Police Consolidation

1) I am in favor of exploring any opportunity whereby the Town and one or more of the villages can increase efficiency and possibly reduce costs by the sharing of services. Consolidation can also mean such things as courts, public works etc. and the question does not solely pertain to police departments. Consolidation can mean, either the full consolidation of the town police with one or more village police departments, or the sharing of some services. Consolidation could be phased in incrementally over time or by government action by a village to dissolve their police department and consolidate services with the Town. It needs the support of the residents and it primarily is up to village residents to compel their elected officials to initiate a dialogue with the Town if they want this to happen. The Town cannot force, or pressure, any village to consolidate. It appears to me that the current town/village of Walden project is moving forward, and I would further it to a resolution if re-elected. It is a decision for the people. Officials at the state level have compelled local governments to examine consolidation, and are providing financial incentives to do so. For elected officials not to give it serious consideration means we are failing the people who elected us. I would like to see representatives from the villages of Maybrook and Montgomery at the table for future conversations on the issue. Again, consolidation of services must be supported by the people (tax paying residents), and they must ensure that the elected officials hear from them if consolidation of services is what they want.

HOW I HANDLED POLICE CONSOLIDATION WHILE IN OFFICE:
2) As Supervisor, I was originally contacted by the Village of Maybrook, and ultimately set up a presentation there. A meeting in the Village of Montgomery was also orchestrated and after one meeting Village officials expressed disinterest. I met with Chief Holmes of the Walden Police Department and discussed shared dispatching with the Town. One meeting was held in Maybrook, and after it was said that when Maybrook police went off duty (at the time at least five days a week for at least eight hours each day) Town police were relied upon to answer calls, I began to research the matter. It was then that I learned of the town/village police assessment dilemma since the Town’s police budget was paid wholly by the B-Fund (Town outside villages). As of mid-2007 my plan was to conduct a town-wide independent survey in order to gauge people's thoughts on police consolidation. My goal was to inform all residents of the facts, the issue of assessment, and seek public opinion. Then based upon public opinion I intended to come up with a strategy, as to how best to address the issues. The survey was drawn up based on other municipal models that had been utilized for the same purpose, yet tailored to the circumstances of our Town with three inherent and independent Village police forces. I covered the issue in detail during post election transition meetings. Yet in 2008 this never happened as my successor nixed the idea of the survey. What has he done to address the issue? He has passed one budget (with no assessment) and is about to pass another (no assessment), yet still no resolution in any of the legitimate directions. There is an answer to the problem, sticking you head in the sand and hoping it all goes away is not the way to handle it.

TOWN POLICE DEPT. EXPANSION WHEN THE NYSP WAS PLANNING A FACILITY IN TOWN
3) The NYSP will not commit nor guarantee that a trooper will be assigned at all times to the Town of Montgomery, they would not before the barracks was moved and will not now that the new barracks are in Montgomery. Although the New York State Police moved their barracks to Montgomery, they still must patrol the towns of Newburgh, New Windsor, Montgomery and Hamptonburgh (where there is no local police). Town residents supported the town police while I held the office of town supervisor, and to this day still do. Previous allegations that the town police department and increases in staffing accomplished during my administration were the reason for tax increases are untrue. The primary reason is that the former supervisor was under taxing the 'Town outside villages' at the expense of the villages (who were disproportionately overtaxed). I was confronted with this impropriety and had to rectify it. Some lost, some gained (not a problem I created, simply one that I inherited). The residents in our Town now have 24 hour a day dedicated police protection, this is what they deserve and pay taxes for. If we cannot insure the security and safety of our community we fail in our primary purpose. The town police budget is comparable to others of its size in Orange County.

A FULL-TIME POLICE CHIEF
4) Pursuant to the rules of state civil service, the Town had to hire a full-time police chief. Once the department had more than four full-time officers, which occurred years ago, the position of a part-time chief should have been replaced. It made no sense to move the department forward, at the point it was at, without a full-time manager (what 24 hour a day operation has a part-time boss?). A full-time chief is necessary in order to manage the department day-to-day, and the department simply outgrew a part-time person. The current chief came highly recommended by people in the police profession (was hired after unanimous vote by the Board), is from the Town of Montgomery, and by all appearances and opinions I am aware of, is doing a superb and professional job.

POLICE/COURT FACILITY, HOW I WILL FIX THE PROBLEM
5) I support rectifying the existing police/court facility dilemma. There are options, and if re-elected I will seek the most cost effective means to remedy the present problem. It could mean using existing vacant space at town hall, building an addition or possibly a separate modular court. While this is not a priority, it is an issue that must be addressed, as it remains a liability to the town in the state it is in now. The Town has funds for capitol projects such as this, and those funds may only be used for projects like it. Addressing the problem does not have to impact the taxpayers if done properly.

While serving as town supervisor, the Town Board supported an examination into addressing the problem. A board vote resulted in the completion of design plans and a presentation to the public. A volunteer committee was established and made recommendations on the matter as well. The project was stopped in 2007 after elections and a new administration took office. To my knowledge the present supervisor has done nothing more with it.