Q&A with Mary Foster, Democratic Candidate for Mayor

On Nov. 8 Peekskill voters will have a lot of choices to make. There are three open Common Council seats and the mayor is also up for reelection.

Patch sent all candidates the following five questions and asked for brief responses. We will run a series featuring the responses over the next two weeks. Here is the sixth of our series, featuring incumbent Mayor Mary Foster's unedited answers.

Mayor Mary Foster is running for re-election into what would be her third 2-year term. Read her biography .

Candidates Kathleen Talbot, Don Bennett and Darren Rigger are running for council seats on the Demorcratic slate with Mary Foster. running mates for the Council seats.

Republican candidates Joe Brady, Steve Woods and Barbara Kerasiotes are running for the Council seats and Tony Washington is running for mayor.

Read more about the Republican candidates and the Democratic candidates .

Why are you seeking re-election to your current position?

I am seeking re-election as Mayor to continue the progress that has been made during the past four years. Our decisions to hire and Economic Development Officers and to hold city taxes flat has resulted in downtown revitalization that can be expanded to other parts of Peekskill. We have developed a retail and tourism strategy that will continue to draw businesses to Peekskill and will create new jobs. Our investment in the old industrial district will enable Peekskill to create a commercial district that will attract new businesses that add good paying jobs and retail options needed in the city. Our commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure will continue to create jobs and will further improve the vitality of Peekskill.

What do you feel makes you qualified to run for your position based on your professional and personal life?

I have a proven track of 4 years as Mayor. I possess a business background that enables me to make solid decisions regarding city finances and budget proposals. Balancing strategic investments in economic growth, current budgets and the need to relieve the tax pressure from our residents is something I have been professionally trained to do. I have lived in Peekskill for 33 years and have a passion for seeing Peekskill shine. It is the most unique city in Westchester.

What are two or three of the most important issues facing Peekskill that you plan to tackle first if re-elected?

Passing a budget for 2012 that has less than a 2% tax levy increase.  Continuing to recruit new businesses to Peekskill to expand our tax base and create jobs. Ensuring that a professional Human Resource function is developed in the city to serve our workforce (and our residents) effectively.

How are your plans and solutions different from other candidates?

I don’t know what the Republican plans and solutions are.

How do you measure the success of elected officials in Peekskill?

I believe success is measured by the willingness of residents to contact elected officials with ideas, problems or solutions and the willingness of the elected officials to listen to those ideas, problems or solutions. I also success is measured by officials implementing the policies and plans they said they would implement.

___

Thanks for reading. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter.