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Heard 5 Gun Shots After Reporting Latimer Said Gun Violence Is Not A Major Problem In Westchester.

AJ Woodson
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Heard 5 Gun Shots After Reporting Latimer Said Gun Violence Is Not A Major Problem In Westchester.

[Update 7:39 pm, I am being told what I heard was fireworks. It sounded a lot like gun fire. But I still stand by the point of article senseless violence is a major problem in lower Westchester]

While very few details are known yet, I can personally give a first-person account that I just heard 5 gunshots and saw half MVPD race down my block and turn on Fifth Street.

I just posted my article about the announcement of the new Gun Violence Task Force where County Executive George Latimer said in the statement that  “gun violence is not a major problem in Westchester County…”

I just wrote the words, Gun violence may not be a major problem in the County of Westchester, but that is not the reality in some of the southern cities in the county, like Mount Vernon, where there was a double homicide at a Mount Vernon smoke shop just a week earlier on Tuesday, March 19th, two hours ago and then I hear 5 gun shots out my window while working on another story.

While I find out more details about the 5 gunshots I just heard, here is why I have a problem with the statement from CE Latimer. In the last year, there have been several shootings in Mount Vernon, including 14-year-old Zyaire Fernandez shot and killed in the courtyard of Levister Towers in Mount Vernon (one block from my house) in broad daylight at approximately 10 am on the morning of Thursday, March 9, 2023.

A month later, there was 18-year-old Tamani Turner, who was fatally shot just a few yards from where he and his family lived on Thursday, April 6, 2023, near Garden Avenue and East 4th Street. He was the teenager killed in Mount Vernon in early 2023. Sergey Tonkovid, 19, was stabbed to death on Feb. 11, 2023. He was found lying on the ground near the intersection of North Columbus and East Lincoln Avenues, just before 4 p.m.

Then there was the shooting of 25-year-old Mount Vernon DPW employee, Daquan Moore, at 8:25 a.m., Friday, July 6, 2023, near 50 North Terrace Avenue while on duty collecting garbage when an unknown person began shooting at him and his co-worker. Moore was shot in both legs.

On Sunday, August 21, 2023, Mark Nembhard, 34, and his brother Brandon were shot by an off-duty Mount Vernon Police officer who emptied his gun into the unsuspecting crowd after an altercation between two other individuals in a backyard summer party, according to news reports. Mark was shot in his left foot, while his brother was shot in the back and shoulder.

And again there was a double homicide outside a Mount Vernon Smoke Shop on South 5th Avenue just last week, Tuesday, March 19th. The Southern District of New York said that five men — Ilario Contreras, Jerpi Diaz-Feliz, Jhoan Diaz-Feliz, Victor Jimenez and Joseph Perez — were charged with murder in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted on that charge alone, the five men could face life in prison or even the death penalty, because they are being charged with a federal offense. They are also charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, conspiracy to engage in drug trafficking, and discharging a gun in furtherance of drug trafficking, according to prosecutors. The latter two charges also come with potential life sentences.

Senseless gun violence is not just a Mount Vernon thing, neighboring other cities in Congressional District 16 like the city of Yonkers where I recall five people were wounded in Yonkers on Saturday night in two separate shootings in 2022. Legislator Shanae Williams, who was a Yonkers City Councilwoman at the time discussed a shooting that took place in front of her house in 2020 in Yonkers, at the press conference announcing the new Gun Violence Task Force. Another man was shot near the Saw Mill River Parkway in Yonkers on Tuesday morning, November 14, 2023. County Legislator James Nolan spoke about his brother being shot to death in the Yonkers Burger King parking lot in 2015 as the main reason he supports the need for the task force.

16-year-old Julian Oliveros, of New Rochelle, was shot on the corner of Fourth Street and Washington Avenue in the middle of the afternoon in January 2022, he was taken to the hospital where he died. A 33-year-old New Rochelle man was shot shortly after midnight on Monday morning, October 2, 2023. A 17-year-old has been arrested after he allegedly shot a gun inside a Burger King restaurant at 33 LeCount Place around 8 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024.

