Spending time on my internship for the Yorktown Democratic Committee has been a valuable experience thus far. During the election season, we spent time distributing literature to remind citizens to vote. Reminding citizens to vote was interesting enough as most people were either annoyed or completely ignored us. We also spent hours on the phone reminding registered voters to show up to vote for the local councilman and town board positions.  Although some of the Democrats lost, it was still a valuable experience contributing to the local election. Helping out showed us some of the repetitive work in running the election. We also spend a few hours every week at local board meetings. Every week, different issues are brought up to the town board and the proposed solution is discussed. While working for the Democratic committee, I have made connections and have learned from local politicians. I have learned it is just as important to be involved in local politics as it is at a higher level. I have supported local democratic campaigns by attending local board meetings and participating in literature distribution. My internship has given me invaluable experience in supporting a campaign and has broadened my horizons greatly.

Shahzain Nagani, YDC Intern

Yorktown’s Energy Advisory Committee has identified $158,100 from the Federal Stimulus package for which the Town of Yorktown qualifies and which can be used to help the Town improve its energy efficiency. The funds will come from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, which provides grants to local governments to fund projects that improve energy efficiency and that reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions. The recent creation of the Energy Advisory Committee was supported by Supervisor Peters in order to further Yorktown’s efforts to go green.

"I have to give a big thanks to the Energy Advisory Committee for finding this money; anything that can help save taxpayer dollars, and is good for the environment, is a win-win,” said Supervisor Peters.  “In these economic times, we need to take advantage of any assistance we can get, and over $158,000 in Federal funding can go a long way in helping Yorktown save money, create jobs and go green.”

Brendan Tully, of the Energy Advisory Committee, added: “Unlike a competitive grant where the Town may not get the full amount of funds, or any funds for that matter, the Energy Efficiency Block Grant is money that has already been allocated to the Town, we just need to submit the paperwork and show that we will use the funds for eligible programs.” He further added: “This is just the beginning of what the Town can do to improve energy efficiency and save taxpayer dollars in the process, all while improving the quality of the environment and our community.”

The grant can be used community wide.  It is not limited to government owned facilities and infrastructure, so the funds can be used on programing that helps the Town's residents, businesses and/or organizations.  Examples of eligible programs and activities that can be funded by the grant would include:

• Residential and Commercial Building Energy Audits.
• Grants to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies for Energy Efficiency Retrofits. 
• Development and Implementation of Transportation Programs to conserve energy.
• Building Codes and Inspections to promote building energy efficiency.
• Material Conservation Programs including source reduction, recycling, and recycled content procurement programs that lead to increases in energy efficiency.
• Reduction and Capture of Methane and Greenhouse Gases generated by landfills or similar waste-related sources.
• Energy efficient Traffic Signals and Street Lighting.
• Any other Appropriate Activity that meets the purposes of the program and is approved by DOE.

The Town, with the help of the Energy Advisory Committee, has started the process of preparing its application and identifying eligible programs to ensure the Town receives the full $158,100 of which it is entitled.

As summer ends and the cold weather approaches, Yorktown residents are reminded to consider the Heating Oil Plan for Town residents launched by Supervisor Peters and our Councilmen in the Fall of 2008. All residents of Yorktown are eligible. Once in the plan, members are guaranteed a reduced rate for heating oil when they purchase it from participating companies.

The Heating Oil Plan is comprised of vendors who contract with the Town to provide heating oil to Yorktown residents at costs below that which many of us pay as individual homeowners.

This is yet another way that the Supervisor, along with Councilmen Metz, Matorano and Campisi work to creatively find ways to save Yorktowners money as we weather these difficult economic times together.

Residents are encouraged to inquire further about the benefits of joining the Town’s Heating Oil Plan by contacting the Supervisor’s office and speaking with Kelly O’Dell at 962-5722, ext. 201. Residents can also learn more about this progressive cost saving plan by visiting Yorktown’s website at www.yorktownny.org and following the links to the Heating Oil Plan. Town Hall is located at 363 Underhill Avenue in Yorktown Heights.