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Mazzuca Evenhanded and Willing to Listen
To the Editor:
The upcoming election is generating a great deal of emotional and often incendiary commentary in these pages. Recent controversies have resulted in a contest with more than its usual share of volatility and polarization in the electorate.
In moments like this, it is tempting for some to seek a wave of reform that they hope will bring a breath of fresh air and a new sense of accountability to local government. These passions of the moment - no matter how well meaning - can often result in a quick, and often superficial evaluation of the incumbent administration, whose record stretches back for decades, and an equally rash willingness to overlook attributes of the alternative that, in more tranquil times, would be subject to more scrutiny. We believe this is what is happening in the contest between Bill Mazzuca and Vinny Tamagna for Town Supervisor.
In order to more fully evaluate Mazzuca as Town Supervisor we have sought out a number of people who have worked very closely with him for years. They are people of great integrity, who are generally nonpartisan, and whose commitment to the welfare of the town is beyond question.
In long discussions with them Mazzuca comes across as evenhanded with a willingness to listen, and a surprising ability to learn and adapt his opinions. He is a prudent, deliberate, and yes, often rough-edged, administrator, with a strong sense of fiscal discipline. He has also done the slow, and immensely frustrating work on initiatives that have brought this town together, in particular, our newly vibrant recreation department, and the much needed vision of the Philipstown Comprehensive 20/20 Plan.
As for Mr. Mazzuca's opponent, we do not have a clear idea what Mr. Tamagna stands for, or what he would do for Philipstown, because he is so often absent. If Mr. Tamgana had demonstrated a serious commitment to this community (his presence at Town Board meetings has been virtually non-existent over the last four years), we would feel more comfortable with his role as a white knight. Faced with little substance to go on, we are forced to rely on Mr. Tamagna's long standing alliance with members of the Republican party in Putnam County, and his deep involvement in the colossal mismanagement of the county finances as part of the Republican county legislature. These significant black-marks on Mr. Tamagna's resume should give pause to restive Democrats who are tempted to jump ship under the impression that he is somehow a newly minted candidate with independent credentials.
Much is at stake in the next decades here in Philipstown, and we believe Supervisor Mazzuca's prudent management, even-handed governance, and history of commitment to this town, has earned him our continued support.
Stephen Ives and
Anne Symmes
Philipstown
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