WPCNR FOR THE RECORD. By White Plains City Councilman Glen Hockley. September 23, 2007: The people of White Plains deserve a yes vote tonight in favor of a home rule request to The New York State Legislature for an additional 1/2% sales tax.The people of White Plains need this 1/2% increase badly and should know that the Common Council is supporting them.This increase will benefit our resident property owners because it will slow up the increase in property taxes tremendously for the near future.The additional 1/2% sales tax increase should bring into the coffers of White Plains approximately 11 million dollars the first year.Taking the property tax burden off of our residents is a major priority to me.It's 'Government 101'.
This sales tax increase will also benefit the approximate 1000 employees that are great union labor and it will provide our city government the funds it needs to pay them so that our services are continued with the wonderful professionalism that our citizens and businesses love.Service is one of the fundamental functions of city government.
The vast majority of sales taxpayers comes from outside of White Plains.....Visitors,shoppers,employees,medical patients,theater buffs, tourists,etc.
I am still surprised that this issue was tabled at the last council meeting.Whether it happens at our city legislature or at the state assembly,dragging our feet only stalls the decision and does not help our citizens.
While studies are important,it depends on the issue. This one is simple,not complex.Government works too slowly as it is. We do not need to slow it up even more.Please move on this useful 1/2% sales tax increase,don't delay anymore.Let us vote yes together.
(The above statement was delivered at Wednesday evening's Special Meeting of the Common Council at which the Common Council tabled the home rule request. Councilmen Hockley, Arnold Bernstein, and Mayor Joseph Delfino voted for making the home rule request of Assemblyman Adam Bradley who was in attendance at the meeting, while Councilpersons Rita Malmud, Thomas Roach, Benjamin Boykin, and Dennis Power voted to table it. Prior to the tabling vote, Councilman Hockley delivered the above plea. The tabled until such time as the Mayor and city administration defined the financial circumstances causing the projected deficit which the Mayor feels requires the $10.7 Million the 1/2% sales tax increase would deliver to the city coffers.)
