Eastchester REVIEW THE
May 18, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 20 | www.eastchesterreview.com
BOL opposes citizenship questions for 2020 census By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
Oh, sister
"Sister Act,” based on the 1992 comedy starring Whoppi Goldberg is playing at the Westchester Broadway Theatre. Read Michelle Jacoby's review on page 6. Photo/John Vecchiolla
Westchester announces 50% recycling rate for 2017 Westchester County Executive George Latimer and the Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities are proud to announce the county achieved a 50 percent recycling rate in 2017. This rate matches the county’s recycling performance for 2016, ensuring that Westchester continues to perform at the top in all environmental management performance measures. The county’s 50 percent recycling rate is even more impressive when compared to the national recycling rate of 34.6 percent. “Westchester County’s recycling rate has stood well above the Environmental Protection Agency’s national goal for years,” Latimer said. “One way that all county residents can con-
tribute to improving our environment is through waste reduction and recycling. These rates are a testament to Westchester County’s commitment, and we can always do better.” Louis Vetrone, deputy commissioner of the Department of Environmental Facilities, said, “We are thrilled with the continued reduction in waste generation. Waste reduction is one of the highest priorities in municipal environmental management, and these statistics are a reflection on the recycling programs and educational initiatives offered by Westchester County and its municipalities.” Westchester also reduced the amount of residential garbage it disposed of in 2017 by almost
6,000 tons compared to 2016, continuing an impressive trend. Since 2005, the county has reduced the amount of residential garbage by a whopping 30 percent. Reducing waste and recycling are not only good for the environment, they save money. It cost the county more than $91 to dispose of a ton of garbage, which means the 6,000 tons in waste reduction saved the county more than $540,000. Additionally, the county markets and sells the recyclables that it collects. In 2017, the county generated almost $6 million in revenue from the sale of recyclables. Westchester was able to achieve its high recycling rate with the help of the robust municipal recycling programs in place throughout the county. West-
chester’s recycling rate includes a wide variety of materials collected and diverted from the solid waste stream beyond cans, bottles and paper collected curb-side. The percentage also accounts for roadway millings, large bulk metals, construction debris and composted organic waste. The highest curb-side recycling rates for local municipalities in 2017 are as follows: • Bedford (35%) • Lewisboro (33%) • Rye City (30%) • Bronxville (29%) • Somers (29%) The county’s 2017 recycling performance demonstrates why Westchester is considered a regional leader in environmental management. (Submitted)
The Westchester County Board of Legislators will take a preemptive stance against a question set to appear on the 2020 census regarding citizenship. On Monday May 7, lawmakers passed a symbolic bipartisan resolution opposing the addition of a question on the Census asking citizenship status. That question was also submitted to a congressional oversight committeehearing on the issue that took place last week. “This resolution is an unequivocal statement of the Westchester County Legislature to Congress that we want everyone counted in the 2020 census, regardless of their immigration or citizenship status,” said county Legislator Lyndon Williams, a Mount Vernon Democrat. “The addition of a citizenship question in the 2020 census will undoubtedly suppress participation of immigrants and noncitizens leading to potential massive undercount here in Westchester County and around the country.” The resolution passed by a margin of 13-3 with Republican Gordon Burrows, of Yonkers Republican, serving as the only Republican to vote alongside Democrats. County Legislator Catherine Borgia, an Ossining Democrat, was absent for the vote. Burrows cited worries over appropriations of federal funding in casting his vote for the resolution. Specifically, he said that if Westchester residents choose not to respond to the Census due to fears over their citizenship status, it could mean that the county is undercounted and, as a direct result, could potentially lose crucial
federal funding. Likewise, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman came out in opposition of the question, along with 19 other attorney generals from across the country, in February this year saying the move would threaten federal funding for many. Schneiderman has since resigned from his position as state attorney general, however, after allegations of sexual harassment and physical abuse against four women came to light on May 7. The Census is a decennial event—happening every 10 years—that is designed to tally the number of citizens in the country. Its use is directly linked to the number of representatives that a state receives—the higher the number of citizens, the more representatives allotted. It is also a tool used for tracking shifting demographics such as the number of people living in urban or rural areas; how many children are in each household; and also racial and ethnic makeup. Each year more than $400 billion used for public services and infrastructure is also allocated using census information. Regardless of citizenship status, all U.S. residents are required to complete and submit a census form with potential fines, ranging between $100 and $500 for noncompliance, according to bipartisan fact-checkers Politifact. Last week, congressional lawmakers said they intend to issue a subpoena demanding John Gore, a Department of Justice official, to testify about why the question was to be included in the 2020 Census. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Follow us on Twitter @eastchesterview Like us on facebook.com/eastchesterreview