Door to door campaigning has been a real pleasure as I've gotten to know more residents in town.
Many, however, are really suffering as the direct result of high taxes here. Some people tell us their taxes have doubled, if not gone up more, in the past six years. Many feel they will have to leave their homes because they can no longer afford the high cost of living here. Some of these people are long-time residents.
Taxes are driven, in large part, by spending and the current administration has been spending at break-neck speed. Capital project on top of capital project has sent us more than $13 million in debt, according to figures obtained by the State Comptroller's office. Other figures obtained from that office show a 114.94% increase in debt service from 2006 to 2007; from $290,047 in 2006 to $795, 764 in 2007. The total cost for principal and interest as the result of this debt totaled $1,488,119 in 2007.
(2007 is the latest data available in this area from the Comptroller's office)
Other data from the CO's office shows that in 2007 revenues were $8,056,774 versus $12,028,438 in expenditures. This is a difference of $3,971,772 that needed to be raised by taxes.
This cycle of over-spending, over-borrowing and over-taxing needs to end. We need to get the state comptroller into the town offices to help us figure out our budget path. It can not be to continually raise taxes!!
To me, being fiscally conservative means not spending more than you bring in. Yes, we needed some of the capital projects which we've undertaken the past six years, but not to the extent that the taxpayers have paid.
For example. a new town hall was needed, but such an extravagant building, purchased without a public vote and which remains about 1/2 empty? There were other options that were not explored. But now that we own it, we need to move on. How about renting some of the space? How about consolidating the town offices into two floors and renting the third? We could also look at the cost of retro-fitting the town hall to include the police department.
This town owns four municipal properties: the existing and former town halls, the police department and the highway garage. Wouldn't it be sweet to eliminate at least one of those properties, the sale of which could help us pay down our debt?
And how about the new townhall well field off Route 150. Following a court order, water lines were run about two miles from that well field up Route 20 to accommodate about half a dozen people whose wells had been contaminated by the town, with salt.
But the town didn't stop with that more than million dollar project! Instead they tacked on another $3 million to study and expand the well field. To me, this was more of a "wish list" project; one that may pay off way down the road, but which is haivng a huge toll on residents now. This project could have waited until some of our debt was paid.
These are two examples. I know others. Anyone else?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Town Board news
After almost two weeks of computer issues, I am finally able to post again.
Highlights of the Town Board meeting October 22 include:
1)Approval of water rates for operation and maintenance costs and the assessment rolls for the capital charges as applicable for Water Districts 1 and 3, consolidated district 101, 2a, 5, 8 and 9. Also approved were proposed sewer rents and assessment rolls for districts 1,2,4,5,6,7, and 8.
Not the most exciting news for some, but relevant to those in the districts. See the town's website for details on the rates.
2)The board scheduled a public hearing on the 2101 preliminary budget for November 5 at 7 p.m. at the town hall.
3) The board entered into an intermunicipal agreement with the town of Nassau to work to facilitate the development and construction of a family resource center in conjunction with the Commission on Economic Opportunity. The proposed site is on New Road.
Highlights of the Town Board meeting October 22 include:
1)Approval of water rates for operation and maintenance costs and the assessment rolls for the capital charges as applicable for Water Districts 1 and 3, consolidated district 101, 2a, 5, 8 and 9. Also approved were proposed sewer rents and assessment rolls for districts 1,2,4,5,6,7, and 8.
Not the most exciting news for some, but relevant to those in the districts. See the town's website for details on the rates.
2)The board scheduled a public hearing on the 2101 preliminary budget for November 5 at 7 p.m. at the town hall.
3) The board entered into an intermunicipal agreement with the town of Nassau to work to facilitate the development and construction of a family resource center in conjunction with the Commission on Economic Opportunity. The proposed site is on New Road.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Board approves special use permit for Pilot
At the Planning Board meeting on September 17, the board approved a special use permit and site plan modification for the Pilot Travel Center on Route 9.
Before the issue was discussed, it was noted by one resident that the agenda for the meeting was not posted on the website. Planning Board Chairman Peter Goold said the agenda was sent to the webmaster on September 16 and that "it is a Town Board issue." One man said: "It would be nice if residents could come to the meeting better prepared."
Resident Abbey Cash spoke out against approving the special use permit saying that Pilot has been in violation of it's original special use permit for the past three years and should not be issued another until the business comes into compliance with the existing permit.
There has been much public comment on the conditions at Pilot since it opened.
As examples of violations, Mrs. Cash cited more trucks on the site than there are parking spaces, idling over 5 minutes and overnight parking. Mrs. Cash also talked about dangerous traffic conditions that she feels will become worse is Pilot were allowed to have more parking spaces.
Former Planning Board member and candidate for Town Council, Joseph Visalli, asked why a public hearing was not held on the issue. Planning Board attorney Timothy Nugent said that public hearings are not required for special permit renewals or site plan modifications.
