A Reply to Dan Scott

Dear Dan,

It’s probably not useful to conflate the problems facing our Village as you have.  Let me share my perspective on a few of the points you raise:

1. The after-school program at Morse: In response to the concerned parents who have come to several Board meetings, and at the specific request of one of the Trustees, we will be scheduling a work session in July to look at this issue. As the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan so eloquently stated, you are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts.  Despite many complaints about the alternative, this program represents a classic example of duplication of effort. Since the needs of parents and families can be met at Morse School through an existing program of the Tarrytown YMCA, the question must be asked why Sleepy Hollow taxpayers should pay for a redundant program?  It’s sad that the hostility expressed by a few people about the program provided at Morse by the Y has received so much attention.  I think the Y does a great job serving the diverse population of the two villages.  In addition, the oft-repeated statement that this program pays for itself is false.  The facts on the revenue and expenses related to the program will be made public at the work session and I believe folks will be surprised to discover that it is not self-supporting.

2. The Board of Trustees and I agree completely with the need for a master plan and have publicly said so.  In fact, we have asked the Planning Board to begin the process of putting one together.  While virtually all Westchester municipalities have put their master plan process on hold during these very difficult economic times, we in Sleepy Hollow are somewhat ahead of the problem because a major element of a plan is already in place in our Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan.  Clearly the GM site will also have a substantial impact on the Village and its future. 

3. The DPW represents the largest element of our budget and tax expenditures.  Mr. Tim Judge, a long time volunteer public servant as a member of the Zoning Board, will provide the Village with some much needed data and analysis about our solid waste disposal methods and staff. It’s hard to believe that anyone would oppose researching ways to achieve long-term savings for the Village, especially in light of the restrictions recently imposed on the Village by Albany. The Board of Trustees has been and will continue to find ways to save taxpayer dollars in a responsible, informed way. 

4. As for people whose economic situation is so dire that they need to pick through recycling, I do feel for them and think that for the Village to ban this outright is harsh. You may disagree with me.  Some of the Trustees may disagree me.  It’s okay.  We live in a democracy where the free flow of divergent ideas and ideals make us all better people.