To the Editor:
I will be supporting Catherine Borgia for County Legislator in District 9. Catherine has been an outstanding leader during incredibly challenging economic times. When first elected Ossining Town Supervisor, she immediately got to work cutting her own salaryby 10%. The board followed her lead in July. She even cut it again the next year. In the current fiscal year, she donated what would have been her increase to the Veterans. Next, Catherine reduced the operating budget by 8%, working collaboratively with all departments and bargaining units, saving jobs wherever possible.
In 2009, Catherine and the Town Board appointed a Citizen Finance Budget Advisory board to help recommend financial policy. The committee developed a fund balance plan, adopted in early 2010, which called for restoring the town's "rainy day" fund to 20 percent of the budget (as recommended by the NYS Comptroller) in five years. Under Catherine's able leadership, the Town was able to reach that goal in less than one year, which also helped in reestablishing the Town’s excellent bond rating.
In addition, Catherine Borgia has successfully cut the Town taxes by consolidating such services as the Police (utilizing the County police) and the Village and Town Courts.
Catherin Borgia has consistently taken action to address shortfalls as well as to responsibly run Town services during a less-than-ideal time. I feel so lucky that Catherine has represented Ossining so ably. She will be even more effective representing a larger constituency as County Legislator, including Briarcliff, Ossining, Croton, Cortland, Buchanan and Peekskill. Please join me in voting for Catherine Borgia for County Legislator District 9 on November 8th.
Sincerely,
George Castellanos, Ph.D
Deertree Lane, Briarcliff Manor
