Tag Archives: Five Questions With…….

A. B.)What is the status in your efforts to open the Winery at St. George?

T. D.) This past November, I submitted two applications to the town of Yorktown. One was for
a Zone Change, and the other for a Special Use Permit as allowed under the town code.
Both applications are unfortunately progressing very slowly. The applications have been
referred to the various boards (Planning, Building, Conservation, Architecture Review,
etc.) each of which meets only once or twice a month. This is one of the reasons why it
usually takes a minimum of six (6) months to make any progress. In addition to the town
approvals, state approvals can add an additional six months. Now you can understand
why we are seeing a decrease in investments in new businesses. As an example, please
view the latest meeting we had before the Zoning Board of Appeals. The board would
not make a determination on a simple interpretation of the word “dwelling” despite the
vast amount of information we presented at the meeting. In addition, the parking plan
was re-referred to the planning board even though the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation gave the “OK”. You can watch a video of the meeting at the
Winery web site: www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com.

Government process and regulations across the entire spectrum of Local, State and
Federal Governments are stifling innovation and small businesses. This big government
approach gives more power to government officials and boards and takes away the rights
of individuals, landowners and businesses. It is the small businesses that create most of
the jobs and pay most of the taxes in our country. If we don’t start to encourage
innovative new and small businesses, we will continue to see an increase in empty
storefronts, office space and unemployment. These are serious problems and one of the
driving forces behind my campaign.
A. B.) What is the status in your efforts to get the Republican and Conservative Party
nomination for the 19 Congressional district?
T. D) I continue to meet with both the local Republican and Conservative Party leadership, and
I will be attending several candidates’ forums being sponsored by the five counties
represented by NY-19. Last week I spent a few days with my advisors in Washington
D.C. where I met top ranking members of both the House and Senate to discuss the
serious challenges we face as a country. We are at a tipping point economically as our
national debt continues to grow at the fastest pace in history. We have serious
international challenges regarding the proliferation of nuclear weapons within rogue
states, and we must view our domestic energy policy as a national security issue. The
democratic leadership in Washington is out of touch with the concerns of its citizens.
This November we have an opportunity to send a strong message to Washington and I’m
asking everyone to help support this effort.
A. B.)  What would you propose in congress to help businesses create jobs?

T. D.) If you look at the history of various forms of government throughout the world, you will
see a very distinct formula: Big Government = more taxes, struggling economies, high unemployment, less
innovation Less Government = lower taxes, thriving economies, low unemployment and strong
innovation. Finding the perfect balance should be our goal. Unfortunately, the Obama administration
is going down the path of “Big Government”!
This past fall I traveled to China as a guest of several Chinese businessmen and
government officials connected to the Chinese Wine Industry. Although they are still a
communist country, they are rapidly moving towards capitalism. The Chinese economy
continues to grow as they systematically reduce the burdens of government regulation.
Their economy is growing and thriving while ours is struggling and stagnating. They are
taking advantage of this shift in economic growth and power. We should be very
concerned about this.
In order to stimulate our economy and create jobs, we must create tax incentives for
investments in innovation, invention and small businesses. We need to shift the power to
the innovators and business owners while decreasing the power of “Big Government”.
These are some specific examples:
a. Streamline the bureaucratic procedures, processes and licensing requirements for
small businesses. This can be accomplished with a simple business process
reengineering that has been successful in the private sector. Most people who are
willing to invest in a business don’t have the luxury to wait 6-12 months before
they generate revenue.
b. Eliminate redundant agencies at the federal, state and local levels.
c. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has caused the number of IPOs (Initial Public
Offerings) in this country to drop significantly. We need to amend or replace this
legislation.
d. The US Patent and Trademark office needs to be revamped, as it takes between 3
to 5 years for a patent to be issued.
e. Most importantly, we need LESS GOVERNMENT!
A. B.)What do you think the State should do to ease the taxes (property or otherwise) on New
Yorkers?
T. D.) The federal government continues to put a heavy financial burden on the states. The
newly enacted health insurance bill requires states to fund the cost of the uninsured. In
New York this will add a significant increased tax burden to our residents. The state
needs to tighten its financial belt, just as we are all expected to do to manage our personal
budgets. They need to reduce spending across the board. One area that would help
greatly is with government workers. There is a great disparity between the benefits
offered to government workers and those in the private sector. The state needs to require
government workers to share some of the cost of their pension programs and their health
insurance plans. Exclusions to this would apply to law enforcement & firefighters as
these brave individuals put their life on the line for us every day.
We also need to increase our tax base by encouraging the development and creation of
businesses. We need to take examples from the Ronald Regan playbook. Reducing taxes
across the board is the single greatest contributor to economic growth. We can’t continue
down the slippery slope of tax and spend. It just doesn’t work!
A. B.)How would you handle the problem of illegal immigration? What do you think the
country should do for those already here?
T. D.) There are 11 million illegal immigrants in our country and approximately 80% of them
come through the Mexican border. These immigrants put an economic strain on the
country because they utilize services yet don’t pay income tax. In addition, we must be
cognizant of the threat from terrorist cells that may try to utilize our vulnerabilities at this
vast border for future attacks on our homeland.
As we look to find creative solutions to these problems, we must take into consideration
the following: Legal immigration has been woven into the fabric of our country since its
inception, and it should continue. There are many jobs in the US for unskilled workers,
especially in the areas of agriculture, physical labor and traditional domestic work.
However, these workers must register and follow the laws of our land, and they must pay
income tax.

