Patel is More Than Capable of Moving Yorktown Forward as Supervisor
It’s unfortunate how Yorktown Supervisor Michael Grace and his supporters have tried to paint Councilman Vishnu Patel as a clown who is nothing more than a kooky photographer, since nothing could be farther from the truth.
Perhaps Grace and company have resorted to what can only be described as dis-grace-ful political behavior because they are rightfully concerned about Patel’s widespread popularity and his advanced intelligence that helped create the internationally recognized I.B.M. Watson computer system.
Grace has contended Patel is unfit to lead Yorktown and lacks the necessary knowledge of how government works. Yet another insult to Patel who, to his credit, has refrained from personal mudslinging, as he does on a regular basis when he is subjected to subtle innuendos on the board about his accent.
Patel is more than capable of being supervisor of Yorktown and residents should not be the least bit hesitant to trust him on November 3 because he has proven time and time again to be the type of public servant whose sole mission is to help people and make their lives more enjoyable.
He may not be as polished as Grace or have the public speaking skills to ramble on as only lawyers can, but he is as honest and sincere in his intentions as a person can be, and he has demonstrated that time and time again with his time and generosity. Patel’s trustworthiness can never be questioned.
On the other hand, during his four years in office, Grace has repeatedly been criticized by some board members for not sharing information and producing last minute resolutions. Just last week, Grace revealed a developer may be interested in building the controversial Depot Square project at no cost to the town, which was news to at least Patel and Councilwoman Susan Siegel.
Grace has also demonstrated an inability to play nice with others on the board, taking every opposing view personally. An important part of being an effective leader is being able to compromise and reach consensus. The Democrats often get criticized for the so-called dysfunction on the board, but the supervisor also has to take some of the blame.
Revitalizing the town has been a hallmark of Grace’s administration, but, to date, there has been little progress. Costco still hasn’t put a shovel in the ground, the rezoning of the State Land Corporation site on Route 202 hasn’t produced any proposals, the Jefferson Valley Mall has just started renovations and the former Food Emporium building in the Yorktown Green shopping center remains empty.
Grace has put most of his revitalization eggs in the basket of Depot Square, property located in an industrial area on the outskirts of the downtown Heights shopping hub. He cringes whenever the $4.8 million price tag is attached to the project, but that is the estimate town officials reported in state grant applications. If the maximum $2.1 million in grants are not received, two years of debates could all be for naught.
Something that has also raised eyebrows about Grace, a land use attorney, are some of the campaign contributions he has repeatedly accepted, despite his claims that he has “blinders on” about who gives him donations. Particularly disturbing this year was a contribution from a firm working with Spectra Energy, the company in charge of expanding the controversial gas pipeline. Grace was one of the few local elected officials who did not stand up against the pipeline, throwing the towel in early since he it was a federally regulated project that supersedes local jurisdiction.
Grace is certainly a forceful advocate for things he feels strongly about and he somehow manages to juggle his legal work with his supervisor responsibilities. He also relies heavily on his town staff to ensure the town runs smoothly and consistently credits their efforts.
Residents will essentially be evaluating Grace’s job performance on November 3 and whether he has earned another two years in charge, or is it time to give someone else a chance to move Yorktown forward. For six years as a councilman, Patel has not stood in the way of any progress. He is more than capable of running the show and working effectively in a bi-partisan manner. It’s time voters return the favor for everything Patel has done for so many in the community without fanfare and give him that opportunity as supervisor.
Examiner Media – Keeping you informed with professionally-reported local news, features, and sports coverage.
