David Cooke
503 Mallard Drive, Camillus
Background Current 5th Ward Town Councilor
Occupation Lease/Rental Manager in the Transportation Industry
Endorsed by Independents, Conservatives
Given the current economy and budget crises at the state and county levels, which areas of the budget do you feel the town could cut back to alleviate the pressure on taxpayers?
The Town Board, all of the department heads and their employees have recognized the state of the current economy. I am pleased to report we are about to pass the budget for 2010 and for the second straight year, with a slight tax rate decrease despite huge increases in State of NY mandates.
In what ways do you think the town could consolidate services with villages, neighboring towns or the county to increase efficiency and keep costs down?
We have two completed agreements for shared services, one with Van Buren, (dog control), and just recently with Elbridge, (assessors office). Both agreements will maintain quality services, generate one time State of NY facilitation funding for the assessors office, and will save the taxpayers money in the process, for all three towns.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment thus far in your position?
I was the head of a committee instrumental in improving the working relationship of the Fairmount and Camillus Fire Departments. I am pleased to report that both fire departments are training together and have a restored confidence in each other. The mutual aid system has also been restored. Both fire departments and their officials should be commended for their efforts in this process.
What specific projects or goals are you most interested in completing or pursuing in your next term?
I am excited about what is in the future for the Camillus Park/Pool. With the support of the Parks and Recreation Director Eric Bacon, Town Supervisor Mary Ann Coogan and the town board, and as the Parks and Recreation Committee Chair, we completed a study to determine what options are available and their respective costs. We intend to send a survey out to the residents of the Town for their input on the direction the taxpayers of our community would like to see us take. It can be a jewel of our community, but the taxpayers will decide.