TAX NEWS - June 2010

Cushman seeking another term

ILION, N.Y. - As part of election coverage in Ilion, The Telegram asked candidates for mayor a series pf questions. Here are their responses:

Name: Mark Cushman

Age: 48

Residence: 16 Woodland Ave., Ilion

Family: Wife, Shelley for over 25 years, daughter Christiana, two Golden Retrievers

Occupational background (i.e. education, jobs both current and past):

Career — Currently Vice President of Operations for a local company involved in producing high-precision components used in the transportation, aerospace, military and various other industries. Previously held Sr. Development Engineering and Project Management positions in local and out-of-state corporations. Patent holder and co-inventor on numerous domestic and international patents. Additional experience as part-time adjunct lecturer at Mohawk Valley Community College & SUNY College of Technology in evening courses in Statistics, Engineering Design, Fluid Mechanics and Quality Control.

Education — Master's Degree in Public Administration (2005) from Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University; B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology (1984) from Rochester Institute Of Technology.

Ties to the region: Native of Frankfort, NY

Political party: Registered Republican, seeking re-election as an Independent Candidate on the "Principles & Values" party line.

What are the three issues that have the most impact on the village (as they relate to workforce, government, and taxpayers and both immediate and long-term)?

I believe that escalating village personnel costs, limited state and federal funding for village infrastructure projects, and a slow private-sector job market recovery are the three issues having the most impact on the Village. These influences are further causing talented people and businesses to leave the area, and thus creating declines in our tax base.

What are the biggest challenges the village must overcome to address these issues?

We need to overcome the mindset of "that's how we've always done it."  I believe in smaller government, and tighter spending. As Mayor, I've demonstrated that it is possible to hold the line on taxes, yet still provide the quality level of service delivery that Ilion's taxpayers need and deserve. For example, in one of recent years that Ilion had a zero percent tax increase, we were still able to resurface almost three miles of village streets. If re-elected, I'll continue exploring new cost-effective technologies and approaches to government operations.

The village of Ilion has several contracts that are set to expire at the end of this year. What do you feel is the future of how the village must handle its employees, specifically dealing with benefits, wages retirement, contributions etc.?

Given the current economy, my position is that future wage, benefit adjustments, and employee contribution levels must become more consistent with those currently being experienced by workers in the private sector in the Mohawk Valley region.  Just as families across America and across Ilion have had to tighten their belts, it's time for municipal government to do the same.  I don't and won't promise jobs, raises, or entitlements.  I'd rather lose the election.

With decreasing revenue streams and increasing costs, village governments are being forced to look at alternatives, such as shared services and consolidation, in order to continue to operate without placing unsustainable burdens on taxpayers. What are your thoughts on creating a consolidated approach to village services, such as fire, police, public works?

As Ilion's Mayor, and as President of the Herkimer County Mayor's Conference, I've worked hard with our surrounding Mayors to explore and identify opportunities for regional collaboration.  If re-elected, I'll continue that effort.  My strong belief, however, is that the time has come for elected officials to say "enough is enough" and start implementing these programs now, even if there are political consequences attached to doing so.

What are your thoughts on consolidating village governments with town governments, even if that results in dissolving the village board, in order to cut down on administrative costs?

I am keeping a very close eye on those issues related to consolidating and dissolving certain types of local governmental entities under the "New N.Y. Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act" and General Municipal Law Article 17-A. As there is pending new legislation in Albany to amend that Law, my sense right now is that Village officials across New York State must explore and exhaust every single opportunity to reduce the cost of government, and to actively pursue shared services on their own. I agree with most mayors throughout New York State that dissolution is an extremely complex matter, and should be considered only as a last resort.

The village of Ilion has several capital projects, i.e. the reservoir, water filtration plant, that could result in costly burdens on the village budget. How do you propose addressing village infrastructure needs while minimizing the impact on the budget and tax rate?

This again comes down to having a qualified and experienced Mayor who understands concurrent problem solving and regulatory impact. When I first ran for office four years ago, I said that I would go to Albany and to Washington to lobby for funding important programs like these.  I have done both.  With respect to the #2 reservoir and water plant remediation projects, being that our application for stimulus money was declined, I'm continuing to seek the assistance of our local congressman and the USDA Rural Development office for purposes of securing an alternate grant and/or low interest loan funding stream.

Overall, the primary means of addressing village infrastructure needs while minimizing the impact on the budget and tax rate is to contain costs found in other portions of the budget, including both discretionary and non-discretionary items.

Economic projections for the next as many as ten years suggest that recovery from the recessionary unemployment and budget gaps will not be quick. What measures would you take to ensure the village government is able to navigate potential budget shortfalls? And what can the village government do to promote growth?

Again, just as families across America and here in Ilion have had to tighten their belts, so should municipal government. This year's budget is tight, as it should be. It is going to challenge the operational and fiscal management skills of the Mayor, the Village Board, and especially the various Department Heads in terms of constant monitoring and pro-active cost avoidance efforts. Quite candidly, my position is that the new economy is going to be here for awhile, and the expectation is that they assist the Village Board's policy objectives through it. Villages can't grow unless they can demonstrate responsible fiscal leadership, professionalism, and an ability to make and execute difficult decisions.

Why are you running for office (limit to 200 words)?

I'm seeking re-election because we can't allow Ilion to take a giant step backward. Although I'm a registered Republican, I'm running as an Independent candidate on the "Principles & Values" party line. Providing good, responsible government is what matters.

Ilion's honest, hard-working taxpayers simply can't risk having an inexperienced individual running their community, especially since it is the mayor who oversees its finances, Police and Fire, and its safe drinking water and municipal electric supplies.

I believe in smaller government and less spending. My decisions are based on doing what's best for the entire community and its future - not getting votes. I'm proud of Ilion and its great people. I thank the Good Lord for blessing me with the privilege of being Mayor.

Regardless of your political party affiliation, the fact of the matter is that we all care about Ilion. That's why I'm asking you to join me in proudly continuing to move Ilion forward.  That's the spirit of Remington, that's the spirit of Ilion, and that's the spirit of America!