Issues
Real Economic Development
In order for Camillus to grow and prosper we must be proactive in our efforts to achieve real and lasting commercial growth. As we reap the benefits of an increase in commercial tax revenues, the value of our community also rises.
Promotion of Shared Services
Consolidation is a simple way for us to lower our costs, but not at the expense of diminishing the quality of services we have come to expect in Camillus. By working with other municipalities and strategic partners, we can effectively reduce waste. We must always look for opportunities for savings.
A True Voice of the People
Our neighbors deserve timely responses to their concerns when they seek assistance. By providing an avenue for citizens to get their local, county, and state information this can be accomplished. It is just common sense that when residents are more informed they can make better decisions.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact me.
315-706-8803 / mwlaflair@aol.com / www.mikelaflair.com
Endorsements: Republican Party
Independence Party
Campaign message: Camillus is a great place to live. However, our efforts to achieve real and lasting commercial growth need to be more proactive.
We must always look for opportunities for savings. Consolidation, when done right, saves tax dollars while preserving services.
Our neighbors deserve timely responses to their concerns when they seek assistance. It is just common sense that when residents are more informed they can make better decisions.
With all the financial pressures on local government, what would you do to cut or contain costs? Government spending is spiraling out of control and we absolutely need to find ways to contain costs. Currently, the estimated cost of state-mandated retirement contributions from the Town of Camillus next year will surge to $1.1 million. That’s a 19.7% increase over this year, which accounts for nearly half of our projected 2012 budget deficit. And that’s just one mandate.
During my campaign I have heard over and over again from citizens who are outraged that the state government constantly requires more and more of local governments and the only thing residents seem to get from these new mandates are higher tax bills and the threatened loss of local service. I will work with our state representatives to get these unfunded mandates under control. Ideally, they would be eliminated completely. If the state wants to mandate costs then the state should pay for them.
Shared services is another way for us to lower our costs, but not at the expense of diminishing the quality of life we have come to expect in Camillus. I will seek to have an exploratory committee formed between the Towns of Camillus, Elbridge, and Van Buren to look and see how we might benefit from shared services agreements. If other towns are interested, I would welcome them to join the discussion as well. We need to determine which systems are working especially well in one town, but not others. Then, we can assess how we can benefit from each other’s strengths. By working with other municipalities and strategic partners, we can effectively reduce waste. We must always look for opportunities for savings.
What’s the first issue you want to address in the coming year if you are elected? Camillus needs to become more proactive in attracting the businesses our resident’s desire. As someone with a history of working with energetic community organizations like 40Below and Syracuse 2020, I know I can work closely and effectively with the Chamber of Commerce and put together a proactive economic development plan to move Camillus forward. Together, we can do research for grants, determine which business might be a good fit for Camillus, develop a database of vacant commercial properties, and much more. The former Camillus Cutlery property is now under new ownership. I will reach out immediately to Tom Blair and the Sweet Spot Development Group (the property’s new owners) and see how we can help make their plans successful.
