A few months ago, this writer requested the candidates running for the lone Town of Lancaster Councilmember seat submit correspondences on several of the issues residents bring before the town board.
While incumbent Democratic Councilmember John Abraham has chosen not to respond (after being contacted), endorsed Republican candidate Marianne Scime has now submitted her third correspondence.
Where Abraham has been quoted in the professional media as stating that the town residents have been telling him they are satisfied with the taxes they pay for the services provided and paints a picture that all is well, Scime has found the opposite in her campaign travels.
Scime correspondence
As I continue my door-to-door campaign, I find there are many issues with which the Lancaster taxpayers are concerned. Development, infrastructure improvements and taxes seem to be at the top of the list.
Many people have told me that they cannot afford any more tax increases. Those residents who are retired or nearing retirement and those with young families are finding it hard to keep up with today’s economic demands.
The tentative budget for 2009 includes a 3% raise for elected officials and a 3.42% tax increase for the town. It’s hard for me to understand how the town’s public servants can increase their salaries at the same time they are increasing property taxes. My plan is to hold the line on these salaries and eliminate the health insurance buyout for elected officials.
At a time when the economy is faltering, when costs for essentials such as food and fuel have increased and people have lost money on investments including retirement funds, all town departments need to consider cuttings costs before they vote to raise taxes yet again.
Development is important for any community to remain vital and strong. However, growth with balanced infrastructure improvements is essential.
Years ago, town officials talked about a master plan for Lancaster but we have not heard much about it since. The master plan was approved as a “living document” which needs to be reviewed and revised as responsible development takes place. This would ensure that infrastructure needs are being examined and improved in order to keep pace with development. Unfortunately there are areas where this has not happened.
Traffic and safety issues abound in the Transit Road and William Street areas. Other traffic issues exist because certain streets are being used as north-south or east-west roads that were not built to handle the increased traffic.
There are flooding and drainage issues in areas where houses are being built on or near wetlands and low water pressure issues in other areas. These issues need to be addressed to prevent further problems in the years to come. Reviewing the master plan frequently and talking to developers regarding the impact on the town is necessary so that taxpayers are not overburdened by tax increases to cover the costs.
More than ever we need to have a Town Board that is fiscally responsible. I am running not only because our town government needs bipartisanship, but also because the entire community needs representation and the opportunity to have a different point of view presented.
Marianne Scime
Candidate
Lancaster Town Board
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