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Incumbent Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner is running unopposed on the Democratic and Working Family parties. We asked the candidate about his approach to the job and expectations for his next term.
How do you balance family, your profession and your office? Although I spend lots of time working (day, night, weekends), my wife, daughter and I usually go out on weekend evenings. This past Friday, for example, my wife and I went to see Arturo Sandoval, a well-known Jazz musician at the Tarrytown Music Hall. On Saturday evening we saw "The Butler," a good movie. Next weekend we have tickets to the ballet in NYC. And, during the year usually take a few short vacations. I try helping my daughter with her homework but gave up on math after second grade. And, have always been her personal driver."
I'm always on call. In 2012 we went to Israel to visit my niece who was studying at Technion in Haifa. I had my Blackberry with me and was answering emails daily. I make it a point to always answer every email from everyone before I go to sleep. If I'm out I will make it a point to respond to emails when I get home.
I love the job of being Town Supervisor. I enjoy going to community events, and like talking with constituents. When I'm at the supermarket or farmer's market people always go up to me with problems. I don't consider that work.
I love bicycling. Sometimes if I have a meeting or event on a beautiful Saturday or Sunday, I'll take my bicycle to the event. It's an opportunity to exercise, enjoy the weather and attend a community gathering at the same time.
For relaxation, I also like to exercise (run 6 miles a day). In the summer I like to swim. When I'm stressed, I punch the water while doing laps.
What are your main goals for the next term? * Continue to look for ways to reduce costs through improved efficiencies or identify opportunities to increase revenue generating activities.
* Oversee transition to one-arm bandit garbage truck that will pick up garbage with an automatic hand. This will reduce crews needed from three workers to one (via attrition, not layoffs), with a significant reduction in workers' compensation claims and labor costs and significantly increase both the number of pick ups per truck and the size of each load..
* Oversee installation of new LED lights resulting in significant reduced electric consumption.
* Oversee installation of new residential water meters permitting electronic recording of consumer water usage, more accurate consumer consumption and a reduction in the number of town water meter readers.
* Oversee implementation of the first town reassessment in over 60 years-which will reduce certioraris.
* Sale of Frank's Nursery.
* Lease of WESTHELP for affordable housing.
* Rezone Dobbs Ferry Road to allow for recreation usages.
What would you ask of residents to do help you as a leader? I hope that residents will be involved and provide me with the benefit of their input on issues of concern.If people don't contact me with concerns or problems, I assume everything is just fine.
We have a lot of citizen committees and welcome participation from people who have different views and political philosophies. I hope that my critics will give me a chance to prove to them, by action that I want to be a better Supervisor.
What are the best things about your job? I love helping people. I get a great deal of satisfaction when someone complains about something and the problem is resolved. My job club has helped over 100 people find work. I've helped people avoid homelessness, cut through government red tape. I helped residents of the QUAY (near the Tappan Zee Bridge) get the attention they needed from high ranking state officials--reducing the negative impact of the bridge construction. Making a difference in people's lives makes the job very worthwhile and enjoyable.
I also love seeing the results, spending years pushing for a park and then cutting the ribbon when the park opens is rewarding. Advocating for a supermarket and then seeing it built is satisfying. Fighting for affordable housing or a health center and then speaking at the dedication ceremonies makes the job exciting. I have never been bored, jaded or disgusted with the job.
What is the toughest thing about being in office? Attending Town Board meetings and being insulted. I wish there could be more give and take between my critics and me -- more of a good dialogue. It should be less negative.
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