Peekskill-Cortlandt, NY|News|
Peekskill-Cortlandt Patch Home of the Week: Feb. 24 Edition
Columnist Joel Heumann with his weekly take on gems in the local housing market.

Rasheed Oluwa
Local Editor: WhitePlains.Patch.com
Email:Rasheed.Oluwa@patch.com Phone: 914-217-6135
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/PeekskillPatch
Bio: My name is Rasheed Oluwa and I'm a contributor for Patch. I am a New York City native who moved into the mid-Hudson Valley about 20 years ago. I'm the oldest of seven children
I have 10 years of experience as a reporter and I have written on a wide range of topics ranging from crime and politics to education and the environment.
I am an avid N.Y. Mets fan, which means I don't usually watch a lot of baseball when September rolls around. I also root for the N.Y. Giants and the N.Y. Knicks.
I began working for Patch in May 2010 and I look forward to hearing and writing about the concerns of the residents in this community.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.
This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
* How would you describe your political beliefs? Social libertarian.
* Are you registered with a certain party? No. I'm still open.
Local Hot Button Issues
* What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? I believe taxes are one of the biggest issues facing communities across the country. Our state and local representatives must come together to develop a taxing mechanism that is fair and doesn't place undo burden on property owners.
Columnist Joel Heumann with his weekly take on gems in the local housing market.

Officials from Entergy, the company that runs the Indian Point Energy Center, commented on the contingency plan created by Con Ed and New York Power Authority in the event of Indian Point's shutdown,
City officials held a press conference outside of the Peekskill police department parking lot Friday announcing Eric Johansen as the department's new chief.
A look at some of the open houses in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area.
Writer Joel Heumann comments on the history of George Washington's birthday as a federal holiday and his roots in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area.
Officials from Entergy, the company that runs the Indian Point Energy Center, commented on the contingency plan created by Con Ed and New York Power Authority in the event of Indian Point's shutdown,
Five things you should know today, Feb 22.
The Peekskill Common Council plans to reach out for for sculpture proposals, including those inspired by the "Wizard of Oz," for the southern section of the Riverfront Green. The sculptures would be part of a list of state funded improvements
The Westchester Coalition for a Drug and Alcohol Free Youth has created a print and online campaign to get families talking about teen drinking.
Restaurants in Peekskill will offer prix fixe specials on some of their best offerings during the event, which runs Feb. 25 - March 3.
Johansen replaces Eugene Tumolo, who retired from the position in December.
Elegra Dolman is currently being held in Westchester County Jail with a $15,000 bail.
Five things you should know for today, Feb. 21.
Jose Vargas, 56, of Peekskill, was arrested and charged with grand larceny after he charged more than $4,000 in personal expenses on his company credit card.
Five thing you should know for today, Feb. 20.
Program will give eligible village property owner access to low interest loans that can be used for home energy efficiency improvements.
Police arrested Kevin Hutchinson earlier this month after a six month investigation into Crack sales in Peekskill.
The Common Council gave acting City Manager Brian Havranek the go-ahead to carry out due diligence with the group it wants to run the Paramount, but did not release the name of the group Tuesday night.
The Paramount review committee made its announcement during tonight's Peekskill Common Councill work session. The Common Council has yet to make its final decision.
Pisani, a former Peekskill Common Council member and a retired teacher, was elected to the Lincoln Depot board on Feb. 12.