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CityREVIEW NewRochelle August 19, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 34| www.cityreviewnr.com
Latimer prepared for next political war By CHRISTIAN FALCONE Editor-in-Chief
Sea of tranquility Yoga instructor Debbie Bisaccia is bringing support to Westchester veterans with mental illness through the use of stand-up paddleboarding. Bisaccia kicked off her efforts this summer with an event at the Wainwright House in Rye. For story, see page 6. Photo courtesy Debbie Bisaccia
Rye to battle county in court over lead agency By JAMES PERO Staff Writer After bringing its assertions to court, the city of Rye will attempt to wrestle control of any potential upcoming projects at Playland from Westchester County. The decision to file an Article 78 lawsuit on Aug. 10 comes after news that the county—who entered into an agreement transferring management of the park to the private company Standard Amusements back in March— had declared itself lead agency in late April for the basis of overseeing capital investment projects
in the park. “It was reckless of the county to try to sneak this through without following the law,” said Rye City Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican. The finalization of the lawsuit brushed up against a tight filing deadline of Aug. 11; a date which marked the last day of a statemandated, four-month statute of limitations to challenge any declaration of lead agency. According to Rye City Attorney Kirsten Wilson, while Rye hasn’t yet pushed for an injunction—a move which would put a foreseeable stop on capital proj-
ects at the park until the litigation is resolved—the city is still mulling over its right to do so. Members of the Rye City Council have contended, in a letter sent to County Attorney Robert Meehan, that the county has blatantly ignored proper SEQRA procedures and has failed to inform the city of its intentions at the amusement park; claims the administration of Republican County Executive Rob Astornio has repeatedly denied. “The county has offered Rye a seat at the table, seeking to balance the wishes of the neighborhood around Playland with our
efforts to make the park a familyoriented and inviting attraction,” said Daniel Branda, a spokesperson for Astorino. Nicholas Singer, Standard’s co-founder, expressed dismay at the most recent turn of events. “We have grave concerns about the city of Rye’s apparent efforts to harm its own citizens and waste millions of dollars of Rye and Westchester County taxpayer money with a meritless lawsuit,” he said. Sack, however, feels that Standard has been complicit in COURT continued on page 7
State Sen. George Latimer says he has come to expect the attacks from his political opponents, but the criticism seems to gnaw at him more and more after all these years. “It does get to you,” he admitted. Latimer, a Rye Democrat, recently announced what came as nothing short of a mere formality: he will run for re-election for another two-year term. But in doing so, he’ll once again put himself in front of the state’s Republican firing squad. This year, Latimer, 62, will be challenged by GOP candidate Julie Killian, also of Rye. Killian has served on the Rye City Council since 2012. She has been re-elected to that seat twice, is well-respected in the state’s political circles and is independently wealthy, which will likely lead to an expensive obstacle for Latimer to hurdle. “I’m going to believe… even though the other side will have much more money, our message will be strong enough to carry the day again,” he said during an interview with the Review following his decision to run again. “[But] I know I will be outspent by a lot.” Back in 2012, Latimer’s first race for Senate against Republican Bob Cohen, of New Rochelle, set the record in New York state politics for campaign expenditures, eclipsing the $4.5 million mark. This year’s battle
with Killian could surpass that. To outspend Latimer is one thing; to defeat him is another. He’s never lost an election in 16 tries. He started off on the Rye City Council in 1987, and successfully worked his way through Westchester County government and into the New York state Legislature. He has held some level of elected office for 29 consecutive years, yet he bristles at the term “career politician.” “I always view these terms as limited time you are granted,” he told the Review. “I’m asking for another two years... and hopefully with a change in leadership, we’ll get a change in result.” Latimer draws reference to the opportunity for state Democrats to take control of the Republicanled Senate for just the fourth year in the last 80. But this election cycle is shaping up to be unlike any in recent memory. The traditional Democratic surge in voter turnout during a presidential year, which boosts candidates farther down the ticket, may not materialize due to the LATIMER continued on page 5
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