Remembrance, Healing and Praise.

My Friends,

Today is seven years since the September 11th attacks. This is a day of continued remembrance for the people we lost. It is a day of continued healing for ourselves and a day of continued praise for our men and women who put on a uniform and run towards danger day in and day out.

Seven years ago, our lives were very different. At 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2001 our lives changed forever. Now, we sometimes grow agitated over those changes. Perhaps, for example, you have been forced to put up with time-consuming security demands at an airport, sporting event or concert. But I ask you to ask yourself, how has your life really changed since September 11, 2001? Perhaps you fly an American flag now everyday to show your pride in your country. Perhaps you talk with your family more frequently than ever before because you know that time is precious, or perhaps you thank a Police Officer, Firefighter, EMS worker or soldier when you see them.

When I think of September 11th I think of the song "Hands" by Jewel. There is one part which says:

"I will not be made useless
I won't be idled with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
for light does the darkness most fear
My hands are small, I know...
but they're not yours they are my own
and I am never broken" .

We live in a small town, yes, we have small hands, but those are the hands that will keep the memories of the innocent victims strong. Those are the hands that will keep our country's patriotism alive, and those are the hand which will rebuild those towers. So, I ask you, what will you do with your hands on this seventh anniversary? Post your answer here or call in to the "Harrison Live" radio show at
(914) 636-1460 today between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. where I will be a guest.

May God Bless America.

Community Meeting Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008

There will be a community meeting on Tuesday evening, September 9, 2008 at 7:30pm in the High School auditorium hosted by the Harrison Police Department. The topic of the discussion will be the recent criminal activity which has occurred in town. I will be attending and urge all residents to do so as well. For information, please contact my office at 670-3030.

Got paper?

Today I attended a conference in upstate NY to discuss our archives. As the Clerk, I am the custodian of all town government archives. Needless to say, this is incredibly big responsibility as well as amazing part of my job. However, the current practice of our preservation and storage of archives can not continue. Since January I have met with representatives of NY State Archives, representatives of corporations who specialize in archive management as well as other Town Clerk's throughout the state. Over the course of the next few months I will present a phased plan to the community for our town archives. It is imperative that we take action now to preserve our history for our future.

Statement regarding County Executive Andy Spano's plan to increase certain fees in County Clerk Idoni's office

ACOCELLA BLASTS SPANO OVER CLERK-FEE HIKE
Calls on County Government to stop bullying taxpayers

Harrison, NY – Town/Village Clerk Joseph Acocella today blasted Westchester County Executive Andy Spano's proposal to raise user fees associated with County Clerk Tim Idoni's office. "It is not only outrageous that the County Executive has proposed this, but it demonstrates how out of touch the leaders in our county government are with their constituents" Acocella said. The County Board of Legislators is considering approving this request, which would be yet another burden on Westchester taxpayers. Mr. Acocella stated, "to start raising fees in this economic climate is a slap in the face to the taxpayers. Everyday I speak to residents, some of whom are even losing their jobs, about the hardships placed on their families by ever increasing taxes. Westchester residents are fed up and they expect and deserve a better solution. Instead of bullying the taxpayers and adding money to an already bloated budget, county officials should be finding ways to cut costs."

Mr. Acocella also called on County Clerk Timothy Idoni to oppose the proposed increase. "Where is the County Clerk? These increases would affect his office and we have not heard from him. He may not have a vote but he does have a voice," Acocella said. Mr. Acocella is urging all Westchester residents to write their County Legislator and tell them to vote against these increases. "Make no mistake, this is a tax hike. The County has obviously proven they cannot be trusted to find economic solutions on their own, therefore, we must take action before they have the opportunity to increase our taxes again for the same services," concluded Acocella.

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Hunting Licenses on sale today!

Hunting Licenses are now on sale! I am happy to report that the new computer system is up and running in my office. For your convenience, I am keeping my office open until 7pm on Wednesday evening for you to obtain a license as well as for general services.

ummm no title?

I couldn't think of a title for this post because I will be discussing a variety of topics. So, I guess the title is "no title". Now that we got that out of the way let's get into the week. Wednesday I will continue my mobile hours by setting up a table at the "Concert on the Green" in West Harrison from 7pm - 8:30pm (weather permitting). On Thursday I will be at the "Concert in the Park" at Ma Riis Park from 7pm -8:30pm as well. Some have asked what services I will be offering so allow me to share. You can obtain a commuter or handicap parking permit, receive Notary services, register to vote, license your dog (yes, that's a law), request copies of your vital records, pick up information on organ donation, and also drop off donations for the My Soldier and Cell Phones for Soldiers programs. Even if you just want to stop by and say hi that is okay too. Hunting licenses go on sale next Monday August 18, 2008. In order to meet the demands of the community, I am keeping my office open until 7pm Wednesday August 20th. You can also receive general services as well.

The Town Board met last Thursday August 7th so the next Town Board meeting is not until September 4th. You can watch a tape of the meeting everyday at 12pm 6pm and 10pm on Harrison Channel 75.

Well, we are just a few short months away from choosing our next President. Are you prepared to decide? Are you prepared to declare yourself? Do you want to help others? Well??? First, REGISTER TO VOTE! It's easy. Drop by my office - I always love guests and pick up a voter registration form. If you are going to be around November 4th and don't have any plans why not become a poll worker and earn some extra cash? The Westchester County Board of Elections is looking for people to work the polls on Election Day (5:30am - 9pm). I know I know, you don't want to go to work at 5:30 in the morning. Look on the bright side you are earning some money and get to work with me ; ) For more info on becoming a poll worker visit www.Westchestergov.com/boe. Hurray because time is running out to take the class. Also, if you have a child who is going off to college please, make sure they are registered to vote and make sure they requested an absentee ballot when they registered. If they registered with me at the High School back in May they will receive an absentee ballot application in the mail soon. If they are not sure have them call my office at (914) 670-3030 and I will be happy to help them.

And because you asked Harrison ...
I have BIG news if you have a commuter parking pass. In preparing to send out renewals for next years parking passes, the question of "can I add a third car to my parking permit?" was raised. Since I became the Clerk only 7 months ago I was not around when the two car limit began. Surely there was a reason why only two cars are allowed, there must be an obvious reason why you can only fit two license plates on one pass. Ummmm no. Actually, there was no reason. In thinking "outside the box" I am adding the choice for you for next year. You will now be able to put three cars on one pass that way you have a bigger selection of cars. This comes in handy when parents and kids swap vehicles a lot.

Finally, I invited all three of the Fire Departments in town to show off their stuff in our display case in Town Hall. Come by and view the photos, trophies and fire paraphernalia to see why we call them our bravest.


That's all for now.

New hours announced for August

Today, I announced that my office will continue to adapt to the communities ever changing needs by offering mobile and late hours for the month of August. The dates are as follows:

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
"Concert on the Green" WH Park 7:00pm - 8:30pm (weather permitting)

Thursday, August 14, 2008
"Concert in the Park" Ma Riis Park 7:00pm - 8:30pm (weather permitting)

Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Office open late for Hunting Licenses and general services 4pm - 7pm.

If you plan on taking advantage of any one of these locations please
call my office at (914) 670-3030 in advance to learn more about what information you may need to bring with you. See ya soon!