Somers supervisor delivers 'State of the Town' address

SOMERS, N.Y. - Hometown pride was on parade at Somers Supervisor Robert Scorrano’s first-ever formal State of the Town address.

Stepping up to the podium at The Elephant Hotel, aka Town Hall, on Tuesday, May 6, he noted that the 200-year-old building had “long symbolized our shared history. Tonight, it also represents our shared future.”

Deputy Town Supervisor Michael Coughlin made the introductions. Members of Boy Scout Troops 228 and 376 presented the colors, and Marine Corps veteran Kevin O’Keefe led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The purpose of the report wasn’t just to look at where the town’s been, where it’s now, and where it’s going, but also to share its achievements as well as “the partnerships that drive our success and the values that guide us in all of our endeavors,” said Scorrano, who is running for re-election this fall.

He then solemnly reflected on the shooting last fall that took the life of 15-year-old Baldwin Place resident Michael Raimondi and wounded his mother, Christina, and brother, Matthew.

The community suffered “profound” shock, pain, and confusion in the wake of the tragedy, he recalled.

But once everyone had a minute, “Somers did what Somers does: We came together,” Scorrano said, speaking not only of the candlelight vigil at Reis Park but the support shown to the Raimondi family.

“I will forever be in awe about just how much love lives in the hearts of the people of Somers,” he said.

On Firm Ground

Finances were among the areas highlighted in Scorrano’s speech.

He reported that the town “remains financially sound” and has maintained its Triple A rating – the highest a municipality can obtain – from Moody’s since 2021.

Scorrano also pointed out that Somers has remained under the state tax cap since its implementation in 2012.

Calling it “a testament” to the abilities of the town’s finance department as led by Robert Kehoe and team, he also credited past and current Town Boards and supervisors, especially Rick Morrissey and Mary Beth Murphy.

“We balanced our budget, held the line on taxes, borrowed when prudent, taken a conservative yet strategic approach to our reserves, all while delivering more value for every tax dollar,” Scorrano said, adding that Somers “remains one of the lowest-taxed towns in Westchester County.”

Infrastructure Investments

Being fiscally responsible has allowed the town to “invest wisely and purposefully” in infrastructure and services on which the community depends, Scorrano said.

Pointing to projects such as the repaving of “key” roads and the addressing of overdue drainage improvement, he said the work is “far from finished.”

Not only is the town working on “multi-year capital improvement plan that prioritizes safety, connectivity, and long-term sustainability,” it has continued to “call on Albany to meet its obligations, not with temporary fixes, but with real lasting investments in our state roads,” Scorrano said, praising Highway Superintendent Nick DeVito for leading the charge in calling for increased CHIPS funding.

Water and sewer services also remain a “top priority,” he said, calling them vital for the town’s “responsible” growth.

It’s worked closely with its consultant, Steve Robbins of Woodard & Curren, and Fred McQuillan, its water/sewer superintendent, on projects such as the extension of a water main from Heritage Hills to the Business Historic Preservation District.

Once complete, it will provide fire protection and water that meets the state’s standards for PFAs.

Scorrano noted that the town has secured $3.7 million in state and federal funding for the project.

Also mentioned was ongoing repairs at the Ross Drive water tank.

Protecting property and public health is important, he said, adding: “Every gallon counts and every investment we make today prepares us for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Public Safety

Calling police, fire, and EMS teams “the backbone of the Somers community,” Scorrano praised police Chief Brian Linkletter and Fire Commissioner Eric Zohar as models of “professionalism and committed public service.”

Referring to first responders, he said their “courage” is “why Somers remains one of the safest towns in the county.”

The town has invested in new police equipment, added officers, strengthened mutual aid agreements with its first district, and upgraded its communications infrastructure, including a new antenna on top of the Town House.

The last is intended to help coordinate emergency responses during “major events,” Scorrano said, adding that the town remains committed to keeping the state police barracks “right here in Somers.”

The project had been stalled for 15 years, but is now making progress and the “final hurdle” lies with the state Department of Environmental Conservation, which has to decide if there’s sufficient water resources to support the new facility.

The new barracks “will be fully funded by Albany, with no costs to Somers taxpayers,” he said.

Space to Grow

“Public safety isn’t just about response; it starts with prevention and that begins in spaces where we live, gather, and grow,” Scorrano said, citing the specialness of the town’s parks and open spaces.

