Sen. Greg Ball Kicks Off Town Hall Tour

Sen. Greg Ball (R,C - Patterson) commenced his "town hall" tour at the Lewisboro Library Monday night, reviewing his last eight months in office while looking to the year ahead. 

New York's senator representing the 40th district promised "no gimmicks" and offered to help with local town problems from road conditions to education to taxes. 

Ball attempted to warm up the crowd by saying he learned a lot in the past year from reading How to Win Friends and Influence 'Enemies', eliciting few laughs from the small crowd gathered, which included Lewisboro town officials.

He then read from several posters—each with a different theme, such as the tax cap or mandate relief—and offered his updates on each. He discussed the balanced New York State budget, the MTA Tax Repeal legislation, homeland security initiatives and issues affecting women and animals.

“No one is a bigger critic of Albany than me,” said Sen. Ball to the Lewisboro Town Board and a handful of locals. “But think of what we accomplished this legislative session and with bi-partisan support. The progress we made in Albany this year was significant,” added Ball. 

On homeland security, Ball said he believed New York City to be the "number one terrorist area." 

"We're nearly ten years after 9/11 and it's no where near where it needs to be," he said, claiming that security for most of the so-called "safe" places surrounding Manhattan has been funded, but "the tunnels, and the George Washington Bridge are wide open."

Sen. Ball also reflected on the gay marriages in that took place on Monday.

"Democracy happened, whether you agree with it or not," he said, noting that such controversial situations contribute to a "thriving democracy."

Ball, who was seen talking with an Air Force veteran from Yorktown before the meeting began, emphasized his efforts to serve veterans. "We move heaven and earth to take care of our vets," he said, mentioning that there are currently 99,000 in his district. 

When the audience had time to ask questions and make comments, Lewisboro Supervisor Charles Duffy was one of the first of the town board to raise his hand. 

“Towns have been left holding the bag as a result of out of control pension costs,” said Duffy. “It crushed corporate America twenty years ago, and unless we redefine contribution levels at the state level, New York will suffer the same fate.”

Councilman Daniel Welsh asked about the state’s commitment to rebuilding roads. Sen. Ball promised to fight for funding for any specific projects while noting that the region’s share of state transportation dollars has decreased significantly over recent years.

With the tough budget decisions made in Albany this year, Sen. Ball stated he was hopeful new revenues will be generated for future infrastructure projects.

Ball ended by promising to address the problems that the town board mentioned. 

His town hall tour will be making stops in 22 towns in New York's 40th District. His next two stops are in Patterson on July 27 and Southeast on July 28. 

For a full list of tour dates please visit: 

http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/greg-ball/events.