This is what I can call off the top of my head but by no means is this all of them. There is too much senseless violence, not exclusively gun violence, like the fatal stabbing of MV teenage cheerleader Kayla Green last year Friday, April 7, 2023, and a 15-year-old who was stabbed yesterday at 4 p.m. at Benjamin Turner School on South Third Avenue, according to the district.

The bottom line when County Executive George Latimer talks about gun violence not being a major problem in Westchester, he obviously isn’t talking about the 16th Congressional District where he is running to unseat Congressman Jamaal Bowman. Like I said two hours after reporting on his announcement of the Westchester County Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce (WCGVPT), I just heard five shots from my window! I do welcome the WCGVPT because senseless gun violence is a major problem in lower Westchester. And I still haven’t found out any further details on today’s shooting!

Latimer: “Gun violence is not a major problem in Westchester County.” CE Announces New Gun Violence Task Force

AJ Woodson
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Latimer: “Gun violence is not a major problem in Westchester County.” CE Announces New Gun Violence Task Force

Westchester County Launches Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce

Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Westchester County Legislator Shanae Williams are joining together to announce the Westchester County Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce (WCGVPT). The task force, which will fall under the Office of the County Executive, will be aimed at unifying efforts across Westchester County to combat gun violence.

Latimer said: “Gun violence is not a major problem in Westchester County, but one death or injury due to gun violence is one too many and we are focused on getting to the root of the problem.  The WCGVPT will serve as a critical platform to address the root causes of gun violence while advocating for effective prevention strategies.”

Gun violence may not be a major problem in the County of Westchester, but that is not the reality in some of the southern cities in the county, like Mount Vernon, where there was a double homicide at a Mount Vernon smoke shop just a week earlier on Tuesday, March 19th.

The Southern District of New York said that five men — Ilario Contreras, Jerpi Diaz-Feliz, Jhoan Diaz-Feliz, Victor Jimenez and Joseph Perez — were charged with murder in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted on that charge alone, the five men could face life in prison or even the death penalty, because they are being charged with a federal offense. They are also charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, conspiracy to engage in drug trafficking, and discharging a gun in furtherance of drug trafficking, according to prosecutors. The latter two charges also come with potential life sentences.

“Senseless gun violence has been a major problem in Mount Vernon, where Latimer grew up, over the past few years, he has been County Executive. To say it’s not a major problem in the county dismisses the ongoing problem in cities like Mount Vernon,” one resident shared.

Westchester County may have some of the lowest rates in gun violence, but there is still a problem, especially in the Black and Brown Communities in the County.

Newly elected Legislator Shanae Williams — whose idea it was according to Latimer — admits gun violence is also still an issue in Yonkers, the third largest city in New York State.

“Gun violence is a subject that is very important to me and is very personal to me. In the height of the pandemic in 2020, a New Rochelle man shot five rounds at Yonkers Police Officers in an attempt to avoid arrest. This happened in broad daylight. This happened with children and families walking around Getty Square. This happened right outside of my home and thankfully no one was hurt and that man was arrested, but this made me realize that we do have a problem with gun violence in our community, in Yonkers and in Westchester. And as many of us realize its a public health crisis. In New York City and city and states around the country, it is a deadly issue,” Williams said at the press conference. “I am thrilled to partner with County Executive George Latimer and his team in this effort and look forward to working with stakeholders to identify solutions that will eliminate gun violence.”

Legislator James Nolan, whose brother Mike was killed as a result of senseless gun violence on September 18, 2015, while he is happy the County Executive is being proactive and agrees with the need for a task force, knows gun violence is a problem nationwide, even in Westchester County.

