|
|
Budget, Finance, and Personnel Committee, Vice Chairman |
|
|
Family and Human Services Committee, Chairman |
Legislative Majority Set to Back Improved County Radio Dispatch
Members of the Republican majority in the Dutchess County Legislature are ready to support a resolution for the installation of an improved radio dispatch system for use by county emergency services.
The simulcast radio dispatch system will correct weak spots in radio reception by providing a stronger signal, and helping improve transmissions throughout the county for fire, ambulance and police agencies.
“The new radio dispatch system will improve emergency communications among first responders throughout the county and help save lives for years to come,” said Majority Leader Noreen Reilly (R-Hyde Park) whose sons serve as first responders in local fire and police departments.
The simulcast radio dispatch system will develop seven tower sites to create a unified system and produce a stronger signal.
“Once again Dutchess County is out in front of other counties in taking the lead to improve emergency response and the quality of life of county residents,” said City of Poughkeepsie Legislator Rob Rolison, a detective for the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department.
The system employs state-of-the-art technology and has received strong support from emergency services officials across the county.
Republican legislators said their support for the project demonstrates their commitment to keeping public safety services strong in Dutchess County.
“The addition of this system demonstrates the strong partnership between Dutchess County government and the brave men and women who help protect lives and property everyday across the county,” said Legislator Suzanne Horn (R-Pleasant Valley). “Together we are doing our part to keep county residents and their families safe and sound.”
The proposal introduced by County Executive William Steinhaus calls for the bonding of $1.5 million. The system would be up and running during the latter half of 2008.
“While we are very watchful about spending, we believe the cost is reasonable,” said Public Works and Capital Projects Committee Chairman Gerald Hutchings (R-Beekman) whose committee is considering the bond resolution. “We also recognize the improved emergency response system will benefit everyone who lives and works in Dutchess County, particularly those in need who depend on emergency services.”
The legislation for the improved radio dispatch system will be considered at the August 9th 3:30pm Public Works committee meeting and the August 13th 6:00pm full legislature meeting.
###
Toy Recall Shows Need for Tougher Lead Paint Standards
Retention of American Jobs Would Have Prevented
Members of the Dutchess County Legislature say the recall of nearly nine million Chinese-made Mattel toys this week because of lead paint shows the need for the federal government to enforce inspection rules to safeguard children and families. It also shows the need to retain American manufacturing jobs.
The Mattel recall comes one month after a recall was ordered on one million Fisher Price toys with an earlier recall of the popular Thomas and Friends wooden trains totaling 1.5 million items. This past winter, state officials found high levels of lead in jewelry marketed to children at dollar stores. The vast majority of the items in question come from China. The frequency of the recalls and the amount of items involved show a pressing need for the federal government to become more proactive in protecting children. “It’s a serious problem, and a threat to the health and safety of our children. This is what can happen when American manufacturing jobs go overseas where health and safety standards are not enforced,” said Legislator Suzanne Horn (R-Pleasant Valley), also a member of the Dutchess County Board of Health. “The recalls have involved a total of 11.5 million toys. That is far too many lead-based toys coming into our country,” said Majority Leader Noreen Reilly, (R-Hyde Park). “It shows that our import standards are too laxly enforced.” The dangers of lead-based toys and jewelry are real. Earlier this year, a four-year-old child in Minnesota died after ingesting a piece of lead-based jewelry. There have been numerous other injuries after children came into contact with lead-based items. “For more than three decades, we have been trying to eliminate lead-paint exposure. Now, it’s discovered that overseas manufacturers are putting lead-based toys directly into the hands of our children,” complained Legislator David Kelly (R-Pawling), “These incidents show that the federal government needs to be more vigilant in inspecting imports.” “If the federal government cannot more effectively ensure that foreign-made goods are safe then all the more reason to bring back our jobs. When American jobs go overseas inspectors cannot inspect the work product,” said Horn. “Our success in job creation in Dutchess County – our economic gains – have occurred here in spite of the national trend to export some of our best manufacturing jobs.” Republican legislators said the lead paint toy recall should awaken the federal government to realize the health risks and economic vitality that is at stake when jobs continue to be shipped overseas. A system of certifying that toys are lead-free needs to be implemented, along with effective fines for violation of the standards, but the crucial issue is that Americans suffer when jobs are exported.
###
Regional Effort to Prevent Flooding Damage Proposed
by Republican Legislators
Dutchess County – Stream rehabilitation and flood mitigation authority will be assigned to the Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District to govern watersheds on a regional basis under a Republican plan to be voted on this month by the Dutchess County Legislature. The resolution seeks to prevent economic damages to private property and municipal buildings caused by flooding, as well as prevent health risks caused when increased water levels of streams co-mingle with nearby septic systems.
“Increases in storm runoff caused by the urbanization of Dutchess County lands, combined with increases in average precipitation, are causing county streams to overflow, wreaking havoc on our communities,” said Legislator Robert Sears of Lagrange, whose town spent $75,000 last year to remedy damages caused by the flooding of Jackson Creek. “The legislation will appoint the Soil and Water Conservation District the management agency so as to affect a regional approach to stream stabilization and flood mitigation.”
Noting that the mission of the Soil and Water Conservation District is to provide technical assistance to private landowners and municipalities for natural resource management, Legislator Timothy Basting (R-Dover/Union Vale) said empowering the Soil and Water district is appropriate, and that the legislation has geographical appeal.
“Last year, Soil and Water led stream stabilization projects in Lagrange, Beekman, Stanford, and Washington as well as efforts in Dover,” Basting said, “Giving the District the power to study and enact solutions on a regional – or county-wide – basis so as to treat watersheds that cross municipal boundaries is very wise and prudent.”
A third sponsor, Pleasant Valley Legislator Suzanne Horn (R-Pleasant Valley) added that towns should look favorably on this legislation. “My own town, the Town of Pleasant Valley, has been discussing hiring a Stormwater Management Officer,” Horn said. “Vesting regional authority in the Soil and Water District will certainly increase its appeal and value as a resource to local municipalities.”
Legislators will consider the issues of stream stabilization and flood mitigation at their April 11, 2007 committee day and at the April 16th Board meeting. The April 16th meeting will be aired live on the county website at http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Legislature/CLindex.htm.
# # # |
