Section: The Election Battleground

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Croton GOP 'Liar Flyer' Ruled Unsportsman-Like by Fair-Campaign Group

March 13, 2010

For years in Croton, it’s always been former one-term Trustee and current Croton Republican Committee chairperson Susan Konig who’s manufactured the distortions, fabrications, and lies aimed at smearing local Democrats—while she hides behind the Cross.

But yesterday, on the heels of her writing “We should all, as a community, disassociate ourselves from hateful, nasty attacks.” on a message board, in a Journal News article, Ms. Konig’s chickens came home to roost.

Here’s an excerpt:

The Westchester County Fair Campaign Practices Committee, which promotes responsible and factual campaign tactics, found fault with a number of Republican claims in campaign advertisements and flyers over a recent zoning change—one that is now the subject of a lawsuit.

The GOP used a stock image of a city street on a flyer (see scanned flyer below) to illustrate its contention that new zoning changes promoted by Democratic elected officials would lead to “overdevelopment.” The committee found the picture an unfair campaign practice.

They also cited the Republican campaign for claiming that Democrats Ann Gallelli and Richard Olver were planning to build apartments in the Harmon section of town and a retail mall at the train station. In fact, Gallelli and Olver have not come out in favor of any specific building plans.

Another finding of an unfair campaign practice concerned the Republicans using the word “toxic” to describe a new community garden where residents can grow produce. The garden was found to have contained a small amount of asphalt debris in it, which was removed, but it was not considered a danger to public health. In any event, organizers of the garden decided to use raised beds and fresh topsoil for the project.

Here’s the flyer:

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Croton GOP Leaders File Rumored Lawsuit Against Village

March 11, 2010

To the editor:

An Article 78 was filed against the Village of Croton today by a few residents led by the Republican Party. While we recognize a responsible citizen’s right to file this lawsuit, we maintain this is a political action timed to support a weak candidate team in their quest to win seats on the village board as they have had 3 months in which to file this claim. We view this as a selfish political act at the expense of the residents of Croton.

An Article 78 is a legal action that challenges a municipal board’s decision based on failure to follow the prescribed procedures required by law. This lawsuit was filed in reaction to the recent change of zoning passed into law in December by the current board of trustees. This was a contentious issue and at one of the public hearings the threat of this lawsuit was mentioned by one of the anti change group.

Residents should know that the Village Attorney, Jim Staudt, aware of a minority but vocal opposition to the zoning action, and being very experienced in the required procedures, reviewed and directed the actions from its inception to ensure that all procedures were followed to the letter. Harmon Economic Development Committee Chair, Kieran Murray, who is well versed in this issue said, “As a lifelong Republican, I am embarrassed at my own party’s role in this action. This represents the politics of obstructionism at its worst.”

Because of this selfish act, taxpayers will pay on both ends: first and foremost in the cost to defend this frivolous lawsuit which could result in tens of thousands of dollars and more importantly, it will discourage currently interested parties from further investment in Harmon as they await the outcome of the lawsuit taking long term money away from Croton as well. Meanwhile Harmon continues to exist in a state of decline, empty storefronts lining the street.

We encourage all citizens to make their feelings known about this frivolous lawsuit that affects our pocketbooks, our image as a village, our property values and our property taxes.

— Eileen Henry and John McBride, on behalf of the Croton Democratic Committee

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Vote to Move Croton Forward -- Defeat the GOP's Cynical Platform of Obstruction and Propaganda

To the editor:

The March 16th Village election approaches, and the differences between the two parties and their candidates are clear and stark. The Republicans, through their campaign literature, have proven themselves to be adept at coining toxic slogans, making wildly exaggerated claims and utilizing distasteful code words and imagery as weapons of fear mongering. They hype the mythical benefits of balance on the board for the sake of…balance. And they have yet to put forward any actual programs or to articulate any ideas about how to handle the issues and problems that the Village faces today and in the future.

