Just a few years ago, many Democrats also wrongly believed Donald Trump winning the Republican primary would ensure a Democratic Presidential victory — and they were sorely mistaken.
“Democrats win when we invest in candidates who put working people ahead of corporate donors. Unfortunately, Sean Patrick Maloney would rather take dangerous risks in Republican primaries than invest in working class champions. Maloney's latest GOP investments are just one more sign that we need new bold Democrats in Congress who will put working people first.”
.jpg)
WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER DISCUSSES FREE FARES WITH BEE-LINE PASSENGERS IN MOUNT VERNON.
Bee-Line’s Summer Vacation on Fares Through Labor Day.
County Executive Speaks with Riders: Watch Here
Bee-Line B-Roll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
(Mount Vernon, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer returned to his hometown of Mount Vernon to speak to Bee-Line bus riders about the County’s free fares program this summer. The Bee-Line Bus System offers a greener, more cost-effective way for residents to travel the County. Latimer is encouraging Westchester County residents to ditch the pump, and get free rides all summer long on the Bee-Line.
The promotion began June 1 and is valid through Labor Day on all routes in the fixed route bus system, including the express route into Manhattan, the BxM4C. Free rides are also valid on the Bee-Line ParaTransit system. Ridership is up approximately 20% on weekdays, 50% on Saturdays and 30% on Sundays compared to levels in May 2022 when fares were being collected.
Latimer said: “We are in a tough inflationary time, everyone is feeling the financial pinch. We want to give people a reason to get on the bus and the opportunity to save some money. We take great pride in the fact that our buses are safe, clean and accessible. From Yorktown to Yonkers, we have a robust system that can get you where you need to go.
For more information about the free rides program call (914) 813-7777. An information agent is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Bee-Line is Westchester County's bus system, serving over 27 million passengers annually with convenient service connecting residents to jobs, recreation, shopping and other regional transportation services. It is the second largest transit bus fleet in New York State, operated by the County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T).
Over 65 percent of all Westchester County residents are within walking distance of a Bee-Line bus route, making the bus both close and convenient. The system has over 3,300 bus stops and almost 60 routes. All Bee-Line buses are accessible, and designed with many accessibility features including “kneeling” buses, ramps and lifts.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY PROMOTES GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT. Westchester County Department of Health Promotes Tobacco Cessation on November 21. ...
.jpg)