My plan would include:
a. Increase border security by utilizing state-of-the-art technology and surveillance
systems.
b. Have a “zero tolerance” policy for employers who hire illegal immigrants by
instituting sever fines and penalties for violating the law.
c. Provide a streamline process to register the current illegal immigrant population
and determine their eligibility to stay, work and pay taxes here. This includes a
fundamental overhaul to our work visa programs and deportation for noncompliance.
d. Immediately deport anyone who violates the law, especially for violent crimes.
e. Eliminate the restraint on local law enforcement agencies that currently restricts
their ability to report illegal immigrants.

”

On Tuesday March 23, a major overhaul in the relationship between us and our federal government occurred when President Obama signed into law the National health Care legislation passed by congress. With that signing, health care became a right. No matter what one my feel about this legislation, it is historic.

In that light, I asked nine elected official not previously part of the Question and Answer series their opinion of this new law. Four took the time out of their busy schedule to let you know what they think. I thank them for participating.

Anthony. J. Bazzo 

Question: What is your opinion of the new Health care Law?  How do you think it will affect your constituents?

 Don Bennett Jr.Deputy Mayor City of Peekskill

Health Care reform is necessary  in order to provide support for families in need. The process may not be neat and clean, but if prior administrations and congress had done even smaller steps  previously,  we would not be facing the push back today. Locally the reform will have minimal immediate effect. However after full implementation  time families, small businesses and the  community will receive better health services without financial risk.

Drew Claxton, Peekskill City Councilwoman

The Health Reform bill that became law this week is an historic accomplishment.  The bill reigns in the worst practices of the insurance industry and expands coverage to nearly 95% of Americans. No child in the Unites States will ever be denied insurance because they were born with a health defect, no family will go bankrupt because their coverage was capped at an arbitrarily low threshold, seniors will no longer be denied reimbursement for their prescriptions, and, in this difficult jobs climate, young adults can remain on their parent’s coverage through age 26. This was accomplished with fiscal prudence and works to cut the waste and fraud that has driven our healthcare premiums through the roof. This bill is a win-win-win: a win for millions of people who have been denied insurance, a win for controlling healthcare costs, and a win for the long-term fiscal health of our country.

Marybeth McGowan Peekskill City Councilwoman

I’ve worked in the healthcare industry my entire career.  Reform is and will continue to be a challenge, but it is necessary.  This health care bill took the first steps toward insuring what I believe is a basic right – healthcare coverage for all citizens.   Is it perfect?  I suspect not.   But some critical items have been addressed that affect many of my constituents positively, like extending coverage for their dependents to age 26, insuring that they cannot lose their coverage for pre-existing conditions should they change or lose their job.  Tax credits and insurance exchanges will make affordable insurance available to small businesses and individuals who previously could not afford it.   And, it will provide some cost reduction to seniors for prescription drugs.  It may not be perfect, but it is hopefully the beginning of true reform.     

Peter J. Tripodi IV Councilman , Town of Ossining

The health insurance debate is a very important discussion this country should have had years ago.  However, the bill that passed Congress last week was not about healthcare reform at all.  It was about the freedom to choose and the role of government in this choice – a strong statement I believe many of my Democratic colleagues can identify with.  I went a little over a year without health insurance; BECAUSE I CHOSE TO DO SO.  Many people in their 20’s (I am 24) go without health insurance simply because we do not want it.  Now the federal government is going to tell us that we must have health insurance? Am I supposed to honestly believe that the government knows what is best for me, even more than I do?  Every man has faults and this simple theory applies for government as well; no government is perfect.  In the words of George Washington, “Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.”

A.B.) You have spent the bulk of your legal career as a public defender. With more lucrative options available, why did you choose this area of law?

 J.M.) My father was a strong believer in public service.  He taught me at a young age that we had a moral obligation to do what we could to help those less fortunate. A second influence was President John F. Kennedy. By the time I was in high school I knew that public service was my path. For me the whole reason to go to law school was to acquire a skill to be of assistance to people in need.

I have been with the Legal Aid Society in the Bronx for over 33 years now and have dedicated my adult life to the ideal that my father instilled in me so many years ago.  We provide legal assistance to indigent people accused of crimes.  It’s true that had I chosen a more lucrative path I would be living a more financially comfortable life today. From my point of view I have been blessed by being able to perform a job I love for a lifetime.

A.B.) You voted for the creation of the Department of Labor Relations and for Eric DiBartolo to head it.  So what changed your mind that caused you to vote for its elimination?

J.M.)When we voted to create the Director of Labor Operations we were faced with vexing issues that demanded immediate help. The ball fields at Legacy Field were just one part of that situation.  We took note that during snowstorms the Highway Superintendent was able to employ people from various departments to help in the task at hand. This utilization of the labor force looked like a wonderful model which could be applied to situations beyond snow removal. So the new position gave the Director of Labor Operations the power to shift the work force around as he saw fit depending on the needs of the town.

As time went on it became clear to me that the law creating the position was too vague. The job itself was not clearly defined.  It was evident that its biggest strength was also its biggest weakness.  It put an enormous amount of power in one person’s hands.  So much so that it really compromised the independence of several departments. The department of Parks and Recreation was essentially cut in half. Other departments experienced similar changes.  We are talking here about organizational design.  From my perspective, I have always favored the department approach in delivering town services. I prefer this approach because the departments have distinctively different missions. I felt that from a structural point of view we were better off going back to the department design that existed prior to 2007. This is why I voted to rescind the position of Director of Labor Operations. I think it is important to note that EVERY department (including Highway) needs the equipment and level of manpower to do their respective jobs effectively.  No matter which structure is employed it is imperative that the departments be adequately staffed!

