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Heffernan has Done Many Things to Benefit Residents
Dear Editor,
A friend was asking me what Phil Heffernan has done for Cold Spring. My answer surprised and impressed him, and he thought more people should be enlightened about what Phil has done in his two short years as trustee.
First, Phil has saved the village money. He organized the writing of a successful NY State LWRP grant that gained the village $50,000. Mayor Phillips felt we didn't need an extra $50,000, especially to help us create a Master Plan that can only protect the village and its residents. Raising revenue from other sources is essential to keeping our taxes low and keeping costs under control. Phil has combined innovative ideas with common sense to save residents money.
He's also done other things to benefit residents: he passed initiatives for the village newsletter and website, so that the public can be informed about what the government is doing, bringing the village's communication standards into the 21st century. To continue keeping the public informed, Phil is submitting a resolution to have all village meetings tape recorded and available to all residents.
The Hudson Highlands Land Trust approached Phil about changing the public lighting to reduce light pollution, and Phil brought this to the mayor and village board. Mayor Phillips is now touting this development in his own political brochure, but the fact is the Land Trust approached Phil because Phil is open to common sense ideas.
Phil has made our parks safer for kids and pets by instituting the use of organic pesticides and fertilizers in village parks.
Phil has fought for two years to involve the public in saving the historic Grove property. Mayor Phillips doesn't want to involve the public in the Grove's development; he claims to have a plan for the Grove, but after four years, this historic property remains undeveloped and further deteriorated.
Phil has been an advocate for the Cold Spring Boat Club, involving more residents in this unique village asset.
In just two years, Phil Heffernan has done a tremendous amount for our village. And now he's doing something more: he's offering residents a choice.
Maia Guest Cold Spring
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