As I write this, it is rumored that the Republican leadership or their surrogates will soon file an Article 78 legal challenge to the recent Harmon zoning changes, oh-so conveniently timed for the election cycle. If filed, this challenge — based on procedural rather than substantive grounds — will yet again prove the Republicans to be expert at saying “no,” cynically employing the tactics of obstruction while holding the entire Village hostage for their political gain, and frivolously wasting taxpayer dollars. I sincerely hope for all of Croton’s sake that this is just a rumor.

By contrast, the Democratic candidates Ann Gallelli and Richard Olver, and the rest of our current Village Board, have shown that they are willing to roll up their sleeves to do the hard work and make the tough choices and find solutions to take Croton forward. They have worked with the citizens of Croton and also looked beyond our village borders for ideas and funding to maximize the quality of life for our residents, now and into the future.

Croton’s citizens deserve leadership that knows how to say “yes” and then deliver on its goals. That’s why I’ll be voting for Ann Gallelli and Richard Olver on March 16th.

— Adam Rothberg, Croton on Hudson

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Why I Reject the Croton GOP Politics of Obstructionism

To the editor:

A small, vocal, core group of Schmidt/Swan supporters failed to make any meaningful challenge to the overarching rationale for the Harmon Business District rezoning during the State Environmental Quality Review Process (SEQR).

Now it appears they will use the Article 78 process and its 1+ year timeline as a political tool to influence the 2010 election and cripple any hope of positive change in Harmon. In addition, if the Croton GOP regains the board majority in 2011, they can effectively roll back the Harmon rezoning without having to hold one single public hearing or input session by abandoning the village’s defense of their own supporters’ Article 78 action.

And this apparent Croton GOP political strategy could very well cost the village (and its taxpayers) over $100,000+ to defend itself against.

Regardless of your political persuasion and/or position on the Harmon Business District rezoning, please join me (a Republican) in sending a strong message to the Croton GOP leadership that the politics of obstructionism WILL NOT BE TOLERATED in Croton by voting for Ann Gallelli and Rick Olver on March 16th.

— Kieran Murray

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Top 10 Reasons Not to Vote for Greg Schmidt

March 8, 2010

Drum roll, please…

10) Schmidt increased the use of Executive Sessions (meetings closed to the public) by 400% as Mayor.

9) Schmidt did not take ONE SINGLE recommendation from a volunteer committee, NOT ONE!

8 ) Schmidt disbanded the Comprehensive Plan Committee leaving Croton Point Park zoned residential, jeopardizing our schools and leaving us at risk for skyrocketing school tax increases.

7) Schmidt OPPOSED funding for the walking bridge at Croton Landing, preferring to leave it a swamp instead of the beautiful trail it is today.

6) Recreation fees and train station parking fees SKYROCKETED under the Schmidt administration.

5) Schmidt invented “Sewer Rent” as another way to raise taxes and fees on residents.

4) Schmidt played shell games with the water and general fund to give the appearance to voters that he was controlling expenses.

3) Schmidt tried to add the controversial chemical Zinc Orthophosphate to our drinking water with NO public input in only two short weeks.

2) Schmidt raised taxes EVERY SINGLE YEAR he was in office.

1) Schmidt increased village spending by $1,000,000 EACH AND EVERY YEAR he was Mayor.

— Troubled

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Down from $52k, Candidate Swan Still Owes $18k in Back Taxes

March 7, 2010

To the editor:

As previously reported, when nominated in early February, Mr. Swan owed back taxes of $52,257.00 for 2008 and 2009. We’ve been accused of lying about this matter, therefore we are compelled to update the numbers. As of March 5, 2010, Mr. Swan continues to owe $18,137.89. See the numbers below, confirmed by phone to Town and Village offices on March 5, 2010.

