In a statement released this morning, Rye Mayor Doug French states the recent complaints brought against him and others in the City government are over and the Board of Ethics found no issue. He is calling for "to restore civility to Council Chambers". The statement follows:
February 7, 2012
Dear Resident – I am writing today to update you on the complaint brought forward by Ray Tartaglione of Purchase, NY and Leon Sculti of Rye against Rye's Mayor, City Manager, Corporation Counsel, Tax Assessor, Building Inspector and the Board of Ethics. I am able to report that the matter is now closed and attached is the finding from the Board of Ethics which essentially says that the Mayor neither sought nor received preferential treatment on issues related to his property; and that Rye homeowners in similar situations receive the same treatment. In the end, this has never been about an issue isolated to the Mayor, but about the process of selling and moving from a home that residents face everyday and are handled by City staff in the same way.
The Complaint
Last week in a process consistent with our Charter, I called for the City's Board of Ethics to review a complaint against me and City officials for allegedly acting improperly with respect to two issues — a legacy building violation and a misapplied STAR Tax exemption — on a residential property I own. The reason I called for a review by the Board was because of misleading press reports and statements from elected City officials which were parroting the allegations by the accusers and distorted the issues without looking at the facts of the matter at hand. As the persons being accused, there were never any specific charges or facts of misconduct directed at me or City staff, just allegations about the perception of the possibility that improper behavior could have taken place. Really? Here are the facts:
The Building Violation
In July of this year, a complaint was phoned into the Building Department about a potential illegal finished bedroom/storage on the third floor of a single-family rental home I own that was being shown for sale. This is common in Rye and that is how we bought it. Tragically, the City Building Inspector passed away in August and a violation was subsequently issued once a new inspector was in place — just like with any resident. In my case, the alleged building violation happened 40 years ago — I was in the 3rd grade, and most likely given the minimal work done it was not a violation at that time. However, we have taken the steps necessary to comply with today's regulations as the process requires. I have believed for a long time and will work with the Council to focus on how the City can better facilitate with home-sellers who find themselves in the position of having to legalize work that was done by previous property owners.
The STAR Tax Exemption
STAR is a New York State program that was changed in 2011 and as a result, many flaws in the program and discrepancies arose this spring on properties not just in Rye, but statewide in the administration and eligibility of the program. As required, we had filed our new primary residence when we moved homes in 2000. However, in many cases, the STAR exemption is not removed from a previous property owner when the owner files a new application. The standard procedure when discrepancies are found with exemptions is that the exemption is removed going forward – although the law does allow for a look back period of up to 3 years by the taxing authority, in this case New York State. Unlike how these issues are normally handled, my position has consistently been "we owe what we owe" — so I applied as part of an amnesty program and have made full restitution plus penalties based on the calculations submitted to me by the County Tax Assessor on January 19th.
The Process
Finally someone, in this case the Board of Ethics, took the time to examine the facts and understand the issues amidst the calls by the accusers for independent investigations, conflicts of interest, and separate legal counsel. The people of Rye have been very supportive and have seen this for the episode that it is. The most disappointing aspect though has been how quickly some media reports and elected official comments have passed judgment in-line with the allegations of the accusers which attempted to harm the reputations and call into question the integrity of those that work for and serve the City.
While stopping short of calling for an apology to those that have been falsely accused, I am calling to restore civility to Council Chambers. Skepticism of government is healthy, but continuing personal attacks on ones motives and reputation has turned that skepticism into an obsession as been displayed the last few months. Yes, mistakes will be made, but they get corrected. It's time to get back to solving the problems of Rye that the residents care most about. We volunteer to serve the public for the simple reason that we care about our community.
Douglas French
Mayor, City of Rye
Falsehood after falsehood – with video evidence now stacked up to the ceiling. C’mon Mr. French, nobody’s that stupid.
“You may deceive all the people part of the time, and part of the people all the time, but not all the people all the time.”
Abraham Lincoln
Mayor French:
I trust Rye’s taxpayers will not pay the City Corporation Counsel’s invoices for attending the(2) Ethic’s Committee meetings? Your private financial transgressions should not be the responsibilites of the taxpayer!
The below sent from Leon Sculti;
To Whom It Concerns:
CORRECTING THE RECORD
In response to the mayor’s update below. I would like to correct the record in clarifying that I never brought a complaint against Mayor French to the Ethics Board, nor did I ever advocate for such action–and you will find nowhere in the public record where I did.
As a matter of fact, I would like to point out, that Mayor French actually brought the second complaint against himself by asking Deputy Mayor, Peter Jovanovich, to do just that. Therefore, the mayor would have been more accurate in saying the complaint was “brought forward by Ray Tartaglione of Purchase, NY and Me of Rye against Myself.”
DOCUMENTED PROVEN FACTS
What I did was simply make a video accurately documenting the mayor’s 19 year ownership of a property in violation of Rye City Building Code–the video was sourced throughout with records from City Hall, Westchester County Land Records and Mayor French’s own MLS listing sheets, supporting each fact contained therein. Two days after the video was posted, and widely viewed, Mayor French was issued violations by the City of Rye Building Department for the exact illegal building activities detailed in the video. These are proven facts.
I also covered the mayor’s decade long improper School Tax Exemptions in the video–well after it had been reported in the press. Last week, again, according to Mr. French himself, the mayor paid more than $16,000 in back taxes, interest and penalties to Westchester County’s Tax Commission for his ill-gotten tax savings. These are proven facts.
FALSE CITY REPORTS NOT PURSUED FOR REVIEW
In the video I also reported the fact that a leading national title company received a false report from the City of Rye Building Department in October 2011, stating that the mayor’s property at 13 Richard Place was a legal single family home. Subsequently, the city was forced to release an amended and corrected report identifying the house as a legal two family home. Those documents were fully disclosed in the video as well. No member of the city council has asked to see these documents or asked to speak to me regarding this specific issue, and I have never sought to meet or speak with any of them in any way to pursue the issue. Again, this is a fact.
