In the race for Putnam County Executive are the incumbent MaryEllen Odell and Kent Supervisor, Maureen Fleming. HamletHub interviewed both candidates asking them each identical questions.
Interview with MaryEllen Odell, Putnam County Executive
Tell us about your background
Through my five years on the Putnam County Legislature and the past seven years as County Executive, I have challenged corruption and the status quo while focusing on balancing her fiscal and social responsibilities to the people of Putnam County. Under my administration, Putnam County has had the lowest position of a tax bill of any of the 62 NYS counties. I have kept the county’s budgets under the tax cap and reduced the county’s debt by $40 million, while still investing in the county’s infrastructure, such as the sewer lines in Southeast/Danbury and Carmel/Mahopac along Route 6, which will promote economic development. In addition, I continue to fund the SRO program throughout the county to make sure that the schools are safe and am tackling the opioid crisis by taking on Big Pharma as part of a national lawsuit. I also fight for the right to protect our citizens from an unwarranted invasion of their safety and personal privacy. I believe we need to provide our seniors the resources to live independently longer as well as protect our Veterans and First Responders—career and volunteer, who put their lives on the line for the safety of others.
In 1995, I co-founded the Carmel Sports Association. I learned then what was possible when people were willing to put their differences aside to work toward a common good. We are moving Putnam County in a positive direction, so it continues to be a great place to live, work and play for generations to come.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing Putnam County and how will you address it, if elected?
The most pressing issue my constituents face is taxes. As County Executive, I have and will continue to fight Albany for unfunded mandate relief—something they have promised since the implementation of the 2% tax cap. In addition, I have sought out new revenue streams for the county, to reduce our dependence on property taxes. For instance, through public-private partnerships, we have taken dilapidated under-utilized county properties, and transformed them into tourist destinations and sources of income for the county. Putnam County Golf Course is now a premiere golf course and a thriving events and banquet venue. Tilly Foster Farm & Educational Institute hosts events and is already exceeding its revenue and profit projections through Tilly’s Table Restaurant. It also offers secondary educational opportunities through our partnership with BOCES.
Putnam County needs to increase its commercial tax base so that it can relieve the burden from the homeowners. We are developing sewer line in Southeast-Danbury and Carmel-Mahopac, along Route 6, to enhance our commercial corridors. Also, we are using our Economic Development Corporation and Industrial Development Agency to attract businesses to Putnam County. As a result of our hard work, a $100 million distillery project is planned in the Town of Carmel, that is expected to create up to 400 jobs.
Additionally, I have always been a proponent of shared services and I have brought the school districts into the conversation to find ways that we can all work together to reduce costs and find efficiencies which will also reduce the burden on the taxpayers.
Some people in our community say that roads and bridges are in desperate need of repair. What do you think? How would you mitigate those concerns or change the situation?
I agree that we need to invest in our infrastructure. My administration continues to work with state and federal officials in securing funds for infrastructure improvements such as the Morningthorpe Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Project, the Drewville Road Bridge, and the repaving of Route 6 in Carmel. We also share County services with the local highway departments to fix the roads and bridges such as Route 9D in Cold Spring and the Veterans Memorial Causeway in Kent.
If elected, what three steps would you take to improve Putnam County’s financial footing?
Putnam County has had the lowest position of a tax bill of any of the 62 NYS counties. I have kept the county’s budgets under the tax cap and reduced the county’s debt by $40 million. Putnam County government is on solid financial footing and that has been validated by our independent auditors, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), which has award Putnam a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, and Moody’s, which has rated Putnam County an Aa2 every year since I took office.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I believe in the importance of transparency and communication. My administration keeps the public informed on what is going on and we have organized many public task forces to determine the proper outcome for Putnam County on the issues. We welcome phone calls, letters and emails always and I regularly meet with school districts, libraries and our local town and village officials keep the public informed and receive feedback. I am accessible to all the residents of Putnam County and enjoy taking the time to hear what people have to say. I do not believe I have all the answers, but I am willing to hear all the possible solutions from other people and together we can determine the remedy that best suits the people of Putnam County.
What do you think makes Putnam County the perfect place to live?
I have lived in Putnam County for over 50 years. I was raised in Putnam County. I raised my children in Putnam County and I continue to live and work in Putnam County. What I love about this place is its true sense of community. We come together to take care of one another, remember our seniors and honor our Veterans and First Responders.
Why do you think a small business should open up a storefront in Putnam County?
Putnam County is open for business and understand that our economy is comprised over 90 % by small businesses, which is why we offer support through our partners: the Putnam County Economic Development Corporation, Putnam County Industrial Development Agency, SCORE, Small Business Development Agency and all the local Chambers of Commerce. We work together with the businesses and the local municipalities to overcome obstacles. It is for the smaller businesses, not the big corporations, where the value in our Brewster/Danbury, Mahopac and Lake Carmel sewerline projects will truly be felt. By having the option of sewer a greater footprint can be had on a parcel and more types of businesses can have the opportunity to open their doors.
If elected, what are your top 3 priorities?
1. Brewster/Danbury, Mahopac and Lake Carmel sewerline projects, which will enhance our commercial corridors and reduce the property tax burden for residents.
2. Tackling the opioid epidemic by participating in the nationwide lawsuit against the pharmaceutical companies.
3. Maintaining Putnam County’s Aa2 Moody’s bond rating, while keeping the county’s portion of the property tax bill the lowest out of all 62 counties in NYS and continuing to provide the highest quality of life services to our residents.
To learn more about MaryEllen Odell:
Facebook: facebook.com/MaryEllenOdell2018
Twitter : twitter.com/maryellenodell
Instagram: instagram.com/maryellenodell