Citizens of North Castele Unite!

This article appeared in www.allaboutarmonk.com on April 29, 2009.

Citizens of North Castle Rise
By Michelle Boyle

Last night, a group of over 70 North Castle residents attended a political gathering. Local citizens were invited by real estate developer Michael Fareri to meet for a discussion at the American Legion Hall on Bedford Road.

Listed on the agenda as “Citizens of North Castle”, Resident Kerry Lutz opened the meeting with concern of the direction the town is heading. He emphasized our local government should be “more with less” while seeking enhanced productivity from our town employees.

Mr. Lutz explained that the group is looking to form a non-partisan committee of citizens, affiliated with neither major party. The intent would be to serve the Town and alter the direction by running for the three seats up for election of two of the Councilmen and also the Town Supervisor, whose incumbent terms expire at the end of this year.

He further proposed that positions be served pro bono with no pay, nor any benefits.

Mr. Lutz suggested, “Candidates will be chosen that reflect our values and pledge to respect the taxpayers dollars as their own.”

Although objections were made to Mr. Lutz’s position on the no compensation, because that might discourage young people from running, who need to support themselves, and therefore the candidacies would be more likely well-to-do and/or retired residents.

A town resident for 32 years, Michael Fareri, spoke about his view of the purported deteriorating condition of the town. He expressed concern over the increase of the town budget over the past seven years without comparable increases in our gross assessable property base.

Clearly this group has hit a raw nerve. Councilman Weaver was in quiet attendance and Supervisor Berman had her representative present. Hopefully this meeting will be a topic of conversation between them for some time to come.