DEMOCRATIC LINE "A" COUNTY LEGISLATURE (12TH DISTRICT)

RICHARD RANDAZZO

rrandazzo@hvc.rr.com

 

First I would like to thank you for the invitation to participate in the Candidates Forum held on October 24^th. 

Below are my responses to some of the questions for County Legislator Candidates from the forum:

 

1.       Please discuss your views on Kiryas Joel and the law. 

County laws must be applied equally and fairly across the board to all municipalities.  As Cornwall Town Supervisor for twenty years I had many issues and areas which involved dealing with the County and we were required to comply with their rules and regulations.  As County Legislator I will follow up on issues that reflect different treatment for municipalities over the towns and villages I will represent.  No community is exempt from following the County rules especially when it adversely affects neighboring communities.

2.       Please discuss your views on the Orange County sewer district budget and governance.

Based on my opponents comment that “Orange County does a fine job in running the sewer district in the Harriman” it quickly becomes clear that he is not only out of touch but lacks the least amount of knowledge or understanding of the problems that the residents and communities in that district have faced.  The fact is that district has been poorly run by the County for decades.

He talks about reserving sewer capacity for Mountco which means he supports the developer and the county dictating to the communities what they must do.

The county was too hasty in seeking a developer and awarding a contract.  They awarded a contract of sale and then told the municipalities to work with the developers plans.  What should have happened in that situation is that the three municipalities in which a portion of the property lies should have been given the opportunity for the local officials, with the input from their respective residents to determine what use their community would like to have seen for the property.  Then the town could have adopted the appropriate zoning and the community’s vision for the property would have been established.  Once that was in place the county could have sought a buyer and all prospective buyers would have known what the planning and zoning would allow.  Right now no one knows if the property will sell for $9 or $12 million because no one knows what will be approved. 

I still believe the communities have the right to determine the use of that property.  That contract has apparently been extended twice.  When that contract expires again, as your County Legislator I will insist that the communities be given the right to complete your planning and zoning to determine what you would like to see there, and then the county can seek a buyer. The municipal officials must have the authority to make those decisions for the residents they represent. 

3.       Please discuss your views on the County Water Master Plan and the Orange County Water Authority.

Before the elected county officials have even begun to review the water master plan questions have arose over the accuracy of the information provided.  The plan was developed by the Orange County Water Authority apparently at the request of the County Executive.  I believe it is the elected officials including the Executive and the County Legislature that together should have been involved with the study, not the Water Authority.  Going forward, due to the broad scope of the proposed plan, municipalities and their local officials must be involved in addressing the issues of water in their communities.  Considering their Home Rule authority, this would provide for a more realistic approach to addressing water issues among municipalities that are geographically located and working together.  I will oppose any mandates on our local governments from the County or the County Water Authority on this issue for implementation of a water plan that developed in a vacuum without our local officials input.

My opponent speaks of the wells in Mountainville and states that we failed to act when I was Supervisor.  He lacks complete knowledge and understanding of the issue he refers to in 1999.  When the town was approached about the wells we moved expeditiously to evaluate the financial, legal, engineering and health department requirements for the town acquiring and operating that water system which still had water users.  After doing our research and due diligence in the interest of our taxpayers, on December 13, 1999 I had the town board adopt a resolution to move ahead on the acquisition of the wells and water system.  I left office on December 31, 1999, two short weeks later.  The wells were not sold until 2003; two administrations after the resolution was adopted and I had left office.   

4.       Discuss your position on the Accountability or Integrity Officer office.

I support the creation of the Office of Accountability or Integrity office.  Our county now has a $707 million budget and I believe it would be beneficial to the residents and taxpayers to have an independent office in county government to review matters that will provide greater transparency to our county government.  Given the economic realities we face as taxpayers closer oversight of government operations by an independent official will contribute greatly to rooting out waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement.  County employees and the public will be able to call a 24 hour hotline to reach Inspector General or Accountability Officer.  The title is not important, but the independent watchdog will be.

My opponent says this is just another layer of government and bureaucracy.  The fact is this watchdog would look at government mismanagement which is far too often the result of bureaucracies created by government.   

