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Published: 31 January 2012

Created: 31 January 2012

Last Updated: 01 February 2012

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If the New York State Senate Republicans (under the guise of the “New York State Legislative Taskforce on Demographic Research --”LATFOR”) gets their way, most of Scarsdale will be represented in the State Senate by Democratic, Yonkers based Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

LATFOR is theoretically bi-partisan -- but in fact the Democrats control the pen for district lines for the State Assembly and the GOP holds the pen for the State Senate lines. In fact LATFOR has proposed actually adding a seat to the State Senate – going from 62 to 63 (notwithstanding questions about the necessity for two legislative houses in the first place). The Senate Republicans are furiously trying to engineer the preservation and possible expansion of its slim, 2-seat majority over the Democrats in the State Senate. That’s why they’ve proposed adding a Senate district -- not in areas that have grown in population --like the Hudson Valley, New York City, or Long Island -- but in population -drained upstate New York -- where the GOP would have a much better chance of adding to their caucus.

For the local Westchester districts, Amy Paulin’s has only minor proposed variations from the current outline. Most of the Democratic assembly gerrymandering occurred 10 year ago but the 37th State Senate district is slated for major changes under the LATFOR plan. Currently held by retiring Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, the proposed new 37th district would lose most of Scarsdale, all of Ossining, gain Republican strongholds in East Yonkers, Tuckahoe, and Eastchester, and gain Bedford.

In 2010 Bob Cohen came within 700 votes of dethroning Suzi Oppenheimer from her 26-year hold on the 37th District senate seat. Among the tasks of the state Republican party was to reconfigure the district to give Cohen a better chance to win the seat in 2012. Although Cohen has moved his residence from the Village of Scarsdale to New Rochelle the proposed new lines conveniently include Cohen’s new domicile. In the meantime, however, Oppenheimer has announced her intent to not seek another term in the Senate. The likely candidates for the seat are Cohen and Sound Shore Democratic Assemblyman George Latimer. Latimer is conducting his due diligence on the viability of the race -- particularly the composition of the new senate district -- and then will decide whether to run for the open senate or bid for re-election to his assembly seat.

All of this is in a state of flux. Governor Cuomo has threatened to veto the lines, and just today, the Democrats in the State Senate sued LATFOR to throw out the lines. And to put all of this in context, the map at top, courtesy of the New York Observer – describes that the outline of the proposed new line looks like a man urinating on a miniature turkey.  As always stay tuned.

Columnist David A. Singer is a former political consultant/campaign professional and political junkie currently toiling as a lawyer in Westchester and managing real estate and media investments.

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Published: 31 January 2012

Created: 31 January 2012

Last Updated: 31 January 2012

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The Scarsdale School Board Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for nomination to the Scarsdale Board of Education. In 2012, the SBNC will nominate two candidates to the board to fill the seats of Mary Beth Gose and Lewis Leone, Jr., both of whom will be completing their first terms and are eligible for re-nomination.

The SBNC invites all residents to propose candidates for the school board. A candidate must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a Scarsdale resident and a qualified voter in the Scarsdale school district for at least one year prior to May 15, 2012, the date of the school board elections.

Candidates should complete a biographical information form and submit it via e-mail to [email protected] as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00 PM on February 27, 2012. Forms are available at www.scarsdalesbnc.com , Scarsdale Village Hall, the Scarsdale Library and the main offices of the seven schools.

For more information on the SBNC, including the governing Resolution, the non-partisan system, and current members, please visit the SBNC website.

Edgemont SBNC Announces Candidates for School Board:

At the public session of the Edgemont School Board Nominating Committee (SBNC) meeting on 1/25/12, the SBNC accepted letters of recommendation for three Edgemont residents to fill the two upcoming vacancies on the School Board: Jennifer Darger, Lisa Wexler and Brian Yarrington. Lisa Wexler of Barclay Road was recommended for a second term on the Board, and both Jennifer Darger of Sherwood Place and Brian Yarrington of Evandale Road were recommended for a first term. The SBNC accepted the letters with great appreciation of the willingness of all three candidates to serve Edgemont’s schools and community. The SBNC seeks comment from Edgemont residents concerning the candidates. All comments should be submitted by March 1st in writing to Marc Ackerman, SBNC Chair, 101 Moorland Drive, Scarsdale, NY 10583, [email protected]. Comments must be attributable (anonymous comments will not be accepted) and will be kept confidential within the SBNC.

Submitted by Marc Ackerman, SBNC Chair.

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Published: 26 January 2012

Created: 26 January 2012

Last Updated: 26 January 2012

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Paws and Play, a state-of-the-art daycare, boarding and training center for dogs of all shapes and sizes, recently opened its 9,000-square-foot facility in Tuckahoe. The brand new multi-million-dollar facility, which boasts 3 large indoor play centers, as well as an expansive outdoor play yard and sun deck, keeps area pooches happy, active and well socialized. Like people, dogs can get lonely when they are left alone for long periods of time. According to area vets and dog trainers I spoke with, the benefits of canine daycare include teaching dogs how to properly socialize; serving as an outlet for dogs to get the exercise they need to maintain a healthy mind and proper weight; and reducing behavior problems, such as chewing, digging, and going through the trash.

All pets that come to Paws and Play must pass an evaluation test for the safety of all the dogs and staff. In the play centers, dogs are grouped by size, activity level and sociability to ensure hours of good old-fashioned play time with climbing structures, chairs to sit on and balls to chase. The staff provides stimulating games and obedience tasks, such as group “sits” and “follow the leader.” Furthermore, Paws and Play has a continuing education program for all of their daycare staff. In the large grooming areas, the center offers everything from baths to teeth brushing by its experienced staff. An interesting aside, before opening Paws and Play, local resident Matt Sellechia spent two years traveling visiting dog training and boarding facilities for research purposes. To further his knowledge base, Sellecchia became a certified dog trainer.

For guests who require overnight accommodations, there are luxurious private rooms equipped with skylights, flat screen televisions, piped-in music, night-lights, and ceiling fans. For those owners who want to spoil their pet even more, the staff will read your pampered pooch bedtime stories, so don’t forget Fido’s favorite book. Sellecchia’s goal was to create a fun, safe environment where he would want to bring his own dog. “The last thing I wanted was to be associated with a tradition kennel. When you hear the word kennel, most people think of dogs in cages getting no exercise or attention. At Paws and Play we are the complete opposite of that. Every guest receives tons of personal attention and our menu of activities and pampering sessions will keep them active and happy during their stay.”

There are 11 skylights to allow natural light into the building and a sophisticated air filtration system provides optimum ventilation for their furry guests. Every room has a central vacuum, running water, and antiseptic materials, as well as an elimination area (akin to a patch of grass) to keep the dog areas as clean and odor free as possible. The building also has a shower for dogs, a laundry facility with commercial machines, and a food preparation area to accommodate special diets.

Testimonials can be found on the center’s website, and you can always email me with any questions, as my puppy Winter is a regular (she loves it!). Paws and Play Pet Resort and Training Center. Daycare Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm; Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm. Half day options available. Call 914-337-2948 or visit www.pawsandplaypetresort.com for more information. Ample on-site parking.