“As someone who lost their brother to illegal gun violence, I know what its impact on a family and a community looks like,” Legislator Nolan shared. “I appreciate how proactive the County Executive is being by creating this task force. In 2021, the United States experienced record gun violence. It is high time for all of us to come together and find a solution to this issue. I look forward to doing anything I can to help make the task force successful.”

County Legislator Terry Clements also feels the implementation of the WCGVPT will be an important next step in preventing gun violence.

“I approach the issue of gun violence prevention from two perspectives — as Chair of the Board’s Committee on Public Safety, and as an educator committed to the safety of Westchester’s students. The Westchester County Department of Public Safety, expertly run by Acting Commissioner Terrance Raynor, utilizes Community Resource Officers (CROs) and School Resource Officers (SROs) to ensure safety in our schools and community. Establishing a Gun Violence Safety Task Force will expand on the good work we have already been doing, and will be an important next step towards preventing gun violence on our streets, and in our homes and schools,” Clements shared.

The WCGVPT will work with organizations that are currently making strides in rooting out gun violence and foster collaboration across these agencies, leveraging each other’s resources.  The task force aims to identify and implement best practices to prevent and ultimately eliminate gun violence in Westchester County.

“The safety and well-being of every resident in Westchester is our top priority. Through the establishment of the Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, we are taking proactive steps to address this critical issue head-on. By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, we will develop comprehensive strategies to create safer communities for all,” Latimer said in the statement emailed to Black Westchester.

According to the statement, the goals of the WCGVPT:

·         Change the social conditions and address the influences that lead young people to resort to gun violence.

·         Foster collaboration across all agencies and levels of government, including county, town, village, city and law enforcement agencies.

·         Facilitate collaboration between nonprofit and for-profit businesses already engaged in this work.

·         Engage the community in meaningful dialogue, including victims and perpetrators of gun violence.

·         Develop prevention and intervention strategies tailored to eliminate gun violence.

·         Advocate for the necessary resources to support these efforts.

The task force will consist of volunteers representing various backgrounds. Joaquin Dean CEO/Founder of Ruff Ryders and Ruff Riders To The Rescue, a community 24-hour watch group, was among the supporters of the new WCGVPT. He spoke briefly at the press conference, “Less words, more action, that’s what we [Ruff Ryders To Rescue] are all about.”

Jesse Van Lew, the co-founder of Save Mount Vernon is one of the first to get the call when incidents of senseless violence take place in the city. He was taken aback by CE Latimer’s claim that “gun violence is not a major problem in Westchester.”

“It is RIDICULOUS for the county executive to say we don’t have a gun problem when Save Mount Vernon begged the Mayor and the county for a gun buyback because if all of the shootings in Mt.Vernon, it’s a slap in the face of the African Americans living in this city, to say the least, were the one’s dealing with it. I guess he doesn’t watch News 12 !!!,” van Lew shared with Black Westchester.

Congressman Jamaal Bowman, who Latimer is challenging for his seat in CD-16 also disagrees with the sentiment. Bowman will be hosting a community conversation on March 27, 2024, at 7:00 pm at 350 6th Avenue, Mount Vernon, to discuss violence prevention. He will be giving attendees the opportunity to share their experiences, thoughts, and policy ideas on preventing violence in our communities. 

BW March 2024 – The Women’s History Month Issue

AJ Woodson
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BW March 2024 – The Women’s History Month Issue

Welcome to the March 2024 Women’s History Month digital edition of Black Westchester Newspaper

Federal Jury Convicts Derickson Lawrence For Defrauding Restaurant Employees and COVID-19 Relief Program

AJ Woodson
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Federal Jury Convicts Derickson Lawrence For Defrauding Restaurant Employees and COVID-19 Relief Program

Norfolk, VA – A federal jury convicted former Chair of the Mount Vernon Charter Revision Commission, Derickson K. Lawrence, on Friday on charges of wire and mail fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia announced.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Derickson Lawrence, 67, was the Chief Executive Officer and sole owner of MarketView Resources, Inc., a company that provided third-party payroll services. MarketView had only one significant client, a Virginia Beach company that owned restaurant franchises in the mid-Atlantic region. The Virginia Beach company regularly transferred payroll money to a bank account controlled by Lawrence to pay the salaries of its employees who elected to receive their wages via debit card.

