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Yonkers Mayor Says Final Year Is Bittersweet

YONKERS (WCBS 880) - On Wednesday night, Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone will present his last State of the City address.

In his last eight years in office as mayor, Amicone says they've made some great changes in economic growth and the school system.

"They've made dramatic, and I mean really dramatic, improvement in academics and graduation rates and kids going to college," said Amicone.

But, he told WCBS 880 Reporter Catherine Cioffi the city still has work to do. In 2011, Yonkers is facing a projected $96 million deficit.

"Public pension systems are out of control," said Amicone. "We should not allow things that allow people to build up their pensions because we have to foot the bill."

WCBS 880 Reporter Catherine Cioffi with comments from Mayor Amicone

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Even with all the challenges the city faces, he says for Yonkers - - the sky's the limit.

"I think people have come to realize there is enormous potential here. There are people waiting as soon as the economy recovers to start helping us realize that potential. And they're looking forward to it," said Amicone.

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