James F. Salanger
108 Diane Terrace
Background Sixteen years experience as Councilor, currently Chairman of Public Works, and have served on all standing committees of the Town Board. Attended Syracuse University Schools of Public and Business Administration, B.S. LeMoyne College, Industrial Relations.
Occupation Investment Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors – 27 years.
Endorsed by Democrats
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?
All areas of the Town Budget require close scrutiny, at all times. The 2009 budget reflected a zero percent tax rate increase. The 2010 budget, on which we just concluded weeks of budget meetings, will reflect tax rate decreases: Highway/Water -3.84%, Part Town -1.20%, Water -2.64%, and Town General 0%. The Town has worked to reduce tax rates or hold them even despite the stiff mandates passed down by State and County government, which make up approximately 25% of the tax bill. Camillus does have an “Ace in the hole” – the landfill. It holds the greatest potential for future revenue. However, State and County government must be held accountable and we need to make a bi-partisan effort at the local level to force that accountability.
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?
During 2008-2009 I worked toward consolidation, “where it made sense.” I worked toward consolidating two town departments with other neighboring towns in 2008, and in 2009 we accomplished the consolidation of Dog Control office with the Town of Van Buren and merged our Assessors’ Office with Elbridge, both bringing much needed revenue to Camillus. We need to continue to look at consolidation – “where it makes sense,” to ensure that we continue to be able to provide the same levels of services and efficiencies.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment thus far in your position?
There are several, but the traffic light at Whedon Road and West Genesee Street was significant because of the hurdles that we were required to go through in order to cut through multiple layers of government and bureaucracies. It was a long fought battle at the local and then County level. The support from the neighborhoods was tremendous. The removal of a FEMA designated flood plain and removal of the Geddes Brook neighborhood from paying unneccessary, costly flood insurance is another significant achievement. The work done also removed parts of neighborhoods in flood plains accross the town.
What specific projects or goals are you most interested in completing or pursuing in your next term?
The economy, slowness of recovery, state and county budget woes are big issues. The focus needs to be the taxpayer and what he/she can afford. There are many in the 4th Ward and across town who are living on fixed incomes and they simpy cannot be asked to continue to shoulder the burden. If we focus on what is most important, the people, and continue to work in bi-partisan fashion at the local level, we will be able to confront what is thrown at us in terms of mandates and demands, and address them head on. That means keeping budgets in check, searching for greater efficiencies, looking to remove duplication of services and, yes, looking to consolidate “where it makes sense.” The promise I have made… I will continue to work for you… will be kept with continued vigilance in evaluating the economy and what is pulling on the local purse strings.