Response to rumors and Hanauer for Mayor web page

We all go into public service, at least initially, because of a desire to lead our communities towards something better than what we’ve experienced as private citizens; the only legacy we should aspire to leave is a community that works better and more cooperatively than when we arrived. Public service is not a fast track to wealth, the hours are long, and the decisions are difficult, but the outcomes are often more rewarding than anything I’ve seen in the private sector, because the choices we make improve lives. However, local politics can be  especially complicated because of how directly we affect the lives of constituents, and how closely in touch we are with the public we serve. Running for local office should be a decision made out of a commitment to the community, the people, and what benefits the majority of residents. People feel especially passionate about what happens in their backyard, and every decision we make has a direct impact that people can hear, feel, and see. Unfortunately, local politics are not shielded from the darker side of politics we sometimes see on the national scene. I take personal offense to the recent implications that my support can be bought, traded for, or otherwise used as a bargaining chip. The role of Town Supervisor is the role for which I ran, and was twice elected, and it is the role that I wish to keep. Simply put, I support Victoria Gearity, the endorsed Democratic candidate for Ossining Village Mayor, because I expect her to do a better job than her predecessor. Having worked with Mrs. Gearity for the past year and a half in her role as a Village Trustee, I find her to be approachable,  thoughtful and cooperative in a way unfamiliar to me under the current mayoral leadership. In any similar situation where a Town and Village share territory, services, and even the same buildings, it would stand to reason that a better working relationship would exist than currently does- I believe that in my role as Town Supervisor, having a strong Village Mayor who is open to looking at things differently would do nothing but benefit our community, residents and employees. I want to be clear- at no time have I been approached, nor have I approached anyone, to secure the position of Ossining Village Manager. Those who started this rumor did so purely to discredit Victoria Gearity, with the hope that people will vote against her if they feel she is aligned with me and my track record of developing and monitoring strictly crafted budgets and holding employees accountable for their responsibilities. On a similar note, the recent campaign literature disseminated by Mayor Bill Hanauer on his website suggests that further consolidation of Town/ Village services are forthcoming, and that some of the goals of his term would be for the Village to absorb many of the Town’s responsibilities. While we all agree that past consolidations are working well and that further consolidations could be helpful, I take exception to the implication that the Mayor feels, without any sort of discussion with the Town, that this is a “fait accompli”. Any consolidation in the future will require open and honest discussion, detailed analysis of the potential impacts, and input from all involved parties, including residents/commercial property owners, employees (including union representation), and management. For Mayor Hanauer to suggest otherwise is irresponsible, disrespectful, and contrary to the goal of a cooperative and respectful working relationship between the Town and Village of Ossining. The lack of respect some have shown for the position and, more importantly, the responsibility, of the Town Supervisor can be disheartening.  The implication that decisions can be made in a way that circumvents the Town demeans the work done every day by our Board, our employees, and our volunteer committees who give of their time to improve the quality of life for Town residents. The upcoming race is in the Village of Ossining, and involves Village Trustees and the Mayor of the Village; while the Town is certainly interested in the outcome, we do not wish to be roped into the political aspects of what is still going to be a long race- the energy wasted on unraveling misinformation could be better spent on fostering growth and creating opportunities that will help the entire community prosper. The Town looks forward to improving the working relationship between the Town and Village Boards and administration- anything less would be a disservice to those we serve.  Sue DonnellySupervisor – Town of Ossining