A.B.) There has been discussion of a dog park and it’s liability to Yorktown residents. Yorktown is not a city. Why can’t people just walk their dogs in their neighborhood?  Why should all Yorktown tax payers be on the hook for liability so people can have a special place to walk their dogs?

J.M.)I can see you don’t like the dog park concept very much.  The town provides its citizens a myriad of services.  We are asked from time to time to expand those services.  The skate board park is one example of that.  We have required that the creation and maintenance of the dog park be revenue neutral.  I am assured by our insurance expert that this park will not increase our premiums one cent.  The real issue at the Trump Park site is whether or not there is asbestos in the buildings.  However if that issue can be resolved I think the park will happen at that site. My question to you is if we can provide a place for dog owners to walk their dogs at no expense to the town then why not do it?

A.B.) Many people say one thing that could control the cost of health care is tort reform. What is tort reform and do you think it should be considered in any reform of health care costs?

J.M.)Tort reform takes different forms in different bills.  It generally means caps on jury verdicts in civil cases. An application of its underlying principle would be our no fault car insurance law which places threshold requirements before a lawsuit based on a car accident can be initiated. I am hesitant to limit a jury’s power to award damages to an aggrieved party. The leaders of tort reform are rightfully concerned about the possibility of an excess monetary verdict from a “runaway jury” and its ultimate effect on our health care system. However it is critical to understand that such a verdict can be modified dramatically by the trial judge. Perhaps a compromise solution would be to legislatively mandate an intensified judicial review and scrutiny of monetary awards in civil cases.

A.B.) You have been a councilman going on twenty years. Is seeking another term in your future?  Have you thought about throwing your hat in the ring for the race for the 99 Assembly District?

J.M.)It has been my honor to serve the people of Yorktown for over 18 years.  Words cannot describe how gratifying it has been. No matter how long I serve I always feel that there are so many things yet to accomplish.  At the top of my list is the construction of a new senior center.  I certainly would like to see that completed before my present term is concluded.  I have not considered a run for the Assembly nor have I thought about re election. Thank you for asking these thoughtful questions. I would like to invite you to appear on my cable show All About Town so we can talk further about town issues.

A.B.) This is your first run for public office. What was the tipping point that made you enter the arena? Have you been able to garner any support from the Republican Party leaders?

N.H.)The tipping point came when I saw the President and a Democratic supermajority in Congress over-reach and misinterpret their election as a mandate for the federal government to spend more, tax more, and expand its size and scope in ways that will forever weaken our country and imperil its future.  I’m a first-generation American; my mother immigrated here because she knew that the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution would provide her with the opportunity she needed to work hard and make a life for herself.  And now this Congress and our President are endangering those opportunities for our children and grandchildren.  They are steeply plunging America deeper into debt with so-called “stimulus” spending that has netted not one new job in the District or the country; the endless series of “bailouts” have made the federal government a much more dominant force in our economy than is wise or healthy.  They will cause further damage if they impose “cap-and-trade,” raising energy costs and making it harder for businesses and families to afford to remain in our already overburdened, overtaxed Hudson Valley.  And if their health-care plan becomes law, we’ll lose the quality, choice, and innovation that Americans expect and deserve, while the cost of our medical care will skyrocket—and ALL taxpayers, including those in the middle class, will be stuck with the bill.

Congressman Hall has voted for every element of this unaffordable agenda.  I am running to replace him, reverse the disastrous course of the current Congress, and advance policies that will keep our country in its rightful position as the world’s leading economic and military power.  I will oppose “stimulus,” bailouts, and earmark pork; I will work to balance the federal budget.  I will strive to put more money into our citizens’ pockets in the private sector, that creates jobs and innovates, by preserving the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, abolishing the death tax, and reducing the capital gains tax.  More of my goals for the Congress are described in the answers below.

We have received dozens of endorsements, including the unanimous endorsement of nine Republican committees thus far and many more from prominent Republican officials, officeholders, and citizens.  A complete list can be found at

http://www.nanhayworth.com/nan-hayworth-endorsements.asp.  I’ve also been recognized by the National Republican Congressional Committee as a Contender in their competitive Young Guns program.  This designation shows that the NRCC is impressed by my campaign’s organization and fundraising, and that they feel I’m in a good position to win.  There are only 20 Contender races in the entire country, and right now I’m the only woman who’s a Contender.

 A.B.) Unlike most members of congress and the President himself, you have a medical background. Give us a quick synopsis.  Most people agree the there should be some reform to health care.  We know that our present congressman believes that government should control it. How would you tackle this issue?

N.H.)My M.D. degree is from Cornell University Medical College.  I completed residency in Ophthalmology (specialty care of the eyes) in 1989, at which point I began my solo practice in Mount Kisco.  This was also my small business, so I have a good understanding of the challenges of caring for patients and of running a small business.  In 1996 I became a partner in the Mount Kisco Medical Group, where I remained until retiring from full-time practice in 2005, to spend a couple of years being a full-time mom to my two sons (now ages 19 and 17).  I served on the teaching faculty of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where I did my residency, throughout my years of practice.  I’ve also been an expert reviewer for the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct.

