Meet the Candidates for TOE Councilman: Joe Dooley

Finishing up the first part of our coverage of the Town of Eastchester (TOE) political candidates for this November’s elections, the candidates for Town Councilman, Patch recently sat down with Republican incumbent candidate Joe Dooley. 

Dooley, who has been an Eastchester resident for 20 years, has significant financial experience under his belt, serving as Executive Director at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. for over 31 years. Locally, Dooley serves as Executive Board Member and Co-Chair of the Eastchester Campaign of the Community Fund of Bronxville-Eastchester-Tuckahoe, as well as a Founding Member of the Eastchester Irish American Social Club Parade Committee.

Dooley is also affiliated with a number of other organizations and clubs in the Town of Eastchester, including the Eastchester Irish American Social Club, Eastchester Italian-American Citizens Club, Eastchester Historical Society, Friends of the Eastchester Public Library, Eastchester Beautification Foundation and Eastchester Eagles Sports Club.

A Pace University graduate with a BBA in finance, Dooley lives with wife Helene Murtha and children Brian and Caroline.

Here is what Dooley had to say when Patch caught up with him to discuss the upcoming elections:

Patch-1: What do you see as the single most critical issue facing the Town of Eastchester Board in the coming years of the term for which you are running?    

Joe Dooley: In these difficult economic times, the most critical issue facing not only the Town of Eastchester but New York State is to keep taxes in check so that residents can continue to afford to live here. As a Board we have and must continue to control spending through effective management and conservative and prudent spending. We must also continue to maintain our very exceptional credit rating which was just reaffirmed. In addition, we have and will continue to pursue new sources of revenue such as grant opportunities, the Lake Isle Tennis Bubble, etc. This has been and will continue to be my highest priority.

Patch-2: For someone who is unfamiliar with the Town of Eastchester and its partnership with the Villages of Bronxville Tuckahoe, how would you describe the relationship between the three municipalities? Do you feel more could be done in partnership between the three communities to benefit residents?

Dooley: The Town of Eastchester and the Villages of Tuckahoe and Bronxville have had a cooperative relationship utilizing joint purchasing agreements and acquiring equipment. Many Town wide services are shared by Villages. This includes recreation, senior citizens programs, teen programs, sports teams and playing fields. One example of shared services is the Town Assessor who simultaneously services the Village of Tuckahoe without extra compensation. As a Councilman I will continues to work with the Board in finding new opportunities for joint ventures.

Patch-3: What have you learned in your prior service and professional experiences as well as in your time as Town Board member that you think makes you the right candidate for the position of Town Councilman? 

Dooley: I feel my business and financial experience qualifies me to help with budgetary matters and cost cutting incentives. Additionally, my experience in community activities as well as my strong client skills will be leveraged in my efforts to enhance services throughout the community. Experience has taught me that open communications and understanding priorities is very important to success; these will continue to be a practice of mine. Going forward it is essential that we keep taxes low and maintain best in class services so that we can keep our property values high.

Patch-4: A lot has happened on a national scale in the last couple of months in terms of politics and the economy, including the passing of the Debt Ceiling Act and the signing of the 2% property tax cap bill by Governor Andrew Cuomo. On a local level, what do these things mean for community members? What challenges should they expect to face, and how will you work to alleviate the burden put on them during these difficult times? 

Dooley: Unfortunately, the national and state financial problems will filter down to the local level. We must obey the state 2% property cap. The State instituted a new commuter tax, approved a 40% United Water Rate Increase and forces unfunded mandates such as mandatory retirement contributions and the local municipality must come up with the funding notwithstanding the State’s mismanagement of its funds. Without relief, something has to suffer and it is usually services. We must work even harder to find ways to mitigate the impact of these expenses and pressure the State to find ways to keep these expenses down in the future.

Patch-5: Is there anything else you would like to include about your candidacy?

Dooley: During my tenure as a Councilman, I have spent a lot of time focusing on the business of running the Town and managing its expenses and this has been very rewarding. What has been equally rewarding has been being able to work with the various Town departments that manage many of the social activities that benefit the various constituents of the Town. Some of these activities include working with the Recreation Department (who provide activities that benefit all age groups) and working with the Management and Advisory Board of Lake Isle in looking for ways to improve this very unique Town owned and managed pool, tennis, golf, and catering facility. I have also had a lot of exposure to the senior programs with my past community service work and recognize the importance of maintaining these vital services. 

In summary, my actions and decisions will always be driven by one simple question, “Is this in the best interest of the Town?”

Check back with Patch in the following weeks for interviews with the candidates running for the uncontested positions in this fall's Town of Easthester elections, including Town Clerk, Receiver of Taxes, Town Justice (2) and Town Supervisor. Click on the name of the following candidates for their interview: , , . Town of Eastchester Councilmen are elected to 4-year terms and are paid a salary of approximately $16,000.