I never pursued any of these issues for any kind of sanction against the mayor. I made the public aware of them through the making of the video itself.
MAYOR GIVEN FULL DISCLOSURE
In the interest of full disclosure, before making the video I notified Mayor French, in detail, of the information regarding his investment property that I had researched and found. I offered him the opportunity to sit down for an on camera interview at Rye TV so he could address the issues. The mayor never responded to my request. The point is, even before the making of the video I was open and forthcoming with the mayor, who refused to address the issues.
THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO BE INFORMED
Since Rye TV decided not to video tape the recent Ethics Board hearing, I video taped them both so the public could be kept informed. I also reported on the Ethics Boards political contributions to the mayor’s campaign in 2009 as did other news outlets–again so the public would be informed of the facts. Although the publicity of the “disrespectful” nature of the boards conduct, as stated by NYS Open Government officials, may have been brought to light by the video taping itself. I certainly did not call for these meetings. I documented and reported on them.
QUESTIONS, NOT ACCUSATIONS
I have never advocated for Mayor French to be sent to the Ethics Board. I simply disclosed and reported the facts of his illegal building and circumstances surrounding it. These are not accusations, these were once questions based on facts, that have turned into to be proven true. I am joined by the Rye Record, LoHud, The Rye Sound Shore Review, The Rye Patch and The Daily Rye in reporting on these issues. The City of Rye Building Department and The Westchester County Tax Commission have each validated the veracity of the facts reported by penalizing Mayor French for his actions.
I did not receive multiple violations from the City of Rye for owning and operating an illegal investment property. I was not required to pay more than $16,000 in taxes and penalties to Westchester County because I claimed two STAR exemptions. I did not run for Mayor. And I did not forward a complaint to the Ethics Board against Mayor French.
I simply asked questions, reported the facts and documented the truth–which I will continue to do. If the Mayor is looking for an apology, he should start writing one now, to the people of Rye.
With respect to all,
Leon Sculti
The below statement was recently released by Councilmen Sack;
“Unfortunately yet predictably, the flawed process used to arrive at this outcome will only cast even more doubt on the issue, rather than help us to move on from this unwanted distraction,” Sack said. “On top of it all, we still don’t know the facts, which is why we still need an independent investigation so we can find out what happened from an unimpeachable source, make our own judgments, and put this matter behind us.”
I didn’t vote for the Mayor and I dont always agree with the City Council but I’m proud to live in Rye and I think the Ethics Board did a good job. Also I think it’s ironic that the person causing all the fuss about our government and about the environment, is, himself a polluter who, research shows, contracts with a carting service with known paint and solvents disposal violations. I live near an auto business similar to the one that this person runs and I am very worried about the health of my children.
Ms. Green,
FYI, My Shop in White Plains (www.rjtauto.com) has been in operation for over 38 years we are licensed and inspected by the State of New York, the County of Westchester, the City of White Plains, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) also licenses our fleet of trucks. Inspections take place about six to eight times each year.
I would suggest if you have information that we or the body shop next to you, are breaking the law or polluting in any way shape or form you report it to one of the above agencies. I am not aware of it and happen to pride myself in our respect of the environment as it related to our business. We recycle freon, antifreeze, oil and related products, paint byproducts and even rags that we use. We also keep detailed records of the same as required by law. That being said, if you know something that, I do not about one of our disposal vendors, please let me know the issue and their name, as we will stop dealing with them immediately.
On another note about three years ago we removed a heating oil tank on the premises. After testing as required, it was determined the tank was leaking. We spent over 400,000.00 dollars to remediate the issue. It was recently determined that Mayor French converted his heating system from oil to gas and I believe he also removed an oil tank. Did he have it tested? Was his tank leaking? Do you know what went on @ 13 Richard Place and are you also proud of that?
On the other hand if you happen to be one of Mayor French’s neighbors or friends that is just making up false stories, (as the ones I have seen recently posted on our YOU TUBE site) maybe you should save that story and share it with the Mayor’s other neighbor Gary Stone that was photographed vandalizing my vehicle on Purchase Street. I can be reached @ 914-948-1100 should you want to meet or share any information with me.
The dangerous chemicals you mentioned are not safe. Pollution is pollution.
You’re quite right Sarah, Auto Body Shops emit a toxic cocktail of carcinogenic air pollutants including, Perchloroethylene, Hexavalent Chromium, Benzene Metals, Solvents Solvents2, Methylene Chloride Solvents, Perchloroethylene Diesel Particulate Matter Solvents Diesel Particulate Matter. What’s more, studies show these types of facilities should not be located anywhere near homes. But Mr. T’s facility is located just 100 meters from a residential neighborhood including Kittrel Park where toddlers and infants play in the playground.
We guessed you liked the video!
Confucius say one picture is worth 1000 words! HEALtheHARBOR say one video is worth 5000 words!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy0aBtzUbXQ
Sarah & Tar,
Drive around Westchester and list all the body shops that are not in some way next to any residential dwelling?
All Auto Repair Shops are under the very watchful eyes of the DEP/OSHA. Our shops are frequently visited and ALL NYS LAWS are strictly enforced.
I have visited Ray’s shop on many occassions and
I can assure you that Ray runs a very tight ship and follows the law to the letter.
Up until this very moment there has not been one shred of evidence, accusation, or allegation that Ray can not back up or hasn’t already!
Where is your proof?
YOUR SLANDER & FALSE ALLEGATIONS are not appreciated!
Mayor Doug French lies exposed!
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=kGRe_hCy9qM
Sorry wrong link;
Mayor Doug French lies exposed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxm45w5OTRU&feature=related
You don’t need to be sherlock holmes to type “auto body toxic” into google and quickly realize these places are hell on earth. It doesn’t take Christopher Columbus to type Mr. T’s address into google maps can see his shop is located right near a playground. Even homer simpson would realize that blowing toxic fumes through an exhaust fan into a playground for 38 years is really, really bad for children.
