Michelle Murphy

DEMOCRATIC LINE "A" CANDIDATE FOR TOWN COUNCIL

MICHELLE MURPHY

To Candidates for Town Council:

1. How can a town councilperson lower school taxes? How much of the county and town taxes are controllable by the town council?

Unfortunately, the town council has NO control over lowering or raising taxes, contrary somewhat popular belief. Don’t be fooled by anyone now or in the future campaigning on a town level that they would fight to or will lower your taxes. Legally, they do not have the discretion, nor the authority to do so.

However, what can be done is to be vigilant with ensuring that there are checks and balances within the existing budget, in order for the constituents to see relief in other areas, such as fees the town charges for services and other aspects. Also, I have grant writing experience, which would be essential to receiving funding for town services, programs, maintenance of roads, or to maintain existing structures, recreational and other programs, etc. If I am elected, I will not guarantee these extra monies, but will be absolutely determined to research, lobby and work on grants and other federal funding to come to Blooming Grove.

2. How will you deal with the Camp LaGuardia issue?

Some of you may be aware that I was given the torch by the late pioneer, Susan McCabe, to continue activism and advocacy regarding the screening and closure of Camp LaGuardia. I was on the scoping committee in Orange County and was appointed by the County Executive as a citizen member of that board. I have done extensive research on this committee (and prior thereto, assisted the Orange County Attorney’s Office with research regarding the legal issues presented to the attorneys representing New York City, regarding the findings of the legal, safety and quality of life issues regarding same) and made recommendations to the County regarding the following: a) I presented a detailed research report regarding and including what the communities would like to see be developed at Camp LaGuardia; b) I also did research on each and every developer that initially visited and bid for the property. I had found that at least two of the developers were a front for KJ and recommended to the County and the Legislature to reject their bids, of which was successful.

If elected, I will continue to be vigilant with the current developer, Mountco, and will keep an eagle eye on their status, their plans and their development stages. Thus far, I have attended all of the Mountco presentations, have asked them extensive questions; and have attended the planning board and scoping committee meetings regarding this issue. Once the contract between Mountco and Orange County is complete, it will be turned over to the towns to make the zoning decisions. You can bet on the fact that no matter what my position may be, I will always look out for the best interests of the community first and foremost. I will not ever put forth personal or other interests that will be detrimental to the town.

3. In your opinion, would it be beneficial to combine the Village and Town Police forces if the unions agree?

On a personal note, this would be a very tough decision and overall, a tough answer, of which on the long term, may not be what is in the best interests of our town, if we allow it to happen. I am very pro union, since my father is a retired NYC union official, I belong to the teacher’s union and my husband is also active in his union as a fire and rescue worker. However, if I am elected, I would have to put my personal feelings aside and don a different hat to resolve these issues. I possess a M.B.A., and my business experience and business management would assist in addressing the economic benefits and pitfalls and analyze what would be in the best interests of the town and villages.

I will address the pros and cons, if the unions agree to merge the police forces.

Possible Pros:

· If looked at from an economic standpoint, there would be a cost effectiveness to have police departments merge together. There may be a possibility of a balance in the cost benefit analysis, that this idea would save a lot of money, in the SHORT term.

· Washingtonville has a larger police force than Blooming Grove. There would possibly be more patrols in more places; as opposed to Blooming Grove having only a few police on duty, especially in the evenings.

· The town and villages may have the power to buy police vehicles and fuel in bulk, which could be an economic benefit to the residents.

Possible Cons:

· In order to make this economically feasible, higher positions in the police force may have to be either eliminated or no longer filled in the future.

· There will be additional costs for changing the vehicles, uniforms, etc. in order to create a uniformity and organization between the town and villages.

· The town and villages may not have the funding nor resources to be concerned with additional vehicles, training, uniforms and perhaps an additional or bigger police station in another area.

· The larger the police force, the more bargaining power that will be given to the police union during contract negotiations. This can be looked at either in a positive or negative fashion, dependent upon the circumstances.

4. Please discuss the Orange County Sewer District and how you believe you can help the Village of South Blooming Grove with the governance of the facility.

