Opinion Roundup: Locals in Support of Burdick and Gabrielson for Town Board

Dear Editor:

I strongly endorse my friends Chris Burdick and David Gabrielson for Bedford Town Board.  Both are public servants who have worked very hard to make life better for Bedforders and our families.

As a member of this community and as a mother who has raised three children here, I am proud that Chris and David are fighting for my family.  They have a strong record of protecting our environment – including pushing for the construction of a new water filtration plant and creating the “Energize Bedford Plan,” which gives tax credits to people who make environmentally sound decisions.  In addition, they have made government more transparent and kept spending low.

In these tough times, it’s easy to be cynical about politics. We have too many politicians and too few public servants.  If you’ve ever seen Chris walking through Bedford Hills, taking the time to explain the issues to anyone who will listen, you know that Bedford has a great public servant. And true public servants are invaluable. I ask all of to join me in voting to re-elect Chris Burdick and David Gabrielson on Tuesday, November 8.

Sincerely,
 
Mary Frei, Bedford Hills

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To the Editor,

In four years of hard work, Chris Burdick and David Gabrielson can point to significant accomplishments as members of the Bedford Town Board.

Perhaps most importantly, in tough economic times, they have kept a sharp eye on spending and have kept taxes low. As a result of their leadership, the town increased the scope of its competitive bidding, including professional services that, very often, had not been subjected to bids. This alone has saved Bedford hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Recognizing the challenges facing homeowners, Mr. Burdick's and Mr. Gabrielson's collegial and professional work with other Board members oversaw a series of spending cuts, beginning in 2008, that held tax increases at just 2.2 percent, on average, for the past three years. This is half the prior rate of increase, and it comes even as our town saw a significant loss of revenue, from mortgage and sales tax, and while it faced a number of unfunded mandates from the state. In addition, regarding the 2012 budget, they have committed to holding the Town budget under the two percent tax cap. Most importantly, despite the budget cuts, there has been no lapse in essential services.

Further, since their election, Mr. Burdick and Mr. Gabrielson have helped make sure that the work of our town government is far more transparent. The Board holds more frequent work sessions; there is far more information on the town's website; and the Board’s meetings are now webcast. These are the results of commitments that Mr. Burdick and Mr. Gabrielson made during their campaign and kept.

Chris Burdick and David Gabrielson are hard working, sensible, and accomplished public servants who have ably earned my vote for re-election.

Sincerely, 

Dan Cullen, Katonah

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Dear Editor:

There are many reasons to vote for Chris Burdick and David Gabrielson on November 8th!

Chris and David are good for the Town of Bedford.  Both are longtime residents of our Town and are very invested in the community; they have planted deep and solid roots.

They have brought balance and true bi-partisanship to our Town these almost last four years.  They never stop looking for and finding solutions to old and new challenges.  They are committed to Bedford and all its residents.  They work hard and will continue to work hard.

If you haven’t seen them at a Work Session or at a Town Board Meeting, you may want to consider going, or watch the Board meeting live on the web!

Chris and David are the right choice Election Day, they are the only choice.

Sincerely,

Bea Rhodes, Katonah