CAMPAIGN UPDATES
Taxes – Campaign Promise
June 12, 2008
I just recently received my tax statement for 2008. The statement reflects a drop of 1/3 of a percent in the county tax rate for the residents of the 7th district of Orange County. What does that mean in English – the county returned 2.7 million dollars from the sales tax revenue to the district for the taxpayers. It is a start to assisting taxpayers in the high cost of property taxes.
Earlier this year Governor Spitzer stated “no new taxes” this year. We all welcome the Governor’s promise and hope that he will be able to deliver on his promise as the time has long since passed for talk about tax reduction; the time has come for action.
Something has to be done to help our residents, homeowners and small business owners. Government needs to control its spending and allow the people to keep their hard earned money.
As the state budget will soon be presented to the legislature it is our hope the Governor will keep his promise of “no new taxes” while at the same time – not increasing any of the present taxes in order to balance his budget.
As your Orange County legislator I will continue to look for new efficiencies, innovative technologies and opportunities to continuing to reduce taxes for all Orange County taxpayers.
As always, I welcome your suggestions and ideas as we work towards a better county and state for all of us.
Open Space – Campaign Promise
August 15, 2008
There is no better way to enjoy summer than spending it outdoors in our community parks says, Orange County Legislator Greg Townsend. Residents of Orange County make good use of all the parks, and therefore the Orange County Legislative felt it important to keep them beautiful.
Just this past month, numerous grants have been made to upgrade and maintain the beauty of over 20 parks and recreation facilities that are scattered around the County.
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July 15, 2008
The Orange County Legislature has made recommendations to the County Executive to review the County’s recycling programs and the establishment of public educational outreach programs. Orange County currently offers opportunities throughout its facilities for all residents, employees and visitors to recycle items in designated recycling bins and free recycling bins at all of the County’s transfer stations. Greg Townsend and the Legislature vote in favor to assist the County with its recycling program and to provide public outreach programs in an effort to raise public awareness about the importance of recycling. They would also like to thank the members of the Green Building Study Committee for their personal commitment to the environment and for taking the time to study and recommend changes to Orange County’s present environmental practices.
May 15, 2008
One of the greatest aspects of living in Orange County is the perfect blend of the urban and rural lifestyle; we are lucky enough to have all the benefits and amenities of living in a community and have the great outdoors as our backyard. I promised as an elected legislator I would fight to preserve Open Space and last week I had the opportunity to keep a campaign promise.
Orange County intends to acquire conservation easement with respect to the Kezialain Farm, 166 Acres, located in the Town of Minisink. The project is intended to preserve natural resources and support the farming operation.
Active Adult Housing
Camp La Guardia
June 30, 2008
Orange County Legislator, Greg Townsend, 7th District, put together an informational meeting at Chester Academy High School to discuss the impending sale of the property at Camp LaGuardia. Townsend felt the community had a lot of unanswered questions and was missing essential information before the important legislative vote on July 2nd. Therefore, the informational meeting was put together to give the public a chance to voice their questions and concerns and for those Orange County Legislators who chose to attend, to answer them. Townsend, along with many other residents felt the need for the County to extend the sale deadline to make a proper, well thought out decision. He was against accepting the proposal, and believed that more time and consideration were necessary before accepting any offers.
Townsend and the other Legislators were not alone with their concerns over the pending decision. Well over 100 residents of Orange County attended the meeting filling most of the seats at Chester Academy. “This meeting definitely highlighted the enormous amount of concern floating around our community,” said Townsend. The decision will affect so many people throughout the county and surrounding areas that every possible angle of each proposal should be thoroughly analyzed before a decision is made. The residents asked questions and brought up many important topics that needed to be discussed before making such an important decision that will affect the future of Orange County. Many residents voiced concerns over the credibility of people involved in certain proposals, while others were more concerned about the traffic flow, population, or sewage and water problems that could arise with the acceptance of certain proposals. All together, the public is very involved and concerned with what will happen to the former Camp LaGuardia, and wants the Legislature to take their time in making the best possible decision.
Traffic
August 15, 2008
Recently, with funds provided by New York State Department of Transportation, a new Transit Guide was developed for Orange County. The guide describes in detail all the transit services in and around Orange County and how to use them. The transit guide is available at county offices, municipal offices, libraries, senior centers and other locations. In addition the County has launched a new web portal – www.transitorange.info to access the guide and other information regarding transit services.
August 15, 2008
Building on the need for transportation services in Orange County 13 new Dial-A Buses were recently purchased and given to local municipalities. Monroe will receive 4 buses. These buses use clean burning low sulfur diesel fuel, are economical and environmentally friendly. This is a great benefit to our seniors and will help them get around safely. The buses were given to the Towns of Newburgh, New Windsor, Cornwall, Monroe and Wallkill.