* The Village of South Blooming Grove falls into the Orange County Sewer District. The town and the villages most certainly should be working collaboratively, for it can actually benefit the residents of all three. This situation must be taken seriously. The Orange County Water Master Plan is seriously flawed in the population statistics, which could prove to be of disastrous proportions within the next ten or more years. However, in order to address the possible shortfall of water in the future, the town and the villages must address these issues immediately. They must advocate on behalf of the residents and approach the county and implore the Water Master Plan to not pass. In addition, the Village of South Blooming Grove can also help Mountain Lodge address their water and sewer issues; by discussing where piping can be developed to help other Blooming Grove districts who have a deficit, etc. If we allow the Water Master Plan to pass the way that it currently documented, this can usurp the town and village’s powers and hand it over directly to the Orange County Department of Public Works. They would then have the power to make decisions without the consent of Blooming Grove, and they also would have the power of eminent domain. This could mean that they would have the power and discretion of which properties can be condemned, to carry out their proposed plans. This master plan can also be more of a benefit to KJ in the future, due to the flawed population numbers in this plan. In essence, they will end up receiving the surplus of the water within the next ten years, leaving Blooming Grove with a large deficit of water and sewer resources.

5. If you believe you can lower taxes, please elaborate on how.

I stated in an earlier question, the Town Council has no legal or authority or power to lower taxes, whether it be school or property or otherwise. However, you would need someone who has lobbying experience on a grassroots and other levels to advocate for the residents in order to obtain funding and other monies to be brought to the town to offset the taxes in other areas.

6. When you are elected how will you bring the 3 governments together for the benefit of all residents of Blooming Grove?

I have already attended meetings and have met with the town officials of both villages thus far, and have been very vocal about working together as a team in the best interest of the residents. They are very willing to do same; and if elected, I will continue to be cooperative with them and attend meetings and also work together on our similar issues and problems. If we have an issue that needs to be addressed on a county, state or federal level, if we worked together as a team, we would have more impact, results and power than we have had prior to election.

7. Please discuss the water issues that exist in Blooming Grove and what the town can do to help address this.

The Village of South Blooming Grove falls into the Orange County Sewer District. The town and the villages most certainly should be working collaboratively, for it can actually benefit the residents of all three. This situation must be taken seriously. The Orange County Water Master Plan is seriously flawed in the population statistics, which could prove to be of disastrous proportions within the next ten or more years. However, in order to address the possible shortfall of water in the future, the town and the villages must address these issues immediately. They must advocate on behalf of the residents and approach the county and implore the Water Master Plan to not pass. In addition, the Village of South Blooming Grove can also help Mountain Lodge address their water and sewer issues; by discussing where piping can be developed to help other Blooming Grove districts who have a deficit, etc. If we allow the Water Master Plan to pass the way that it currently documented, this can usurp the town and village’s powers and hand it over directly to the Orange County Department of Public Works. They would then have the power to make decisions without the consent of Blooming Grove, and they also would have the power of eminent domain. This could mean that they would have the power and discretion of which properties can be condemned, to carry out their proposed plans. This master plan can also be more of a benefit to KJ in the future, due to the flawed population numbers in this plan. In essence, they will end up receiving the surplus of the water within the next ten years, leaving Blooming Grove with a large deficit of water and sewer resources.

To All Candidates:

1. How do you plan on bettering the MLPGH communities and how would you go about it? What will you do to guarantee that will happen?

The first issue to address is that the stigma of this community must be removed to address the community’s issues. Mountain Lodge is not and should not be “the forgotten community” or a “lost cause.” While campaigning, I have been told to stay away from the community, since they are geographically tough to get to and that there is no answer to their problems. Thank goodness I didn’t listen, and I still canvassed your community as much as I possibly could and listened to people’s concerns. I have extensive lobbying experience, which I believe would be an asset to your community. I have a hard time taking “no” for an answer when it comes to solving problems for people. That is also where my trial attorney experience would also be an asset for your community and Blooming Grove at large. You need someone willing to listen to the issues and concerns, but never guarantee and promise that outcome. I have grant writing experience, and will be willing and able to help the association and the community apply for and seek grants on the state and federal levels through organizations and federal stimulus monies. You will need that in order for improvement of the recreational facilities, for a stronger police presence, roads, etc. Although I cannot guarantee that all of this will happen and when it will happen, what I will guarantee that I will give 110% to fight to make it happen.

2. We seem to have to beg up (MLPGH) here for town services. How can we know you will respond to our needs like roads, ie: street paint (double line), etc?

How responsive is the Highway Dept. in Blooming Grove? Have you been a squeaky wheel to get the oil you need? Which roads are you referring to? There are two roads in Mountain Lodge that I am aware of that are public roads. Have you asked if they are to be maintained by the town, county or the state? Once you have that question answered (and I can help you find that answer if you would like, just ask), then you know which step to possibly take next. If the public road is to be maintained by the Town, then you must be persistent, and I can help you with that, no matter what level that you must approach. The rest of the roads I believe are private trails. This can be a bit more complicated, and I can help you look into the legal possibilities behind same. I understand that some residents can enter into maintenance agreements, so that there is a mechanism in place for enforcement. However, since the trails are private, it is difficult for an agreement by all residents of that trail across the board. However, perhaps in the future, an approach would be to “grandfather” the current residents, but mandate that new residents moving into the area must abide by maintenance agreements and other rules (i.e.- not converting a summer cottage into a full time home, etc.).

