Somers LWV and Town Board Exchange Ideas

SOMERS, N.Y. -- By tradition, the Somers Town Board meets annually with representatives of the Somers League of Women Voters (LWV) to exchange ideas and share information. This year’s meeting, on Monday at the town house, drew over 30 members of the league.

Board member Richard Clinchy and Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy answered many questions from the audience. Among them were: 

- What will be done about a new roof for the library? “The town has received some unexpected revenue, which should go towards that,” Murphy said.

- What is the situation on the board vacancy created by Harry Bolton’s resignation? “We’ve gotten several calls and letters of interest. April 23 is the deadline. The board will decide it if wants to interview people,” Murphy said. She added that in November voters will choose someone to serve out Bolton’s term, which ends in 2013. An applicant chosen at this time will fill the interim position until then.

- Are there any new plans regarding emergency preparations? “We’ve had numerous conversations with NYSEG. I’ve been pressuring them. They’re going to trim the trees in three of their circuits this year. Now I’m getting complaints about tree trimming because people don’t want their trees trimmed. It’s quite a catch-22,” Murphy said. She added that the town is considering buying an emergency notification system, but “the real thing in emergencies is to be prepared yourself. We’re trying to educate people.”

- What is the future of the state police barracks in Somers? Murphy answered that nothing has changed. “The state ran out of money, so they’re not building new barracks,” she said.

- What are the guidelines concerning recycling? What do we do with cereal boxes, newspapers, batteries, etc.? “The county has issued new guidelines on plastic but I don’t know about the other rules. I can check. The county’s website on recycling is very good,” Clinchy said.

- What is the position of the town board regarding a food store? “We wouldn’t object to a smaller store, but not a megastore or supermarket. That would alter the character of the area,” Murphy said. The audience was, however, receptive to the idea of a produce store taking over the old Somers Pharmacy.

 

Click here to follow Daily Voice Somers and receive free news updates.