Patch Elections 2011: Clarkstown Referendums

Patch has asked your candidates a set of questions. Check back each day for their answers. This week, we're looking at town candidates.  Check out this Patch article for the line up this week.  Last week, we looked at  and this week we're looking at town candidates and the referendums on the ballot.

Proposal Number One, Town Proposition Number One

Shall the Town of Clarkstown Local Law No. 3-2011, which provides that the Office of the Receiver of Taxes be abolished and the powers and duties of that office be consolidated with the Office of the Town Clerk effective January 1, 2014, be approved?

Vote

• Yes  
• No

Background of Proposal Number One

Town officials originally proposed the elimination of the Receiver of Taxes department in late 2010 and assigning its responsibilities to the Tax Assessor’s office.  But that plan was modified since town officials determined the Receiver and Assessor are usually busiest during the same times of the year.  In the spring, the Town Board proposed putting the duties of the
Receiver of Taxes under the office of the Town Clerk.

Clarkstown officials estimated if voters approved the referendum to consolidate the two departments, the town would realize a considerable annual savings. The town would save the salaries of the receiver of taxes and deputy receiver of taxes which were $114,800 and $92,480 respectively in 2010 plus savings from the benefits paid for those positions adding up to about $300,000.  

Proposal Number Two, Town Proposition Number Two

Shall the Town of Clarkstown Local Law No. 4-2011, which provides that the elected position of Superintendent of Highways be abolished and the appointed position of Superintendent of Highways be created effective January 1, 2014, be approved?

Vote

• Yes  
• No

Background of Proposal Number Two

Clarkstown Town officials provided the following reasons for changing how the position of Superintendent of Highways is filled.

It would enable consolidation of services.  There are three garages at the Seeger Drive complex: the highway department, the town police garage and the Clarkstown Mini Trans.  With an appointed superintendent, the three garages can be restructured under one department head. 

The second stated benefit was the anticipated cost savings of between $300,000 and $500,000.  The third reason for transitioning to an elected position was the town board would be able to establish professional criteria for the superintendent's job.

At the Public Hearing in June on the proposal to change the superintendent of highways position from elected to appointed, the required qualifications approved by the town board were provided. 

“a. A bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field of engineering and five years of experience involving road and highway engineering, construction, repair and maintenance and administrative skills necessary to oversee the efficient operations of the Highway Department, and a license to practice as a Professional Engineer in the State of New York;

or

b. A master's degree in civil engineering or a related field of engineering and four years of experience involving road and highway engineering, construction, repair and maintenance and administrative skills necessary to oversee the efficient operations of the Highway Department, and a license to practice as a Professional Engineer in the State of New York;

or

 c. A minimum of ten years of experience involving road and highway engineering, construction, repair and maintenance and administrative skills necessary to oversee the efficient operations of the Highway Department.”

An additional requirement was the appointee must be a resident of Clarkstown. The appointee would serve a contractual term of four years.

The current elected position of has a two-year term.