July 5 , 2006
By Dylan Skriloff
The RBA has a strong voice in local and state politic and that will only increase when the RBA Political Action Committee is formally established later this summer. Did you know the RBA also has a political discussion group that any member can attend to add their influence into the mix?
The Government Affairs Committee, chaired by Jan Degenshein of Degenshein Architects, meets the first Wednesday of every month at 8:00 AM at the Blue Hill campus of Iona College, just downstairs from the main RBA office.
"The more voices we have at our Government Affairs Committee, the more ideas, the more energy we will have to make positive changes in Rockland County and New York State," RBA CEO and President Al Samuels said.
Several members including Samuels, Bob Salmon of H&S Sales and Consultants, Inc., Lou Silver of Silver Roofing, Inc., Ian L. Levin of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and D. Scott Liebert, Chairman of CLG Financial Group took part in the most recent meeting on. Discussion centered on plans for the new RBA PAC, the future of the I-287 corridor and State politics.
Samuels, who is a member of the I-287 Task Force, believes that a new bridge with a mass transit link to Manhattan is critical to the growth and prosperity of Rockland County. The project Team is releasing a major study about the I-287 corridor and Tappan Zee Bridge at the end of August, said Samuels.
Liebert questioned the reasoning of bridge opponents. He understands their point that the bridge is a disruption to the community, but wondered if opponents found the prospect of perpetual repairs a better solution than a new bridge.
"The Tappan Zee Bridge will eventually fall apart," Liebert said.
"The bridge is in frightening disrepair and it can not be repaired indefinitely. It was only constructed to last 50 years and hold far less traffic than it does today," Samuels added.
The Village of Suffern is one place in Rockland that will be affected by the future of the Tappan Zee/I-287 corridor. The Village could become a transportation hub with increased rail access into New York City, which in turn could lead to greater residential and commercial development, Degenshein said.
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While transportation matters are bound to move, the political stagnancy in Albany continues. But there are signs of life as a bill (S.8212-Alese/A.12000/Morelle) seeking comprehensive reform to the overpriced workers compensation system and the problematic "scaffold law" (see January 24, 2006 newsletter article) which requires full contractor liability for all work injuries.
"This is great news," Lou Silver said.
The American Institute of Architects which opposes the Wicks Law (see February 13, 2006 article) on an annual basis said they feel they have been making inroads every year on the issue and that there be reform soon.
One issue the RBA PAC will be dealing with is proposed Living Wage laws. Chairman Jan Degenshein said that the movement in Rockland County has "the opposite of died, its gaining momentum." Democrats are joining together and demanding support for a bill.
The RBA was the main voice fighting against the Living Wage bill, which was vetoed by County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef last December. The RBA supported Vanderhoef’s recommendation that further study be done into the issue.
(See RBA newsletter articles 7/18, 8/3, 8/10, 8/29, 10/7 & 12/27)
If you are interested in local and state politics please come to the next meeting of the Government Affairs Committee, July 5th at 8:00AM in the Blue Hill Campus of Iona College, just downstairs from the RBA’s main offices.
July 5, 2006
All Voices are Heard at the Government Affairs Committee
"Fair Share" Healthcare Tax Act Defeated in Albany Session; Some Workers Compensation Reform Achieved
but no action taken on Assemblyman Morelle's more comprehensive workers compensation and debt control proposals
New Media Seminar Receives Good Reviews
RBA Members and RCC Staffers look forward to more presentations in "Distinguished Speaker Series"
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