I share the dismay and anger of millions of Americans at a Congress and President who are trying every legislative trick they can find to nationalize health care against the will of the American public–jeopardizing the choice, quality, and innovation that our citizens expect and deserve, while raising costs that will be paid for in more taxes, including heavy new burdens on small businesses and the middle class.  As a nation, we do need to improve access to care at an affordable price, and to control our skyrocketing medical expenditures, and we will only achieve these goals effectively and fairly by allowing Americans to make their own decisions.  We must eliminate barriers to selling insurance policies across state lines; allow individuals to arrange for pretax Health Savings Accounts and to purchase only the insurance they need; enable individuals and small businesses to associate to purchase health plans; afford individuals and small businesses the same tax benefits on health-plan premiums that are available to those who work for large employers; and reform medical liability to reduce the enormous cost of defensive medicine.

A.B.) Energy independence. We are a petroleum based economy for now and in the near future. Our last Republican Congresswoman Sue Kelly and our present Congressman John Hall have voted against domestic off shore drilling. What is your position on tapping our natural untapped reserves?

 N.H.)Congress must allow an increase in domestic oil production.  Estimates by the Department of Energy indicate that as much as 30 billion barrels of crude oil are available within our territory, and scientists from Cornell University have estimated that 60 billion barrels of shale oil could be retrieved from the Gulf of Mexico—in total, nearly 10 times the 10 billion barrels we’ve imported from Saudi Arabia since the beginning of this decade.  We must reduce our reliance on foreign nations for fossil fuels, which leaves us vulnerable to hostile regimes that can disrupt our energy supplies.  Too much of what we spend on foreign oil has ended up in the hands of rogue regimes and terrorist organizations bent on destroying our democracy, against whom we must expend further billions in defense.

America should, at the same time, actively develop the cleanest, most sustainable energy sources via the free market.  These sources include solar, geothermal, wind, hydroelectric, and biofuel, as well as nuclear power.  Today, America has 104 nuclear power plants, producing 20 percent of our electricity, all of which are more than 30 years old. In contrast, France produces 80 percent of its electricity using nuclear power.  New generations of reactors use fuel more completely and pose fewer environmental risks than the generation of reactors currently on line. New plants should be located in areas that minimize risk to our population and to the environment.

We must also upgrade and enhance our electric grid, replacing power lines that lose as much as 30% of their electricity between source and destination. 

A.B.) This leads us to man-made global warming. In spite of the recent revelations regarding the “science behind this theory, our present Congressman still supports “cap-and-trade” which is based on this now questionable science. What is your view of man made global warming and cap-and trade?

N.H.)I am opposed to cap-and-trade.  It would more accurately be called cap-and-tax, and it is a bad idea for several reasons:  it sets unrealistic goals that would require sacrifices that Americans cannot sustain, undermining our economy; it puts into place a complex system of carbon-emission credits that will unfairly favor certain industries and special interests; and the cost of the credits system will make life unbearably expensive for our consumers and increase the cost of our goods.  The United States will lose businesses and jobs to countries that refuse to abide by the same restrictions.

Recent controversies regarding the scientific evidence of global warming indicate that we must regard any claims with skepticism, which is what true scientists are supposed to do.  Pending the presentation of a more iron-clad case for man’s role in global warming, it’s still a reasonable goal to utilize energy wisely, to conserve resources, and to minimize pollution.  Again, these are goals that should be pursued within the free market, not via government interventions that punish American consumers and businesses.

A.B.) You have a small business, a medical practice. It seems New York is at war with small businesses. Are there any particular taxes and regulations that you would advise our state legislature to roll back that would make New York more business friendly?

N.H.)Having had my own solo practice from 1989 to 1996, I’m well-versed in the challenges our businesses face here in the Hudson Valley.  Much of the spending at the county and local level is mandated by the State of New York, which provides insufficient money, in turn forcing local officials to raise property taxes.  This is why we suffer under the second highest state and local tax burden in the nation.  It’s why more than 1.5 million people—most of them taxpayers–have left our state over the past 10 years.  It’s also the reason it’s so hard to attract new companies and new business to New York, and to keep the employers we have.  All of these factors erode our tax base, putting even more pressure on local officials to raise property taxes on the payers who remain.  It is a vicious cycle, and Albany must now put an iron-clad cap on property taxes, impose no further unfunded mandates on our communities, and reduce the regulatory burdens that needlessly subject small businesses to needless and expensive paperwork.

In addition, the MTA tax places an intolerable burden on our local businesses, and this tax should be abolished.

As a federal legislator, I will work to further reduce the tax pressures on our businesses by reducing the capital gains tax, easing the flow of investment capital.  And small business owners who pay personal income taxes will benefit from permanently extending the federal tax cuts of 2001 and 2003, and from eliminating the estate tax.

A.B.) A little quick background. When did you join the Peekskill police force? What different positions and rank have you held? What are your present duties?  Family status?

E.J.) I am married with three children. I joined the City of Peekskill Police Department in February of 1994 and attended the Westchester County Police Academy.  At the time, Chief Eugene Tumolo had just taken over the department and there had been many retirements the year prior so the city put four of us in the academy at once which was, and still is, unusual.  I remember being very excited about joining the department.  At the same time, though, I was a bit apprehensive as I had spent my entire life growing up in Peekskill.  I was afraid that it would be difficult to police a city where I knew so many people but as it turns out, there has been nothing better than interacting with the members of this community on a daily basis.

