Tuckahoe Village Departments

TUCKAHOE TALK
With Mayor John Fitzpatrick

The Quality of Life

September, 2008

When you are around politicians the words "quality of life" get thrown around quite a lot. I, too, have used them in this column and even in my literature mailed to voters. Since quality of life is an intangible concept, it cannot be measured with any yardstick or device. It consists of both our physical and psychological well-being. The fact that some are content with far less than others makes this catch-all phrase even harder to pin down. Certainly, increasing one’s freedoms and rights should increase one’s overall quality of life. But sometimes it is the limitations of rights that increase this elusive notion. As a Village we must view this concept as a collective and not as individuals.

One word that represents that which can disrupt our physical and psychological well-being is "pollution". A definition for pollution that truly suits is "a thing that occurs at such unnaturally high concentration within a system that it endangers the stability of that system." I like this definition since this "thing" can be just about anything; from chemicals in the air or water, light in your window, sex offenders, dog poop on the street, political lawn signs or noise. But what is the tipping point to the stability of the system?

The gauge cannot be a thing that annoys one person, since we all have our own version of what gets under our skin. The gauge also can’t be the actions of one person, even though one knucklehead who believes his life supersedes all those around him can be the cause of great stress to many. Some infringements simply come down to a lack of respect while technological advances drive others.

For some, air pollution is paramount. They suffer the carbon monoxide blowing through their windows from trucks climbing the hills of our community. This can create long term breathing issues or simply make their windows and furniture dirty. For those who suffer with chronic breathing difficulties, this can actually endanger their lives. Others feel noise is keeping us from nirvana. I must admit at moments I share this concern. The fact that I live with a wife, four children and a cat, can attest to my understanding of one’s sensory overload limitations. All the trucks, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, weedwackers, sirens, car alarms, barking dogs and blaring music are definitely reducing ones’ chances of having a peaceful day in Tuckahoe during the week.

To attain the quality of life we wish to possess, we set standards. Some of these standards have brought us other inconveniences that simply must be endured. For instance, the careful upkeep of one’s property is not only a standard, but in our best interest as well. With that comes the noise of lawn care or even construction. Individuals call and write my office regularly asking me to provide relief to what they believe is destroying their achievement of the pursuit of happiness. Occasionally, these fall into categories where there is no existing law to enforce, or even one to be written. Examples are those who believe that too many planes fly over Tuckahoe, or too many buses drive through the Village.

The term "Security Theater" was coined to describe measures that make people feel safer without significantly improving security in any real sense. We should avoid this kind of legislating at all costs. For example, sound ordinances that are too restrictive may make residents feel good but they can potentially outlaw all air conditioners or even the sound of traffic. This overreaching can make every noise an infraction and the law becomes unenforceable, thereby decreasing our quality of life.

Because I believe strongly in the protection of individual liberties, the consequences of action or inaction must be weighed during the consideration of each law or limitation. For me, all laws are dictated by how many people are suffering, or the potential thereof. In the spirit of full disclosure, I will list some of the things that drive me crazy. Perhaps I would even write to the Mayor, if I weren’t him.

1. 1. Car alarms. First of all, lately they only seem to be on cars that I couldn’t imagine anyone stealing anyway. And why does it seem that only the citizens who have these devices can’t hear them when they’re blaring and bothering the rest of us? Here is a tip to avoid car break-ins - Lock Your Doors.
   
2. 2. The knuckleheads who drive up and down the streets throwing the penny savers out their car windows that litter our Village. Also, the people who don’t pick them up from the front of their houses to throw them away. I realize without the first I wouldn’t have the other, but both aggravate me.
   
3. 3. Outdoor lighting. If it shines off your property and into the window of a neighbor, that’s unacceptable. A fifteen-foot high floodlight that makes some momentary duty in your life easier doesn’t belong annoying anyone.
   
4. 4. Finally — leaf blowers. Even during the spring and summer when there are no leaves they are used to blow dirt around. Here’s an idea — buy a broom.

Regarding the leaf blowers, some types are already outlawed due to emissions standards. Our code enforcement officer will be checking the contractors and residents using these devices to ascertain compliance throughout the coming leaf season. An all out ban is also possible from January through September, if the community believes in its merits. Please do me a favor and email me at Jfitzpatrick@tuckahoe-ny.com and let me know your thoughts on leaf blowers or any other subject.