writing

The Consequences of Uncontested Elections: Chaim Rose and Avrohom Fromovitz, CPA, Award Themselves Taxpayer Funded Lifetime Health Insurance

In March 2021, Chaim Rose was elected trustee of the Village of Chestnut Ridge. Shortly thereafter, for the first time ever taxes were raised 8% in one year. About a year later Avrohom Fromovitz, CPA, was appointed a trustee as well.

Soon after, in 2023, taxes were raised by an additional 45%.

In 2020 property taxes were $12.06 per $1,000.00 of assessed value. By 2025 property taxes were levied at a rate of $23.10 per $1,000.00 of assessed value, a 91% increase in just 5 years. To put things in perspective in the entire 5-year period from 2014 to 2019 property taxes increased by just 9% (from $10.54 to $11.48 per $1,000.00 of assessed value).

While burdening homeowners with dramatically increased property taxes, Fromovitz and Rose quadrupled their salaries, raising village employee payroll costs by several hundred thousand dollars. This may not sound like much, but Chestnut Ridge is a small village with a very small tax base. Small villages generally pay very low salaries. Rose raised his salary from $6,000.00 to $50,000.00 in a few years.

In 2024 after taxes had risen 71% from 2021 the village put out a misleading letter which blamed the dramatic tax increases on the rising cost of waste management, while failing to mention the village’s ballooning payroll costs caused by Fromovitz and Rose’s self-serving raises.

In reward for their prudent management, the leaders of Chestnut Ridge wholeheartedly endorsed Rose and Fromovitz, CPA, for reelection. Their support effectively prevented any serious challenge to Fromovitz or Rose.

After consolidating power Rose and Fromovitz continue to find new ways to enrich themselves at the expense of homeowners. Last month Fromovitz and Rose voted to provide themselves with free health insurance paid for by already struggling Chestnut Ridge taxpayers, which will undoubtedly lead to further tax increases. To add insult to injury, the law awards trustees with health insurance for life after 7 years, which  means that every time the village gets a new trustee who stays in office for the typical 2 terms, the village will be left with a legacy cost of a lifetime insurance policy.

To put things in perspective, Fromovitz is about 39 years old. If he takes this plan until 85 that means a bill to the taxpayers of well over one million dollars even before adjusting for inflation. For just one trustee.

“Nice work if you can get it.”

Avi Yankelewitz, Esq. The writer can be reached at avi@yankelewitzlaw.com

Omitting the Period in One-Letter Middle Names: A Modern Approach

Middle names, especially those consisting of a single letter, often present a unique punctuation dilemma. Should we add a period after the letter or not? The longstanding convention in English grammar has favored the inclusion of a period after abbreviations, but the case for one-letter middle names is different. Here we delve into why one-letter middle names should not receive a period mark.

I. Clarifying the Purpose of Periods in Abbreviations

Traditionally, periods are used to signify that a letter or group of letters is an abbreviation. For example, “Dr.” stands for “Doctor,” and “Mr.” stands for “Mister.” These periods indicate that the word is shortened and not written out in full. However, when it comes to middle names that are a single letter, there is no underlying word that the letter is abbreviating. The letter itself is the entirety of the name, rendering the period unnecessary.

II. Consistency with Initials in Names

Consider how initials are used in names. When we refer to someone by their initials, such as “JFK” for John F. Kennedy or “FDR” for Franklin D. Roosevelt, periods are often omitted in modern usage. This is due to the recognition that each letter stands alone and does not require additional punctuation for clarity. Similarly, a one-letter middle name like “John A Smith” does not benefit from a period, as the “A” is fully understood to be the complete middle name.

III. Modern Usage Trends

Language evolves, and modern trends increasingly favor simplicity and clarity. The use of periods in abbreviations has diminished over time, especially in digital and informal contexts. For instance, many style guides and publications, including major newspapers and academic texts, omit periods in acronyms and initials. Following this trend, omitting the period in one-letter middle names aligns with contemporary practices and simplifies writing without losing meaning.

IV. Typographical Cleanliness

From a typographical standpoint, omitting the period after a one-letter middle name contributes to cleaner and more streamlined text. Periods can create visual clutter, especially in formal documents or publications where readability and aesthetic appeal are crucial. Removing unnecessary punctuation enhances the overall presentation and readability of written content.

V. Historical Precedents and Style Guides

Several historical precedents and style guides support the omission of periods in specific contexts. For example, the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook recommends omitting periods in acronyms and certain abbreviations. While not directly addressing one-letter middle names, the principle of reducing unnecessary punctuation can be applied. Additionally, notable individuals and documents often omit the period in one-letter middle names, setting a precedent for contemporary usage.

Consider prominent individuals with one-letter middle names. For example, Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, is often cited without a period after the “S.” This reflects both personal preference and a acceptance of the practice. The U.S. government and various historical documents, such as Truman’s presidential papers and legal documents, consistently refer to him without a period following his middle initial. Similarly, Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, is another example where the middle initial “S” is presented without a period in official and historical references.

Finally, the case against using a period after one-letter middle names is grounded in logic, modern usage trends, and the quest for typographical cleanliness. By recognizing that these single letters are not abbreviations but complete names in themselves, we can streamline our writing and align with contemporary practices. Embracing this approach not only simplifies grammar but also enhances the readability and aesthetic quality of our text.

Get rid of that period.