In November of 1998 I was promoted to the rank of Detective and spent six (6) years in the Detective Bureau.  For the first four years I worked mostly narcotics cases where I had the opportunity to work with many different agencies on the County, State, and Federal level.  Around 2002 the Chief formed a full time narcotics unit which has been extremely successful.  This move basically split the Detective Bureau into two units, Narcotics, and General Investigations.  I moved into the General Investigations Unit and spent the next two years investigating many different types of crimes from the routine, to the most serious.

In October of 2004 I was promoted to Patrol Sergeant where I was assigned to the 4 to 12 shift.  This was a challenge as it was the busiest shift and this was the first time I had ever been a supervisor.  Thankfully the shift was full of eager cops who enjoyed their job and required very little motivation. 

In July of 2006 I was promoted to Detective Sergeant and assigned to command the Detective Bureau after my former boss and longtime Detective Sergeant, Mark O’Buck, retired.  Mark had been a Peekskill Police Officer for over 30 years and I knew it would be difficult to replace him.  The bureau at the time was very experienced and still continues to be one of the finest in the state.   I also was assigned to be the spokesperson for the Police Department and took on the responsibility of interacting with print, radio, and television media. 

In January of 2009 I was promoted to Lieutenant and once again to the 4 to 12 shift where I was the watch commander.  With the recent retirement of Lt. Gary Dasecke, I have now been assigned to command the Patrol Division.  This is an assignment I am looking forward to as it is the largest division in the police department.  Patrol is often referred to as the “backbone” of any police department and I couldn’t think of a better way to describe it. 

A.B.) What are the most pronounced differences from when you started to date?

 E.J.) Of course there are many technological differences such as mobile computers, in car video, and license plate readers, however I think the biggest change is in the philosophy of how we police the community.  Police Officers today have become much more resourceful and are skilled at solving problems that go far beyond the traditional law enforcement role.  I remember very early on in my career, Chief Tumolo brought in a college professor who specialized in community policing and explained that it was a department wide philosophy that would take 15 to 30 years to implement.

 It was obvious the Chief was committed to the approach and the steps he has taken over his career including the formation of a full time Community Policing Unit and Narcotics Unit, have brought the department a long way.  Our cops are encouraged to focus on customer service and to recognize that we have the responsibility and capacity to solve many of the issues that come our way utilizing a vast array of resources that are available.  This has helped to change the face of the city and ultimately improve the quality of life of the thousands of residents and visitors. 

  A.B.) When one reads the police blotters, it seems that the Peekskill force has to deal with a different set of quality of life crime. This leads to a perception that Peekskill is not safe. Does this perception trouble you? What has the department done to change that perception? 

E.J.) I don’t know if Peekskill is dealing with a different set of quality of life crime, but it is a city, and as such does tend to have more quality of life issues when compared to the many communities that border us.  Peekskill’s diverse population, which includes both demographic and socio-economic divergences, makes for wide spectrum of people who one may encounter on any given day.  I think this is what sets Peekskill apart from other communities and in a positive way.  Sure you will find crime in our police blotters, and yes, sometimes these crimes are shocking and/or violent, however it is no different than other communities.  In fact, Peekskill has a very low crime rate when compared to other similar cities and towns throughout the county.  Much of the violent crime in Peekskill can be attributed to social issues and is most often the result of inter-personal relationships.  To call Peekskill unsafe is upsetting to me, as it is a complete misconception. 

Tens of Thousands of people visit our city annually and enjoy the culture we have to offer.  They come to see a show at the Paramount, eat in one of our many fine restaurants, or attend one of the many different festivals offered at the Riverfront or downtown during the warmer months.  Most come back year after year and few, if any, encounter anything that would remotely make them feel unsafe.  As a police department we are committed to keeping our residents and visitors safe and this is evident in the way we deploy our manpower.  Our police officers are encouraged to get out of their cars and walk and talk with the people, and they can be seen on foot or on bicycles downtown and at the Riverfront during festivals and celebrations.

We also deploy plain clothes officers on patrol on a regular basis who are tasked with taking a proactive approach to crime prevention.  They are trained to spot criminal activity before it happens and take steps to ensure those responsible are held accountable. 

In addition, our Community Policing Unit sets up informational booths at large gatherings and takes the time to discuss such topics as the dangers of drugs, how to keep your children safe, and different crime prevention techniques.   They also attend meetings with neighborhood associations, school groups, and other organizations to discuss topics such DWI and Domestic Violence prevention.

Detectives are out in force successfully following up on reported crimes and clearing them with arrests.  They are also actively engaged in communicating with community residents who are suspicious of illicit activity and maintain a consistent effort in their enforcement of narcotics offenses.  Behind the scenes we have a full time training officer who ensures our cops receive the most up to date training available, and an officer who specializes in finding outside funding for the department in the form of state and federal grants.

This multi-pronged approach which was instituted by Chief Tumolo has been very successful and the people who live in, visit, or are considering visiting Peekskill can be assured they can do so safely. 

A.B.) Peekskill has a more diverse population from national origin, race and disparity of income compared to the surrounding communities. Does this disparity make it more difficult when interacting with the citizens? What does the department do to mitigate problems?

E.J.) The diverse population of Peekskill certainly presents a challenge, especially the different cultures that we now see in the city.  Often times what one segment of the population sees as a norm, another does not, and the subsequent culture clash that occurs must be dealt with.  Education is the key in these situations and to that end we are committed to informing all segments of our diverse community of the laws and codes that we must regulate. 

