WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. October 31, 2005: Mr. Austin responds to former Mayor Del Vecchio's comment on his support for present city management:
Dear. Mr. Del Vecchio,
At this moment, with the upcoming elections at hand, it is not "a bit of history of White Plains" that most concerns me, but the future of White Plains and what that entails.
It may be "painfully obvious" to you that I know nothing of past administrations efforts, but I trust that the good people of White Plains are well aware of them. And I trust that they will use this understanding next week at the polls.
Admittedly, I have no knowledge of the financial underpinnings of the city. I know as much about the current mayor as I know about the past Mayors. Not living in the area - I can only go on what I see, and what I hear when I speak to family and friends that do live there.
The consensus of what I've heard and seen about White Plains, and the future of White Plains, are that good things are happening.
Of cause there is still much that needs to be done on many fronts; affordable housing and education are two things that I've read about that come up repeatedly. I'm sure there are many others.
I like the direction the city seems to be moving in. And I attribute this change in direction to an administration that is fostering open relationships with citizens as well as developers.
We will see on election night whom the people of White Plains believes can take us to where they would like the city to be.
I can see the results of what the current administration is doing. You may or may not agree with them, but as it so happens, I do. I believe that is my right. And were I able to vote in this election, they would certainly get my vote.
I haven't heard any specifics of what anyone else would do differently. I've read a lot of generalizations, a lot of sound bites, and a lot of criticism. But where is the substance?
You've told what you believe to be the "present situation in White Plains". But you didn't tell me why that is so. If this is correct - are you saying that the current administration has mis-managed the city. Or was the city in such a bad state of affairs when they took over that they needed to take two steps back before being able to take a step forward? You said our (the City of WP) budget is balanced by borrowing money. Being a political neophyte, you'd really have to show me how that relates to other cities and towns in Westchester as well as nationally. For all I know, this may be totally acceptable. Our Federal Gov't does it -- as do most people when they use a credit card.
My point is, there is usually more to the story then what's being said on the surface.
I have no allegiance to any political party. I listen to what makes sense, and I watch for what is going on around me, then I try to make an intelligent decision.
Which leads me to my orginal letter to John. I'm seeking information so I can become an "informed" citizen of White Plains. I'd like to know what my new neighbors are thinking.
I guess we'll both know in another week.
Bryant Austin