Residents, however, felt that due to the controversial nature of the issue, a public hearing should have been held.
In the end, the Planning Board approved both permits, with a number of conditions; including erecting new, larger signs that list the restrictions of the site such as the 5 minute idling limit and prohibited overnight parking. It was unclear how many parking spaces are to be added.
I'd like residents comments on this issue!!!!
Before the issue was discussed, it was noted by one resident that the agenda for the meeting was not posted on the website. Planning Board Chairman Peter Goold said the agenda was sent to the webmaster on September 16 and that "it is a Town Board issue." One man said: "It would be nice if residents could come to the meeting better prepared."
Resident Abbey Cash spoke out against approving the special use permit saying that Pilot has been in violation of it's original special use permit for the past three years and should not be issued another until the business comes into compliance with the existing permit.
There has been much public comment on the conditions at Pilot since it opened.
As examples of violations, Mrs. Cash cited more trucks on the site than there are parking spaces, idling over 5 minutes and overnight parking. Mrs. Cash also talked about dangerous traffic conditions that she feels will become worse is Pilot were allowed to have more parking spaces.
Former Planning Board member and candidate for Town Council, Joseph Visalli, asked why a public hearing was not held on the issue. Planning Board attorney Timothy Nugent said that public hearings are not required for special permit renewals or site plan modifications.
Residents, however, felt that due to the controversial nature of the issue, a public hearing should have been held.
In the end, the Planning Board approved both permits, with a number of conditions; including erecting new, larger signs that list the restrictions of the site such as the 5 minute idling limit and prohibited overnight parking. It was unclear how many parking spaces are to be added.
I'd like residents comments on this issue!!!!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Time for a change
As we go door to door, Elizabeth Gable, Joseph Visalli and I have met many people supportive of our efforts to become council members, and supervisor, respectively. We have had many discussions with people about their taxes, which have gone up significantly within the last 6 years, under one-party Republican rule, and many other issues, ranging from the town's road program to conditions at the transfer station, to plans for the Town Park.
This is the first time since 1795 that the Democrats in this town have run a full slate of candidates and we've met so many people who are thrilled to finally have a choice and a chance to open the debate again here in Schodack.
We want to hear from people what most concerns them so we can work together to get Schodack back on track!
This is the first time since 1795 that the Democrats in this town have run a full slate of candidates and we've met so many people who are thrilled to finally have a choice and a chance to open the debate again here in Schodack.
We want to hear from people what most concerns them so we can work together to get Schodack back on track!
Fundraiser at winery slated for tomorrow
Tomorrow, Thursday, September 17, the Democratic Club and Committee hosting a fundraiser for the candidates for Town Supervisor; Kristin Shaw, and those for Town Council, Elizabeth Gable and Joseph Visalli.
This winetasing event will be held at the Brookview Station Winery at Goold Orchards beginning at 7 p.m. Cost is $40 per person and $75 per couple.
We hope residents will come meet the candidates and support our campaign, so in the end, we can support you!
This winetasing event will be held at the Brookview Station Winery at Goold Orchards beginning at 7 p.m. Cost is $40 per person and $75 per couple.
We hope residents will come meet the candidates and support our campaign, so in the end, we can support you!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Water district consolidation
At a recent Town Board meeting, a public hearing was held to consider the consolidation of water districts 2A, 2B, 4 5, and 8 into water district #101. As there is no existing Board of Commissioners, the Town Board would oversee the district.
At the hearing, residents asked about the age of the infrastructure in the different districts, worried they will have to pay for a system that might break down. Engineer Jeff Budrow said he believes all systems in the town are not older than 20 years, and have a 100 year life span.
Resident Ray Lemka said he thinks the issue of consolidation should be up for permissive referendum, meaning the public would vote on the issue.
Another issue to be considered when considering this issue that has not been addressed by the board, is whether water from the Moordener Kill Creek could possibly contaminate the Town Hall well field on Route 150, the supply earmarked for the new district. Under state health department regulations, groundwater contamination would amost certainly mean the construction of a treatment plant; something that could cost the town millions.
I'd like to hear comments about this issue; the possibility of a permissive referendum, groundwater contamination and cost.
At the hearing, residents asked about the age of the infrastructure in the different districts, worried they will have to pay for a system that might break down. Engineer Jeff Budrow said he believes all systems in the town are not older than 20 years, and have a 100 year life span.
Resident Ray Lemka said he thinks the issue of consolidation should be up for permissive referendum, meaning the public would vote on the issue.
Another issue to be considered when considering this issue that has not been addressed by the board, is whether water from the Moordener Kill Creek could possibly contaminate the Town Hall well field on Route 150, the supply earmarked for the new district. Under state health department regulations, groundwater contamination would amost certainly mean the construction of a treatment plant; something that could cost the town millions.
I'd like to hear comments about this issue; the possibility of a permissive referendum, groundwater contamination and cost.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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I will keep you posted about the progress and events of my campaign for Schodack Town Supervisor.
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