Property at 1 Crest St. (map location)

Total taxes owed on 2/1/2010: $52,257.00
Village taxes pd 2/9/10: $15,685.95
School/Town pd 3/3/10: $18,433.16
Still owes: $18,137.89

Unfortunately, Mr. Swan is willing to shift his tax burden to all the rest of the Village taxpayers. Croton Democrats maintain this shows a lack of consideration for Croton residents and poor judgment on the part of former Mayor Schmidt in selecting him as a running mate.

— Eileen Henry and John McBride, on behalf of the Croton Democratic Committee

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Summing Up Candidate Randy Swan's Tax Troubles

March 4, 2010

To the editor:

On accepting the Republican Party nomination to run for Village Trustee, in the Village of Croton on Hudson, Randall Swan sent a letter to the editor for publication in “The Gazette,” the local weekly newspaper. In his letter he stated that he had had difficulty paying his village taxes.

A few simple phone calls to the village offices and the town offices reveal that Candidate Swan has not paid any property taxes on his property at 1 Crest Street in the Village for two years. The property is listed as having 5 residential units. The total outstanding taxes due to the village, the school, the town and the county are $50,705.

TOWN OF CORTLANDT RECORDS for Randall Swan, 1 Crest Avenue

Vacant Lot:
2009-2010 School Tax: $2,019
2009 Town/Cty Tax: $483
2008 School/Town/Cty: $2,306

Improved Lot:
2009-2010 School Tax: $12,851
2009 Town/Cty Tax: $ 3,078
2008 School/Town/Cty: $14,530

TOTAL TOWN TAX OWED: $35,267

VILLAGE OF CROTON RECORDS for Randall Swan, 1 Crest Avenue

Water Bill (08/09): $1,279
Property tax lien 2009: $8,408
Property Tax 2010: $5,751

TOTAL VILLAGE TAX OWED: $15,438

GRAND TOTAL TAX OWED For RANDALL SWAN: $50,705

Mr. Swan, and Mr. Schmidt through his decision to run on the slate with Mr. Swan, ask us to trust them to run this village responsibly. Voters need to know that Mr. Swan has for the past two years been irresponsible with paying his village taxes. Mr. Schmidt, while he was mayor, would often chastise residents who failed to pay their taxes or maintain their property. Ninety-five percent of property owners in this village pay their taxes on time. It is simply unacceptable that the former mayor, now running to be a trustee, would choose a tax scofflaw as his running mate.

Most disturbing is the fact that over $30,000 of the delinquent taxes owed are for the funding of our public school system. How ironic during “School Budget Week” when the School Board is working extremely hard to better manage the cost of educating our children in this challenging economic climate, that we find a candidate seeking to be elected to a position of public trust, who has such an outstanding school-tax debt. Swan and Schmidt are demonstrating a callous disregard for the fiscal health of Croton Schools and the community as a whole.

We want voters to know the facts about the candidates for the village board. We have had enough of politicians like Schmidt and Swan, who betray the voters’ trust.

— Eileen Henry and John McBride, on behalf of the Croton Democratic Committee

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Meet the 2010 Croton-on-Hudson Trustee Candidates

March 3, 2010

Trustee candidates discuss the issues in Croton-on-Hudson during a meeting with the editorial board March 2, 2010. (Video by Amy Garcia)

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More on Tax Raiser Greg Schmidt & Tax Delinquent Randy Swan

February 24, 2010

Op-Ed

There is a distinct difference between fact and fiction. It’s our intention to supply our readers with a REALITY CHECK on false claims that circulate so readily on websites and in the streets during election season. We will update this page as appropriate in order to supply you with the truth about the complex issues facing our village.

WE LOWERED YOUR TAXES.

No spin - just cold, hard facts. During Greg Schmidt’s 4 year tenure as Mayor, the Village Budget grew $4 Million. Your taxes were raised 22% during this same time. The public record shows that his running mate, Randy Swan owes back taxes for properties dating back to 2009 in the amount of $8408.38 and for this year in the amount of $5,751.02. His water bill is currently past due for two years in the amount of $1279. We understand that these are tough economic times. What we don’t understand is why Mr. Swan isn’t supporting the candidates who, for the first time in Croton history, LOWERED TAXES 1.9% while cutting the Village as well - and as recently as two weeks ago by $55,000.00.