Louis V.,
Respectfully not looking for a pissing contest on this….if you strongly disagree to this degree you need to take this up with your Government.
Like I said, it is all legal and well enforced!
Here is a thought for you to “GOOGLE”….let me know how many “Auto Body Shop” owners and or workers are dead or permanently Ill from these “toxic” fumes.
Every single one of these individuals are in direct contact
with what you consider “toxic”for a minimum of 8 hours a day.
If you have trouble researching this maybe you can ask Christopher Columbus & Sherlock Holmes to assist you!!!
Curious to know when yourself, Sarah,and Raymond Tar need Auto Body Repairs do you drive around or google until you find one with ZERO RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS near by???
Louie Louie,
If you are going to give us a plug, please use the complete information;
RJT Motorists Services Inc.
101 Westmoreland Ave
White Plains N.Y. 10606
Ph. 914-948-1100
Fax. 914-997-2167
e-mail- service@rjtauto.com
Think of us as a health assurance card for your car!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR7aIT-ku2U
PS: Please try to keep in mind that I did not renovate an entire house without permits, I did not cheat the taxpayers of Rye out of thousands of dollars in school tax monies and I did not refuse to enforce health, safety and environmental laws on Hen island. Your neighbor (Mayor Doug French) on Meadow Place did.
Two wrongs don’t make a right. Blowing toxic autobody fumes into playgrounds is bad for children. Terrible.
Sara,
For the record, there are four automotive shops that border the playground that you are referring to. I would be happy if you would complain and are successful at getting them closed down. I am two block away and that would help increase our customer base.
On another note, I find it interesting that you and a few others supporters refuse to use your real name when posting in support of your cheating, lying Mayor/ neighbor and inaccurate BS attacks on myself. That is, with the exception of the Mayor’s other neighbor Gary Stone who was caught red handed and photographed vandalizing my vehicle on Purchase Street in Rye. I must say, I do give credit to Tom Siano (Gary Stone’s other friend) who was man enough to use his own name in support of the cheating, lying Mayor. For that we give Mr. Siano; one atta boy! ATTA BOY Tom
You might want to watch your hero in action at the last council meeting;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGRe_hCy9qM
Mr. Amico,
I think there is more than enough evidence right here on MyRye.com that proves breathing in the air at an auto body shop causes brain damage.
Not only is this so called “complaint” not over – the real scandal rollout is in its early stages –
“City Employee’s Explosive Complaint Leaked to The Rye Record”
“Part of the job is bullshitting people at Council Meetings” – RyeTV’s Nicole Levitsky
“The issue of videotaping has been a conflict between the Mayor and Joe.” – City Mngr Scott Pickup
http://www.lausdeo10580.com/lausdeo10580/2012/02/whistleblower-ethics-complaint-leaked-to-the-rye-record-laus-deo-has-learned-that-a-letter-written-and-delivered-to-members.html
@ Sarah,
Since you feel so strongly about this topic may I ask you 2 questions….
1. What is the name of the Auto Body Shop you use and it’s address?
2. What are you doing to put a stop to this with all those children in danger?
@ Mister,
How long did it take for you to come up with that one…….
you are an absolute genious!!!
You must be a Harvard Graduate!
Ted C,
Interesting how Mr. Pickup once again attempts to protect Mayor French and goes against Councilmen Sack and Councilwomen Parker. What happen to the transparent platform French ran on in 2009?
Mr. Pickup and Ms. Wilson is well aware that their jobs are finished as soon as Mayor French is out. So let’s try and milk the Taxpayers of Rye as long as we can! That is why they are trying to protect the Mayor so vigorously with his illegal building and STAR tax issues. Mayor French’s and everyone that is trying to protect him is becoming exposed. With the latest sequence of events we now we call for Mr. Pickup’s resignation as well as the Mayor’s. It appears that Oliver Stone has come to town Mr. Jovanovich and you invited him here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy0aBtzUbXQ
Ray, what is it like being the worlds biggest A-Hole? I am just curious. Every day when you wake up you go out in the world to one certainty–you are the worlds biggest A-hole…Congrats! I think its time you tasted your medicine…
So Chris, can I assume you did not like the video? Here is how I see it. If you can’t attack the facts on an issue, attack the person. That always works???
Do you think I am the world’s biggest A-Hole because I expose your friend and neighbor Mayor French as he allows you and other Hen Islanders to pollute the Sound with your excrement, allows residents to use bird feces infected water to bathe and clean cooking utensils and allows Westchester County’s worst mosquito infestation to continue? Or do you think I am the world’s biggest A-Hole because I am exposing your friend and neighbor Doug French for renovating and entire home without permits and cheating on his taxes?
Can you tell me what address you live at on Meadow Place and Hen Island. I might want to share a drink with you, when this is all over.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy0aBtzUbXQ
Mr. Henn,
Do you not want to comment on our City Manager & Mayor?
Are you actually condoning what they have done?
You actually took the time to call an “honest” person an “A-HOLE” rather than questioning the “A-HOLES” in question?
Go back to your Henn Penn foolish little child!
I do not watch your videos, A-hole.
You are an attention seeking maggot that is pissed at the world because you are a midget. Therefore, decent people like Mayor French and former mayor Otis need to suffer because they dared run for office. Now they and their neighbors must suffer because, well, lets say your shortcomings. (full pun intended)
Why don’t you audition for the Wizard of Oz community theater as a munchkin? That is a good way to use your shortcoming in a productive way without disrupting decent people with your merit-less cause!
Follow follow follow the Yellow Brick Road!!
Now we are cooking with gas Ray!! Maybe you could be a lollipop kid!
To be corrected, is this midget parking his entourage in front of elected officials private homes in Rye?
Some one answer me..
Have a drink with the fool on the hill? Surely you jest.
You are a coward.Pathetic midget.