From March 2017 through October 2019, Lawrence wired approximately $230,000 from the bank account with the employees’ wages to his brokerage account, most of which he lost through risky, speculative options trading. Lawrence also used the restaurant workers’ wages to pay debit cards he gave to himself, his own employees, and family members.

As early as December 2018, on numerous occasions, there was not enough money left to cover the transactions of employees who used their debit cards to withdraw their wages. The financial services company that processed those transactions for MarketView covered nearly $90,000 until they terminated their relationship with Lawrence in September 2019. On Sept. 25, 2019, when the paycards were shut off, MarketView’s own records showed an available balance to cardholders of more than $465,000, while the bank account only contained $2,400. 

In addition to defrauding his client, Lawrence defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a COVID-19 relief program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The PPP program was intended to provide loans backed by the Small Business Administration to certain businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other entities to help them retain their employees or stay afloat during the pandemic. In April 2020, Lawrence submitted a PPP loan application that falsely stated he had two employees and paid over $10,000 in monthly wages. Lawrence falsely portrayed MarketView’s 2020 payroll by using an altered bank statement that actually reflected activity from February 2016. Lawrence received a PPP loan of $26,250, which he used for options trading.

CD-16 Congressional Candidate Derickson Lawrence announcing his candidacy, on Saturday, March 5, 2015 in front of the historic St. Paul’s Church in Mount Vernon [Black Westchester]

Lawrence-who unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Eliot Engel for Congress in CD-16 in 2016 and 2018 who also unsuccessfully ran for Mount Vernon Comptroller in 2021-faces 20 years in prison on each of the 11 counts when sentenced on July 19. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr, accepted the verdict.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Mozzi and E. Rebecca Gantt are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-89.

Ford ACE Program Expanded to Mount Vernon STEAM Academy

AJ Woodson
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Ford ACE Program Expanded to Mount Vernon STEAM Academy

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (March 19, 2024) —Students from the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, Mount Vernon High School and Rebecca Turner Academy (RTA) are coming together to learn car mechanics. Earle Mitchell, technical placement specialist at Ford, visited the auto shop on Monday, March 18, 2024, to share more information about trends in the automotive industry and career opportunities. 

The Ford Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program, which is designed to introduce students to automotive career opportunities and prepare them to enter the industry, was recently expanded to include Mount Vernon STEAM Academy. Twelve students from the STEAM Academy began participating in the program on February 22 and two are on a waitlist. 

Earlier in the 2023-24 school year, the program was also expanded to RTA. The Mount Vernon City School District now has three high schools participating. With the expansion of the program, opportunities at local dealerships such as Scarsdale and Tasca Ford are also growing.

Students work through educational modules that are utilized by technicians currently working in the field. Students that complete the modules can obtain certification that will help them start their careers. The class meets every Monday from 3 to 6 p.m.

MVHS and STEAM Academy students [Black Westchester]

“This gives students the opportunity to engage in the automotive industry prior to getting into the automotive industry,” said Mr. Mitchell. “It’s an opportunity where you get a chance to work with different dealerships, a chance to work in the shop, a chance  to put your hand on a wrench and really engage in what the opportunity is.”

Students in the Ford ACE program meet in the auto shop at Mount Vernon High School every Monday from 3 to 6 p.m. 

STEAM Academy students have brought their passion for engineering to the Ford ACE program, which Ford describes as “STEM on wheels.”