3. Have you read the comptrollers report for 2008 for the town budget? If so what do you think?

Now that this question has been mentioned, I have asked to obtain a copy of the comptroller’s report. I am very interested in reviewing the report as soon as possible. I am sure thereafter I can more intelligently answer this question.

4. In your opinion, what does Mountain Lodge Park/Glenwood Hills need? If you lived here what would you want to change?

I would like to see more participation of the residents as an association. I am a firm believer that mobilization means power. If the residents are mobilized to make change, change will happen. I would like the roads to be safer, for a sewer system to be put in place, better recreational facilities, and a stronger police presence.

5. Most residents are overwhelmed with their personal, family and financial issues. How would you get them to participate in community activities?

Make them more available on a new and improved website, so that they have more notice to make arrangements to be at the activities. Make the community activities more family friendly; which means allow children to attend activities with their parents and have child and family friendly activities. Make these activities and events very low prices or even free on some occasions; so that people with financial constraints won’t stay home out of embarrassment for lack of money. If elected, I would make the town council and myself even more approachable and encourage residents to be more involved and have more input and involvement in decision making of these events and activities.

6. Is Mountain Lodge Park/Glenwood Hills entitled to consideration and services equal to other portions of Blooming Grove? If so how do you see addressing the needs of MLPGH equally, given its unique attributes?

I intend to speak with more of the residents of the association, if elected, in order to have a better understanding of their needs and concerns. It seems on the surface that the association may have their legal limitations as to what services and considerations that they would receive as opposed to the rest of Blooming Grove. There should also be a resident/member of the association willing to be the chosen advocate to bring forth the concerns and needs of the residents to the town council as well. In addition, again, having someone like myself on the town council, I would do extensive legal research with my attorney background, my advocacy experience and grant writing experience to assist the association and residents with their very unique concerns. Please feel free to apprise me of any additional issues that I may not be aware of or may have missed, so that it may be addressed in a timely fashion, if the town is legally able to assist you.

7. How soon after you are elected can we expect expect 2 basketball courts, a handball court, a fountain, and toilets?

How in my heart I wish it were that easy to give you a timetable or even promise you it can happen. Again, the town may not be able to directly guarantee or provide this, but I am able and willing to help you look into and research federal and/or state funding and grants to perhaps achieve this goal.

8. If you win the election how will you juggle a job, your community responsibility, your family life, children, parents and your personal time?

This is a very common question that I have been asked throughout the years, especially have a full court schedule in the past with two small children. All those who have families, homes and careers understand that there needs to be a balance. I have learned how to organize my time very well, so that the ball will not be dropped to the detriment of my professional or family life would be concerned. My parents are healthy, and have been a wonderful resource to my family with emotional and babysitting support. My husband is a very supportive person and has been behind all of my endeavors 100%, thank goodness. My children are in school full time during the week. I understand with small children, whether I am elected or not, I have very little personal time, and went into this commitment to run for office with my eyes wide open. I am very dedicated to my family and my community and my profession. I have cut back on my court schedule, teach at the university one afternoon a week (having my classes all in one day) and my other community obligations outside the town are not as frequent. I would not allow any of my obligations to impede on my family, profession or my dedication to my community.

There was an "index card" question addressed to Michele Murphy: "In what ways are you going to support local business?

Since I do also have a M.B.A. , I thought that there has to be ways to support local businesses to benefit the residents. We could have a proposal, such as “investment districts”, which would assist in attracting small businesses to come to Blooming Grove, and for existing businesses to want to remain here, and to contribute and participate in the community. These investment districts would not be a burden to the taxpayers. The business owners would approach the town and also get together on their own and we would address what their needs are and what can be done to make Blooming Grove more attractive for people to shop in town; as opposed to leaving town and shopping at malls and big box stores. This would be an economic benefit to the town, and can also be a resource financially to offset the costs of services and fees imposed on the residential taxpayers.

****It is my sincere hope that these questions were helpful to you in making an informed decision regarding the Town Council election. I am asking for your support and your vote on November 3^rd and am available to answer any additional questions at: 467-0810 or lawowl@optonline.net.