September 9, 2016

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September 9, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 37 | www.harrisonreview.com

New measures on campaign donors draw criticism The law will also strengthen anti-coordination between independent spending groups and Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuo- candidates, as it prohibits indemo signed a measure late last pendent spenders from contribmonth that aims to toughen uting directly to candidates and election, lobbying and ethics en- prevents political action comforcement laws, in an effort to mittees, PACs, from making limit the power of independent contributions to independent expenditure committees operating expenditure campaigns. under common control. State Sen. George Latimer, a Harrison’s Matt Rossi However, according to Rye Rye Democrat who is running escapes an Eastchester City Councilwoman Julie Killian, for re-election, said, “It doesn’t defender on Sept. 3. The a Republican candidate for the solve the problem.” Huskies will tangle with rival The legislation would dimin- state Senate, political spending Rye on Saturday, Sept. 10. ish the influence of a U.S. Su- is not necessarily the issue. “CorFor more about this year’s preme Court case known as Citi- rupt and go-along career legislacontest, visit our special United 37 v. Federal Election tors are the problem,” she said. September 2016 Number | www.mamaroneckreview.com section beginning on9,page 16. | Vol. 4,zens Commission, which has encour- “If we really want to change the Photo/Bobby Begun aged wealthy donors to increase culture of corruption in Albany, campaign contributions through we need to enact term limits for independent expenditures to state officeholders.” Killian also criticized Cuomo publicly support or criticize a candidate, according to the for previously receiving busigovernor. In 2010, the Supreme ness-backed aid. “It’s ironic that Court ruled that corporations the governor, who has raised have the same free speech rights tens of millions [of dollars] from people who have state contracts, as people. An independent expenditure is wants to now limit campaign a political campaign communica- donations from legitimate orgation that touts or expressively ad- nizations who want to express vocates for the defeat of an iden- their constitutionally protected of a two-year capital improve- 2 Bruce Ave., like Westches- tified candidate that is not made free speech,” she said. In 2011 and 2012, a controter County’s first Play2Learn in cooperation with or at the apments plan, is $250,000. According to Dave Donelson, Festival on Sept. 10, which cel- proval of a candidate, or a candi- versial business-backed group called Committee to Save New the vice president of the board of ebrates the importance of play date’s authorized committee. Cuomo said, “Citizens Unit- York spent $17 million to adtrustees of the library and presi- in a child’s life. The festival will dent of the Harrison Public Li- be hosted by the Harrison Public ed is one of the worst Supreme vance Cuomo’s agenda during brary Foundation, the branch Library, and will be held in Ma Court decisions in history, and in his first two years as governor. Among others to criticize the just six years has already had a library has endured a significant Riis Park outside the library. corrosive 37 impact on new measures is Common Cause September 9, 2016 Vol. 4, Number | www.ryecityreview.com Eight different play zones |profoundly amount of repairs throughout New York, a nonprofit political the past couple years, including with over 20 hands-on activities our democracy.” Under the new agreement, advocacy organization that ennew roofing, updates to windows will be distributed throughout and doors, and improvements to the park, including creative play, independent spending groups— gages in lobbying that has been air condition. “Unfortunately, science, music and dance, physi- political consultants and lob- openly opposed to the legislathe library has fallen into disre- cal play, sensory experiences, byists—are required to register tion. The group has argued that pair, but I think it will be a nice, make-believe, construction and with the state and may not be the legislation places stringent brighter and more welcoming technology. Popular partners formed by a candidate or run by restrictions on nonprofits, and place than it was before,” he and performers include local the candidate’s family members CUOMO continued on page 10 businesses Nora’s Ovenworks, or former staffers. said. Donelson mentioned that Fenom Fitness, Aw Yeah Comwhile the West Harrison branch ics, Chloe’s Kids, Turtle Dance Follow us on Twitter @harrisonreview is closed for repairs, residents Music and Songs for Seeds. can enjoy events and programs Like us on facebook.com/harrisonreview at the main library, located at CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

GAME ON!

Library construction underway in West Harrison By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The West Harrison Branch of the Harrison Public Library will remain closed throughout September as construction crews continue to work on a monthslong renovation to make improvements to the building. “Over years of wear and tear, the West Harrison Branch came to have a dreary feel,” said Galina Chernykh, director of the Harrison Public Library. “We’re trying to create a space where people want to hang out and be in. Our patrons now more than ever want to come together and be a community.” In order to maintain the building, crews began performing construction on Aug. 15 to re-

move and replace carpeting and provide a fresh look by painting the building that serves the West Harrison, Purchase and White Plains communities. Construction also includes the removal of asbestos tiles, which was not originally planned but was necessary once crews began removing library carpeting, according to Robert Blake, president of the board of trustees of the Harrison Public Library. “It’s not a problem if you don’t disturb the [asbestos] tiles, but once we removed carpeting we felt the safest thing to do was to remove the tiles as well,” Blake said. All library renovations are set to be complete by mid-October, according to Blake. The total cost of the project, which is part

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer


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