Mayor Richard Thomas Weekly Report for August 12, 2017
Department of Justice Gives Mount Vernon Notice of Intent to Sue
On Thursday, Mayor Richard Thomas, held a press conference to discuss the Department of Justice’s decision to file a lawsuit against the City of Mount Vernon for violations of the Clean Water Act and the city’s systemic refusal to adhere to environmental consent orders since 2003.
For over fourteen years, the City Council and Comptroller Maureen Walker have failed to act and have ignored two consent orders from the Environmental Protection Agency. This week, the Department of Justice formally announced its intention to file suit against the City of Mount Vernon and levy a “significant monetary penalty” that is likely to run into the millions and significantly impact property taxes.
Our residents suffer from high taxes and the additional pain of the loss of access to their yards, damage to their possessions, ruined precious keepsakes, and costly plumbing bills because of raw sewage seepage. The facts are clear. Gridlock and political animus are jeopardizing our future and Comptroller Walker and the City Council, particularly Marcus Griffith and Andre Wallace, must be held accountable for the consequences of this environmental, and fiscal, crisis.”
Click here to watch the whole story on Fios 1 News.
Mount Vernon Youth Bureau GEM Summer Leadership Academy Trip to United Nation
On August 1, the participants of the GEM Summer Leadership Academy were afforded the opportunity to explore behind the scenes views on an exciting guided tour at the United Nation Headquarters in New York City. It was an amazing opportunity for these young women to learn about the UN Young Ambassadors Program and visit various conference rooms where prominent world leaders met to discuss vital issues pertaining to how the United Nations addresses issues such as disarmament, peace and security, human rights, and the Millennium Development Goals.
GEM stands for Girls Embracing Maturity. Mentoring by women leaders, who shared their experiences, providing these future leaders with skills that will prepare them to become strong leaders of their generation.
The group was welcomed by former Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent, Dr. Brenda Smith and other members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who shared career advice and tips over lunch.
Purple Heart Day
On Monday, Mayor Thomas and the City of Mount Vernon hosted a solemn ceremony honoring Purple Heart veterans of our armed forces in recognition of their sacrifices for our country. This medal presented to those men and women who was wounded or killed in battle. The event featured remarks from Veterans Services Director Kristyn Reed, Purple Heart recipient, Councilman Yuhanna Edwards, and Mayor Thomas. As part of the recognition for the day, Mayor Thomas signed proclamations making August 7th Purple Heart Day in Mount Vernon and identifying Mount Vernon as a Purple Heart City. Click here to see the video from the event.
Pinelands, Barbados Youth Basketball Team Visits Mount Verno
The Mount Vernon Recreation Department hosted the Pinelands Youth Basketball Team from Pinelands, Barbados for participation in an International Basketball Invitational and Clinic. As part of the invitational, the Barbados Youth Team competed against our Mount Vernon Youth in the Mount Vernon Outdoor Basketball League and the Mount Vernon Elite. Throughout the week the players participated in our Basketball Clinic, headed by Coach Bob Cimmino, and enjoyed some cultural activities around the city. On their last day in our city, Mayor Thomas and several members of the administration shared a Farewell Breakfast with the team in his conference room and presented the players and coaches with Certificates of Recognition for their hard work.
Slide The City Just 2 Weeks Away!
Slide the City is coming back to Mount Vernon! We will be the only city in the lower Hudson Valley to feature the 1,000 foot slip n’ slide in just two weeks! Saturday August 26th, men, women, and children of all ages slide down the record setting slide. Passes are selling out, so make sure to get yours today. Prices may rise, as the big day approaches, so be sure to get them early. Come join us for the 2nd annual Mount Vernon Slide the City! Watch video from last year!
Summer Youth Employment Program Year End Event
The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, on Thursday morning, held a year-end celebration for the Summer Youth Employment Program employees. The celebration at the Doles Center featured music, food, guest speakers, breakout sessions, and a visit from Mayor Richard Thomas. Mount Vernon is proud of our youth employees who showed discipline, professionalism and an aptitude for future success. Congratulations on a successful summer job program and all the best in your future endeavors.
Shift Masters of Westchester Car Show Visit Fleetwood
Last Sunday, the Shift Masters of Westchester hosted their 4th annual Fleetwood Car Show. Several blocks of Gramatan Avenue became Motor City as classic rides, high-end vehicles, and motorcycles lined the streets. As like years before, the pedestrian only streets, nice weather made for large crowds. Mayor Richard Thomas had the honor of selecting his favorite car to be the winner of the Mayor’s Choice Award. Click here to see a short video of the car show.
Mayor Thomas Hosts the Mount Vernon Police Youth Academy
On Monday, Mayor Thomas hosted the children from the MVPD Youth Academy as they screened the film Man of the House on the importance of mental health & the effects of suicide. Following the movie, a group discussion included Mayor Thomas. MVPD Youth Academy instructor Detective Dave Clark, film director John Palomino, co-producer & supporting actress Tracy Wilder, actor and recording artist Rich Sanchez joined them for the discussion with Mayor Thomas. Afterwards, the Mayor interviewed the creators of Man of the House.
Happy Birthday Mayor Richard Thomas!
The City of Mount Vernon Recreation Department and the Seniors of Mount Vernon had their annual cookout including a surprise birthday party for Mayor Richard Thomas at the Hartley Park Senior Pavilion. The grills were fired up and recreation staff and senior volunteers served up burgers, hotdogs, and BBQ chicken and there was a birthday cake too. Mayor Thomas was humbled by the seniors’ generosity. After the crowd serenaded him with a rousing happy birthday sing-a-long and presented him with lovely gifts, the Mayor graciously thanked everyone for coming and everyone who helped put it together.
Listen to us live:
Every week, Mayor Thomas speaks to Yonkers Tribune radio with host Hezi Aris: Catch this week’s interview here for an unvarnished look at what’s happening in Mount Vernon: Mayor Thomas also hosts Mount Vernon Moving Forward every Friday on WVOX, from 5pm to 6pm. You can listen to this week’s show here for an in-depth discussion about the what’s going on in Mount Vernon. On the Internet, tune in to Future 98.9 every Wednesday at 8:30am to listen to Mayor Thomas and Minister P. Tyson. You can find last week’s interview here. Fridays on Future FM, Mayor Thomas joins Father Gassy for Gloves On Gloves Off; listen to this weeks show here. On Tuesdays at 8am, you can hear Mayor Thomas on 101.5 Linkage Radio. Catch last week’s discussion here.
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