Tuckahoe Village Departments

TUCKAHOE TALK
With Mayor John Fitzpatrick

A County Gathering

March, 2010

I was recently invited by newly elected County Executive Rob Astorino to a meeting at his offices in White Plains. This was just one of several he was holding with the many mayors and supervisors of Westchester County. My particular gathering consisted of a nicely blended group that embodied northern, central and southern representatives.

County Executive Astorino campaigned for his office promising serious change and in regards to Westchester County's spending and tax rates, the task is monumental. I have always felt the saying; "be careful what you wish for" is more relevant in politics than other areas. Nevertheless, he appears poised to attempt to deliver on that promise.

He started off explaining the projected deficit may be significantly larger than previously reported due to the continued decrease in revenues generated by sales and mortgage tax. He also cautioned communities should be careful using estimates from the county budget when doing their own budgets. In regard to his recommendation, each of us present had the decency to refrain from pointing out that no municipality in their right minds would ever use the county's projections. After he briefly outlined a plan to trim the manpower currently working for the county, he further explained his intent to seek realistic contracts reflective of our economic times from the unions with which he will soon be negotiating.

Following this he opened up the meeting to those assembled to hear our concerns. I'll summarize hopefully without sounding like I am detracting from my fellow electeds' thoughts. Their concerns focused on the high state pension's burdens and tax certioraris. One official asked if the county executive had any intention of calling for a countywide reassessment, to which the executive answered, "No."

In all fairness, at any time an individual municipality can call for a reassessment. No one needs to wait for the county. Of course, if the county mandated it they would receive "cover" with their constituents who may be opposed to such a move. Politicians love cover and are rarely seen roaming the battlefield exposed. In fact, I've learned the only time the word mandate isn't used derogatorily is when some official desires to use it as cover.

Now I realize each municipality big and small are all suffering under the weight of these realities, however, when it came my turn to address the County Executive I wanted to speak on matters directly within his control so that I could see results. Therefore, I started with my disappointment in the County Planning Department.

When Tuckahoe recently rezoned Marbledale Road from industrial to a commercial zone we added language for green construction. If developers were willing to incorporate renewable materials and energy into the project the village would allow density and (F.A.R.) floor area ratio bonuses. As with any zone change, the County Planning Department must be sent a copy of our proposal to offer their comment. The board explained they loved the green building language but felt it should be added without any incentive. I had a problem with this mindset.

In an economy where we are trying to entice development to ease our tax bur¬dens - why make it harder for potential investors? I decided to move the legislation forward without the recommendations of the County Planning Board because, in my opinion, they were delusional. Unfortunately, enactment without following this all mighty and all seeing board's recommendations requires a board to pass the measure by super majority. Thankfully, the Village of Tuckahoe's elected representatives understood the importance and voted 5-0 in favor. But not every community may be so lucky. If the County Board of Planners isn't in tune to the realities of economic growth brought about through development, then its members should be changed.

County Executive Astorino immediately assured us all he had already expressed these exact concerns to the seated board and would continue to address this matter. He then stole the thunder from my next gripe by adding the Health Commission was also under his scrutiny. My precise beef with that board occurred last year in association with Tuckahoe having the first confirmed case of Swine Flu in Westchester County. I first learned this fact when Channel 2 News contacted my office for a comment to the County Health Commissioner's press conference. This outbreak of swine flu (H1N1) eventually reached pandemic designation, and while for some it was tragic, thankfully for most it wasn't. That event was the perfect time to ensure the system was disseminating information and operating properly. The opportunity for residents of Westchester to see the value of funding the health commission was lost. If it fails to do so in circumstances that proved not to be catastrophic what are we to expect when the stakes are higher?

In my opinion, County Executive Astorino's strategy of listening is a good start. The Village Board of Tuckahoe is committed to assisting him in any way possible. Personally, I will continue to alert his office to all deficiencies from the county government and will gladly forward any of our residents' as well. In the spirit of that commitment, Deputy Mayor Steve Ecklond has accepted an appointment to serve as the Municipal Representative to the Westchester County Electrical Licensing Board. I know he will put his extraordinary work ethic to good use in his newly added capacity.