Issues

Honesty and Transparency in Government

During the past four years I have worked hard to keep constituents informed on what is happening in the County and in the Legislature. I regularly post to my Facebook page about issues in the County, as well as events I attend. I also do a weekly radio show on WTBQ with fellow Legislators Barry Cheney and John Vero, where we discuss County issues and bring in guests from various County departments and organizations. We also take phone calls to answer questions and concerns from constituents.

I believe it is important to keep the public updated on what is happening in County Government. I will continue to keep my constituents informed on important issues and happenings in Orange County. My contact information is available here and on the County website, and I am always happy to talk to constituents to hear their concerns and answer questions.

Jobs and the Economy

As Chairman of the Legislature’s Education and Economic Development Committee, I have been a strong advocate for economic development in the County. I have developed a good working relationship with the IDA and the Orange County Partnership, and have supported many of the great economic development projects in the County.

Two of those major projects under way in the County right now are the CPV power plant in Wawayanda and the Legoland Theme Park in Goshen. Although these projects are somewhat controversial, they will create local jobs and provide tax revenue for the County and local municipalities. There are also several other large companies who have located or are planning to locate here in Orange County.

As we welcome these companies and work to attract others, I also believe that it is important to do so in a way that will not harm local businesses that are already here. I do support the use of PILOT agreements (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) and other incentives to attract new businesses, but not if they will harm other local businesses that have been here for decades and have been successful without similar advantages.

I also strongly believe that our small, local businesses drive our local economy and that we need to help and support these businesses in order to maintain a strong, local economy. These businesses create local jobs and provide the goods and services that we depend on every day. I have been and continue to be involved with the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce as well as the Florida and Warwick Chambers of Commerce. These organizations bring our local small businesses together to support each other and to strengthen our local community.

The Black Dirt region is where the agricultural and other business communities work together in a free market to provide people with goods, services, and especially good and steady jobs. It takes someone from that free-market community to know not only how the government can best help businesses, but also when it's best for the government just to stand back.

Having spent most of my life as a small businessman, I make decisions every day that affect not only my employees, but those of the other businesses that depend on my product. The economic decisions that create and sustain good, paying jobs are part of my everyday business routine; I will put that business sense to work for you as only a private-sector executive can.

Orange County Government Center

The Orange County Government Center closed after Hurricanes Irene and Lee. When I came into office in 2014, the future of the Government Center was uncertain and still being debated. The County government has been operating from various locations throughout the County. After much debate and discussion it was decided to tear down and rebuild one section and completely renovate the remaining two sections. This project is well under way and the Government Center is scheduled to re-open this fall. This will bring our various County departments, including the DMV, back to one central location.

Kiryas Joel, Town of Palm Tree

An important issue currently in front of the Legislature is the petition from residents of the Village of Kiryas Joel to separate from the Town of Monroe to form the Town of Palm Tree. The Legislature’s role in the process is to vote on whether or not to allow the town of Monroe to hold a referendum to create the new town. While this would add some land to KJ, allow them to control their own zoning and clear the way for high density housing, it would also take the influence of the powerful KJ voting bloc out of Monroe. This will allow the residents of Monroe outside of KJ to maintain control of their Town Board and current zoning laws. Many residents of Monroe fear that without this separation, KJ will ultimately take control of the Town and Planning Boards, allowing them to change zoning laws to accommodate their continued growth.

The Legislature will be holding two public hearings on the issue on August 15th and 16th, and will be voting on September 7th. If approved by a two-thirds supermajority of the Legislature, all residents of the town of Monroe will have the opportunity to vote in a referendum on November 7th. I have already received numerous emails and letters from residents of Monroe and some of my own constituents on this issue. While I am generally in favor of this measure, I am looking forward to hearing the comments at the public hearings and any further comments or concerns I receive before I make my final decision on September 7th.