January 2013 - League of Women Voters of New York State

LEAGUE OF
WOMEN VOTERS OF
SOMERS
VOLUME XXV, NUMBER 7 January-February, 2013
STATE OF THE COUNTY?
Monday, January 14, 2013, the LWV monthly
meeting begins at 9:30AM at the Somers Library.
At 10:30AM, our Town Legislators, Peter Harck-
ham and Michael Kaplowitz, will discuss the
“State of the County”. At that time we will have the opportunity to
discuss the critical issues now facing the Legislature.
Rising costs combined with increasing pressures for services, unfunded state
mandates and spiraling pensions have produced a difficult struggle over the 2013
Westchester County Budget. Passed by a coalition of seven Republicans and 2 Demo-
crats, it has raised a number of questions and concerns which can be addressed at the
meeting.
Affordable housing remains another critical concern for the League. Despite
Court orders, slow implementation of the agreement by the County has failed to fulfill
the requirements of the Federal Monitor. Consequently, HUD has withheld $12 mil-
lion+ dollars from Westchester—money obviously needed to meet the County’s
needs. What is currently happening with this problem? Can we recover the HUD fund-
ing?
Be sure to attend this very timely presentation by our two legislators who are
always interesting, informative and provide a very lively discussion.

SOMERS LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
President
Fran McLoughlin
gerryclinton@comcast.net
1st Vice Presidents
Francoise Bennett
franbenn@comcast.net
Joan Hecht
rhecht6337@aol.com
2nd Vice Presidents
Bev Jacobson
imbevtoo@aol.com
Harriet Leib
fitrose@aol.com
3rd Vice Presidents
Loretta Nelson
linelson49@comcast.net
Carol Sturtz
carmac4@comcast.net
Treasurer
Mimi Kates
mimiday1@comcast.net
Recording Secretary
Lucille Williams
luwilldo1@comcast.net
Corresponding Secretary
Myra Linker
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
As we look back at this past year, much
has been accomplished by our members. Many
have contributed to gathering information,
attending meetings other than our monthly
meetings and sharing their knowledge with us.
For those who have been actively involved—thank
you. For those who are hesitant
about joining a committee - try it. You may find
you will enjoy the sharing of
knowledge and comraderie of
the group. Attendance is voluntary—no
demerits for missing
a meeting! You can still
travel to warmer climates in winter and cooler in
summer. Keeping in touch with the chairperson
via computer with your ideas is one way to remain
active.
A new year is beginning and with it the
hope that it will be a healthy and peaceful time
for all.
Fran McLoughlin
* * *
The Whole Child Community Coalition is seeking Mentors who will develop a supportive rela- relarela- tionship with one student in the Middle School. They are also asking for Planners who can help
to develop the program. For further information, contact teamtuckersmentoring@gmail.com.
PUBLICATIONS: Carol Sturtz, editor……………………………………….………Harriet Leib, Mac Sturtz
MAILINGS: Lucille Williams, Myra Linker
January-February 2013 Somers League of Women Voters p 2

CAN WE REFORM CAMPAIGN FINANCING?
At the December meeting of the League, Polly Kuhn and Sylvia Kandel, assisted by Joyce
Hochgesang, did a power point presentation of the State League’s program for reform of cam-
paign financing. Our political campaigns are dominated by large sums of money contributed by
special interests to candidates who will address the needs of these few. The system is rife with
corruption, skyrocketing costs, entrenchment and a lack of transparency.
Currently, there are no limits for lobbyists contributions which are controlled by narrow
special interests, no effective oversight and enforcement and regular abuse of the rules by
candidates. Clearly, reform is needed!
What kind of government do we want and how do we reform the system? The people
need representatives who have time to do the job and are not primarily involved in raising
campaign money for their next election. Public financing is an essential ingredient of the process
along with contribution limits and full disclosure.
The League has adopted the position that the following reforms to New York State’s
campaign system are critical:
1. Lower contributions and elimination of loopholes
2. Restrict or ban housekeeping accounts
3. Clarify restrictions on personal use
4. Increase disclosure and transparency
5. Put in place independent and effective enforcement.
How can you help? Contact your state and congressional representatives, write letters
to the editors, educate your friends and neighbors and support League efforts.
Thank you to Polly, Sylvia and Joyce for a very informative program.
representation.
SOMERS LWV REGISTERS VOTERS
Headed by Francoise Bennett, and assisted by Polly
Kuhn, Harriet Leib and Flo Brodley, our Voter Service team
was actively involved in registering Somers residents for the
national election in November. This is a basic function of the
League of Women Voters and we are
fortunate to have these dedicated
Leaguers who work so hard for voter
Their table was in front of the Library in Reis Park during the Library
event.
January-February 2013 Somers League of Women Voters p 3