“The CTE (Career and Technical Education) Department is proud to invite STEAM students into the fold of our successful Ford ACE Auto Expansion program at MVHS,” said Director of CTE Brian Simmons. “Their passion for engineering and problem-solving is exactly what the US auto industry needs to survive and thrive in the 21st century. We couldn’t be more thrilled to provide our students with golden opportunities for coveted internships and high-paying jobs in a rapidly expanding market.”

Michael Malocsay, automotive teacher at MVHS; and Earle Mitchell [Black Westchester]

About Mount Vernon City School District: With approximately 7,000 students in 16 schools, the Mount Vernon City School District is committed to providing quality education to all children while developing programs that meet the diverse academic and social needs of its students.

People Before Politics Radio Episode 391

AJ Woodson
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People Before Politics Radio Episode 391

Black Westchester presents the People Before Politics Radio Show Episode 391 with Damon K. Jones and AJ Woodson giving you that real talk for the community since 2014!

Join hosts Damon and AJ on a riveting journey through the latest headlines, societal issues, and political landscapes, all through the lens of the Black experience. In ‘People Before Politics,’ brought to you by Black Westchester Magazine, no topic is off-limits and no viewpoint is left unexplored. Damon and AJ, the dynamic duo behind the show, bring a unique blend of insight, passion, and unapologetic truth-telling to the forefront. With their finger on the pulse of the community, they fearlessly tackle the issues that matter most to Black America, from social justice and civil rights to economic empowerment and beyond.

Each episode is a thought-provoking exploration of the news, infused with personal anecdotes, expert analysis, and lively debate. Through interviews with community leaders, activists, and everyday citizens, Damon and Aj provide a platform for voices often overlooked by mainstream media, amplifying stories that deserve to be heard. Whether dissecting the latest political developments, examining the impact of current events on marginalized communities, or celebrating the achievements of Black excellence,

‘People Before Politics’ offers an unfiltered perspective that challenges the status quo and inspires action. Tune in as Damon and AJ redefine the news narrative, empowering viewers with knowledge, awareness, and a renewed sense of agency in shaping the world around them. Get ready for a dynamic, engaging, and empowering journey through the headlines, where the Black perspective takes center stage.

Check out Black Westchester articles discussed during the show, MV PBA Pres: Mount Vernon Politicians Get Top Dollar Raises While Leaving Police Department Understaffed and Underpaid, RESPONSE: County Executive Latimer’s State of the County Fails to Address Westchester’s Housing Crisis by Juanita Lewis, Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, saying Netanyahu is an obstacle to peace and Black People Know White Supremacy and Oppression: The Black Power Movement and Palestine

Also, check out the Rolling Stone article, “Isreal Lobby Pushes Lie That People Are Not Starving In Gaza: Report” we discussed.

As always, you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube

Fasting for Faith: How Jesus and Ramadan Unite Us in Solidarity with Palestine

DAMON K JONES
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Fasting for Faith: How Jesus and Ramadan Unite Us in Solidarity with Palestine

In this month of Ramadan, it is crucial for people of faith to fast in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters, particularly those in Palestine who are facing tremendous hardships. Innocent lives are being lost, and Israeli forces are destroying homes in the ongoing conflict.

Many Black Pastors and Black Christians may be surprised to learn that Gaza is home to one of the world’s oldest Christian communities. Before the Israeli blockade began in 2007, around 3,000 Christians lived in the region. However, due to the harsh conditions and recent violence, the Christian population has dwindled to just 800, with casualties increasing daily. The Palestinian Christian community fears for its future and possible disappearance.

Evidence from the Bible suggests that Jesus was a Palestinian Jew. In Matthew 21:10–11, upon Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the crowds identified him as “Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee,” affirming Nazareth as a significant Palestinian Arab city within Israel. Nazareth holds immense religious importance in Christianity, being described as Jesus’ childhood home and hosting numerous Christian pilgrimage sites.