Gary Stone is a contributor in my town. Nice guy–hell of a product-
You are a total loser.
Whats it like being the biggest penis in the world?
I definitely do not sweat you..
Knock it off Ray–when confronted, WHAT A COWARD YOU ARE!
For sure–
“pollute the Sound with your excrement, allows residents to use bird feces infected water to bathe and clean cooking utensils and allows Westchester County’s worst mosquito infestation to continue”
Mr. Tartaglione,
Have you ever presented your solutions to those alleged problems? As an esteemed environmentalist how would you solve those alleged problems? Have you ever thought about volunteering your time to do environmental presentations for the students in the our schools? You seem to have extremely progressive ideas that would be an invaluable resource for the kids of our community. Maybe you could share you’re theory of the dangers of collecting rain water compared to using the public water supply? Maybe you could also detail the disadvantages of composting toilets compared to the true and tried method of flushing our excrement into the LI Sound? I’m sure the kids would benefit tremendously from your presentation.
Chrissie Boy,
You seem to be a little upset and a little angry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOILKHmZBwc
Don’t get your undies in a bunch…Relax watch this patriotic video that seems to have sent you off the deep end.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy0aBtzUbXQ
And call me if you should want to talk about. 914-948-1100
Just trying to help your midget ass find a good way to vent so you do not disturb a decent community. C’mon, you will like being a munchkin! I expect you at try-outs you little piece of sh-t midget!
Ray–I think we solved your problem!! We can all be friends! I will pick up the tab!
WSWS – 2-Layer Height Increase Elevator Shoes Insole for Men – 5 cm (approximately 2 inches) Taller + One Free WSWS Shoe Cleaning Cloth
by WSWS
Free cleaning cloth Ray!
You can be big after all!
3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (30 customer reviews) | Like (9)
List Price: $19.99
Price: $6.75
Ray, you have to check this out–I have negotiated on your behalf–they will throw in an extra pair of lifts for your sneakers!
We can solve all this negativity here and now!
Wsws – 2-layer height increase elevator shoes insole for men – 5 …
Wsws – 2-layer height increase elevator shoes insole for men – 5 …
Chrissie Boy,
A quote from the movie Anger Management;
“The angry man opens his mouth and closes his eyes” Chill!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuosfJ8Ki7Y&feature=endscreen&NR=1
Now Ray, I am extending the olive leaf here–I will pay for the elevator shoes. Out of my pocket for “Peace in our time”
This is about peace. You get the lifts–and you leave us alone.
Everyone wins! Whatta you say-???
Come now Ray–you are a businessman.
If you want boots with the lifts, thats extra but I will buck up in the interest of Peace.
Chris
BASED on what’s been developing here locally during a so called “vacation week,” there appears less than zero credibility left to Mr. French’s plea above that the “complaint is over.” It’s more like a fairly dirty iceberg has now surfaced – and rises daily. One sideshow has been the media reporting, non-reporting and scoops, leaks and denials. Fascinating stuff if you work in the business I have for 30 years.
Leaving aside for the moment the local anti-corruption efforts I’ve been very proud to be associated with, there is now a national tug-of-war underway currently in technology journalism about conflicts (apparent and real) and integrity and trust. Some of this stuff is really good. So for those of you possibly waiting in airport lounges – or other far away sun filled paradises like the Rye Town Pier – I’ve attached below some of the more interesting “new journalism” articles out in the last 7 days. Please enjoy (I hope).
“Scoops are customer acquisition; Trust is customer retention.” – Boston Journalist, Galen Moore.
“People don’t care about scoops, they care about trust” – Gigaom
http://gigaom.com/2012/02/23/people-dont-care-about-scoops-they-care-about-trust/
Are Silicon Valley tech bloggers truly objective? – LA Times
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hiltzik-20120222,0,704588.column
“Tech media misconceptions” – Fortune, The Term Sheet
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/02/23/tech-media-misconceptions/?iid=SF_TS_Lead
“Hit men, click whores, and paid apologists: Welcome to the Silicon Valley Cesspool” – Dan Lyons, Newsweek
http://www.realdanlyons.com/blog/2012/02/13/hit-men-click-whores-and-paid-apologists-welcome-to-the-silicon-cesspool/
TedC,
That tug of war is going on right here in little old Rye also. Attached is a link to Robin Jovanovich’s (That would be Deputy Mayor Jovanovich’s wife) recent article in the Rye Record. According to her statements she wants the City Council to “Go Forth” regardless of what Mayor French did or did not do. To me it appears that Ms. Jovanovich wants to give the Mayor, literally a free “get out of jail card”. My response to Mrs. Jovanovich’s (get out of Jail free) article is printed below the link.
http://ryerecord.com/news/a-legacy-of-less.html
Robin,
In reading your article above, I would have to agree with you about progress in Rye, it is at a standstill and needs to move forward. But I have to disagree with you in that we should ignoring illegal actions preformed by Mayor French. Rye’s reputation is at stake here and that should not be taken lightly.
First, you cannot deny that the Mayor was granted an illegal STAR exemption, as he made the point that he repaid the entire back-due amount. As one of the Chief Enforcement Officers of the City of Rye, this alone is reason for him to resign.
Second, you cannot deny that this act, among the other violations of building without permits and allegations of renting illegal space in the form of the third floor, and failing to pay the proper amount of City taxes on 13 Richard Place was illegal.
Third, even if this is an appearance of impropriety, (which it is not) given the scope of things it encompasses — as it is at least four separate substantial things and not just one minor issue, it is taking a great deal of time from the City’s business, and is distracting the Council and other Rye City employees and officials from doing their jobs on behalf of the citizens of Rye. Instead of solving their problems and building a better Rye, this is using resources to deal with the Mayor’s actions and the surrounding allegations.
