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Watch Village Board Meetings
Webcasting by Generoso Pope
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Tuckahoe Calendar |
On more than one occasion DPW Superintendent Frank DiMarco has praised his workers during a televised public meeting. This occurrence usually follows a snow or rainstorm. The moment it starts occurring I can feel the heat on my neck as my blood pressure ticks upward. You see, I have a problem with thanking workers for doing the job they are paid to do and I have even been known to get a little snippy. In the interest of fairness, Superintendent DiMarco isn't the lone Tuckahoe department head engaging in this behavior. Chief of Police John Costanzo righteously praises his officers for their record of volunteerism to our community for events like Bike Safety Day, and National Night Out Against Crime. However, he also, on occasion has a tendency to tell the public what a great job they are doing or report on some award or accreditation from an obscure organization unknown to us regular citizens.
Regardless of the havoc it wreaks on my blood pressure or the pained looks I've been informed I exhibit, neither these nor any other department heads for that matter really seem to care about my opinion on this topic. Ultimately, they all stand on TV pointing out what a great job their subordinates are accomplishing. Several of those whose counsel I respect have pointed out to me I should just relax. They say it's good for morale and, even though you are paid to do your job, hearing praise reminds workers they are valued. For me though, a mutual admiration society type of atmosphere, where everyone walks around saying, "You're the greatest!" "No, you're the greatest!" is distasteful. I also don't subscribe to administrations that pat themselves or their political allies on the back.
Given that no one has been following my unwritten sort of philosophy, it gave me reason to rethink it. Praising those who go above the expected level of their job is obviously reasonable. With that in mind, I decided to write a column specifically dedicated to the purpose of praising. You see, during this last year or so, Congresswoman Nita Lowey has been very attentive to our little village and we have been thereby well-funded in several areas. Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin have also aided Tuckahoe in our attempt to maintain our desirability through infrastructure improvements. Since none of these three are running for office this year, and no one could deem this political, the time was right for a literal "job well done" from me.
As we all watch what unfolds in both Albany and Washington D.C., it is apparent that we have chosen wise leadership. Unfortunately, that can't be said of all municipalities. My own glimpses into the halls of power have me convinced I would be ill-equipped to represent this area at that level. Our electeds exhibit a poise and demeanor I certainly couldn't muster. If in Albany, I most probably would have been quoted identifying Bronx Senator Espada as the greedy, thieving, lying dog that he appears to be and common decency dictates I not even point out what I would be calling with the D.C. Bunch. Nevertheless, I am amazed that each of our representatives is able to remain focused on the smallest parts of their jurisdiction like Tuckahoe, while still participating in the grand scheme of things. That grand scheme: in the case of Congresswoman Nita Lowey translates for all practical purposes to assisting in the saving of the entire world and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin continuing to author meaningful laws affecting the Great State of New York in the midst of madness.
This quick list below should illustrate my point quite clearly.
Money can come from the state and fed in several forms. Grant monies are one form and all three representatives regularly secure grants to assist our village. However, the above list does not include grant money. This list was dedicated specifically to accomplish Tuckahoe projects without raising village tax. Overall, my persistent seeking of funds for an unending list of projects falls short of begging on behalf of Tuckahoe, but it's damn close. Thankfully, these elected leaders tolerate my, let's call it, less than conventional approach even if I often leave them shaking their heads.