57°
Leon Potok, 63, seeks a second term. He is a financial advisor to labor unions and has served as chair of the village's Budget Committee from 2007 to 2012. He was also a member of the Mamaroneck School District Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee from 2010 to 2011.
Why would you be a good representative in the coming term? I will continue to serve our residents by making thoughtful decisions based on careful review and analysis of relevant information, including input from the residents and Village employees.
What is the biggest issue facing the village and how would you address it if elected? Controlling property taxes while protecting the character and environment of the Village. Elected officials should be looking at all opportunities to reduce costs, improve services, and raise non-tax revenues. Land-use decisions should aim to protect our special small-town character, environment and diversity.
In the last two years, Ilissa and I initiated a 16-percent reduction in water rates, over the objections of our mayor and deputy mayor, who supported the 15-percent rate increase proposed by the Water Works. We have insisted on televising work session meetings for updating the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. The mayor and the deputy mayor, with the support of the third trustee running in the primary (Andres Bermudez-Halstrom), have blocked the efforts to include the volunteer committee in this process.
Has the local government made any mistakes or had any oversights during your term? Construction of the Jefferson Avenue Bridge was delayed and suffered cost overruns. Better planning and oversight of village capital projects is essential.
We have also experienced significant turnover in the Building Department, which has adversely affected the department’s ability to expeditiously process building permits for residents. We need to more carefully monitor the performance of individual departments so as to identify and solve problems as early as possible.
What specifically makes you different from your opponent? The three candidates endorsed by the Village of Mamaroneck Democratic Committee, Dave Finch, Ilissa Miller and I, will make decisions that are based on solid and sound judgments derived from our substantial, real world experience in the workplace and our community. All decisions should be based on thorough review of information and analysis, and made in a process of open engagement with residents, volunteer committees and Village employees.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Mamaroneck and receive free news updates.