Fourth and perhaps foremost, in protecting Doug French, other Rye City employees violated the law. There is no question that one or more Rye City employees illegally withheld documents from Stewart Title Company. There is no question that one or more Rye City employees illegally withheld documents from proper FOIL requests. Those employees, rightly or wrongly, sought to protect the Mayor and his administration. If they continue on this course they will be caught up in the investigation surrounding his actions, placing their jobs in jeopardy. The Mayor owes it to them to put an end to this and protect them and their jobs.
If he wants to fight these allegations, resolve the financial issues, exonerate himself or even reach a resolution for his wrongdoing, he should do it on his own time and with his own resources and not at the expense of the taxpayers of the City of Rye; certainly not by jeopardizing the jobs of other employees of the City of Rye; and, perhaps most importantly, not stealing from us the one thing that you can never give back or pay back, and that is the time lost in dealing with this issue.
Time is something that once lost is lost forever. Each hour he lets this linger the business of the people of Rye goes unaddressed, delayed and unresolved. The Mayor’s issues continue to hold back Rye from moving forward and his resignation is the only thing which can put a stop to it.
If he cares about Rye as deeply as he states he does, if he cares at all about the people whose jobs are in peril because of his actions, he will do the only honorable and correct thing. Resign now and fight these issues on his own time.
More good news Ray–I think at least for the month of February you may not be our towns complete embarrassment–the Rye Colony former building Super has taken it–but you are still very close. Have a dog Ray?
Chrissy Henn,
Is this the video that sent you over the edge?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy0aBtzUbXQ&context=C3cce6daADOEgsToPDskLEueJMRci3NQXYfD8fomfd
A labrador retriever may be to big for you–we will get you a toy poodle!
Chrissy,
What’s the problem you can’t defend your lying, tax cheating, neighbor ,friend, Mayor?
So now we know the Mayor has one neighbor that vandalizes people’s cars if he doesn’t agree with them ( That might be Gary Stone) and then there is you who has a big mouth but hides behind some fake name on the internet. Take a look at your hero. It’s pretty telling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxm45w5OTRU
I don’t watch your videos–and I love the fact someone is vandalizing your car midget.
Did you out any thought into the elevator shoes Ray?
Chrissy,
Do you know what the Mayor’s daily recommended allowance of raw sewage entering the Long Island Sound from Hen Island is?
http://healtheharbor.com/gallery/video/sewage.html
Henn,
Is all this nonsense you are posting your only level of maturity???
VERY SAD & PATHETIC!!!
Jim,
Stop picking on him. Please let him run with the ball. He is protecting and representing the Mayor, the Mayor’s friends, neighbors (Meadow Place Gang), and supporters. Rye should be aware of the caliber of people Mayor French associates with. I would estimate, I have about $75.000.00 – $90.000.00 in damage claims so far. House, Cars, boats, etc… Interesting, no police investigations? I guess if you are the Mayor you can make those things happen. Probably the same reason the City don’t want to investigate the Mayor for his illegal actions. With Mayor French at the wheel we will soon have the same reputation as Yonkers. City of hills where nothing is on the level. Thanks Doug and thank you Chrissy for bring this to everyone’s attention.
Pollution is pollution.
Yes Sarah, and it comes in many forms, it is also known to spew from the mouths of humans!!!
Mr. Tartaglione,
Life is short. Instead of being negative, antagonistic and cynical, why not devote your abundant spare time to a reasonable thoughtful solution. You are obviously a very successful business man, why not donate the necessary funds to the Hen Island Association to pay for cutting edge solutions that address your concerns. For example,
http://ecojohn.com/ecojohn_sr.html
or maybe something like this with a generator:
http://www.envirolet.com/vf.html
There are hundreds of economical, forward-thinking ways to address your concerns about alleged pollution. It seems like focusing on these would be a better use of your time than being creepy and tormenting our city council.
I’m very worried about toxic automotive shop particle pollution in places like the playground and pool in Kittrell Park in White Plains. Children’s lives are at stake — it’s scandalous.
Sarah,
Here’s one of the dangers of auto body shops in a community. They put the local fire department at risk. Nasty stuff is released when it’s burning.
http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Fire-hits-SE-Portland-auto-body-shop-119594664.html
Mr. Tartaglione,
What Rye neighborhood do you live in?
“Low-income communities of color are home to more sources of pollution than more affluent communities. Over decades we’ve created toxic hot spots by jamming too many polluting businesses into the same neighborhoods: refineries, auto-body shops, chrome-plating facilities, next to homes, schools, playgrounds and day care centers.”
“Weak and complex laws and regulations, poor enforcement and fragmented authority have allowed multiple polluters and hazards to become concentrated in some areas, creating dangerous toxic hot spots.”
http://cleanupgreenup.wordpress.com/faqs/
Sarah,
First you stated that I conducted business with contractors that polluted. When I asked their name, so I could terminate their contract, I get no response in return. Now you are claiming I pollute. Once again, I would suggest you call whatever agency you like and report the problem, you complain of. If we are doing something wrong I am sure it will be corrected. Feel free to conduct the inspections yourself. I am sure you have the address.
Sarah “Weak and complex laws and regulations, poor enforcement and fragmented authority have allowed multiple polluters and hazards to become concentrated in some areas, creating dangerous toxic hot spots.” This is exactly what is taking place on Hen Island.
In the mean time, you can try to turn this around all you want and try to make it about me. It’s really about your neighbor and friend Doug French and the fact that he allows the pollution on Hen Island to continue. Why you ask? Because he happens to be friends with Ed Volpe his other neighbor and member of the Meadow Place boys. The same Volpe whose mother and uncle are on the Board of Directors on Hen Island. The same Board of Directors that want to continue to dump raw sewage into the Sound. The same BOD that continues to allow the worst mosquito infestation in Westchester County to continue. The same BOD that refuses to drill wells or connect to city water to safeguard the residents and children. Hey, why not? If Doug can save his friends a few bucks and help his wife’s girlfriend at the same time, who cares about the law and the rest of the people in Rye. He milked Rye for thousands already, why stop now?
