Carlucci Critical Of New County Budget

David Carlucci, Clarkstown Town Clerk and Candidate for the 38^th State Senate District, held a rally Tuesday afternoon in response to the release of the county's 2011 budget by his opponent Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef. Carlucci's major point was that while that the numbers put out by Vanderhoef may be factual at face value, when given a closer look they are erroneous, misleading, and result from "fuzzy math."

The rally was held on the front lawn of Nanuet Civic Association member James Flynn.

"We just got a new budget yesterday and enough is enough," said Flynn. "The only thing I see is my taxes going up."

Carlucci contended that the 3.9% tax increase that is set out by the new budget is simply untrue when examined in the greater context as to what it will mean for individual Rockland taxpayers who will experience a drastic spike in what they'll have to pay in property taxes. In the last three years property taxes in the county have increased over 30%, according to Carlucci.

However, those from Vanderhoef's campaign had a response.

"David Carlucci's analysis of the proposed county budget is yet another example of his lack of experience and understanding of a budget of this size and scope," said Bill Madden, Vanderhoef's campaign spokesman.

"The reality is that the property increase for taxpayers is over 13%," said Carlucci speaking to a group of supporters. "We have to have our taxpayers know the truth."

As explained by Carlucci, citing figures that are publically available on Rockland County's website, the 3.9% tax increase that Vanderhoef's budget discusses refers to the tax levy and not property taxes. It does not accurately depict the economic realities that will be endured by individual taxpayers here in the county who, in effect, will be facing a property tax increase of over 13%.

"I hope that Mr. Vanderhoef will explain in detail these figures," added Carlucci.

As with any election, taxes are a key issue. Property taxes in particular weigh heavily on the minds of voters not only in Rockland, but all over the 38^th District. Carlucci noted that up and down the campaign trail, he has encountered people who are worried about their financial futures.

"This budget is leaving our residents with a legacy of debt," said Carlucci. "I encourage people to look at the County Executive's budget because he's using the numbers we're talking about intentionally to confuse people."

Flynn, like many, is concerned about the current deteriorating economic situation and what implications it may have on the future of his family within the community. He expressed his unease and anxiety on the matter.

"It's not me I'm worried about," he added. "I have two beautiful kids."

Madden and the Vanderhoef campaign responded to these statements:

"Carlucci's inaccurate and weak assessment of this budget questions his fitness for the office of state senator. Unlike County Executive Scott Vanderhoef, David appears to lack the financial acumen needed to effectively analyze and navigate through a detailed and complex fiscal document like the Rockland County budget." – Bill Madden, campaign spokesman  

Carlucci went on to discuss the general need for reform in Albany; in particular the importance in changing the state government's accounting principles and fiscal irresponsibility.

Carlucci's speech can be viewed in its entirety in the video accompanying this article.

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