Dear Editor,
In countries around the world where voters get to choose their leaders, history demonstrates that after one party has been in power for a long time, society generally benefits when a new one is ushered in.
As in nature, when the tide changes, it brings renewal. While there can be many reasons for this phenomenon, one has always stood out for me, which is that those in power get too comfortable. There becomes an almost entitled sense of leadership, which can lead to sloppy governance and the suppression of alternate viewpoints. Basic competence is no longer at a premium.
Here in Yorktown I believe we have reached this point. Republicans have controlled the Town Board for nearly 12 years, with one short two-year interlude. While they have accomplished many things, my focus has recently turned to the many missteps over the past few years that, to me, symbolize the lack of competence evident in their governance. The current board is quick to promote various developments with ribbon cuttings, which gives the impression of dynamism, but let’s take a look at some of the other side of the record. This is a selection:
The engagement of the low-bid refuse pick-up company without the necessary due diligence. The firm went bankrupt without notice, causing disruption. This was made worse by the fact that a previous (Republican) supervisor had represented and vouched for them, essentially saying “trust us.” A competent board would not have!
A failure to utilize solar power in any meaningful way to reduce energy costs despite being urged to. Our neighbors in Croton took such an initiative at the station with the result that the village adds over $400,000 to its annual revenue. Such an opportunity presented itself at the repaving of the Granite Knolls parking lot, but it was not seized upon. The $800,000 cost might have been offset by solar power revenue.
The homeowners promised sewer connection in the Hallocks Mill Sewer District have had to wait a decade while the Town Board procrastinated rather than making difficult decisions.
The Yorktown streetscape project, stimulated by the Covid ARPA funds, has sat in abeyance for three years. I understand that these initiatives take time to implement but the lack of progress is one more example of the level of dynamism of this board.
Yorktown’s code enforcement has been lax to the point of negligence. The illegal use of town property as a parking lot and a rogue tree nursery without permits defying stop work orders are two recent examples. Resulting lawsuits, while covered by insurance, are eventually paid for by taxpayers.
While a good relationship between a Town Board and developers is necessary, there are some that think it has recently become a little too cozy. Why for example has the developer of the new Underhill Farms been given a pass by the town for necessary traffic improvements? Taxpayers contributed over $600,000 for the road construction, more than half the cost. The established norm was that the developer paid the full costs of needed road improvements.
I could go on, but my conclusion is that the leadership of the town government has been reactive and rolling along rather than providing leadership and vision. “Nice guy” is not a substitute for proactive dynamism.
Fortunately there is an alternative, and her name is Jann Mirchandani. A long-time Yorktown resident raising her family here, her resume speaks volumes as to her basic competence and leadership qualities. She has built a career in a wide range of businesses and non-profits, including marketing, financial services and community activities and can bring to bear the kaleidoscope of skills necessary to serve our town. More importantly, I have met her and discussed her ideas, which include the implementation of a new comprehensive plan, something Yorktown sorely needs to replace the “muddling along,” which we have grown accustomed to. I firmly believe her proven leadership and competency skills can usher in the winds of change Yorktown deserves.
-Jonathan Nettelfield, Yorktown Heights
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