RyeCity REVIEW THE
May 28, 2021 | Vol. 9, Number 19 | www.ryecityreview.com
More than 1M digital vaccine passes issued
A fitting
TRIBUTE Mike Bruno, right, and Marco DiRuocco reflect on the life of Andrew Gurgitano before the annual memorial game between Harrison and Rye that celebrates the life of the Harrison teen who died suddenly in 2014. Harrison won this year’s matchup 3-1. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
Latimer: ‘The State of our County is stronger’ Westchester County Executive George Latimer delivered his fourth State of the County Address in the Legislative Chambers of the Board of Legislators. Latimer acknowledged that COVID-19 has taken a toll on the county, but promised through good government, to restore and rebuild Westchester back better than it was before. “Look at us—look at us vaccinated and fighting back,” Latimer said. “We have a long way to go my friends, we still aren’t all the way back, but ladies and gentlemen we are getting there, and we are united to move forward.” Latimer stressed the importance of keeping his promise to cut county property taxes for the second year in a row, even in the midst of a crippling pandemic. He signed the 2021 budget maintaining all county services, cutting expenditure by $15.7 million, and increasing the county’s fund balance to more than $200 million—the largest fund balance in the county’s history. “I want to be clear—this is how government is supposed to work. This is good government,” Latimer said. “We have worked every day for you, and I
mean that. I know what it is like to struggle, I know what it is like to have mom and dad worried at the kitchen table about bills. I know because I have lived it.” The address included a series of videos detailing Westchester County’s continuous fight to the other side of the pandemic, including a compilation of public service announcements aimed at achieving greater vaccination numbers, a moving tribute to those who have passed from 9-11-related illness with a new memorial to be unveiled on the 20th anniversary this September, an acknowledgement of Vice Chairwoman Alfreda Williams, a trailblazer who is retiring after decades of public service, a recognition of the first ever Women of Westchester, WOW, Awards, and a plan to move Westchester County forward. The speech also highlighted several initiatives the Latimer Administration accomplished including: A 2020 budget that closed with no layoffs, no furloughs, no service cuts or borrowing for pension costs • A $16 million increase in the county’s General Fund Balance to more than $200 million by the
end of 2021—the largest in the county’s history • The #SpeakUpWestchester Campaign launched together with District Attorney Mimi Rocah, designed to encourage those who are the victim or witness a hate crime, bias or hate incident to report it • A strengthening of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission • The restoration of several Westchester County Youth Bureaus • The county’s new Compost & Education Center, to complement Westchester residents recycling at unprecedented rates • New appointments in leadership to several county departments, to ensure a diverse workforce for a diverse county • Dozens of completed, in-progress or approved infrastructure projects throughout the county Latimer commended Dr. Sherlita Amler and the county Department of Health, the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Emergency Services, who rose to the task from the onset of COVID-19, putting the health and safety of Westchester residents at the
forefront of their efforts. “Here in Westchester County we started vaccinating on January 5, and that day we started with ten Department of Health staff members at our health clinic just down the block from here in White Plains,” Latimer said. “We were learning and teaching each other how to vaccinate for COVID-19. From that moment it has been non-stop. I also want to thank the nearly one thousand County employees who volunteered their time to work at vaccination clinics—that is the Westchester spirit!” Latimer closed by reflecting on the many challenges the county has faced, and promising to continue to work, every day, for the good of the people of Westchester. “I am here to tell you tonight the State of our County—Westchester County—is strong and getting stronger,” Latimer said. “Yes, we have more work to do—but I am here to tell you tonight I am here to do the job at hand, you are here to do the job at hand and together, united— we will do the job at hand. We are the State of our County, and we are united to move forward.” (Submitted)
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on May 23 that more than one million Excelsior Passes have been issued since New York State launched the first-in-the-nation voluntary platform in March. Excelsior Pass, which is now being utilized by venues, universities, stadiums and businesses statewide, is a free, fast and secure way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results that’s helping to get New Yorkers back to the things they love and miss—safely. “After a long and incredibly difficult year, New Yorkers are finally returning to normal life and getting back to work amid rising vaccination rates, and the first-in-the-nation Excelsior Pass is a key part of that restoration of normalcy,” Cuomo said. “The fact that we’ve so quickly achieved a milestone—more than 1 million passes issued— speaks to New Yorkers’ desire to resume many of the activities they’ve given up over the past year and is good news for bringing our economy back and building a stronger state for the future. New Yorkers are ready for the new normal, and the Excelsior Pass will help them get there until we can defeat this terrible pandemic for good.” Excelsior Pass is supporting New Yorkers building back better through NYS DOH guidance, with an over 80% increase in downloads this week alone. As of May 19, the State lifted capacity restrictions and adopted Centers for Disease Control guidance on masks and social distancing for fully vaccinated individuals. Under the new guidance, certain businesses may choose to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination status and Excelsior Pass is an easy-to-use, verifiable option. New Yorkers can always present alternate forms of COVID-19 vaccination and negative test results— such as paper forms—directly at businesses and venues. Major sports venues across the State are already using Excelsior Pass to safely get even more fans back into stands, including Mad-
ison Square Garden, Barclays Center, Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, the Nassau Coliseum, Belmont Park, the Times Union Center, NBT Bank Stadium, the Carrier Dome, Sahlen Field—the temporary host of the Toronto Blue Jays—KeyBank Center and Frontier Field. Universities and colleges across New York—including State University of New York campuses such as the University at Buffalo, Binghamton University and Stony Brook University, as well as Syracuse University, Pace University and Long Island University—have already leveraged Excelsior Pass for in-person graduation ceremonies and large events, like sporting games, or plan to for the fall. At this time, Passes may only be retrieved for COVID-19 vaccinations or negative test results received in the state of New York, though it does not require you to be a resident of New York. The state is actively working with regional and international partners to broaden its use, as well as major New York State employers to support office reopenings. All Excelsior COVID-19 Vaccination Passes retrieved beginning on May 23 will be valid for 365 days, up from 180 days. Those who already have a Vaccination Pass may retrieve a new pass whenever they choose to in order to take advantage of this extension. At this time, New Yorkers should know that the 365 days relates only to the length of time the pass is valid. The duration of validity of Excelsior Vaccination Passes may continue to be updated to reflect the latest understanding from federal and state health experts and as additional science and trial data is released. For those interested in Excelsior Pass who have received their COVID-19 Vaccinations or PCR and/or Antigen Tests in the state of New York, visit epass.ny.gov to get started. (Submitted)