The following questionnaire was produced by the Rockland Star which is solely responsible for its content — reproduction here is courtesy of the Rockland Star and for purposes of Suffern voter information.

We (Rockland Star) sent a questionnaire based upon questions that residents have had to both Suffern Mayoral candidates asking the same questions of both of them. We asked for them to be returned via email between 7:45pm and 8:00pm this evening.

This is the only response I received and it is from Mayor Trish Abato:

Candidate Questionnaire

What is the biggest single issue facing the Village of Suffern today?

Our financial health. For years, maintenance to our infrastructure was ignored in order to artificially keep taxes low. Unfortunately those bills have come due and we are addressing them is an expedient and responsible fashion instead of passing even higher costs along to ourresidents and administrations.

Why did you vote for the 16% tax increase?

I voted against the 16% tax increase. When I took office I realized that infrastructure had been neglected and there were financial irregularities. I brought in one of the best municipal finance people in the state, our finances were examined and a responsible plan put into place which would allow us to remain a full service village while also putting us on solid financial footing.

If elected, do you plan to eliminate or consolidate:

The Suffern Police Department? Absolutely not.

The Department of Public Works? Absolutely not.

The Recreation Department? Absolutely not.

The Water and Sewer Departments? Absolutely not.

Any other village departments? Absolutely not.

We are and should remain a full service village in order to continue to offer the quality of life and the programs that our residents have come to expect and have come to enjoy.

Will we be facing another 16 percent increase in taxes–how do you plan to avoid this?

I don’t anticipate needing to do this again because we have put into place a solid financial plan that included the reduction of various costs and purchasing program to further reduce costs and a proactive approach to finding ways to stretch our budget. .

What is your stance on public space and development?

Responsible development that maintains our quality of life is a positive but we need balance between development and open space for the enjoyment of our residents. Each project must be able to stand on its own merits and must be evaluated individually.

What is your plan to revitalize downtown Suffern and attract new business?

We have organized a committee of residents to work on downtown revitalization. We continue to work with our Chamber of Commerce and with property owners to explore opportunities to bring in value-added businesses to our village.

What is your plan to combat illegal housing and overcrowding?

We have formed a partnership with the Rockland County Fire and Emergency Service coordinator Gordon Wren to create a citizen code enforcement task force to address these serious issues, maintain our quality of life and keep our first responders safe. Overcrowding has been become a major concern and is an issue that we take very seriously. Deputy Jo Corrigan and I were instrumental in passing a local law for non-owner occupied residences are subject to an annual inspection and must provide the village with a list the property’s occupants.

How do you plan to balance our budget?

We have put a financial plan into place that includes a long-term plan. With the processes we have put into place, we will be able to continue to reap cost savings into the foreseeable future.

Why did you vote to approve the Orange Avenue project?

This project takes a blighted gateway to our village and makes it more inviting while attracting new residents. Having more people in our downtown area will only help existing business and attract new ones. We also reap the benefit of having a Brownfield cleaned up at no expense to village taxpayers.

Why did you vote to approve the PILOT for the Orange Avenue project?

The village brings in more revenue than we currently receive from the parcels in question, we get toxic waste removed at no cost to village taxpayers, the area gets revitalized while also attracting new residents to our downtown. It’s a win-win situation all around.

What is your stance on the flood barriers?

I did a great deal of research into the barriers. Based upon meetings with Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, the Rockland County Drainage Agency including a letter in writing from Vince Altieri from the Drainage Agency, it was determined that not only would the barriers not do the job required, there was significant risk to the homes in the Squires Gate neighborhood. The barriers would actually hold the water in the neighborhood and cause greater damage.

How do you feel about selling excess water to United Water?

I’m all for it. It brings additional revenue to our village while continuing to put the needs of our residential and business customers first. It helps to keep our water rates low while generating revenue for the village. There are strict protections that put our water needs above and before those of United Water and their customers.

What is your stance on the City of Suffern proposal?

I am fully committed to exploring this idea and have been enthusiastic about it since it was first brought to me. I have worked on this proposal for almost two years and anticipate being able to present this proposal to residents during the first quarter of 2016.

Do you plan to bring in the New York State Financial Restructuring Board to examine Suffern’s finances?

No, there is no need to. We brought in one of the best municipal finance people in the State of New York, we have a plan and we are going forward with that plan.

Would you accept funding from the Financial Restructuring Board knowing that the end result would be consolidation of various village departments with the Town of Ramapo?

No. This funding comes with strings attached that include consolidation of services.

What is your vision for the Village of Suffern?

My vision for the Village of Suffern is to continue to offer the programs, services and the quality of life that our residents have come to expect that make Suffern an affordable, desirable place to live and to raise a family.