2013 LWV OF NEW YORK STATE
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA: STEPS TO A BETTER NEW YORK
Campaign Finance Reform— Support lower contribution limits,
increased disclosure and a system of small donor matching
funds. In particular, support stronger and effective campaign
finance enforcement with increased penalties for violations.
Election Reform— Improve election processes to extend,
encourage and protect voting, including paperless and Election
Day registration, early voting, better ballot design, improved polling place management/poll
worker training, a single June primary and measures to ensure the integrity of all
ballots.
Other Government Positions— Promote effective ethics enforcement and open and transparent
government processes; protect individual liberties and reproductive choices; monitor
impact of the tax levy cap on localities and schools.
Natural Resources—Support protection and management of New York’s natural resources in
the public interest, including energy conservation and energy options from renewable
sources.
Health Care— Support affordable and effective health care for all New Yorkers.
Other League Positions— The League also has positions on the Judiciary, State Finances and
Social Policy, including transportation policy, under which we can and do take action.
These are the highlights of the New York State Agenda for the coming year. The Somers
LWV, as always, will support these goals.
LEAGUE URGES SUPPORT FOR GUN CONTROL
capacity magazines when it was passed in 1994.
LWVUS notes that they are “all deeply distressed by the
shootings in Newtown, Connecticut and share in the country’s
grief.” Since 1990, the League has had a position to protect the
health and safety of citizens through limiting the accessibility and
regulating the ownership of handguns and semi-automatic weap-
ons, and supported the original ban on assault weapons and high-
Diane Feinstein will introduce legislation for gun control. The National League urges
members to reach out to their representatives and support efforts to ban assault weapons
and high-capacity magazines.
January-February, 2013 Somers League of Women Voters p4

CALENDAR
MONDAY, JANUARY 14TH
9:30AM Monthly Meeting
10:30AM Peter Harckham
& Michael Kaplowitz
“STATE OF THE COUN-
TY”
Somers Library, Reis
`Park
FEBRUARY—NO MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 11TH
9:30am Monthly Meeting
10:30AM Dr. Ray Blanch, Superin-
tendent of Somers Schools
“The Somers Schools: 2013-2014”
Somers Library, Reis Park
LOCAL NEWS
MONDAY, APRIL 8th
9:30AM Monthly Meeting
10:30AM ‘REPORT TO THE PEOPLE”
Mary Beth Murphy and Members of
The Town Board
SOMERS TOWN HALL
Route 335, Somers
MONDAY, MAY 13TH
9:30AM Monthly Meeting
10:30AM TBA
We send our best wishes to our members, Mimi
Kates and Teddy Meltzer for a speedy recovery.
The Somers LWV wishes all of our members a very
healthy and Happy Holiday.
January-February, 2013 Somers League of Women Voters p 5

Supporters of Our League
SUPPORTERS - 2012-2013
American Portfolios Louis Tagliiaferro 600 S. Bedford Rd., Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
Annie’s Nails 5 Heritage 202 Center, Somers
Appliance Plus 3 Lovell St., Lincolndale 10541
Cardillo’s Super Deli Rte. 202 & Lovell St., Lincolndale 10541
Eagle Painting Company 108 Village Sq., Somers, 299-0328
Fred’s Haircutting 270 Katonah Ave., Katonah
Hair by Lisa 256 Route 100, Somers
Houlihan and Lawrence, Inc. Four Valley Rd., Bronxville, NY
Il Forno Trattoria 343 Route 202, Somers
Images Beauty Salon 253 Route 100, Somers
Michael Kates, CPA (Brass Tax) 914-669-9800
Marti Lowenfeld, Coldwell Banker 338 Rte. 202, Somers
The Mexican Shack 256 Route 100, Somers
Osceola Garage 44 Route 118, Baldwin Place
Rainbow Tailors & Cleaners 7 Heritage 202 Center
Somers Smiles 4 Heritage Hills 202 Somers Ctr.
Susan Bauman
Francoise Bennett
Carol Fox
Betty Golub
Bev Jacobson
Harriet/George Leib
BENEFACTORS —-2012-2013
Lucille Williams
Fran/Gerard McLoughlin
Pat Ploss
ClaireProhl
Willa Reichbach
Barbara Rothman
Carol/Mac Sturtz
Democracy is not a spectator sport!
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that does
not support or oppose candidates or political parties.
January-February, 2013 Somers League of Women Voters p 6