Positions on key issues (10/23/2009)
On police consolidation my opponent has proposed that county government provide an annual 1.5 million dollar government
grant for “use of the Gates Police Department”. First, this is nothing more than shifting the tax burden on to the county.
Second, allowing the county to use our local police department defeats the purpose of a town police force. Gates residents
have overwhelmingly said they want a Gates Police Department and public safety is a matter I will not compromise on.
My opponent has also proposed to eliminate the position of Town Attorney. The Town of Irondequoit eliminated their attorney
and retained a law firm for legal services. In 2010 Irondequoit will spend $220,257 for legal services while Gates will spend
only $72,300. Gates and Irondequoit are similar towns with similar needs for legal services. Yet Irondequoit will spend $147,957
more than Gates in legal services. I do not support this proposal for obvious financial reasons.
Last, is the issue of employee salaries at town hall. Salaries in Gates are not out of line with other communities and in many cases
are lower than other communities. My opponent made a point of criticizing the “high salaries” of department heads but neglected to
mention that he voted in favor of the salaries in the 2009 budget. Amazingly right after his comments at the editorial board he
voted once again for the “high salaries” in the 2010 preliminary budget.
ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT (9/1/2009)
Understanding that openness and easy access to town government and officials
is vital, Mark Assini and the Gates GOP Team plan to review alternatives to make
Gates Government more accessible to the public.
They intend to make a comprehensive review of the ways Gates residents can and
do interact with Town government and Town officials and to consider ways to
enhance the levels of access and communication.
The GOP team will be reviewing ways to upgrade the Town of Gates’ website.
Possible improvements include putting the Town Code and other rules and
regulations online as well as developing interactivity for residents regarding
applications for permits and licenses. Additional items under review include
developing links from the Gates website to other sites of community interest.
This review will keep a close eye on cost of such improvements. The GOP team is,
as always, committed to improving service in a cost-effective way. The goal of
the review will be to enhance residents’ ability to interact with Gates
government without excessive or unneeded expense.
Gates GOP Team Calls for Development of a Long-Range Spending Plan for Town Roads, Equipment, and Buildings and for the Establishment of a Capital Planning Committee. (6/22/2009)
The Town of Gates has long been considered a great place to buy a home, raise a family and to do business.
Providing well maintained town roads, equipment and buildings while keeping taxes stable is a vital part of a healthy business environment and crucial to maintaining a good quality of life for town residents.
Given the fiscal challenges ahead it is wise to provide a comprehensive long range spending plan to match the town’s needs with available financial resources.
Development of this plan will be with the input and guidance of the town staff in conjunction with a Capital Planning Committee. The Capital Planning Committee will be formed by qualified community volunteers to both review and edit the plan as necessary. This committee will include members of all political parties. The entire process will be open to the public.
Implementing a formal long range planning process for town roads, equipment and buildings will allow community input, transparency and the ability to prioritize our community’s capital needs with what our community can afford.