Candidates for Clarkstown Council

Patrick Carroll, Candidate for Clarkstown Council, Ward 4  (Democratic, Independence, Working Families, Conservative)

BIO

I live in Bardonia with my wife, Natalie, and three daughters: Madelyn, Lily and Paige.  I am a graduate of Wesleyan University and Northeastern University School of Law and currently work as an Administrative Law Judge for NYS Department of Motor Vehicles.  I am admitted to practice law in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Prior to my current position I have legal experience working in both the public and private sector.  While working for the law firm of Kelly Kelleher Reilly & Simpson in Providence, R.I.  I represented municipalities including representing towns in both federal and state litigation.  I also worked on planning and zoning matters and labor issues.  Later in my career I worked for a large state agency as legal counsel and represented it in: federal and state litigation, labor arbitrations and grievance hearings and before administration boards and commissions.  I drafted policy and advocated for legislation before the state legislature. I left that position when my wife and I returned to New York.

I am originally from Rhode Island and my wife Natalie was born and raised in Nanuet.  We lived in Rhode Island for a time but always knew we’d move back.  When we had our eldest daughter we decided that we wanted to settle down in Clarkstown and after renting for a time we bought our home in Bardonia. I have always been interested and involved in my community.  Outside of politics, I spend time volunteering with the Hudson Valley Special Olympics and my family belongs to St. Anthony’s Church. Based upon what I deem as a lack of civility and an over abundance of political partisanship in government, I decided to run for Town Council because I wanted to add my voice, start working for the people and bring true representation to the Town Board.

RESUME

BA from Wesleyan University in Middletown CT

JD from Northeastern University School of Law

Admitted to practice Law NY, MA, RI

Attorney- Kelly, Kelleher, Reilly & Simpson Providence, RI 2008-2012

Sr. Legal Counsel – RI Dept of Corrections 2012-2014

Commissioner’s Hearing Officer – NY Dept of Corrections Jan- June 2015

Administrative Law Judge – NYS Dept of Motor Vehicles June 2015 – present

Town of Glocester (RI) Councilman 2004-2006, 2006-2008

Volunteer – Hudson Valley Special Olympics

ENDORSEMENTS

Hudson Valley Labor Federation, CSEA, CLARKSTOWN Teachers’ Association, Rockland BOCES

PLATFORM PLANKS

Taxes: I want to implement real fiscal responsibility and ensure that each and every taxpayer dollar is accounted for and then work with leaders at all levels of government (town,county,state,school) to cut waste, seek out alternative sources of funding and promote appropriate commercial development.

Overdevelopment/ Code Abuses: Residents are concerned that overdevelopment abuses that have plagued Rockland are going to impact their value in their homes and quality of life.  I will build on what has been started by the current administration to continue strict enforcement of codes and work with community groups to address problem properties and areas.

East Ramapo School District: It is unfair that many residents of Clarkstown are districted in the failing ERSD.  While Town officials technically have no decision making authority over the schools I will lobby State leaders to implement safeguards and appoint a stricter monitor to end abuses and waste and start focusing on what’s important, education.

Traffic: There are many dangerous areas of roadways in Clarkstown and an overall issue with speeding and dangerous driving.  I would work with the Clarkstown Police to address the issues with dangerous drivers, encourage more dialogue between the Town and residents regarding their concerns and work with County, Town and State officials to study, address and potentially implement traffic calming features.

FIRST DAY IN OFFICE

Open the financial records and get a true picture of where our tax dollars are going.

LEADERSHIP

My legal training and experience in all facets of government give me the skills I need to effectively represent the residents of  Clarkstown . What makes me a good leader is my ability to seek out and work with people and groups from a variety of backgrounds (including different political affiliations), my ability to advocate for what I believe is right no matter what the circumstances and ultimately my ability to speak when I need to speak and listen when that is the better option.

CONTRAST WITH OPPONENT  

The difference between my opponent and me is that I perceive he is too wrapped up into the political turmoil that has been going on in this town for the last two years.  Decisions that he has gone along with have resulted in discord, disharmony and worst of all unwarranted and costly litigation.  I will use my legal and governmental experience to represent the residents of Clarkstown and pledge that I will do what is right and not be influenced by personal or political relationships.

John Noto, Jr. Candidate for Clarkstown Council, Ward 4 (Republican, Reform)

BIO

I was raised on Little Tor Road in the house where my parents operated their Real Estate business. My father started this business in 1955.  I am a graduate of the Clarkstown School District and St. Thomas Aquinas College where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.  I worked in the family Real Estate business, as an appraiser and salesperson, while in high school and throughout college.  From 1993-1997 I worked for County of Rockland as a Real Property Tax Specialist.  I returned to the County in 2004 as the Director of Real Property Tax Services, serving in that capacity for over nine years.  It was in this position I saw aspects of government that was deeply concerning to me.  One of my responsibilities was had delivering notices of foreclosure to residents that could no longer afford to pay their property taxes.  Incredulously, I watched our legislators and town boards spend our money with utter disregard for the taxpayer.  Seeing firsthand the devastating impact this spending was having, especially on our senior population, I knew we needed a change. The opportunity presented itself when I saw good people getting politically involved who also knew major changes and government reform was desperately needed.

RESUME 
Professional: Deputy City Assessor, City of Yonkers; Paradigm Tax Group, Senior Managing Consultant/Geographic Lead NY Metro Market; Normandy Real Estate Partners, Senior Property Manager; County of Rockland, Director Of Real Property Tax Services; Empire Tele Con, LLC, CEO/Founding Partner; Noto & Lawler, Inc. Partner

Civic: Windham Mountain Ski Patrol Volunteer Since 1987; Former Clarkstown Soccer Club – Coach 10 years; Former Clarkstown South Football Coach; Former Clarkstown North/South Ski Team Coach

ENDORSEMENTS

IBEW Local 363, Our Town News

PLATFORM PLANKS

Continue the fiscal reforms we initiated leading to the first property tax cut in Clarkstown in over 30 years and over $4.25 million reduced bonded debt

Preserve and protect the suburban character of Clarkstown.  Continue to strengthen and enhance zoning codes.  Enforce building codes and shut down illegal housing.

Expand Clarkstown’s economic development efforts, attracting and retaining a strong commercial tax base.

Lead the way for needed affordable senior housing

Government Transparency

DAY ONE IN OFFICE

After the last election we started, on day one, to address every promise made during our campaign.  We delivered on every issue.  On day one after this election, we will continue to deliver on our promises.  Promises made…Promises kept!

LEADERSHIP

n any organization that I have been involved with, my drive has been to always make it better than it was before.  From Ski Patrol, where I hold leadership positions in training to help others be the best that they can be, to my position as Director of Real Property Tax Services, where my goal was to help all assessors and their staff produce a better assessment product for the taxpayer and to help the taxpayer understand their roll, rights and responsibilities. My goal for myself and for others is simple; Make today just a little better than yesterday.

CONTRAST VS. OPPONENT

I have a clear and deep understanding of the issues facing Clarkstown and its residents. I saw for years the mismanagement and self-serving nature of government, one that cared little about the people and more about political and personal enhancement.  In the first two years in office our team has delivered on every promise made to the people.  We tackled monumental issues and stopped the traditions of “kicking the can down the road” and ‘sweeping problems under the rug.’ My opponent agrees with me. All of his campaign planks are what we ran on two years ago and delivered over our first term in office. We have a clear track record and if re-elected we will continue to serve the people, making Clarkstown more affordable and preserving the character of our town.

  candidates, Clarkstown, Clarkstown Council, John Noto, Jr., Patrick Carroll