CO,
If you like, I would be happy to supply you with the $135.000.00 Rye tax bill that was paid by Hen Island this year? My address is 10 Hen Island, how about yours? And below is a small sample of what happens when you have a problem with composting toilets. Maybe you can get Mayor French to install one in his home. If that happens I will be happy to entertain them. O, by the way what do you do with the gray water when you use the incinerating or composting toilets that you linked to? According to the New York State Health Department you still need septic systems. How about just doing it the right way once and for all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HkWckwXmC4
“In 1990, the switch from oil-based to water-based paints began successfully, but painting processes still produced toxic sludge that often ended up in waste dumps. Studies in the early 1990s found that up to 40 percent of sprayed paint used in painting processes became toxic waste.”
-sbdcnet.org
Pollution is Pollution, Mr. Tartaglione. Perhaps you are the pot calling the kettle black?
Mr. Tartaglione, you don’t need to be sherlock holmes to type “auto body toxic” into google and quickly realize these places are hell on earth. It doesn’t take Christopher Columbus to type Mr. T’s address into google maps can see his shop is located right near a playground. Even homer simpson would realize that blowing toxic fumes through an exhaust fan into a playground for 38 years is really, really bad for children.
Sarah “Weak and complex laws and regulations, poor enforcement and fragmented authority have allowed multiple polluters and hazards to become concentrated in some areas, creating dangerous toxic hot spots.” This is exactly what is taking place on Hen Island.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKM6N1Nj27s
They should vote Mr. T. off Hen Island!
http://www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/elimination_interviews/83967/
Mr. Tartaglione,
I went to this web link
http://www.sca-corp.com/rye/dsp_search2.cfm
and typed in “Tartaglione” and got nothing back. I also typed in “10 Hen Island” and “Hen Island” and got nothing back. When I typed in “French” or “Volpe” I got a valid Rye address and tax bill. Where do you live in Rye? It’s almost like you don’t exist. Why are you not showing up as a valid taxpayer in Rye? Why is Hen Island not showing up as a valid address in Rye?
When you typed in Volpe’s name, did you see the violation he received for storing propane @ his Meadow place home in 2010? The Rye Fire Department issues a violation for the illegal storing of thousands of pounds of propane on Hen Island. Propane that was stored less than 10 feet from a playground where children played every weekend. See the picture linked below. What did Volpe do after the City writes the violation on Hen Island, he takes the propane off of the Island and brings it to his home on Meadow Place. So now he puts the lives of the Meadow Place neighbors and all the children in that neighborhood at risk.
http://healtheharbor.com/gallery/pages/codes/codes4.html
Here is another picture of how they use to store propane on Hen Island.
http://healtheharbor.com/gallery/pages/codes/codes5.html
You can thank my complaints for the removal of the propane from the Island. It only took the city three years to write the violations.
Here is a picture from 2007 of a propane fire on Hen island, extinguished moments before that almost killed the gentleman in the picture. Yes that would be correct, it was a propane tank that caused the fire. The flames were so high that the NY City Marine Fire unit responded to Hen Island. But what is real important here is if my name is on a tax bill or not!You can’t make this stuff up!
http://healtheharbor.com/gallery/pages/codes/codes6.html
Wow, wake up on the wrong side of bed today? I’ll take that as a “I don’t live in Rye and Hen Island isn’t a part of Rye”.
BTW, Do you have private investigators keeping an eye on Doug French’s neighbors on Meadow Place? How did you know about his neighbors wedding?
Commrade Vladimir proud Commrade Tartaglione keeping watchful eye over non-believers of gov’t restrictions. Commrade Vladimir happy non-believers be punished.
Q: Why is Pickup & Levitsky still employed by the City of Rye?
A: Because Commrade Vladimir French has no God Damn B***S!!!
Mr. Tartaglione,
Have you ever had Mayor French’s neighbor’s on Meadow Place under surveillance?
I changed my mind. This toilet system looks pretty great:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B_O3FFnZVM
I am very sorry about the fuss, my sincere apologies to Steve Otis, Doug French the City Council and Scott Pickup and the people of Rye.
Mr. Tartaglione, Thank goodness you’ve come to your senses. Now please help reduce the toxic chemicals you are releasing into the air that are harming our children.
When you typed in Volpe’s name, did you see the violation he received for storing propane @ his Meadow place home in 2010? The Rye Fire Department issues a violation for the illegal storing of thousands of pounds of propane on Hen Island. Propane that was stored less than 10 feet from a playground where children played every weekend. See the picture linked below. What did Volpe do after the City writes the violation on Hen Island, he takes the propane off of the Island and brings it to his home on Meadow Place. So now he puts the lives of the Meadow Place neighbors and all the children in that neighborhood at risk.
http://healtheharbor.com/gallery/pages/codes/codes4.html
Here is another picture of how they use to store propane on Hen Island.
http://healtheharbor.com/gallery/pages/codes/codes5.html
You can thank my complaints for the removal of the propane from the Island. It only took the city three years to write the violations.
Here is a picture from 2007 of a propane fire on Hen island, extinguished moments before that almost killed the gentleman in the picture. Yes that would be correct, it was a propane tank that caused the fire. The flames were so high that the NY City Marine Fire unit responded to Hen Island. But what is real important here is if my name is on a tax bill or not!You can’t make this stuff up!
http://healtheharbor.com/gallery/pages/codes/codes6.html
Sarah Green,
When you get a moment of free time can you please post copies of all the doctor bills that have compiled over time from all the toxic chemicals the children have digested!
I have been out to Hen Island and I wouldn’t walk your dog there!!!
Why is it that the Island Ray’s home is on is done so beautifully and clean and the other looks like a damn TOXIC DUMP?
Mr. Tartaglione,
Have you ever installed surveillance cameras in the Flotiemobile then parked it in front of Mayor French’s house?
