By Eric W. Schoen
As a Columnist sometimes you have to catch your breath, think about what you have written, and respond to the emails you have received. So we start this week with an Apology.
In my column on Congestion Pricing I used words from the 1974 New York Daily News that the paper referenced to describe how President Ford refused to bail out New York City in the midst of a fiscal crisis. I used the words ‘Drop Dead’ to indicate what our Governor, State, County and local as well as New York City elected and appointed officials were saying to the public, particularly appointed officials as the debate over congestion pricing continues.
The arrogant comment from Janno Lieber, MTA chief making a joke over congestion pricing was disgraceful. But my choice of words, ‘Drop Dead’ was a poor choice of words in describing the position of our electeds to the public. The only call I received to complain about my choice of words was from a friend who works for the Governor. She indicated the Governor was upset.
To the Governor, State Legislators, County and city officials, I extend my apologies on my choice of words. In writing this column for close to 14 years, I have never had to apologize like this, but the time has come. You know how to reach me, so please if you disagree with my words in the future message me or pick up the phone to call me. It is important that the relationship between readers and a columnist who offers his opinion on a subject be a two way street.I’ll talk more about congestion pricing and readers responses in the coming weeks.
The CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE FOR NY 16 and REGISTERING TO VOTE
Monday night we observed the first debate in the 16th Congressional District-Latimer vs. Bowman. County Executive Latimer won the debate hands down, sticking with the issues and not getting personal with Congressman Bowman like the Congressman did for an hour. Kudos to News 12’s Tara Rosenblum for doing a good job in managing the debate. So superior to the last debate I saw Latimer participate in with Rob Astorino at Iona College. That debate was more like a zoo!
VERY IMPORTANT: A friend’s adult child recently got married and and will move into NY CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 16 Shortly with his wife from Florida. Having heard around the world of the Fire Alarm pulling Congressman Bowman, he asked me if it was too late for his son and daughter in law to to register to vote in the Bowman vs. Latimer primary.
I contacted my election experts, and it is important to know that NEW PEOPLE MOVING INTO THE DISTRICT CAN STILL REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE DEMOCRAT PARTY AND VOTE IN THE LATIMER vs. BOWMAN PRIMARY UP TO JUNE 15, 2024, the first day of early voting. If they register to vote on June 15 they will get have to vote by absentee ballot but they can still vote.
This information is critical for new people moving into the district and those who have never registered before. For students turning 18 by June 15 you can participate in the Democratic Process and join those of us who believe the current Congressman is wrong for the district and needs to be replaced. DON’T LET ANYONE DEPRIVE YOU OF YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE! And MAKE SURE THAT YOU, YOUR RELATIVES, FRIENDS AND FRIENDS KIDS ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE FOR THE PRIMARY.
THE LATIMER vs. Bowman RACE in the June 25th Primary some feel is as important as the race for the WHITE HOUSE! Show up at political debates and MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AMERICA.
NOTE THAT ON June 9 FRIENDS OF THE Yonkers Public Library of which I am President will have our yearly MEET THE CANDIDATES RECEPTION AT 1:30 P.M. at the Will Library, 1500 Central Avenue in Yonkers prior to a fantastic musicale featuring popular duets titled I GOT YOU BABE. Candidates informally great the public from 1:30 p.m. -2:00 p.m., are introduced from the stage at 2:00 p.m. and the musical begins at 2:10 p.m. All candidates in the June Primary are invited to greet you and answer your questions.
It’s not your traditional Candidates forum but as we have done for over 30 years gives you the opportunity to MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD and tell the candidates what is important to you. I hope you will join us. A simple meet and greet and introduction by yours truly.
The Congressman prior to BOWMAN would show up every year and like Congressman Biaggi before him be given 3 or 4 minutes to speak and tell the public what services his office offers to them. Our membership would revolt if even though I do not support the incumbent I broke from tradition. You see the Congressman is the closest the public will get to the President of the United States, which is why we feel so strongly to follow this format. See you on June 9 1:30 p.m. sharp.
AMERICA SALUTES OUR NURSES and CERTIFIED NURSES ASSISTANTS
During the month of May America salutes our Nurses, Certified Nurses Assistants and those who care for patients in Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Rehabilitation Facilities and Doctors Offices.
I have a friend who is in a rehabilitation facility as we speak. I visit her almost every day and am so impressed by the professionalism of the Nurses and Certified Nurses Assistants and all of those charged with her care. There is a severe shortage of help in these institutions, the work is difficult but staff go out of their way to make the patients comfortable.
Salute the nurses in your life and if you are a patient, bring them something special to thank them. They work hard, get little pay, and fortunately they enjoy helping others in time of need.
BRIEFS
Many of you commented on your memories of Alexander’s on Fordham Road and Central Avenue in last weeks column. It is 22 years this week, May 15, 1992 since all of the Alexander’s stores closed their doors.
The Watermelon yogurt I got on sale and talked about in my Mother’s Day Column was quite good. I would buy it on sale of course again!
The Yonkers City Council passed a request to the State Legislature for an extension of the Red Light Camera bill. Congratulations Yonkers! You are printing the list of Red Light Camera locations from the City website and making sure you are not caught. Revenue from these devices that are just a money grab by the city is way down.
A big congratulations to dear friends Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio and Gail Burns on their selection as President and Vice President of the Yonkers Board of Education. Mayor Spano selected Rosalba and Gail who both care deeply about education and Yonkers for the Board and is to be commended for the quality of these two appointments!
Everyone loves the New Superintendent of Schools, Mr. (Soon to be Dr.) Anibal Soler, Jr. He has visited most of the Yonkers Public Schools and seems to be in love with his new district. As we go to press there is word that some major cuts may be coming to the district. Let’s hope our leaders can put the funds in place so cuts are minimal.
Reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyonkers@aol.com, or friend him on Facebook Eric Schoen…just look for him in the picture with Joan Rivers!
