ISSUES
The following items are in alphabetical order. Neither that order nor the numerical order of the Outlooks for Work denotes priority, thus leaving LWVW the flexibility to act as the situation warrants.
I. GOVERNMENT
A. COUNTY BUDGET
Analyze, review and take action on the Westchester County Budget as a fundamental tool for implementing County Government policy, with particular emphasis on the parts that pertain to County League program.
OUTLOOK FOR WORK
1. Examine methods of cost containment with emphasis on consolidation of both the departmental services within Westchester County government and between County and local municipalities.
2. Examine new or proposed revenue sources for Westchester.
3. Continue to urge improvements to the County Operating and Capital Budgets, including improvements to the documents’ formats and earlier release dates.
4. Monitor the impact of proposed budget allocations on government programs, essential human services, the environment and proposed plans for the consolidation of sewer districts in Westchester County.
5. Monitor the budget adoption process, including proposals to impose super- majority requirements to raise taxes.
6. Continue to urge the Administration and the Board of Legislators to insist on periodic, audited reports from the MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) detailing where the County’s money is being spent.
7. Monitor the Westchester Medical Center budget as it relates to the County Budget.
8. Review Acquisitions and Contracts as to its composition and how much it is spending.
B. COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Monitor and take action on the operation of the Westchester County Government with particular attention to Election Process Reform and the issues listed below. Continue to monitor campaign finance reform, redistricting, environment and housing issues.
OUTLOOK FOR WORK
Continue to help monitor county government steps on the budget and to offer recommendations on specific issues.
Monitor all aspects of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) implementation.
Continue educating voters in the use of the new, optical scan machines in elections and making recommendation to the Board of Elections for improvement. Continue to advocate for a reliable auditing process to evaluate accuracy of voting systems.
Continue to monitor implementation of the Housing Stipulation and Order of Settlement for fair and affordable housing, as well as for fair and affordable workforce housing, low income housing and housing for the homeless; and advocate for further development in these areas. Monitor the future actions of the newly-appointed and restructured Housing Opportunity Commission and the Board of Legislators’ Housing, Planning & Operations Committee.
Continue an active observer corps to monitor other legislative programs and policies.
Support legislative redistricting measures to preserve municipal boundaries, standards of compactness, and contiguity, consistent with federal requirements for population equality.
Support the County’s on-going efforts to provide assistance to municipalities and communities in achieving countywide property tax reassessment and in seeking the support of school districts to educate the public as to its merits.
With the assistance of the Executive Committee, conduct a student education program, e.g., Student Legislative Day.
II. ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Promote an environment beneficial to life through the wise management of natural resources in the public interest by recognizing the interrelationships of air quality, energy, land use, waste management and water resources.
OUTLOOK FOR WORK
1. Through the League’s annual county budget review process, promote acquisition and preservation of open space by the County which will not compete with land for low income and fair and affordable housing.
2. Monitor and take action on any proposal for the consolidation of sewer districts, the creation of septic districts, or the creation of any entity to address sewage and/or storm water management.
3. Promote public education on water quality issues with emphasis on storm water management, septic systems and sewers.
4. Advocate for a countywide septic management plan.
5. Take action to address Global Warming and Sustainability issues with special attention to greenhouse emissions, alternative resources, energy conservation, Indian Point Nuclear Plant, and mass transit on the Tappan Zee Bridge.
6. Promote pollution prevention and reduction with emphasis on: support for the county pesticide reduction law. Distribute the League/NYPIRG organic resource guide of garden and lawn care products.
7. Observe meetings of the Board of Legislators Committee on the Environment and Energy; publish observer notes on the League’s website.
B. TRANSPORTATION (TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE)
Study options for the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge and come to consensus on which is the best option, taking into consideration the environmental consequences, the quality of life, and the economic impact on the region.
OUTLOOK FOR WORK
1. Continue the meetings of the committee to study the options to replace the bridge.
2. Monitor the DEIS study results to ensure they meet the League’s positions on environment, while ensuring the process is transparent to the public.
3. Continue to disseminate information to League members and the public through articles in the County Voter and the County League website.
4. Continue to disseminate information to League members and the public through additional meetings with Michael Anderson's Project Group, and other stakeholder groups, such as the TZB Task Force.
5. Continue the process of attending the stakeholder Advisory Working Groups meetings on a bi-monthly basis and report the progress back to the League study group.
6. Hold a consensus meeting if appropriate.
III. HUMAN RESOURCES
A. CHILDREN’S ISSUES
Monitor and take action on issues concerning children’s development, health, safety and welfare. Coordinate with LWVNYS Children’s Issues portfolio chair.
OUTLOOK FOR WORK
Support initiatives aimed toward improving children's health and safety, such as reducing gun violence, reducing targeted marketing to children, and enhancing nutritional standards.
Review issues related to the lack of funding, particularly in schools and libraries.
3. Alert members to, and support, childcare initiatives to improve availability and quality of services to the disabled population, as well as developing youths.
4. Cooperate with other organizations and coalitions dedicated to improving the lives of children throughout the county.
5. Endeavor to be a liaison between public officials and the League in order to be informed of pressing needs and proposed legislation.
6. Lobby legislators as necessary.
B. HEALTH ISSUES
Gather and disseminate information, as needed, about the structure, functions and initiatives at the county, state and national levels of our health care system. Track the progress of key legislative bills, with action alerts in accordance with League Positions. Advise membership of other groups working to improve health care; make recommendations regarding cooperating with other groups and/or cosponsoring their events.
OUTLOOK FOR WORK
Promote single payer, universal health care - the only viable brake on escalating medical costs.
Publicize and preserve benefits of existing Health Care Reform Bill
Protect women's rights to health care and freedom of choice; protect Planned Parenthood.
Support a ban on hydrofracking in NYS and expose other health threatening commercial activities.
C. DIVERSITY ISSUES
Monitor and take action on issues concerning the health, safety and well-being of members of diverse groups. Support measures to reduce discrimination involving bias against a person’s race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability. |
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