RyeCity REVIEW THE
May 25, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 21 | www.ryecityreview.com
Killian picked as lt. governor candidate New York that is more affordable, accountable and accessible for all families and I am honored to join Former Rye City councilwom- his team as a true partner.” an and two-time state Senate Killian will hope for a better candidate Julie Killian has been outcome in November after sufpicked to run as lieutenant gov- fering two consecutive defeats ernor in Marc Molinaro’s upcom- in races for state Senate. Just last ing bid to unseat Andrew Cuomo. month, The Republican statewide she was defeated last month convention is scheduled to take by state Assemblywoman Shelplace on Wednesday, May 23, af- ley Mayer, a Yonkers Democrat, ter press time, where Molinaro, in what was being called a pivotal a Republican and the Dutchess special election for the 37th DisCounty executive is expected to trict Senate seat. be nominated as the GOP candiShe also lost a bid for the same date to run for governor in this seat in 2016 to state Sen. George November’s election. Latimer, who vacated the posiMolinaro announced his selec- tion this January to take office as tion of Killian on Sunday, May 20. Westchester County executive. “Julie Killian is a champion Prior to that, Killian spent six for people who have no voice, years on the Rye City Council, who are left behind, who are in serving from 2012-2017. crisis and she will never back During her last campaign, down from the challenges that Killian has called for a handful are facing our state,” Molinaro of ethics reforms in Albany, insaid in a statement. “I’m proud cluding term limits. She was also to have Julie as my partner in this a critic of New York’s economic campaign to restore New Yorkers’ development programs, which belief in the future of our state.” seem to reward political donors. Killian’s name was suggested If chosen by the New York Refor the position by a panel Mo- publican State Committee, Molinaro created in April to find a linaro will seek to defeat Cuomo, runningmate. The panel was or- a Democrat, in November. ganized by John Cahill, an offiIn a statement on Facebook, cial in former Gov. George Pat- the state Republican committee aki’s administration, and Mon- applauded Molinaro’s pick for roe County Executive Cheryl lieutenant governor, saying KilDinolfo. lian will “restore transparency, According to Molinaro’s cam- fiscal responsibility and honesty” paign, at least 20 candidates were in New York government. considered for the position, inCuomo is facing a primary cluding Dinolfo, the leading can- against actress Cynthia Nixon, didate who eventually stepped who is known for her political aside to support Killian. activism for public education and In a statement released by Mo- women’s health. linaro’s campaign, Killian said, “Marc and I share a vision of CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
Not so fast
Members of the Westchester delegation of elected officials have filed a report on storm response in the aftermath of two severe nor’easters earlier this year. Utility companies Con Edison and NYSEG were routinely criticized for their inadequate response to those storms which left residents without power for extended periods of time. For more, see page 6. Photo/James Grasso
Rye school district budget easily passes mark Ina 952-227 vote, the Rye City School District’s 2018-2019 budget passed on May 15, according to official results. The $89.2 million budget stays under the state-mandated tax cap, and adds 2.67 percent in spending over the 2017-2018 budget. According to the Rye City School District Superintendent Dr. Eric Byrne’s budget, its development was influenced by state aid that the school district is set to receive for the upcoming school year. Rye is scheduled to receive approximately $4 million, accounting for 4.46 percent of the total general fund budget. The estimated tax levy increased by 3.2 percent; the tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value
is $626.78, reflecting a 3.18 percent difference from the current year’s budget. As the student enrollment has increased over the last decade, the budget maintains all current programs and calls for the addition of 6.5 new positions, including a science teacher and an English educator; however, it also comes with the loss of 3.4 positions. The 3.1 addition in full-time positions is supported by approximately a $700,000 increase in spending for staffing. Despite the historic increase in students in the school district, enrollment is projected to decrease this year by 37 individuals over last year and is expected to decline overall to 3,036 students by
the 2027-2028 school year. As of press time, 3,352 students are projected to enroll for the 20182019 school year. Salaries make up approximately 77 percent of the 20192019 budget, with mandated benefits and health care costs rising at the highest percentage rates than any cost center items on the budget. According to state law, local school districts have no control over these rising costs. The state sets the contribution levels of the teachers’ and employees’ retirement systems. As of now, mandated retirement and health care costs are expected to rise 4.64 percent, roughly $660,000, in the upcoming school year.
In other news, Board of Education, BOE, members Chris Repetto and Kelly Smith-Powers both retained their seats on the board in uncontested elections. Newcomer Callie Erickson was also elected, after being unchallenged. All three board members will now serve three-year terms. Repetto has served on the school board since 2012 and has three children in the school district. Smith-Powers, who has lived in Rye for six years, also has three children in the district. Erickson has served four years on the Rye Presbyterian Nursery School’s advisory board, with three of those years in the role of a chairperson. -Reporting by Franco Fino
Follow us on Twitter @ryecityreview