Local Democratic Chair Backs Burdick

(Below is a letter from Bruce Yablon)

I have known Chris Burdick now for over five years and have come to see that he is extremely thoughtful, cautious and purposeful in his approach to every issue the town board has faced from hiring decisions to budgeting and taxes. 

From his first days after being elected to serve starting in 2008, he has asked the right questions and from time to time suggested changes in procedures to provide better government at lower costs for all of us.   

One specific change he promulgated was encouraged greater use of competitive bidding.  As an example, state bidding regulations exempt professional services and some ‘small cost’ items from bidding requirements.  Chris suggested that insurance services nonetheless be bid which resulted in savings of over $500,000.   He suggested that pool covers be bid out, where the non-bid cover for the Katonah pool in 2007 cost $24,000 and the competitive bid one in 2008 for the Bedford Hills pool cost $14,800 (Very similar in overall size and complexity).  In reviewing purchase orders, he saw that electrical, plumbing and car repairs were not being bid out.  At his recommendation, they are now and saving us tax dollars.   

Chris has worked in a collaborative and nonpartisan manner with his colleagues, town employees and all of the residents in the town. He has garnered the respect of his colleagues in both parties for the approach he has taken to governance – continuing the tradition that Lee Roberts has fostered and which garnered her respect from the community and both sides of the political aisle including myself.

So bottom line is I support Chris because he has a proven, tangible track record of smart, thoughtful, non-partisan and sensible governing and has always been very approachable and accessible to everyone in our town.  He has been kind-hearted, compassionate and one of the hardest working politician I have ever known.

He has served us extremely well as a part time councilman and will serve us far better as our full time Supervisor.

For smart, good government, real tax savings, and real continued results I urge you to vote for Chris Burdick.