During the next two years I plan to give lots of attention to reducing the costs of government. We must make government leaner and more efficient.  New York State’s government in the 21st century can’t continue to operate like we did in the 19th and 20th centuries.

We have already started to shift some of the costs of town government away from the taxpayers. For example, the Lanza Family Foundation has agreed to absorb 100% of the costs of the Greenburgh Arts & Culture program in 2012. No taxpayer funds will be used for this terrific program.   Full time staff at the Town Clerk’s office has been reduced by 20%. Local bands donate their time at our summer/fall outdoor concert series on E Hartsdale Ave. The police summer youth camp is also funded by private dollars. Years ago this was a town funded program.

We need to eliminate or consolidate some of the many layers of government in NYS. Last year I formed a citizens commission to review consolidation of the 3 paid fire districts within the town of Greenburgh. An alternative: more sharing of administrative personnel.  Earlier this year I formed a 32 member citizen commission that is reviewing all aspects of the town budget -looking for cost savings measures.

We need to think out of the box. For example, there are currently six separate Village Courts in Greenburgh and one Town Court. The Villages pay their full share of Town Court expenses, but generally use their Village Courts. We will determine potential efficiencies and cost savings and push for consolidation as warranted. Another way we are exploring potential cost savings is through sharing of Village and Town resources. For example, the Police departments in the Villages and unincorporated Greenburgh could share dispatchers during evening hours. This could both save money and free up more police to patrol our streets.

We need to promote energy conservation. The town recently launched a new website: www.renewgreenburgh.org. We all can save significant dollars by conserving energy.

Affordable housing is another ongoing major initiative. I have suggested affordable housing for teachers be built around the county on surplus school properties. The town is also working with the Village of Ardsley to build affordable housing on foreclosed town owned land. We have also rezoned property in unincorporated Greenburgh for affordable housing.  We are exploring additional affordable housing opportunities with Habitat.

Three years ago I started a job club for the unemployed at LinkedIn.com (greenburgh jobs group). Over 70 people have found employment- thanks to this initiative. I hope to continue this program and to help struggling businesses stay in business. I anticipate setting up office hours in different local stores each week to help these businesses promote themselves.

I anticipate that the comprehensive plan for the town will be approved in 2012. We need to look for more ways to attract new businesses to our town.  We need to cut the red tape -expedite the process. Among suggestions: Joint Planning Board, Zoning Board and Town Board hearings. This will reduce the time applicants must wait before they receive their approvals and will also save them money. In recent months Greenburgh has been successful in attracting two new supermarkets to our town (Shoprite and Stop N Shop). An H Mart supermarket is replacing Pathmark. Captain Lawrence Bewing Company is moving to Greenburgh. BioMed acquired the vacant OSI property–more biotech companies. 5th Ave Chocolatiere is also planning to open on Central Ave. And, a new restaurant on E Hartsdale Ave. We need to continue to encourage more businesses to locate here!

There are other goals I have for the next two years that could enhancements to the quality of life for many in our Town. For example, Greenburgh and it’s Villages could follow the lead of many cities and communities around the world and create a bicycle sharing program at train stations. This could encourage tourists and visitors to take the train to local stations, hop on a bicycle and shop around downtown areas while easing traffic congestion. This will help local businesses and the environment.

We will aggressively monitor proposals to build a new Tappan Zee Bridge. We insist that every plan considered include a detailed plan for mitigating the impact on our communities.

To see all we plan to do the next two years, attend our Town Hall meeting and visit greenburghny.com You can always contact me with your ideas about ways we can improve our Town. Lets make these next two years great ones for our town.

Have an idea that can improve our community? Our country? Post it here.