In Tough Race, it’s Time to Give Michaelis a Shot
This year’s race for the seat in District 2 on the county Board of Legislators between two-term Democrat Peter Harckham and Republican Peter Michaelis is an example of what is exhilarating and disappointing about this election season.
Exhilarating because the electorate has a choice between two smart, capable men who have a distinguished record of community and public service and the best interests of residents at heart, even if they have divergent views on how to achieve their vision.
Disappointing because in their positions that they have staked out on some of the more important matters of the day, they have showed little independence from their party’s rehearsed talking points. On issues such as taxes and the county’s affordable housing settlement, they have provided alarmingly similar answers to board colleagues or candidates of the same party in the area’s other races.
It makes it easy to understand why significant portions of the public are disengaged from the political process and why some may question whether it is the elected officials or the parties who are deciding policy.
Acknowledging that drawback, there is an election next week. Perhaps as important as where Michaelis and Harckham stand on the issues, is that after four years the Democratic supermajority has run its course.
Ultimately, that factor becomes the tiebreaker in this race and Michaelis should be given a shot to see whether a little bit of new blood in White Plains can be beneficial.
What is wrong with the supermajority? Over an extended period of time, as long as one party concludes it doesn’t need to negotiate with the other side, there is little to no chance for compromise. Democrats will still likely have a majority when the dust settles next week, but if there is the possibility that a contentious matter could be vetoed by County Executive Rob Astorino, they may seek common ground.
After all, isn’t that what most citizens want to see from their government for those of us who are not diehard political partisans?
Michaelis certainly has the qualifications to serve admirably. He has been involved in a number of volunteer capacities, including the Bedford Zoning Board of Appeals, the town’s conservation board and chairman of its historical society.
He is on the mark on certain fiscal issues. Unions must start contributing to their health insurance premiums–preferably starting in 2012. He is also correct that county government should seek the lowest possible tax rate–but without gutting the social safety net programs. It is hoped that Michaelis’ zeal for tax cutting doesn’t overshadow the fact that there are real people who depend on services paid for by the county. It is also time for the county to find a way to finally get the operation of Playland privatized.
Unlike some Republicans, Michaelis genuinely cares about the environment, as evidenced by his service on the conservation board. His idea to more vigorously explore diversified sewer systems is one that deserves more discussion for areas that are unlikely to be hooked up to conventional sewers. He agrees with the MS4 regulations and measures taken for capturing stormwater.
It is hoped that he means what he says about executing the remainder of the county’s housing settlement, because the county sorely needs those units built.
Harckham, the Democratic majority leader, has had notable accomplishments during his time on the board. His most impressive may have been securing funding for sewers for Peach Lake. His formation of a septic subcommittee also was crucial in protecting the environment. Smaller measures such as the solar sales tax reduction and passage for the impoundment of the vehicle of someone convicted of DWI has also been noteworthy.
He has supported smaller government, although Michaelis did beat him to the punch on that issue when the two opposed each other in 2007. Harckham also correctly voted to support the housing settlement.
As the majority leader he should be more forceful in asking for health insurance contributions from union employees.
In ability and intellect, Harckham and Michaelis are equals, but the call here is for a new direction for the district.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/