Schirmer: reduce the budget, expand the tax base
For far too long the residents of Saugerties have experienced substantial tax increases, typically outpacing wage growth by a wide margin. While this trend weighs heavily on our working class families, it is even more burdensome to those living on fixed incomes, particularly the elderly. Furthermore, high property taxes often create a roadblock in the path to homeownership. It is imperative that we make efforts to bring the tax curve in line with typical cost of living increases. I believe we can reach this goal by improving efficiency in government, eliminating waste and making prudent spending reductions while encouraging growth to spread the tax burden over a greater number of taxpayers.
I see a two-pronged approach to the tax conundrum.
Short-term: We need to identify areas where we can improve efficiency and eliminate waste within the budget. This will be no easy task. Achieving meaningful spending reductions without impacting essential services will be a challenge, particularly given the ongoing problem of unfunded mandates. To further complicate matters, the depletion of the town’s fund balance has left us with no “rainy day” fund to deal with unanticipated situations. Consequently, making the necessary cuts is going to be a delicate balancing act between addressing the concerns of the taxpayers and providing for the financial security of the town. This will entail a unified effort by our Town Board and department heads that may require some difficult decisions. But, we can no longer ignore the fact that spending cannot continue to outpace the typical rate of inflation if we hope to maintain a sustainable economy.
Long-term: We must broaden the tax base. This relates directly to the economic development strategy I detailed in a prior letter, in which I endorsed a plan to utilize section 485-b of the Real Property Tax Law to provide incentives to new and expanding business. Commercial development generates a direct tax infusion through increased assessments on the utilized property and, hopefully, leads to the creation of new living-wage jobs. An influx of wage earners will presumably boost the revenue stream to our retailers and service sector, thereby increasing sales tax receipts to further offset the necessity of property tax increases.
While some have been critical of offering tax breaks when we are trying to increase tax revenue, the logic is actually quite simple. A vacant lot generates a small amount of tax revenue. An improved commercial property will generate more tax revenue. Fifty percent of “something” is certainly better than nothing.
Saugerties must set itself apart from our surrounding communities to remain competitive in our goal of attracting new business. Shovel-ready sites and Economic Development Zones are great tools, but they take time and money to implement. The 485-b plan is much simpler and ideally suited for attracting smaller businesses that can’t take advantage of large scale government loans and PILOT programs. When elected to the Town Board I will work hard to bring this plan to fruition, broaden our tax base, support a conservative budgetary process and rein in tax increases for the benefit of all our residents and businesses.
Bill Schirmer
Saugerties
Schirmer will not disappoint
The people of Saugerties deserve to have capable and experienced administrators representing them on their Town Board. My son Bill Schirmer has proven his administrative abilities in the private sector and I write this to recommend him to you as the preferred candidate for a seat on your Town Board. He will not disappoint.
A good idea is a good idea and he will take it and run with it no matter which side of the aisle it originates from. On the other hand he will oppose policies which he considers imprudent and fiscally irresponsible. If you decide to hire him you will be getting a man who knows and understands the value of your dollar. He will spend it wisely and strictly within the confines of a prudently drawn budget. At the same time he recognizes a good investment when he sees one and will not hesitate to commit public funds to any project that can be expected to yield a benefit to the people of Saugerties. He has a proven ability to work well with others and to treat his employees with fairness and respect. In return he has gained their respect and cooperation. These qualities, and many others, he will bring to your town government. Please support him with your vote.
Bob Schirmer
Saugerties
Candidates were wrong on SAFE act
With the November elections coming up I’d like to remind voters, who are upset with the passage of the NY SAFE Act, where two of our local candidates stand on this issue.
Beth Murphy, a candidate for County Legislature, spoke out at the Peter Lopez town hall meeting shortly after the SAFE Act was passed. Ms. Murphy is a supporter of the SAFE Act as she stated the only reason the second amendment was enacted was so that slave owners of the day could protect their “property.” Perhaps Ms. Murphy should read the 2008 Supreme Court Heller decision where the court affirmed the second amendment as an individual right and that right is as important today as it ever was.
Then there is Bruce Leighton, a candidate for the Town Board, who pushed through a watered down version of an anti-SAFE Act resolution at a Town Board meeting in March. Mr. Leighton insisted on an immediate vote on his resolution, without allowing any public comment, just like Albany did with the SAFE Act.
Voters, please be aware, there are better candidates to choose from for these two offices.
Gregory Kleen
Saugerties
Mayone will get the job done
It is my pleasure to write to the readers and tell them about a great opportunity we have this Nov. 5 Election Day. Mr. Ray Mayone is running for the position of superintendent of highways.
I can tell you from my own personal experience that Ray is highly qualify for this position. He will bring with him over 30 years of construction and business experience to the table.
I can attest to Ray’s workmanship and honesty. In fact, what started as a work relationship has become a true friendship. Ray is the best candidate from all aspects, a man of integrity, a man of his word, committed to his family and one of the most hardworking men I have ever met.
Ray will treat every single person with respect; starting with the highway workers, the secretary, anybody that comes by his office and mostly, all of the taxpayers.
Ray is the best true candidate who will bring the best of him every day to work.
Believe me, take the time to go out and vote on Nov. 5. for Ray Mayone, you will not regret it, because he will jump into the highway superintendent position and will work hard from the first day and do what is best for the town, taxpayers and Highway Department workers.
Ray Mayone is the only candidate that will get the job done!
Dr. Gilberto Nunez
Kingston
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