The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Inside Press

Giffords: Hillary Clinton Will “Stand up to the Gun Lobby”

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— The (former) Congresswoman inspires Hillary Clinton Supporters during a 4/17 visit to Westchester for Hillary headquarters
— Captain Kelly urges voters to “deny the acceptance of failure.”

By Kristin Lore

Ahead of the New York Primary on Tuesday, April 19th, Westchester County is working hard to Get Out The Vote for Hillary Clinton.

The White Plains headquarters for the Clinton campaign was honored on Sunday afternoon to have Captain Mark Kelly and (former) Congresswoman Gabby Giffords on hand to inspire volunteers.

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords in White Plains Photo by Jessica Meller
(Former) Congresswoman Gabby Giffords in White Plains Photo by Jessica Meller

Turning their personal tragedy* into action, they are as passionate about this election as they are about gun control.

Captain Kelly spoke about the progress that has been made under President Obama, “If we want progress to continue and not rolled back it is very clear that we need somebody that has a record of standing up to the gun lobby… and elections matter and Tuesday is a big day!”

As the crowd roared with applause and excitement he continued, “I often think of these elections like a rocket launch… it takes an army of people to prepare for that day…to have all the details in place and one of the details is what you guys are doing…getting people to get out and VOTE.”

Captain Kelly introduced Gabby to a crowd that yelled out, “we love you Gabby!” He described her as “somebody who continues to fight for all of us and reminds me every day to deny the acceptance of failure.”

(Former) Congresswoman Gabby Giffords with Captain Mark Kelly and Westchester field directors Izzy Bugatti (left) and Hannah Fine at the White Plains Westchester for Hillary headquarters Photo by Jessica Meller
(Former) Congresswoman Gabby Giffords with Captain Mark Kelly and Westchester field directors Izzy Bugatti (left) and Hannah Fine at the White Plains Westchester for Hillary headquarters Photo by Jessica Meller

As Gabby Giffords began to speak, she spoke loud and clear about her support of Hillary Clinton. “She will fight to make our families safer and she will stand up to the gun lobby.” She went on to say that speaking is hard for her but come November, “I want to say these two words, Madam President.”

Gabby and Mark graciously remained as long as it took to shake hands, take pictures and give hugs to every volunteer that filled the room.

Kristin Lore is a mother of three and a psychotherapist in private practice in Armonk, NY. She has a great passion for politics and volunteering on campaigns.

*On January 8, 2011, U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords and eighteen others were shot during a constituent meeting held in a supermarket parking lot in Casas Adobes, Arizona, in the Tucson metropolitan area. Source: Wikipedia

A Friend in Carole King

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Article and Photos by Grace Bennett

After an appearance on Morning Joe, the much beloved singer-songwriter Carole King arrived in White Plains to rally delighted supporters on behalf of Hillary Clinton; she also lead those gathered in singing You’ve Got a Friend, a classic from her timeless Tapestry album.

King described once sitting at a table with Clinton impressed with “her breadth of knowledge” but also her expertise in communication. “She’s just so smart and explains things in a deep way but in an understandable way.” carole.caroleTAll

King also noted Clinton’s skill in finding common ground from across the political aisle, specifically citing adoption legislation she passed together with Republican Tom DeLay, then the Senate Majority Leader. “She is going to do the right thing for the people she represents and she is not going to let anyone get away with doing what they’re doing wrong. And she has a record of doing that.”

Prior to King’s taking the mic, several public officials heaped praise on the recording superstar* and also rallied a group of supporters gathered by a private GOTV (Get Out the Vote) invitation to the Westchester for Hillary headquarters.

White Plains Mayor Tom Wolf, speaking of King: “The bar was set high for me and all of us to hear such beautiful music sung in such a genuine fashion,” he said. “When you hear a person singing words that matter, the effect on you is tremendous.”

Assembly woman Shelley-Mayer, who introduced King, said her music “changed our lives. She took our personal tales and made It a story of strength and confidence; we had a voice. The songwriting combined with singing awoke us to the power we have. Very few people in the history of songwriting have transformed generations.”

Congressman Eliot Engel after commending King for her activism for the environment, reminded everyone: “Every democratic Congress member in NY is supporting Hillary Clinton.

“Wherever she goes, she’s greeted like a rock star, because she is. Let’s make sure New York goes for Hillary by double digits, then it’s on to victory in Philadelphia.”

Finally, state Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins recalled Hillary Clinton’s support “when I first had the audacity to run for Senate. “Go figure, a little woman like me beating this guy who’d been in for 28 years.” She called on supporters to “just do the work. Be vigilant. We have to work every day untill we celebrate the victory.”

*King’s album “Tapestry” is still considered one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 25 million copies sold worldwide.

Rally for Hillary Clinton Outside Grafflin: 7 a.m. on Primary Day

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Volunteers for the Campaign Offer Passionate Statements Regarding their Support

A rally to support voting for Hillary Clinton will take place outside the Grafflin Elementary School at 7 a.m. on the morning of the New York primary. Chappaqua Friends of Hill (CFOH) has organized the event and are inviting supporters to turn out in as large a number as possible. The Clintons both vote at Grafflin too.

Marie Hollinger Short, a volunteer with the grassroots group, said CFOH mobilized to help canvass and make phone calls throughout Westchester because of “what is at stake…our reputation as a true global superpower for good, our national security, our relations with other countries, our safety and response to gun violence.”

Hollinger Short called Hillary Clinton “an extraordinary human being…and also the candidate who can best run our country and understands its needs. I can think of no better role model for my two daughters than a woman who has been attacked nearly every day of her adult life, and yet keeps plugging on and doing good in the world because she feels a duty.”