As a police force we are lucky in a sense that there are clear laws for us to follow and we remain committed to applying these laws justly and fairly as opposed to arbitrarily or capriciously.  This does not mean, though, that we are intolerant as we do encourage our officers to exercise good judgment and discretion when appropriate.    

However, by its very nature, policing will bring about instances where people are unhappy with a particular outcome.  To this end, the Peekskill Police Department takes all complaints about the service we provide very seriously.  There is a very specific procedure in place whereby complaints are investigated and when warranted or appropriate action is taken.  I am proud to say that we receive very few complaints on an annual basis which in my opinion is indicative of the fact we are a professional organization whose goal is to provide the best service possible to the City of Peekskill. 

 A.B.) Can you name that one incident that when you went home; you said to yourself “this is why I wanted to be a policeman?”  

E.J.) This is the one question that everyone seems to ask and yet it is probably the most difficult to answer.  After 16 plus years on the job, to pick out one incident is virtually impossible as there have been so many.  Some, such an arrest of a murder suspect, are rewarding in that you know you did your part to bring justice to a grieving family, remain difficult to classify as rewarding as you know how devastated the victim’s family and friends are at the loss. 

There are times I get calls from people who I’ve arrested who are serious substance abusers who have told me that I saved their life, or others where a lost child or missing person has been located because of the team effort that is put in by an entire shift that stand out.  It’s like the time I met you, your first day as a taxi driver and I pulled you over for a minor infraction and gave you a warning.  You have often told me that stop helped you to become a better driver which ultimately has lead to a successful business.

I think the best way to answer this question is to draw on an entire career and I can truly say that I know I made the right choice in being a police officer because I know I have helped countless people.  There are times I get calls from people who I’ve arrested who are serious substance abusers who have told me that I saved their life, or others where a lost child or missing person has been located because of the team effort that is put in by an entire shift that stand out. 

The best part about being cop, though, has to be the camaraderie that is shown by the people you work with, particularly in times of tragedy and/or turmoil.  Police Officers are a special breed and will help one another out at the drop of a hat.  Maybe it’s because they give their life to helping others, often at the expense of their own friends and family.  Or maybe that’s why they become cops, because they want to help.  Either way, I’m thankful that I work for a Chief who loves his profession, the citizens of Peekskill, and the officers who work for him and I’m equally thankful that I work with those who I consider to be the finest police officers in the country.

 As I’m writing this I’ve got patrol officers working double shifts to ensure the safety of the city during a monumental snowstorm while their loved ones are at home; homes that was also affected by the storm and is without power or telephone.  Thankfully the families of police officers are as unselfish as they come and understand the commitment that their husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, or brothers and sisters have undertaken.  While everyday it may be something totally different, it is always the same, we as police officers are out there helping people and that’s the best part.

In the spirit of full discloser, Sam and I have known each other for over 30 years; in fact, I went to high school with his younger brother Angelo.  A. B.

–And you know Andy; even then you were always into things political including student government.  S. O.

A.B.) For years you were a Republican, and then in 1996 you switched parties and became a registered Democrat.  Why did you make the switch?  Also why do you continue to enjoy support even though you as a Democrat represent a decidedly Republican district?  In the end, as far as local politics is concerned, do party labels really matter?

 S. O.) Yes Andy, I was a registered Republican until 1996 when the whole “get rid of the PV police” fiasco enveloped our Town.  I thought it so ironic that the Republican Party, which always touted itself as the Law and Order Party, would want to abolish our own police force.  The Democrats in Town, led by the late Jim Gordon, defended our police department and I found myself aligning with their position.  I was also very supportive of our police department because the men and women in the department saved my Dad’s life twice with their rapid response when he was having heart problems and saved mine once when I was bee stung.  My vocal support of the police force caused an enormous rift between some of the more extreme Republicans and myself.  I felt I simply could not serve in a moderate and constructive manner under the extremism of the then local Republican Party.  The Democrats recruited me with open arms and I have been a moderate Democrat ever since.  But remember Andy that was almost 15 years ago.  Please know that the extremists of the local Republican Party ceased being involved in the Party back in the late 90s.  I have always remained good friends with the many moderates in the Republican Party and I suppose that’s why I do well at election time.  People understand that when I am serving the public, I am serving all the public, not just those in one particular party.  I also like to consider myself a Truman Democrat or a Rockefeller Republican.  Both were moderates who represented the best of the dominant political parties.  Democrat or Republican, Conservative or Independent; we all deserve the right to fair, solid and hard-working representation which is what I like to believe I provide.

A.B.) You work for the Putnam Valley School District as an assistant principal you are also a Putnam County Legislator representing district #2.  This puts you in the position of understanding the effects of un-funded mandates both from the federal and state level on both property and school taxes. Can you name a couple of these unfunded mandates that would not cost higher governing bodies anything but lower the cost of county and school budgets?

S. O.) YES!  This is a topic that is near and dear to me.  Andy, the Federal Government through “No Child Left Behind” legislation has mandated that every child from 3rd-8^th grade be tested in math and English.  This testing has cost local school districts millions in hiring substitute teachers while staff members are grading the tests, millions in providing remediation to our students who (just based on these 2 tests) are believed to be in need remediation, and millions on the part of the State itself in test acquisition from various test publishing companies.  The Federal Government should concentrate on overall student performance and not just bullet students during a 4 day testing marathon that is both traumatic to students and disruptive to the educational process.  You know Andy, for well over 100 years of public education in this country; our schools have produced some of the best and brightest minds without any reliance upon mandatory testing.  Why the Federal Government thinks we now need this testing is beyond me.  ‘No Child Left Behind” is a plethora of wealth to the test publishing companies yet truth be told, our nation’s graduation rates have stayed about the same.  The mandate should be replaced by increasing the current educational standards and requirements for teachers presently in the profession, and also for those entering the field of education at our colleges and universities. 

