Astorino wants police, emergency services merged
In an effort to save more money and streamline services, County Executive Rob Astorino today announced a merger of public safety and emergency services.
The move, the first significant consolidation since he took office in January, would save $700,000 in 2011 if approved by the Board of Legislators, or $3 million over three years, Astorino said.
“It is the right thing to do operationally and it is the right thing to do to save money,” Astorino said. “You have two agencies doing similar things, but separately. There are a lot of efficiencies we see in this. The bottom line is there are real savings for the taxpayer.”
In appearing before The Journal News/Lohud.com Editorial Board today, Astorino said the consolidation is part of his major push to find savings and “right-size” government. Others that are being considered include merging Transportation and Public Works as well as the Health Department, Community Mental Health and Social Services.
Under his plan, the Department of Emergency Services would become part of the Department of Public Safety. Public Safety Commissioner George Longworth will oversee three new divisions that would be headed by deputy commissioners.
The Board of Legislators must approve the merge, though several have come out in support.
“This is a good thing and has the potential for saving taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Legislator Mike Kaplowitz, D-Somers, who chairs the Committee on Government Reform, Efficiency & Savings. “I’m glad that the County Executive joining with members of the Legislature in presenting departmental consolidation plans. During last year’s budget sessions, myself and many other legislators joined together to reveal several ideas for departmental consolidations and, since becoming chair of this committee, we have worked to present viable options towards that goal. We’ve asked the Administration to work with us on several proposals in the past, but I guess now they are ready to focus their attention on this. We are looking forward to hearing more details on this plan and hope to begin dialogue within the committee within the next coming week.”
| 
Email This
Advertisements
He should also get rid of any department that caters to one group like Hispanics or women, etc. Govt is supposed to be working for all and not have resources dedicated to one group.
Finally some efficient consolidation of county goverment that makes sense and also saves millions. Keep up the good work!
Mike Kaplowitz has been a champion of reform, has worked with other members of the Board of Legislators in presenting the restructuring plan that included this merger. Kaplowitz’s committee has been studying these consolidations, including the ones mentioned by Astorino today. I guess Chairman Jenkins selected wisely in naming Kaplowitz Chairman of the Government Reform committee. I remember some on this site blasting Jenkins for creating this committee. Looks like it is starting to pay off.
If you look at the things Kaplowitz’s committee is working on it includes the mergers of Mental Health and Health as well as the elimination of the Department of Transportation, which was suggested by Chairman Jenkins.
Good merger. Consolidate Human Resources into 1 department – no reason for ech department to have their own – start with DSS. Dump Youth Bureau, Office for the Aging, Office for Women – no reason for their existence.
“If you look at the things Kaplowitz’s committee is working on it includes the mergers of Mental Health and Health as well as the elimination of the Department of Transportation, which was suggested by Chairman Jenkins” Boy this poster must be Kap’s Campaign manager. I got it Mr. Jenkins will get rid of transportation but keep the bus route to NYC. He speaks out of both side of his mouth. Maybe he should suggest getting rid of Social Services and Yonkers can take it over. What a bright light we have on the BOL. Wait until they find out people will lose their
jobs, they will blame the Administration.
NONE OF THESE CANDIDATES ARE GOOD CHOICES FOR ALBANY.
WHAT HAVE ANY OF THEM DONE FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE PAST
10 OR 12 YEARS? THE ANSWER IS VERY SIMPLE, NOTHING.
AS FOR MR. ASTORINO, HE’S ON THE RIGHT TRACK BUT NEEDS
TO START CUTTING OUT ALL PERSONAL EXPENDITURES ON THE
COUNTY LEVEL AND ON THE LOCAL LEVEL AS WELL.
THERE IS JUST TOO MUCH WASTEFUL SPENDING GOING ON IN OUR
WAY OVER-BLOATED COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
MORE CONSOLIDATION IS NEEDED AND MORE PINK SLIPS SHOULD
BE HANDED OUT IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE SIZE OF OUR COUNTY,
AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. TAXPAYERS JUST CANNOT AFFORD ANY
HIGHER TAXES THEN THEY ARE ALREADY PAYING IN THESE TOUGH
TIMES WHEN PEOPLE ARE EITHER OUT OF WORK OR JUST STRUGGLING
JUST TO MAKE ENDS MEET. LETS GIVE THE TAXPAYERS A BREAK FOR
A CHANGE ENSTEAD OF DRIVING THEM OUT OF THEIR HOMES.
Thank God for Astorino … how we suffered under that last clod … shrink government … to its most invisible state possible. That’s what we were founded on … clean, crisp, efficient government.
Kaplowitz has been on the BOL for 12 years and now our property taxes are the highest in the country and we’ve got a high projected deficit. The last thing we need is him in the state senate.
Mike Spano is the total politician.
First a Republican,
then a Democrat,
Last election he got the Conservative Party endorsement by hiring Gail Burns, Chair of the Conservative Party, to a NO SHOW $70,000 per year job in his NY State funded office where she has never shown her face.
He also got the endorsement of the Liberal Working Families Party by saying lies to them at the interviews of candidates.
Talk about a political hypocrite!
Mike Spano is the wrong choice for street sweeper, much less for NYS Assemblyman!