Mayor Talks Water, Power and Emergency Calls

The following is a weekly column written entirely by Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh:

Water and Power

Last week it was water, this week it is power – the electric kind. 

When I opened my e-mails Tuesday morning, there was a general memo from Gov. Patterson, asking for help in getting the NYS Assembly to discuss and pass a bill regarding a program called: Energize New York.  The Senate has already adopted their version -- it passed by a vote of 59-2.  Totally bi-partisan.

Briefly, this proposal would extend to some residents and businesses, state-wide, the opportunity to lower their electric bills by giving access to low-cost power from the NYS Power Authority. The Authority would use 455 megawatts of their own cheaply-produced hydropower and buy another 455 megawatts for a total of 910 megawatts. It would then sell that combined power throughout the state, at a rate cheaper than they now can buy electricity.  The governor's office estimates that 320,000 jobs would be saved and an additional 170,000 jobs created. The full text of the Gov's memo is on the town's website. It is interesting reading, with behind-the-scenes comments. Also included are favorable editorials from various newspapers.

Now, I am not going to comment on what goes on in Albany. You can read that for yourselves in any newspaper. However, when there is worthwhile legislation which could benefit all of us, that I will speak out on.  So, I am asking you to read the Gov's memo, and then, if you agree, send an email supporting the program Energize New York. Email to the NYS Assembly at http://www.assembly.state.ny.us. Then "members," for local assemblymen George Latimer or Rob Castelli, or directly to Sheldon Silver as the leader of the Assembly.

More About Water

Unfortunately, according to the water usage numbers, many people are ignoring the water restrictions that were issued last week by Harrison, as well as other communities.  Briefly, those restrictions were to water lawns only on alternate days and reduce use between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.  Yes, there is still water in the reservoirs, but there is the problem of getting it into the water tanks.  Due to the heat, we are using water in those hours faster than the pumps can refill those water tanks that sit up so high on those long legs.  To insure that no one has the problem of turning on a faucet – but nothing coming out – please follow these water restrictions. 

Your observance can be seen. Brown lawns vs. green lawns make it obvious. Be assured that the grass will come back when the heat wave ends and the restrictions end.

Are You a Car Buff?

Then come to the Village Green in West Harrison on Friday evenings.  See a great assembly of antique cars from 6 p.m. until dusk.  Last week there were 55 on display, with owners eager to discuss their car, and brag a bit.  I have never seen engines so spotless!

Emergency Calls

Last week, when we used the county's robo-call system as an additional notification about the water restrictions, the calls went to only 4,011 homes.  Their system doesn't reach internet phones (Cablevison or Verizon) nor unlisted numbers.  Therefore, we are researching a means to notify more households when there is something going on that you should know about.  There are times, such as the coyote attacks or burglaries in your neighborhood or these water restrictions, when it could be very important that you know of these events. In the meantime, it would be helpful if you would give the Town your phone number and/or internet address. Please call 835-2000 and speak to the receptionist, or email us at mayorwalsh@harrison-ny.gov  All information will be confidential, and we will not call you constantly!  

Thank you.