If we claim to follow Jesus, we should harbor compassion for the women and children killed in Palestine today, or risk being hypocrites to your own religion. Jesus tells believers in Matthew 22:37–39, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

This passage, often referred to as the Great Commandment, encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ teachings on love and compassion. It instructs believers to love both God and their fellow human beings, emphasizing the interconnectedness of love for God and love for one’s neighbor. Therefore, we should show love to our Muslim and Palestinian brothers and sisters, not being afraid to speak truth to power and call for an end to war. The command to love one’s neighbor as oneself underscores the importance of empathy, kindness, and care for others, regardless of differences in background, beliefs, or circumstances.

During this holy month of Ramadan and in times of global turmoil, it is essential for people of faith to find common ground and unity. Despite the differences between Christianity and Islam, there are significant similarities between Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–15) and the practice of fasting during Ramadan.

In both traditions, fasting is seen as a means of spiritual growth, self-discipline, resisting temptation, and obedience to God’s will. Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness, where Satan tempted him, testing his spiritual strength and preparing him for his ministry. Similarly, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset during Ramadan as an act of worship, obedience, and spiritual purification.

The fasting practices of Jesus and Muslims emphasize nurturing one’s spiritual life, strengthening the connection with God, and demonstrating devotion and commitment to faith.

In a world filled with chaos and division, and with world leaders increasingly recognizing the plight of the Palestinian people, it is more important than ever for people of faith to come together and focus on our shared values and beliefs. Rather than listening to toxic, misinformed spiritual leaders who constantly emphasize what divides us, we must remember that we all have to coexist on this planet. By acknowledging the similarities between our religious practices, such as fasting, we can cultivate understanding, respect, and unity among believers of different faiths.

Fasting serves as a time for spiritual growth and self-discipline, but it also provides Christians with an opportunity to resist the devil and the temptations that surround us. In today’s world, we must remain alert and actively resist the false narratives spread by the media and the misinformation that aims to divide us. We must also be cautious not to succumb to the temptations offered by those in power, such as jobs, positions, and money, as these can ultimately lead to a form of enslavement and leave us feeling unsatisfied.

Jesus sets a powerful example for us, not only in terms of fasting but also in how we should live our lives. His experience in the wilderness, where he resisted Satan’s temptations, serves as a model for us to emulate. By following Jesus’ unwavering commitment to God’s will and his steadfast dedication to truth and righteousness, we can navigate the challenges and deceptions that we face in this world.

Moreover, by joining hands with our Muslim brothers and sisters and recognizing the importance of supporting our Palestinian family, we can further strengthen our resolve to live according to Jesus’ teachings. In doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to unity, compassion, and justice, which are essential values in both Christianity and Islam.

This Ramadan presents a unique opportunity for us to reflect on our common spiritual goals and work together towards a more peaceful and harmonious world. We can build bridges of understanding between our communities by highlighting the parallels in our traditions, such as the emphasis on spiritual growth, self-discipline, resisting temptation, and obedience to God.

Our shared commitment to fasting can serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of faith in promoting love, peace, freedom, and justice. Let us come together during this holy month of Ramadan and beyond, using our common ground to foster a more compassionate, united, and harmonious world. Through our collective devotion and dedication to our faiths, we can be a shining example of the transformative power of unity and love for all of humanity.

Let us seize this moment to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and all those facing oppression, demonstrating the true essence of our shared values and working towards a brighter future for all. By coming together in a spirit of understanding and respect, we can harness the power of our faiths to bring about positive change and create a world where peace, justice, and compassion reign supreme.

MV PBA Pres: Mount Vernon Politicians Get Top Dollar Raises While Leaving Police Department Understaffed and Underpaid

Black Westchester
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MV PBA Pres: Mount Vernon Politicians Get Top Dollar Raises While Leaving Police Department Understaffed and Underpaid

Mount Vernon, NY – Mount Vernon PBA President Nicholas Mastrogiorgio recently voiced his frustration and disappointment over the city’s decision to grant elected officials a substantial 40% pay raise. This decision comes at a time when the Mount Vernon Police Department remains the lowest-paid law enforcement agency in Westchester County, despite having recently negotiated a contract that the city claimed they couldn’t afford for the overworked police force.