The town recently completed a long-awaited land swap that will allow it to expand and improve Reis Park, he said, lauding Parks and Recreation Superintendent Steve Ralson for his “vision and community minded approach.”

Also on the list of accomplishments is the installation of AEDs (automated external defibrillators) at Van Tassell and Reis Parks, the upgrading of the historic Reynold’s House at Angle Fly Preserve, and the erection of a double-sided, LED sign at Reis.

“These investments are about more than recreation, they’re about connection and that sense of belonging must extend to all who wish to call Somers home,” he said.

And just so older folks can continue to do that and young families can plant roots, the town has led Westchester, Scorrano asserted, in affordable and senior housing.

According to Scorrano, “smart housing is a pillar of smart growth.”

“It Somers, we don’t say ‘yes’ to everything, we say ‘yes’ to what’s right,” he said, crediting its planning, engineering, and building departments, led by David Smith, Steve Woelfle, and Tom Tooma, respectively.

The town is reviewing its comprehensive plan and has been modernizing its land use codes to meet its current needs while preserving its “small-town charm,” Scorrano said.

Improvements made in the town’s center include new sidewalks and a crosswalk, dedicated in January to Thelma Barlow, a “beloved longtime Scout leader and cross guard who gave so much to this community,” he said.

It’s also working with residents and businesses to “revitalize” key corridors, such as Route 6.

Sustainability

“Smart growth isn’t about building more, it’s about building wisely, with purpose and with long-term vision,” said Scorrano, pointing out that the town has supported 30X30, a global movement – and official U.S. policy – that aims to protect 30 percent of terrestrial and marine habitat by 2030.

Scorrano said the town has already protected 28 percent of its lands and is “moving forward.”

Among its green initiatives are the installation of EV chargers, the restoration of native plant habitats, and the conducting of energy audits of its municipal buildings.

“We take sustainability seriously,” he said, adding that the town tackled the issue of battery energy storage systems (BESS) with gusto.

“We brought in fire and environmental experts, strengthened our zoning codes, and demanded public transparency. We are ensuring that BESS projects are NOT permitted in Somers until (the) technology is proven safe and reliable,” Scorrano explained.

All Generations

Somers is, he said, “committed to serving every generation from our youngest learners to our most seasoned residents.”

The Somers Library, headed by Director Jessica Veissy, “is more than a place to borrow books,” it offers programs for all ages and it’s a place for reflection and learning, he said.

Senior programs, under the direction of Princess Guerra, have returned to pre-pandemic levels. New events have been launched and classes expanded, Scorrano said, adding that these all “bring joy, purpose and connection to our older adults.

They also “strengthen our community bonds, which are more important now than ever,” he said.

Team Spirit

None of this could be accomplished without a “dedicated team that keeps government accessible, transparent, and efficient,” Scorrano said.

They include Town Clerk Patty Kalba – “a cornerstone of public service” – and her deputy Linda Verderame; Receiver of Taxes Michele McKearney and deputy Christine Rossiter; Tax Assessor Teresa Stegner, Town Attorneys Roland Baroni and Michael Towey, and executive team members Kim DeLucia, Scorrano’s confidential assistant, and Tammy Savva, the junior administrative assistant.

“Day in and day out their work behind the scenes enables mine. They all deserve our gratitude,” he said.

Constitutional Responsibilities

Before closing, Scorrano addressed the responsibility that the Town Board and he bear as “elected officials.”

“Each member of this board has taken a solemn oath to uphold and defend the constitution of the United States. That oath is not symbolic; it informs everything we do.”

And that includes whether it’s “passing local budgets, protecting public safety, stewarding infrastructure, or promoting justice and opportunities at the local level,” he said, adding that it’s their “job and duty to preserve, defend, and protect the constitutional rights of Somers residents, not by merely paying them lip service, but through action.”

That’s done “by ensuring fairness in our courts,” he said, referencing local town justices Michael McDermott and Joseph Marra, who were in the audience that evening.

“Transparency in our proceedings, and equal treatment for all,” Scorrano intoned, adding: “This may be a small corner of American, but every bit of the beauty, resilience, and the freedoms of this massive nation is reflected here.”

Saying he was excited “at the prosperous road ahead” and was eager “to get to work on that vision,” Scorrano wrapped his speech up with:

“I am very pleased to report to you, my neighbors and friends, that the state of the town is strong.”