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In our communities we are obligated to provide an open forum in order that ideas for a better life can be openly-discussed and plans implemented.
As a community activist, independent businessman and your neighbor, Grand Island is not only the place that I represent, GRAND ISLAND is my HOME.
I believe that the government closest to the people best serves the people. I am committed to providing a government that is as responsive to its residents as it is responsible with its tax dollars.
We need to use the same principles that a well-run corporation uses to stay successful. As with corporations, the Town has its own board of directors – the Town Board. The town board sets policies, goals and oversees and manages the budget.
The town’s purpose is to provide high quality services to the residents, industries and businesses in the most cost effective way.
Managing public money means far more than collecting taxes, putting money in the bank and writing checks for goods and services. I firmly believe that it is our fiduciary responsibility to manage taxpayers money with long term planning, focused goals and clear accountability to achieve the best results with our limited resources.
This has been accomplished by utilizing conservative budget principles and prudent spending plans. We know that sales tax flows directly with the health of the economy.
Our current business plan (budget and goals) may require increases in certain areas and holding the line in others. It is critically important that we pay special attention to our reserves and do not draw down on them. A continued
conservative management plan will provide us with the services and programs that have currently been offered.
In 1993, on an assessed valuation of $100,000.00, the total Town tax was $841.00 dollars. Ten years later, in 2003, this bill would increase $39.00 dollars to $880.00.
As councilman and deputy supervisor I have had the opportunity to work and serve on the following committees:
Co-Chair/ Chairman Ferry Village Master Plan
Chair Cellular Tower Committee
Traffic Safety Board
Library Board of Trustees
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Cable TV Advisory Board
Highway Committee
Computer & Technology Committee
Personnel Committee
Economic Development Committee
Architectural Review Advisory Board
As a member of the community I am an active member in the Grand Island Lions Club. I have held the office of President and have chaired or co-chaired the spaghetti dinner, golf tournament, casino night and special kids picnic. In addition I also support the following organizations as a social member: Knights of Columbus, Rod & Gun, Moose Lodge, Buffalo Launch Club and support many other Grand Island organizations. I am a member of St. Stephen’s Church.
Additionally: I am proud of my participation in the following:
Consolidation of Receiver of Taxes into the Town Clerk's Office
Consolidation of Full time Town Assessor into Part time
Consolidation of Water and Wastewater Superintendents into the Department of Engineering and Water Resources
Energy Performance Contract saving the town yearly operating expenses – 12/06 - $42,651 in energy savings, $8,084 in operational savings, $161,276 in increased water and sewer revenue, 430,449kWh in electrical supply savings and 375 kWh in electrical demand savings. Additionally NYSERDA paid the Town $40,050.60 in incentive money.
Health care savings through cost saving programs with retirees and new active employees paying a percentage
Business First designation as the Number 1 inner ring suburb to live in
NYPA Re-Licensing
Greenway Projects
Economic Development retaining and seeking out new business
Transportation projects
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