The Comptroller’s office justified the raises, as stated by the PBA President, by comparing salaries with those in other Westchester cities. This will make the Mayor, Comptroller, Council President, and City Council members among the highest-paid in the county. However, Mastrogiorgio notes that this comparative analysis has yet to be extended to the police department despite numerous requests over the years.

“We’ve been asking them to do the same with us in the police department for years,” Mastrogiorgio stated. “A lot of these politicians used the fact that the unions in Mount Vernon received a contract as justification for them to get 40% raises. I just wish they would have used the same analysis and equations that were used for them when they gave us that contract.”

Mastrogiorgio also addressed a councilperson’s comment regarding the lack of retroactive pay for elected officials, calling it an “apples to oranges comparison” as they are not part of unions or bound by contracts like the police department.

Mastrogiorgio also addressed the dire situation at the Mount Vernon Police Department, stating, ‘The department, grappling with understaffing and the lowest pay in the county, leaves its officers with no choice but to endure extensive overtime just to get by. This relentless demand significantly impacts their health, stress, and overall well-being. It’s crucial the Mayor, the City Council, and the Comptroller prioritize and address these challenges, ensuring our officers have the support and resources they need to thrive, both in service and in life.'”

The Mount Vernon Police Department is currently facing a staffing crisis, with an average patrolman having only two years of experience, 121 transfers in the past four years, and a shortage of 30 officers. Mastrogiorgio emphasized that the city should prioritize addressing these issues before focusing on pay raises for elected officials.

“Right now, the average patrolman has about 2 years experience, we’ve had 121 transfers in the past 4 years, we’re 30 officers short and frequently go out short-staffed on a daily basis,” Mastrogiorgio said. “Don’t you think the city should start doing some things to fix those problems before worrying about giving themselves a pay raise?”

Alongside his statement on Facebook, Mastrogiorgio also shared a list comparing the salaries of mayors in Westchester County. He questioned why the City of Mount Vernon failed to ensure pay equity for its police department compared to other police departments in the county, an issue that has been a point of contention in the most recent contract negotiations. The Mount Vernon Police Department PBA took into account the Comptroller’s claims that the city didn’t have sufficient funds during these negotiations. Despite the recent contract, the Mount Vernon Police Department remains the lowest paid in the county, while the Mayor’s salary has risen to become one of the highest among Westchester mayors.

The PBA President’s statement highlights the growing tension between the police department and city officials, as well as the need for a more equitable approach to compensation and resource allocation in Mount Vernon.

Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, saying Netanyahu is an obstacle to peace

AJ Woodson
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Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, saying Netanyahu is an obstacle to peace

US Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer has called for Israel to hold elections to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as cracks appear in a once stable and friendly alliance.

On Thursday, Sen. Chuck Schumer, the first Jewish majority leader in the Senate and the highest-ranking Jewish official in the US government, criticized the Netanyahu government and called for new elections in a speech on the Senate floor on the Israel-Hamas war.

“Mr. Netanyahu had lost his way,” Shumer said.

Leaders in Washington have avoided directly criticizing Netanyahu’s approach to the conflict in Gaza. It is a sharp escalation in US criticism of Netanyahu’s government. Sen. Schumer, who has backed Israel throughout his 25 years in the Senate, warned those casualties in Gaza risked turning Israel into a “pariah”.

“Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah,” Schumer said.

Speaking in the Senate on Thursday, Sen. Schumer, a long-time supporter of Israel, harshly criticized the Israeli leader, who he said had come to allow “his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of Israel.” Israel, Sen. Schumer said, must make “course corrections” and take steps to better protect civilians in Gaza.