WE DO NOT SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH DENSITY HOUSING IN HARMON OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE VILLAGE THAT COULD OVERCROWD OUR SCHOOLS.

There is NO housing development on the table anywhere in the village. Take a look at the zoning changes and supporting data for yourself. The changes we enacted promote business and encourage small scale, attractive, private improvement of individual lots. They remove red tape for business owners, and add substantial new net revenue for the village, town and schools.

WE HAVE BALANCE ON THE BOARD

Balance is more than just labels. As a registered Democrat, Greg Schmidt should know that. Balance is diversity in skills and talents. Your current Village Board has the balance of skills and talents that it takes to move the Croton on Hudson through these difficult financial times while positioning us for a more prosperous future.

Ann brings extensive planning knowledge on successful strategies for preservation as well as economic development plus a wide network of planning people and resources. She has demonstrated an ability to bring residents together to get things done through her service on the Bicycle Pedestrian Committee (BPC), Economic Development Committee (EDC), Comprehensive Plan Committee and Public Art Committee to name a few.

Rick brings some of the best professional management practices to the table, which enables the staff to communicate better and work as a team. He is a master at the art of reaching consensus enabling the board to move ahead. Rick was instrumental in the budget cuts of the past year, which resulted in the lowering of your Village taxes by 1.9% - first time that’s ever happened!

During Greg Schmidt’s tenure as Mayor, the Village budget grew an average of $1Million a year for 4 years. Your taxes were raised accordingly. Randy Swan has never been seen participating in Village affairs - whether that includes service on a committee, participation in a public hearing or expressing his opinion at a Village Board meeting. The public record does show that he is currently in arrears on his property taxes dating back to 2007.

If you think labels achieve balance, then you should vote for Greg Schmidt and Randy Swan.

But if you are looking for responsible, diverse leadership, that brings results we think you’ll agree - Ann Gallelli and Rick Olver are the right choice for Croton.

Source: Croton Democrats

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I'm Lisa Marlow Wolland, and I'm Running for Village Justice

February 18, 2010

An Open Letter to the Village of Croton,

My name is Lisa Marlow Wolland, and I am pleased and excited to tell you that I am running, as an independent, for Village Justice. I believe that I am qualified to serve as our local magistrate, and my decision to run stems not only from my professional experience, but also because I believe that the Croton voters are entitled to a choice of who will serve as their Village Justice for the next 4 years. That is why I have entered the race as a candidate on the Justice Party line.

After graduating from Cornell University and St. John’s University School of Law, I served as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens County, NY from 1993 until 1997, handling a variety of criminal matters, including domestic violence and special victims cases. I was appointed to the Appellate Division, Second Department, as a court attorney, analyzing and briefing criminal and civil cases for the appellate justices from 1997 until 1999. Since then, I have been a practicing appellate attorney, concentrating on criminal law appeals. And, in 2005, I was named of counsel to Mischel & Horn, P.C.

I believe that my broad experience with criminal law and the judicial system makes me an outstanding candidate for our Village Justice. Because criminal matters and traffic cases encompass the majority of our court’s weekly calendar, my experience will allow me to “hit the ground running.” And, because I maintain my office exclusively in Croton, I am always available for any court matters that may arise.

As your Village Justice, I promise that I will treat all parties with respect, I will give you an opportunity to be heard, and I will apply the law to the facts of each case in a fair and judicious manner. I will be honest, ethical and fair.

I am very proud to be a resident of Croton, and I want to serve this community. Because my husband, Glen, and I chose to raise our 3 children here, I have a vested, long-term interest in our village.

I hope I can count on your support on the Justice Party line on Election Day — Tuesday, March 16th.

Very truly yours,

Lisa Marlow Wolland, Croton-on-Hudson, NY

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