 The other educational boondoggle (this time from the State) is the Wicks Law. This law requires that public construction projects be put out to separate bids for jobs such as plumbing, electrical work and the combined elements of heating, ventilation and air conditioning.  This has consistently cost school districts big money when doing any type of school based construction.  A central contractor cannot be used and each job has to be sublet out.  What a waste of time and taxpayer money!  Imagine trying to do some work on your house and you’re told that you have to subcontract each part of the entire project.  What a nightmare!  Repeal this thing at no cost and let’s save some real money in our Districts.

As far as the County goes, one of the mandates that just heats my pipes is the requirement that we must provide full dental, mental and medical care to our prisoners when they are incarcerated in our County jail.  I can understand taking care of an inmate if they are facing a medical emergency, but to be forced to provide dental, medical and (if needed) mental health services regardless of whether the care is deemed emergency related or not; just rubs me the wrong way.  It costs our County hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to provide these services to individuals who have broken the law.  Again, I’m not talking about emergency care Andy; I’m talking about care that many of our law-abiding citizens do not receive.  This is just wrong!  Let’s kill this mandate and get back to the real world. 

Another unfunded mandate concerns our County pre-school program.  Not the actual educational component, but the mandate that states that the County must provide transportation to the program.  Our pre-school program is a dynamic and important service to our families and their children.  The program remediates pre-kindergarten children who may have some learning difficulties or emotional concerns that could hinder their educational performance when they enter school.  The program is really necessary even though it costs a great deal.  The hang-up is that the County must also transport these children to their care facility.  This compounds the cost and makes this program one of the most expensive the county runs.  I have always believed that the home school district bus service should supply the transportation, not the County.  This would allow the County to put its transportation expenses into the actual remedial services that are so necessary, and not into busing which the home school districts could easily provide.

A.B.) A big issue to this day is the unfairness of our School, Town and County taxes being tied to property.  You have been outspoken on this for years. What possible solutions to this unfairness if you had your way, would you propose?

S. O.) This is simple, Andy.  All School, Town and County taxes should be tied to income and not this current unfair and medieval property tax.  Property tax in NY State currently decimates our young families just starting out and our seniors who in many cases are on fixed incomes.  Both groups statistically have less income, but because property determines the wealth of the individual in NY, these same individuals can be taxed at the same rate as the millionaire next door.  My Mom is on a fixed income and yet pays almost as much as I do in local taxes.  That’s just crazy Andy and innately unfair.  Income is the harbinger of wealth in this country, so let’s use that as the common denominator for local funding. 

Assemblywoman Galef is taking the lead in this discussion with a hybrid of property and income tax (she calls it the “Circuit Breaker”).  It’s a first step Andy, but we need to do more.  We should also, as I referenced earlier, stop the unfunded mandates that (in many cases) are just plain dumb.

A.B.) Gun control.  NY State has the most restrictive gun control laws in the nation.  Yet it seems these controls hurt ordinary citizens.  How do you view this issue?

S. O.) You know Andy I’m a former military police officer who served in the US Army.  When I got out of the Army I wanted to continue keeping up my marksmanship with a pistol and applied for a NY State Gun Permit.  It took a very long time and a ton of hoops to jump through to get that permit.  I applaud our State for being so vigilant about gun ownership.  Yet, we still have some NY representatives in Washington and within our State asking to restrict our State’s gun laws even further.  What they should be doing is to leave NY alone and instead urge the rest of the US to adopt our current permitting policy.  As you’ve said many times Andy, you don’t have to hunt to understand the 2^nd Amendment guaranteed freedom.  Leave NY alone and let’s get the rest of the nation on board by requiring our NY State gun licensing procedures to be the national norm.  This would definitely prevent the irresponsible and dangerous use of handguns by   those not competent to own a firearm.  The US needs to fully ban the incompetent and dangerous applicant from owning a pistol, but not the pistol itself.  After all is said and done, it’s always the person that’s pulls the trigger, not the other way around.

A.B.) You have an enviable record as a legislator. You enjoy support across party lines. Have you any thoughts of higher office either on the county level or state level?  

S. 0.) What a great question to end with.  Right now Andy I have a great balance between my assistant principal job at PV HIGH SCHOOL and my position as District #2 Putnam County Legislator.  I absolutely love what I do in both arenas.  I’ve always enjoyed the helping professions and know that this is the type of work I will do until I die.  Who knows though, perhaps when I retire in a few years from school (or sooner) something at a higher level may need my kind of governmental experience and support.  You see Andy, I love the Hudson Valley and especially Putnam County, and so if I can serve this area in a greater capacity, I would certainly give it great thought.  I’ve always believed that life presents opportunities at every turn; I’m always vigilant about those opportunities

Thank you Andy, I really enjoyed this round of questions. Take care and remember, Carpe Diem!

A.B.) After many years on the outside you are now inside the arena. What did you expect it to be like? What have you encountered that you did not expect?

