LOCAL SUPERVISORS AND MAYORS BACK BASILE OVER SKOUFIS TO SUCCEED LARKIN IN SENATE

MONROE, NY– Calling him someone they can trust to be a true partner for their towns and villages, the Supervisors for the Towns of Monroe and Blooming Grove, as well as the Mayors of the Villages of Monroe and South Blooming Grove announced their endorsement of Tom Basile to succeed retiring Senator Bill Larkin in the 39th District.

Supervisors Rob Jeroloman and Tony Cardone, and Mayors Neil Dwyer and James LoFranco all praised Basile’s emphasis on programs that will bring back more resources from Albany to help local municipalities with major infrastructure, planning and economic development projects. Basile’s local roads proposal, backed by many of the area’s Highway Superintendents, and his recently-announced Regional Sustainability Initiative both call for realigning existing state funds toward more local challenges. The officials also cited Basile’s strong support for local mandate relief and other reforms that would make the area more affordable as key reasons for supporting his candidacy.

Town of Blooming Grove Supervisor Rob Jeroloman said, “We need to ensure that our area has proper representation in the Senate. Tom Basile understands and appreciates the changes occurring in southern Orange County and he will work with us to ensure sustainable growth. Senator Bill Larkin has always been there for our community and Tom Basile will pick up where he leaves off, fighting for us and delivering for our communities.”

Town of Monroe Supervisor Tony Cardone said, “Tom Basile's sustainability initiative grant program will most certainly help Town of Monroe residents. Tom understands the dynamics of Monroe, which can help our future infrastructure needs. His positive approach and sincere concern for the towns in Orange County makes him someone we truly look forward to working with.”

Village of South Blooming Grove Mayor James LoFranco said, “Tom Basile has the interests of our little village at heart. I am confident that he will serve us well and echo our voices in Albany.”

Village of Monroe Mayor Neil Dwyer said, “As Mayor for the Village of Monroe I am responsible for the financial resources in our budget and how they are spent each year. The Village has many economic challenges that must be met by the taxpayers, of which our homeowners are the majority payers. It is imperative that we have financial resources that ease the burden on taxpayers, and Tom's plan would offset some of the major cost drivers for my residents. Our infrastructure is aging and identifying and implementing a plan for the village - and securing the resources from Albany - would be a boon for everyone. After having many conversations with Tom Basile I am confident that his initiatives and his overall vision for our area will help Monroe in getting the work needed done and as a voice for our residents facing all kinds of challenges.”

Basile, who serves as Councilman and Deputy Town Supervisor in Stony Point, expressed his appreciation to the local officials for their support and backing.

“I’m honored to have the support of these leaders,” said Basile, who is running on the Republican, Independence and Conservative lines in November. “Our towns and villages face major challenges all of which impact the property tax burden in our area. They need a partner in state government who, like Bill Larkin, will be there to help them advance a sustainable vision for the future of their communities. As Senator, I will work with all our local leaders to ensure we improve the quality of life, grow the local economy and maintain home values for everyone in our area. Albany’s priorities are screwed up. The money we send to Albany must be reinvested in our communities and local officials should be prioritizing how those funds are utilized for maximum impact.”

Basile’s Regional Sustainability Initiative would provide dedicated grant funding for local master plan development, aquifer protection plans and updated architectural standards; create a local grant program for historic downtown and business district revitalization; establish regional funding for water and sewer system upgrades; and increase funds for local parks, land preservation and view-shed protection. The plan works to ensure our area has sustainable communities that develop in a planned, cohesive fashion that protects the equity in our homes.

Last month, Basile announced his support for addressing longstanding uncertainty about the fate of land in the iconic Schunnemunk Mountain viewshed and to promote sustainable development in South Blooming Grove by having the State of New York acquire the controversial Lake Anne property adjacent to the existing parkland in the Village.

Earlier in the summer, Basile also announced his intention to sponsor legislation in the Senate to dramatically-increase local infrastructure funding called CHIPS using existing gas tax revenue currently diverted to projects other than road improvements.

In addition to Senator Larkin, Basile has previously announced the support of County Executives Neuhaus and Day, Sheriff Carl DuBois, Supervisors Winchell of Montgomery, Piaquadio of Newburgh, Monaghan of Stony Point, Croce of Plattekill, and numerous other officials and organizations.