5.       Please discuss the Orange County budget, the process and 2010 issues and concerns.

Briefly, as Cornwall Town Supervisor I was also the Chief Financial Officer and Budget Officer for the town.  I prepared twenty town budgets and provided day to day administration to town government and our finances.  I will use that experience as you County Legislator to monitor county budgets and spending to assure that our government is operating efficiently and effectively with your money.  The 2010 county budget was balanced with $35 million of surplus and federal stimulus money.  Future budgets must control spending and be balance without increasing the tax burden on our property owners and our residents.  My opponent says “we can take these hits this year and next because of surplus funds and stimulus money”.  Where does he think the surplus and stimulus came from; it wasn’t free.  It came from us the taxpayers and we shouldn’t be taking any “hits” when it comes to our money. 

6.       How do you feel about the County using staffing to avoid layoffs?

Layoffs should always be a last resort since it is the middle class workers who are impacted the most.  I assure you with a $700 million county budget, waste and inefficiencies exist.  A complete and thorough review of government operations and programs must be conducted to assure our residents and taxpayers that their money is being spent wisely and efficiently. 

7.       Discuss your views on an Independent Controller. 

I support the office of Independent Controller for these reasons:

In the County Legislature, it is important to know how county government operates and having available independent financial information is absolutely essential to making informed and reasoned decisions.  The current system of having a Commissioner of Finance appointed by and reporting to the County Executive does not lend itself to the financial independence that should exist by an individual that serves two branches of government overseeing a $700 million budget.

By creating the office of Independent Comptroller you are not adding a layer of government and you are not necessarily adding to the cost of government as is would replace the Commissioner of Finance position and add independent financial oversight that now is lacking. 

8.       How can you bring good paying jobs to Orange County? 

The state is in the process of revising the IDA and Empire Zone Programs.  These can be good, effective programs but they must be result oriented.  Too many times taxpayer money has gone to companies with the promise of creating jobs.  Far too often, they fail to meet the goals of employment promised and the taxpayers and residents of Orange County lose.  We must set performance goals for companies that benefit from these programs and they must be held accountable financially when they fail to create the jobs that were promised.

In our country small businesses create the vast majority of jobs.  What we need to support in Orange County is a real Small Business Incubator to assist, encourage and guide new and current small business owners to start and expand their businesses; providing them with training on business skills, developing business plans and putting them in contact with local, state and federal agencies that can assist them in meeting their goals.  This will do more to create job opportunities that these multi-million corporations that look at quick quarterly profits instead of people. 

My response to general questions about MLPGH to all candidates: 

As your County Legislator I will work closely with your town officials to address the needs of the residents in the Blooming Grove, Cornwall and Woodbury.  My 23 years experience, 20 of those years providing leadership as Cornwall Town Supervisor has given me an inside view of what it takes for your local officials to provide services and address the issues that are important to their residents.  I balanced twenty town budgets, addressed drainage issues, water and sewer issues and expanded recreation opportunities for our residents.  We completed many improvements to our infrastructure over those years.  I negotiated for affordable senior housing in Cornwall and we improved transportation for our senior citizens.

I will work closely with your town officials to find solutions for Mountain Lodge Park and Glenwood Hills in the areas of water, sewer, roads, drainage and recreation.  As your County Legislator I will make it a priority to maintain an open line of communication between Goshen and Blooming Grove.  I will make sure that your town officials are informed of programs, funding and information that will benefit your community.

In addition, as your County Representative I will work closely with your local officials in seeking state and federal assistance for funding to help address the issues that our residents face and services you need.  During my twenty years as Cornwall Town Supervisor I was the Democrat working 18 of those years with Republican majorities and many years the only Democrat.  We work well together on many issues and projects to serve the interests of our community.  My extensive experience in local government has given me the knowledge and understanding to work effectively in government to achieve results for our residents.  With you support on November 3^rd I will put that experience to work for you and I will look forward to serving in the 12^th Legislative District. 

I would like to thank you for this opportunity to respond to your questions.

e-mail:  rrandazzo@hvc.rr.com