Democratic Board Leaders Continue to Deliberate Over County Executive Astorino’s Gloom and Doom Budget
Legislators Call on the Public for Input, Advice and Participation to craft a ‘people’s budget’
WHITE PLAINS, NY -- The Democratic leadership team of the Westchester County Board of Legislators vowed to support a balanced budget without a tax increase, aiming to create optimal savings for Westchester taxpayers. Legislators call upon the public, as they deliberate the FY12 budget, proposed by Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino, to participate in this open and transparent part of the budget process, and they look forward to the input from the residents and business owners across the county who will be impacted by the decisions made. “The Board of Legislators has received the County Executive's proposed budget, and now is the time to work with you, the people of Westchester, to craft a final budget that reflects your values and presents cost-savings to taxpayers,” said Majority Leader Peter Harckham (D-Katonah).
In a 1 minute video message released today, Legislators emphasized the importance of this open, transparent budget process. Offering a number of ways to hear from citizens, presenting them accurate information about the budget situation, and providing opportunities for people to be involved at different levels of budget analysis are more important than ever. “Involving citizens in the governance process is rooted in the Jeffersonian tradition of American politics. Jefferson advocated locally based, bottom-up government that is responsive to citizens, and he viewed citizen apathy as dangerous to civic health,” said Board Chairman Jenkins (D-Yonkers). “There is little disagreement that the public should have an opportunity to influence government action. Whether or not the public uses the opportunity, keeping that option available is important in any democracy.”
Each phase of this deliberative process brings the budget closer to completion, so becoming involved early is the best way to be effective. Legislators call on residents to view departmental oversight meetings live via web stream on our website at www.westchesterlegislators.com, or attend the public hearing meetings in which Westchester residents and other concerned members of the public can comment about the 2012 Budget proposed by the County Executive.
The Northern Westchester County Regional Public Hearing on the budget will take place on Wednesday, November 30 at Somers High School, 120 Primrose Street, Lincolndale. On Tuesday, December 6, the third and final Regional Public Hearing on the 2012 Budget will take place in the Board’s Legislative Chambers on the 8th Floor of the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains. All hearings will also start at 7 PM. Doors will open to the public to sign up to speak at 6:15 PM.
Westchester Legislators Overview FY12 Budget... The People's Budget needs the People's Participation
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