S.S.) It’s been a hectic six weeks that’s been a combination of expectations and surprises. I came into office with a full agenda of what I thought needed to be done and what I wanted to accomplish, and once I took office I just kept adding items to my “to do” list. The only things I couldn’t add were more hours in the day and more days in the week.

I knew I’d be faced with an array of unfinished business; I just didn’t know how much. Things that simply had not been taken care of over the past year, like renewing contracts with Cablevision and the Yorktown Theater, negotiating a new contract with the CSEA (they’ve been without a contract now for over a year), the Dog Park lease, the unexpected junior golf league plan for Shallow Creek, and pending legislative initiatives like the proposed tree ordinance that the previous board discussed for two years. I even found a December letter in my in-box threatening to sue the town for lack of attention to a handicapped access issue after having made promises to correct the illegal situation for two years.

There have also been some monetary surprises. Like the failure of the previous board to set aside $170,000 in the 2010 budget to pay a legal judgment that was coming due, or any money for pending tax certiorari settlements. Also, the fact that expenditures for snow removal for 2009 will hit the $1 million mark – although only $639,500 was budgeted for that line item.

On a positive note, I’ve gotten to know more of our employees, and have observed first hand their dedication to the job. It’s been a heartening experience to have individuals come up to me and ask how they can help and how we can work together.

A.B.) How will Governor Paterson’s proposed budget affect the finances of Yorktown? Can you name some unfunded mandates that if eliminated could lower the cost of town government?

S.S.) The MTA payroll tax is the first and most immediate one that comes to mind. That’s costing us approximately $58,000. Now I know that the MTA needs to be funded, and that many of our residents use MTA facilities, but I’m not convinced that the payroll tax is the best way to fund our regional transportation needs.

A change in state law that mandates us to pay prevailing wages when we do projects on town property would also be a tremendous savings for us. We’re also unsure if we’ll receive the $240,000 we usually get for road paving and whether the $250,000 we were promised a few years ago for renovations to the YCCC will ever be forthcoming.

But the state picture isn’t totally bleak. Last week I met with officials from the DOT and learned that the state is beginning design work for improvements to the Stony St/Bear Mountain Parkway/Pine Grove triangle with plans to begin construction in 2012. And before settling on a design for the project, the DOT will hold a series of three public information meetings to get local feedback on possible solutions. The first meeting is scheduled for March 11^th at 7pm at the Nutrition Center in the YCCC.

 A.B.) What progress has been made on the Hallocks Mills Sewer Treatment plant? What should be the end result and do you see it in sight?

S.S.) As you know, the Yorktown Heights Sewage treatment plant that currently serves about 4,000 parcels in the Hallocks Mill Sewer District was expanded and upgraded in 2008. The plant can now process up to 2.5 million gallons per day of sewage. It’s a state-of-the-art plant that has already won awards. 

However, before we can hook up any of the 1,000 unsewered homeowners who want to be sewered, the town needs a variance from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). We’re optimistic that the regulatory changes needed to set up the variance procedure will be approved and that we’ll be able to apply for the variance.  But in order to save time and move the process along, the town has been gathering information on the possible cost and configuration of a new sewer district for those homeowners who want to be sewered. Our goal is to have the preliminary planning done by the time we get the variance.

As for when homeowners can expect sewers, I’ve learned that things move slowly when it comes to dealing with multiple bureaucracies. But those who know me know that I keep on top of things to make sure that our needs are being addressed.  It’s the old story: the squeaky wheel gets the oil. And Yorktown will continue to push for a resolution of the Hallocks Mill issue.

A.B.) In a previous conversation we had, you said that you have been advocating for a Department of Public Works for many years. How would this be advantageous to Yorktown over the present system we now have?

S.S.) It’s true that for over 35 years I’ve believed that a properly organized DPW would save Yorktown taxpayers money. In 1995, the town spent $40,000 and asked a management consultant whether a DPW would save the town money. The answer was a resounding “YES.”

However, because Yorktown would have to have an appointed highway superintendent in order to create a DPW, it would be counterproductive, and a waste of time, for the current board to discuss creating a DPW until such time that the voters decide that they want to change the way the town’s highway superintendent is selected.

But that doesn’t mean that the current board isn’t not looking at other possible consolidation initiatives that could save money. Right now, we’re reviewing the feasibility of merging the building, planning and engineering departments.  The objective of the merger is twofold: to improve the delivery of services to town residents and, at the same time, save money by maintaining one set of records and crossing training support staff with the eventual goal of reducing the number of staff through attrition.

A.B.) In a previous interview I had with Peekskill’s Mayor Foster and in two previous columns of mine there has been discussed the pros and cons of a city manager from of government vs as in Yorktown’s case a Supervisor form of government. At one time you advocated for the city manager form though you said due to lack of public support you dropped the idea. Believing that no discussion of this topic would be complete without your input, what would be the advantages to Yorktown for the city manager form of government over the present systems?

S.S.) I believe in keeping my campaign promises. While personally, I believe that Yorktown taxpayers would be better served if the town was run on a day-to-day basis by a professional administrator who took direction from, and was under the supervision of, our elected town board, I said throughout my campaign that this is an issue that’s up to the voters of Yorktown.

I have no intention of bringing up the issue. However, if there’s interest in the concept in the community, I’m certainly available to talk to any individual or group.  In the meantime, my focus is doing everything I possibly can to maintain and rebuild our aging infrastructure and improve the delivery of services while at the same time cutting costs and finding savings by implementing cost effective management strategies.