Mayor's Desk: Civility, a Bond Sale and Snow

The attack on Congresswoman Gifford in Arizona was a shock to all of us. Such horrors happen in other countries, not here. The reason for the attack, as debated in newspapers and on TV, seems to vary depending on the political philosophy of the commentator—on the right or on the left.

There are some areas of agreement: (1) that public rhetoric is becoming increasingly vitriolic, (2) that people don’t seem to care anymore about civility, (3) or about conversations based on facts, on truth, on the calm exchange of ideas between people, and (4) that political speech is now based on attacking one’s opponent rather than presenting one’s own good ideas.  

There may be a need to point out errors and mistakes, but in a reasonable manner, not with shrill rhetoric and inflammatory words. We all deserve better than that. What has happened to manners—good manners —the kind of behavior that marks us as civilized people? 

This seems a good time to re-state the idea that good manners are the hallmark of civilization. While good manners may be defined differently in different cultures, there are accepted standards that right-minded people follow. Phil Resiman in his column in the Journal News on Tuesday (1/18) took a different approach and likens the loss of good manners to the absence of “class”.  He states that “class” is hard to define, but likens it to “turning the other cheek,”—that is, not responding to verbal attacks with your own verbal attack. 

Many people have commented to me that at some recent town board meetings residents seemed more interested in scoring “points” rather than conveying information or seeking answers. At some meetings, the ugliness of comments directed toward me, board members and our public officers have gone beyond what is appropriate. 

In a perfect world, everyone would think twice before speaking, would polish a speech so that it is the words and ideas that get the attention of the listener rather than the anger. I can think of some speeches by residents at town board meetings which definitely were more emotion than good manners. We deserve better than that. I listen because it is part of my job to listen, and because it is the tradition in Harrison that anyone may address the board during the meeting as well as at the end of it.   

It is to be hoped that this senseless attack in Arizona will cause every person who gives an address—to the public or to elected officials—every person who writes speeches or who seeks to convince others of a particular viewpoint, to accept that angry rhetoric only brings angry, emotional responses.  It is reasoned words that inspire thought and rational dialogue which will, in the long run, bring about intelligent solutions, in Harrison and in the wider world. 

As part of our efforts to reduce the town’s debt, we are refinancing some of our older bonds, those carrying interest rates of four percent and five percent, for a substantial savings in interest costs.  

The total amount being re-financed is $10.4 million with maturity dates ranging up to 2022. Moody’s has rated the bonds Aa3.  A good rating in this economic climate, and one that shows that we are good credit risk, that these bonds are a good investment.   

If you are interested in purchasing these General Obligation Bonds, please call Ray Kraus at the firm of  Janney Montgomery Scott, -- 914-631-8900, or email him at rkraus@janney.com and request a copy of the preliminary official statement of this offering. 

Ray is a Harrison resident.  All inquiries will be kept confidential. 

I think most of us have had enough of that white stuff called “snow”, but winter will be with us for quite a long time yet. Again, I will offer praise to our highway crews, assisted by the sanitation and parks men, for the great job they do on our streets. Even on Tuesday, when there was a mix of snow and sleet and sometimes frozen rain, the roads were salted before commuter time, and we could all get to work safely.  For some crews, that meant a 1 a.m. start, for others, at 3:30 a.m. start.

Thank you! 

Only in the business districts are the streets cleared from curb to curb and the snow removed. In all other areas, enough is cleared to allow two-way traffic.  However, on some streets, particularly in the two-family home areas, too many cars are parked in the streets and, when they are dug out, the piles of snow remain. We don’t have the money or manpower to remove the snow, nor places to put it. Please, to help yourselves, and us: if at all possible—please park in driveways when snow is forecast. 

One of the hazards of deep snow is that the fire hydrants get buried. While the firemen know in general where the hydrants are located, if they are snow-covered, it might take a few precious minutes to find the exact location—searching from five to fifteen feet along the curb. Please help by from a hydrant in front of your property.