Expanding Ideas and Opinions

For governments to function effectively, efficiently, and in the interest of the people they serve, they must consider a wide range of ideas and opinions on every issue. They must represent all of their constituents, not just the chosen few. This concept has been absent in Croton for the past several years.

For far too long, the current village board has passed laws, resolutions, budgets, etc. with little discussion and rarely, if ever, a public debate on the merits of the issue at hand or a critical examination of whether it is truly beneficial to the citizens of Croton. Time after time, measures have been moved, seconded, and approved without a dissenting vote or even a question as to their effectiveness, appropriateness or financial impact on the citizens of the village. Alternatives are neither suggested nor explored.

Greg Schmidt, Bob Anderson, and Ken Walsh will reverse this process. All proposals, but especially those that are controversial or require a significant expenditure, will be publicly aired and subjected to critical analysis. Open, lively, and respectful discussion and debate among all board members will be encouraged and input from you, the citizens of Croton, will be sought and, more importantly, considered in their deliberations.  

Alternatives to all proposals will be explored, and comprehensive, honest cost/benefit analyses prepared whenever appropriate. If these activities indicate that the initial proposal should be modified, that will be done, and compromises among those with differing opinions will be achieved if necessary.  

Of one thing you can rest assured—when this process is implemented, the actions taken by the board will have considered every aspect of the issue at hand and the final decision will have been made based solely on what is in the best interests of all of the residents of our village.

Greg, Bob, and Ken understand the need to consider all ideas and opinions relevant to village issues. Their goal will be open, effective, and inclusive government for all of the citizens of Croton.