Politics on the Hudson

Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone issued a press statement today saying that he heard voters’ message “loud and clear,” even though he wasn’t running for anything.

He said voters expect him and his counterparts on the City Council to make sacrifices,  find new efficiencies and reduce the tax burden, among other cost-saving efforts.

Amicone also took a swipe at City Council President Chuck Lesnick, whose slim win means that voters are “unconvinced” he has done enough to accomplish cost-saving goals and lower taxes.

It’s important to remember, however, that Amicone’s proposed budget for 2009-10 in April had a 7.8% property-tax-rate increase, which didn’t seem like much of a sacrifice in a year of private-sector salary freezes, pay cuts and massive lay-offs.

The City Council ultimately adopted a 5.75% property-tax-rate increase for 2009-10, overriding Amicone’s veto of the budget.

Here’s what Amicone had to say today:

Amicone: “Voters Message Heard Loud & Clear”
Mayor issues strong statement on election results and sets priorities for new City Council

Yonkers, N.Y. (November 17, 2009)—The following is an official statement from Mayor Phil Amicone on the now final results for local elections in the city of Yonkers. Follow-up interviews can be arranged upon request.

“Two weeks ago, a majority of the seats on our City Council were up for election and today we finally know the outcome for certain. I want to congratulate the winners, especially the three brand new councilmembers who I believe will bring new energy, vigor, and a willingness to get things done to our city government that hasn’t always been there in the past.
“The voters of this city and from around the region sent a resounding message on Election Day. Their families are being squeezed by a bad economy—-a tight job market, stagnant wages, rising heath care costs, lower home values, and high taxes. They expect those of us in government to do what they have done in tough times: to make sacrifices, change the way we do business, find new efficiencies, do more with less, and most of all reduce the tax burden. They expect us to lead the way in finding solutions instead of adding to the problem.
“Here in this city, the voters selected three new representatives on the City Council who promised to work with my administration in reducing the cost of government, growing our tax base with new development, and focusing on the neighborhood quality of life issues that make our city a safe and enjoyable place to live. They also narrowly reelected our city council president, with half of the electorate unconvinced that he has done enough toward accomplishing those goals.
“Even though my name was not on the ballot, I have heard the voters’ message loud and clear.
“In January, I will be submitting a legislative agenda to the new City Council that reflects the priorities the public has set for our future. We will continue cost- cutting in our municipal budget and will seek even greater savings through restructuring. We will be even more aggressive in pursuing new economic development that will provide jobs for our residents and revenues for city and school services. And we will move quickly towards accomplishing these goals because the people expect greater progress.
“I renew my commitment to work with all our councilmembers and anyone who shares our vision for a more vibrant and financially secure Yonkers. I look forward to showing the voters we are capable of fulfilling their mandate by working together.”
-Mayor Phil Amicone

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