CFOH volunteers Randee Glaser, Marie Hollinger Short and Jason Lichtenthal at Chappaqua Station recently to recruit volunteers for phone banking and canvassing for HIllary's campaign in Westchester.
CFOH volunteers Randee Glaser, Marie Hollinger Short and Jason Lichtenthal at Chappaqua Station recently to recruit volunteers for phone banking and canvassing for HIllary’s campaign in Westchester.

Lori Gowen Morton, also a CFOH volunteer, told the Inside Press that the legislature has become increasingly ineffective, and even quite recently, seems prohibitive to governing. We need a leader that can be most effective in restoring a collaborative environment.

“Additionally, I believe there has been a backsliding on civil rights issues, and a growing permissive environment for xenophobia and fear. I want a future in which my daughters can feel confident that their work is equally rewarded, their bodies are their own, and their friends need not fear discrimination or limited opportunities. I want a leader that will not only set a positive tone for our children’s future, but has a plan of action to protect it,” stated Gowen Morton.

“Hillary Clinton has been my candidate because beyond rhetoric, she has outlined specific and detailed plans to move the country forward, on all fronts: social, economic and diplomatic.”

Gowen Morton described her first experience with Hillary Clinton. “It was at a campaign speech at my college during Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign in 1992. I was so impressed with her expertise on the issues and her presence…as a woman who was a force to be reckoned with in her own right, not simply window-dressing and a cheerleader for someone else.

“I remember thinking “She should be running!” I have been a fan ever since.She’s been a kind and generous neighbor, and well known locally for “behind the scenes” advocacy for those in need. I was so proud of her efforts to globally address women and children’s issues during her time as Secretary of State I believe that she has literally changed the world, shining a light on inequity, empowering women and families to fight for change, and increasing the pressure for reform in more oppressive countries.”

The discourse in this campaign has been so hateful and divisive, Gowen Morton also noted. “I continue in daily disbelief at the chauvinist, racist, discriminatory and simply offensive statements coming from other campaigns. I respect Hillary Clinton for continuing to take the high road, keeping the dialogue on topic, fighting her battles with fact and plan, rather than outburst and insult. I started supporting her because of my deep respect for her, but my commitment has been solidified by my belief that the country is in serious peril, and there is simply no other candidate with equal promise to be a sensible and effective leader.”

A Community Passover Seder

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passover seder

Join us for a traditional, meaningful Passover Seder
Relive the Exodus, discover the eternal meaning of the Haggadah, and enjoy a community Seder, complete with hand-baked round Matzah, fine Passover wine, and a wonderful meal spiced with unique, traditional customs.

Held at the La Quinta Inn, Armonk

For reservations and more information please click here www.ChabadAcp.org or contact Chabad at: Phone: 914.273.9770
Email: info@chabadacp.org

Assemblyman Buchwald Helps Secure Significant School Aid Increase for Local School Districts

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“Ending Era of Gap Elimination Adjustment”

For release, from Assemblyman David Buchwald’s office:

After years of suburban school districts in New York State falling victim to state budget cuts, Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-White Plains) announced that public schools in his State Assembly District will see a substantial increase in state aid for the 2016-17 school year. The increase in state aid was led by the end of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (also known as the GEA). Of the nearly $1.5 billion in overall additional state education aid in the budget, $434 million has been appropriated for the end of the GEA. In addition to ending the GEA, $627 million has been included in the state budget to boost Foundation Aid, a broad-based level of aid for school districts. In total, there is an additional $8.9 million in new state aid earmarked for public schools based in Buchwald’s Assembly District, which encompasses all or part of nine school districts in central and northern Westchester.

“Since I entered the State Assembly three years ago, I have made it my mission to make sure that our local schools are appropriately funded and that our children can get the education they deserve,” said Assemblyman Buchwald. “With the full restoration of the GEA, school districts can more confidently plan their yearly budgets, thereby ending an era of uncertainty for the education community and taxpayers. I have received thousands of letters solely on this issue, and I am happy to report back to my constituents that we have repealed the GEA. Although we have scored this major victory for students, parents, educators and taxpayers across the state, I will always be fighting on behalf of our local schools.”

A breakdown of school aid increases within Buchwald’s Assembly District are as follows:

· Bedford Central School District – $754,077, a 13.2 % increase in aid.
· Byram Hills School District – $ 272,189, a 8.3% increase in aid.
· Chappaqua School District -$954,262, a 15.0% increase in aid.
· Harrison School District – $498,032, a 13.3% increase in aid.
· Katonah-Lewisboro School District – $1,112,813, a 17.7% increase in aid.
· North Salem School District – $206,997, a 10.2% increase in aid.
· Ossining School District – $1,150,904, a 7.0% increase in aid.
· Valhalla School District – $140,486, a 3.1 % increase in aid (a $379,000 increase from ending of GEA, less changes in expense-based school aids).
· White Plains School District – $231,119, a 1.1% increase in aid (a $401,000 increase from ending of GEA, plus a $104,000 increase in Foundation Aid, less changes in expense-based school aids).

The above amounts and percentages do not include building aid, which is focused on capital expenditures and fluctuates from year to year. For some districts, additional building aid significantly increases the total aid amounts – for example in Ossining, where total aid including building aid went up $2.9 million, or 16.7%. Jumps in building aid also bring up the Valhalla and White Plains total aid figures.

Assemblyman Buchwald co-sponsored two pieces of legislation in the State Assembly that would have repealed the GEA: Assembly bills A.2271-C and A.5365. Buchwald has also attended various school board meetings and education forums across his Assembly District where he spoke on developments within the legislature on school funding issues.

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