The high-level warning comes as an increasing number of Democrats have pushed back against Israel and as President Joe Biden has stepped up public pressure on Netanyahu’s government, arguing that he needs to pay more attention to the civilian death toll in Gaza amid the Israeli bombardment. This month, the U.S. began airdrops of badly needed humanitarian aid and announced it would establish a temporary pier to get more assistance into Gaza via sea.

More than 1,200 people died in Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7th, and an estimated 30,000 people in Gaza have died, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health.

“Five months into this conflict, it is clear that Israelis need to take stock of the situation and ask, must we change course?” he said. “At this critical juncture, I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel.”

Schumer, who was wearing a yellow ribbon pin on the Senate floor to honor hostages being held in Gaza, is a longtime staunch defender of Israel and its right to exist. He spoke about the plight of his Jewish ancestors in Europe and the “grave threats” Israel faces as it’s “surrounded by vicious enemies.”

Schumer expressed support for a temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, as President Joe Biden has been pushing for, saying it “would allow for the return of hostages and humanitarian relief for suffering Palestinians.” He said he’s against a permanent cease-fire because it would only allow Hamas to “regroup and launch further attacks on Israeli civilians.”

“There can never be a two-state solution if Hamas has any significant power,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., denounced Schumer for his remarks, saying on the Senate floor afterward that it is “grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of Israel.”

Opinion polls show most Israelis support the war, but one survey released in January suggested just 15% of voters wanted Netanyahu to remain in office once the conflict ends.

Meanwhile, the US revealed sanctions against three more settlers and for the first time against two Israeli settlement outposts it accused of undermining stability in the occupied West Bank.

There were nearly 500 Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians between October 7th and January 31st, according to UN figures.

The vast majority of the international community considers the settlements and outposts illegal under international law, though Israel and the US dispute this interpretation.

RESPONSE: County Executive Latimer’s State of the County Fails to Address Westchester’s Housing Crisis by Juanita Lewis

AJ Woodson
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RESPONSE: County Executive Latimer’s State of the County Fails to Address Westchester’s Housing Crisis by Juanita Lewis

Thursday, March 14, 2024 (WESTCHESTER, NY) — County Executive George Latimer delivered his 2024 State of the County Address Thursday evening, following dozens rallying outside for social justice and Palestine. In response to CE Latimer’s STOC address, Juanita O. Lewis, Executive Director of Community Voices Heard, issued the following statement on the growing housing crisis in Westchester County:

“The health and prosperity of our Westchester communities depend on having safe, affordable housing. Over the past several years, rents and housing costs in Westchester have continued to skyrocket, without any relief for families. As we highlighted in our report, Building Westchester’s Future: The Need for Affordable and Equitable Housing, Westchester is in a severe housing crisis, marked by extreme racial disparities. Unfortunately, County Executive Latimer and his administration have failed again and again to address the crisis, despite repeated warnings from housing advocates.

The County’s own 2019 housing report found that Westchester has a severe shortage of deeply affordable housing and senior housing, and the problem has only grown worse since then. An increasing number of families are spending half or more of their income on rent or mortgage payments, and the County hasn’t implemented any kind of plan to stabilize costs and grow the stock of truly affordable housing. 

Westchester also has a one-time opportunity to spend $100 million of ARPA funds to support deeply affordable housing – for people with household incomes at 30% AMI or less ($44,050 or less for a four-person family). Yet, the County plans to spend that money to develop housing for households making up to 65% of the Area Median Income – or $95,438 for a family of four.

Real housing affordability should be a top priority of County Executive Latimer. But instead, families in Westchester have been left behind once again.

Community Voices Heard (CVH) is a member-led, multi-racial organization principally comprised of women of color and low-income families in New York State. CVH tackles tough issues and builds power to secure racial, social, and economic justice for all New Yorkers. Through grassroots organizing, leadership development, policy changes, and creating new models of direct democracy, CVH is creating a truly equitable New York State.

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