CO
There is nothing illegal about having surveillance cameras in a vehicle that I own that happens to be parked in front someone’s house. I invite you to speak to my lawyer any time. If you told me your real name, I could put you under surveillance if I felt like it.
Jay,
Someone is posting on MYRYE.com using my name. Somehow they were able to set up a new Type Pad account using my name spelled exactly the same way. I am aware that you have no affiliation to Type Pad but at the same time I am sure you know this is impersonation, which is a crime. I am in the process of making a police report about the incident.
In the past on multiply occasions bloggers have encouraged the vandalism of my vehicles on the MyRye Site. At that time, I also filed reports with the Police Department. After speaking to my attorney, I am now in the process of commencing legal action. At a future time he will be in touch with you to obtain the IP addresses for the parties and blogs in question.
Although I know you have nothing to do with either incident, as the administrator of MYRYE and the party that has care, control and custody of the site, I formally request that you immediately remove any posts that encourage acts of violence against me, immediately remove any posts from bogglers that impersonate me and notify me of the same. I would also respectfully request you notify your readers of the seriousness of the situation in the form of a letter or article on your site. The URL for the Type Pad account in question link follows; http://profile.typepad.com/tartaglioneray Thanks for your help and understanding with this.
Ray Tartaglione
Heal The Harbor.com
@Hey Tartagilone (Parody)
Rock it, scientist!
The cage has been rattled.
Big Brother is watching.
Mr. Tartaglione,
Have you ever installed surveillance cameras inside the Flotiemobile before parking it in front of the Corner Stone Bakery?
Dear Mr. Sears
Mr. Tartaglione’s post regarding police and legal actions with respect to posts on this site is extremely troubling if indeed you are requested to reveal IP addresses and names of posters just because some other site user did not like what was posted about them. The last time I looked, First Amendment rights extended to the Internet also. It’s kind of ironic that a man who has spewed nothing but hate, lies and falsehoods now runs like a little child to his attorney and attempts to hide behind the cloak of the police. While I do not advocate violence to solve issues, I WILL maintain that it is my right to speak my mind in any fashion I so choose. If Mr. Sears dislikes what I’m posting on his site, it is his perogative to delete any of my posts and ban me from further postings. This is exactly what I propose. I propose that Mr. Sears ban Mr. Tartaglione from further posts on this site. His threats of legal action shake the foundation of free speech. I’m sure he would lose in a court of law but Myrye.com and you, Mr. Sears, would have to defend at substantial cost which has never seemed to be a problem for Mr. Tartaglione.
This man, not a Rye resident, or a Rye taxpayer despite protestations to the contrary, has played some role in the downfall of a previous Mayor. Weather or not you voted for Steve Otis or you agreed with his political position his love for the City of Rye and it’s people is unquestioned. Now he has his sights on the new Mayor and others in City Hall.
Mr. Sears, your in the driver’s seat now. You can choose to let Mr. Tartaglione threaten the very foundation of free speech in this country or you can tell him to go pound sand and ban further posts by him. It’s your call. Do what’s right for your residents.
Let me repeat. While I have never advocated violence against Mr. Tartaglione or vandalism against any of his numerous toys, I will go to my grave fighting for the right to advocate same if I so choose.
Addendum:
And it was just a question of time before Mr. Tartaglione turned on Myrye.com and bit the hand that fed him. If you support banning Mr. Tartaglione from further postings here make sure you make your postion known.
Now I’m gonna get the popcorn and peanuts and watch the fun begin.
Commrade Vladimir’s best friend is Big Brother. President Krushchev proud all Big Brother done for him.
Voice of Reason,
There are no “Terms of Use” that you are required to agree to on MyRay.com. There are also 10 different user databases you can use to sign in to MyRay.com. With that many user databases there is always going to be duplicates. You also don’t need to show proof of ID to use MyRay.com. If Mr. Sears gave away your IP address I would assume you could always sue him.
Mr. Sears,
Why not just get it over with, and change the site name to MyRay.com.
@Mister
While I don’t question the possibility of duplicate usernames, I DO question Mr. Tartaglione’s attempt to stifle free speech on a private Internet site by threatening legal action against its administrator for allowing posts that he disapproves of. I do like the MYRAY.com. It’s all Ray, all the time.
@Mr. Sears
The ball is in your court now. I think all your users need some sort of reassurance that IP addresses or usernames will NOT be revealed to Mr. Tartaglione.
Mr. Tartaglione,
Have you ever installed surveillance cameras on Hen Island?
There’s a better way to go that would avoid the concern about revealing IP addresses under threat. … Have posters use their real names. Think about it. No more “heal the harbor”. Nor more “Vlad”. No more “Concerned Citizen”, or “RyeDad”. Wouldn’t that be nice? A place where garbage couldn’t be spewed w/o reprecussion. Maybe. Someday. But I AM disappointed at the focus on this thread versus the School Budget/Bond.
@ Robert Zahm
Poet
No more “Heal the Harbor”
Nor more “Vlad”
No more “Concerned Citizen”
Or “RyeDad”
Regarding the budget/bond, one might characterize your endorsement of the scheme as Ambispeak, as you simultaneously, and correctly, point out that debt repayment for the school district is not figured into the tax cap and also warn of the perils of utilizing reserves to fund recurring expenses. As this scheme is indisputably unsustainable, one wonders how it is possible that you support it.
Secondarily, one wonders why you prefaced your comments on the budget/bond with the statement: “This opinion piece is not about plastic versus paper. It’s also not about leaf blowers.” Totalitarian societies place no value on quality-of-life improvements.
Examine your motives.
Big Brother is watching.
@ Voice of Reason,
Ray’s complaint was not an attempt to violate Freedom of Speech, it was to stop the “Impersonation” of another….ILLEGAL! Whom ever that is, was using Ray’s name exactly as he signs.
@ G.Orwell,
Quality of life? If Leaf Blowers are that damaging (and I’m not saying they aren’t) then why is the law so bias? Are the leaf blowers used on the Club & City properties healthier than all the others?
