RyeCity REVIEW THE
October 26, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 44 | www.ryecityreview.com
Moody’s downgrades county outlook to ‘negative’
Panther pride Jon Casas controls the ball during Rye Neck’s Oct. 22 Class B quarterfinal game against North Salem. The Panthers topped the Bears 2-0 to advance to the semifinal round, where they will take on Blind Brook. For story, see page 15. Photo Mike Smith
Data shows how to avoid a speeding ticket in New York An analysis of newly available data from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles reveals where drivers are more likely to receive speeding tickets and what can be done to avoid these violations. The Rosenblum Law Firm evaluated the latest numbers and discovered the best way to help New York drivers reduce the chance of getting a speeding ticket. The analysis outlines the top 10 New York counties with the least amount of speeding tickets, and those with the most. The Rosenblum Law Firm found that Herkimer, Nassau and Dutchess
counties were the top three areas where drivers most often get speeding tickets in New York; while drivers in Essex, Montgomery and even Manhattan are the least likely to get ticketed for speeding. “New York hands out more traffic citations than almost every other state,” said Adam Rosenblum, the firm’s principal attorney. “Ticketed drivers face hefty fines, points against their license, loss of license and, in severe cases, jail time. By analyzing the data, we are able to tell people when they should take extra precautions.”
These findings reflect more than just the volume of speeding tickets written; they factor in the amount of vehicle miles traveled in the county to determine where police are most aggressive in ticketing drivers. The analysis of the data also includes tips about the best times to drive to avoid speeding tickets, the season during which speeding ticket rates decrease, and also informs drivers about the maximum speed one should travel to likely avoiding getting a speeding ticket. “Of course, we just want our clients, and all drivers in New
York, to drive safely. I drive these roads as does my family,” Rosenblum said. “That being said, we also want to give people the best chance at avoiding the costly hassle of receiving a speeding ticket.” New York drivers can check their county’s traffic ticket and accident data at https://traffictickets.com/data/. They can also search by type of traffic offense, like cell phone usage, speeding and DUI/DWI. The firm further analyzed other aspects of the data to provide interesting findings about a range of other ticket-related topics. (Submitted)
Westchester County will retain its AA1 bond rating given by credit rating agency Moody’s, but with a major caveat. According to a statement from County Executive, George Latimer, a Democrat, Westchester’s credit AA1 rating—the second highest score attainable— was reinstated by Moody’s last week, although the county’s financial outlook was downgraded to “negative.” “This rating is certainly no surprise,” Latimer said. “We have known for some time now that the county is in serious financial stress. We are taking steps every day to improve our footing, but the road ahead will be long.” At the heart of Moody’s rating is what the agency describes as financial instability stemming from a budget shortfall. According to projections given in August, Westchester County’s 2018 budget deficit currently hovers around $18.2 million, more than $14 million less than the shortfall initially projected in 2018. “[The] Negative outlook reflects the continued deterioration of the financial position resulting from large one-time expenses over the past two years and the need for incremental recurring revenues to structurally
balance financial operations,” the report stated. The $18 million shortfall will likely be affected by a recently ratified contract with the county’s Civil Service Employees Association—the county’s largest union representing 3,000 workers—which will add $27 million in back wages to an already strained operating budget. Due to revenue shortfalls, county lawmakers are now forced to consider raising taxes through the property tax levy. Latimer has said a tax hike is currently not on the table. Under his predecessor, former County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican who was elected in 2009, taxes were never raised. Astorino lost re-election to a third term in office in 2017, when he was defeated by Latimer.A shortfall may also increase the likelihood that the county will be forced to draw on its fund balance, which may further imperil its preferable bond rating. Westchester’s rating affects the county’s ability to borrow and issue bonds at preferential interest rates and could prove increasingly important as the Federal Reserve continues to increase borrowing rates. -Reporting by James Pero
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