One of the most enjoyable parts of representing you in Albany is getting
the job done for my towns and villages – and my one city, Peekskill. Below, I’ve listed some of the "local
bills" that I’ve sponsored in this legislative session. I’m delighted to note that many of these bills have
already been passed into law – and that the positive response of my colleagues to each of the others means
that we can expect significant progress by the end of the session in June 2004.
Public Safety
A.6759 (Chapter 298 of the Laws of 2003) — This law corrects
technical problems related to the Mohegan Lake Firefighters Benevolent Association. Now Mohegan Lake
volunteer firefighters and career firefighters can work together to establish the benefits they deserve.
A.6430 (Chapter 665 of the Laws of 2003) — This law gives
peace officer powers to Peekskill’s animal control officer, who will now be able to issue appearance tickets
or, if necessary, arrest dog owners who refuse to control their pets in compliance with local law. Before, the
animal control officer had few tools to enforce the law that protects us from vicious or unruly pets.
A.6439/S.1177 — This bill would protect Peekskill’s water supply
by giving peace officer powers to the city’s watershed patrol officers. It passed both the Assembly and Senate
last spring, but unfortunately was vetoed recently by the Governor, whose counsel indicated that he found the
legislation well intentioned but in certain aspects unacceptable. Now that we know of the Governor’s specific
objections, I am confident that together with Senator Leibell and the City of Peekskill, we can craft the
amendments that will allow the city to properly safeguard its drinking water.
|
|
Sandy on the Hudson River viewing the new security measures for the Indian Point nuclear plants, including
buoys that mark a "no trespass" zone. The National Guard pulled up alongside Galef’s boat
to question the activity as part of their river patrols around the plants.
|
|
Safety at Indian Point
A.7201/S.3078 — This bill would enhance the power of security
guards at Indian Point to protect the plant from intruders and saboteurs. Senator Wright, chair of the Senate’s
Committee on Energy, won passage in the Senate, but I am still negotiating the bill with my Assembly
colleagues. I will do everything I can to convince them that empowered security guards can better work with the
State Police and the National Guard to protect Indian Point and all of us who live in the area.
A.6424/S.4058 — This bill would require nuclear power plant
owners and operators to meet higher standards for public notice of nuclear power plant emissions. My bill
passed the Assembly last June but the Senate has not moved it at all. The notification concept recently
gained momentum when Environmental Advocates, a statewide group, highlighted the vote on my bill as
one of the ways they determine whether legislators support environmental issues.
Parking Issues
A.6422 (Chapter 467 of the Laws of 2003) and
A.6423 (Chapter 501 of the Laws of 2003) — These laws give
Cold Spring and Peekskill the authority to establish residential parking systems in areas of town close to the
train station where there is very little off-street parking for residents. At least 20% of the spots must be
reserved for non-residents – the idea is to ease congestion for those living close to the station while giving
commuters a chance to buy permits as well. As Cold Spring and Peekskill decide on the rate structure for their
respective systems, I hope to hear from affected constituents about how the system impacts them.
Quality of Life
Not yet introduced. — At the request of Mayor Dan O’Neill and the Buchanan Village Board,
I am working on language for a bill that would create an urban renewal agency for the village. This might
be the way they need to give them another approach to beautify the village circle and encouraging appropriate
development. I look forward to hearing more from Buchanan residents on this quality-of-life issue.
Local Tax Control
A.6428 (Chapter 215 of the Laws of 2003) — This law ensured
that the Garrison Union Free School District would not have to return almost $40,000 to the State of New York
because of a technical problem with last year’s contract for transportation aid. It was a pleasure to work with
the district to prevent that hit to the taxpayers.
Honoring our Veterans
A.6429 (Chapter 202 of the Laws of 2003) — The service that our
American Veterans have given to our nation is a debt that can never be repaid. This bill seeks to give a small
recognition of their national service by renaming a well-traveled bridge in their honor. The new name of the
bridge that carries the Taconic State Parkway over the Croton Reservoir is the "AMVETS Memorial
Bridge."
|