Bob is entitled to his opinion just like you and I and he is DEAD ON!
When one writes a “letter to the editor” for any local paper he/she must use their “REAL” NAME.
I agree w/Bob 1000% on this and always have….not only would it clean up the “DIRT” on this site it would also allow the focus to be only on the subject and not on the individual cowardly attacks….all the cowards would disappear for good and this site would gain an incredible amount of much needed INTEGRITY!!!
It’s one thing to blog with an alias with an “honest” opinion with all the right intention but it’s another when the sole purpose is to be ugly and for personal attacks that do not relate to the topic what so ever!
@Robert Zahm
I disagree with you 100%. Nobody should be allowed to use their real name on a blog. How do I know you are the Robert Zahm you purport to be? What proof do I have? Have you showed proof of ID to Mr. Sears before he handed you your ID? No , you did not. The problem with people like you is you try and ruin everything you touch because you don’t like the rules. Reminds me of another person around here. It’s funny that you never made a stink about Jack A. or Mr. Flotie, why not? Is there something you’d like to tell us that we don’t know about the person who posts under the user id of Robert Zahm?
@Jim Amico
Jim, You certainly spend a lot of time this site which you now claim has no integrity. Do you always make a habit of insulting yourself?
Mr. Tartaglione,
Have you ever had your neighbors on Hen Island under surveillance?
Have you ever had the Mayor’s neighborhood on Meadow Place under surveillance?
Have you ever had the Corner Stone Bakery under surveillance?
Have you ever installed surveillance cameras in the Flotiemobile before parking it in front of Kelly’s?
“Ray’s complaint was not an attempt to violate Freedom of Speech, it was to stop the “Impersonation” of another….ILLEGAL! Whom ever that is, was using Ray’s name exactly as he signs.”
@Jim
I suggest you check the exact spelling of the “impersonators” last name in addition to his first name. BTW, I question Mr. Tartaglione’s assertion of the illegality of impersonating someone on a discussion forum. Please show me the relevant statues pertaining to this.
Also you make no mention of his threat of legal action and it IS there. Please re-read his post.
Thanx
Mr. Tartaglione,
Could you explain to the readership of MyRye.com why you removed the name “CODFATHER” from both sides of your 17′ Boston Whaler that you keep in the Rye Boat Basin? The name “CODFATHER” was written in big cursive letters on both sides of your boat for over 10 years before you removed them just prior to the appearance of Mr. Flotie. The boat remains but, the name “CODFATHER” is gone. Why did you un-name the “CODFATHER”?
@George / @Mister –
Not sure if you’re one in the same or separate beings (remember the line about no one knowing if you’re a dog on the internet?), but you did make me laugh. Thanks for that.
And you’re right, the only way to know if I really posted the stuff appearing under my name is to ask me directly. Please feel free. #r is in the book. As is my home address. Please don’t accost my kids or wife. The opinions stated here, under my name, are my own.
Re Bond v Budget – they’re not the same topic; they are different allowing for a difference of opinion on the two. I link them because when the $16.4million bond passes, the community will have nothing other than open outcry to get the budget fixed. The tax cap vote means nothing. AND the Friends of the RCSD have shown themselves to be very good at organizing people to vote for whatever the Board proposes.
I am opposed to the budget as currently drafted. I am in favor of the bond only because we need the space and the “deal” is a little better than the previous version. Following a Board member’s request that we focus only on the Bond now and the Budget later is naïve. That would be possible if the draft budget had been fiscally sustainable – which it is not and so needs to materially change.
Write to the Board. Call the Board members. Speak at a Board meeting. Let them know here. Let them know on Facebook via the Friend’s page. But let them know if you think the budget is out of whack.
It’s Weekend Story Time for Blog Trolls!
“ONCE upon a time there were three little pigs.
The first pig built a house of straw.
The second pig built his house with sticks.
They built their houses very quickly and then sang and danced all day because they were lazy.
The third little pig worked hard all day and built his house with bricks.
A big bad wolf saw the two little pigs while they danced and played and thought, “What juicy tender meals they will make!” He chased the two pigs and they ran and hid in their houses.
The big bad wolf went to the first house and huffed and puffed and blew the house down in minutes. The frightened little pig ran to the second pig’s house that was made of sticks.
The big bad wolf now came to this house and huffed and puffed and blew the house down in hardly any time. Now, the two little pigs were terrified and ran to the third pig’s house that was made of bricks.
The big bad wolf tried to huff and puff and blow the house down, but he could not. He kept trying for hours but the house was very strong and the little pigs were safe inside.
He tried to enter through the chimney but the third little pig boiled a big pot of water and kept it below the chimney. The wolf fell into it and died.
The two little pigs now felt sorry for having been so lazy. They too built their houses with bricks and lived happily ever after.”
SO MUCH FOR THE OFFICIAL VERSION.
Now let’s look a little deeper. Because – just like today at our own Rye City Hall – the “official version” is sometimes not the whole truth….or even the truth at all…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WW_dBQPAeDY#!
Mister,
As always, I use my “real name” so it isn’t difficult to see how much time I spend on this site.
On the contrary, you are just one of the many reasons I DO NOT spend much time on this site!!!
I have “better things to do” than blogging for the sake of personal attacks!!!
@tedc
I think the more appropriate children’s story is “The Boy who Cried Wolf”. You’ve been screaming “CONSPIRACY” for your whole life and now nobody gives a flying duck what you think.
@ Jim Amico
You’ve posted 1,120 times to MyRye and you claim you don’t spend much time here. I’m speechless.
@ Jim Amico
I don’t think you’ve done a good job explaining what’s been going on with your stop sign. Listening to you, one would think the City has done nothing.
This link does a good job of explaining a bigger part of the story.
http://myryesoundshore.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2281:midland-stop-sign-nearing-end-of-the-road&catid=34:news&Itemid=53