WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS PERSON OF THE YEAR POLL. December 26, 2007: As 2007 winds down, it is time once again for the White Plains Person of the Year Poll -- when Mr. and Mrs. White Plains decide the citizen or citizens who made a big difference and continue to make a difference in White Plains.

The WPCNR Editorial Advisory Board has huddled and select fourteen persons in the poll at the right whom we feel put themselves on the line for Mr. and Mrs. White Plains this year. Here is why they are on the list:

Carl Albanese – With his ever present video camera recording Work Sessions and Planning Board meetings, Mr. Albanese records the ever-shifting positions of city officials. His passionate letters to citizens inform the populace on issues, and bring out community participation. He epitomizes the value of freedom of speech.

Adam Bradley – Now in his third term as Assemblyman from the 89^th District, Bradley took the lead on questioning City finances when he was asked to introduce a sales tax increase to the legislator. He also has attempted to establish a separate  commercial assessment rate to stop runaway certioraris.

Judge Charles Brient –  for his decision supporting a contractor which cost the White Plains City School District $2.8 Million, and exposed the school district’s poor management of the White Plains High School renovation and the reason why the high school project took 3-1/2 years – twice as long as it should have.

Candyce Corcoran – for running a primary and general election challenge for a Common Council seat, and exposing County Board of Elections ignorance of state election laws when her petitions were challenged by the Democratic City Committee – showing an independent citizen can challenge party bosses.

Mayor Alfred Del Vecchio/ Mayor Sy Schulman – for breaking party ranks, speaking out on city policy, and endorsing independent candidates for Common Council.

Cary Gouldner – for being a good citizen by alerting all of White Plains and the city to the fact that the city was no longer eligible for FEMA Flood Insurance protection due to the city failure to approve new Department of Environmental Conservation flood plain maps and storm water treatment regulations.

Paula Piekos – for not forgetting the flood issues that continue to plague Beverly Road and Railside Avenue, and valiantly standing up to consistent rebuke and resistance from the Common Council and City Hall.

Robert Ruger – for in his 95^th year, continuing to serve on the Traffic Commission and serving as an inspiration to us all.

Dan Siedel – The self-designated Dr. Stockman of White Plains, who consistently shows up city ignorance of environmental regulations and always shows up armed with facts to support his positions.

Robert Stackpole/Robert Levine – for having the courage to run independently for Common Council and continuing to care enough about White Plains to draw attention to issues the citizenry should pay attention, and speak their mind with backup.

Reverend Carter Via – for standing up for the city’s forgotten people – the much maligned and insulted homeless – for standing against a chairs only policy at emergency warming centers – and for trying to open his church as a warming shelter with or without city approval. His efforts helped establish the present Emergency Warming Center  at 186 E. Post Road. Paul Anderson-Winchell and Rabb I Lester Bronstein aided Reverend Via in his effort.

Augostino Zicca, Jr.  – for being the first to raise awareness of Sex Offenders living near school bus stops in the city, and for continuing to point out the tolerance of illegal housing conditions in the city.