Letter to the Editor: A Pay Cut For Clarkstown Town Supervisor

To The Editor:

George Hoehmann has announced on numerous occasions that he expects new employees to take a pay cut. This is laudable, except for the fact that George Hoehmann himself has declined take a pay cut. Councilman Hoehmann voted against the last few pay increases that his predecessor received, yet accepted those same pay increases when he became supervisor, while demanding that others take pay reductions. Supervisor Hoehmann now makes about $170,000 a year plus benefits.

I believe in leading by example. When I was promoted to Captain, I voluntarily gave back a $25,000 executive longevity payment that my predecessor was receiving.

When I became Chief of Police I voluntarily took a pay cut.

If elected supervisor I will voluntarily reduce my supervisor’s salary by 20% to $136,000 a year. A $34,000 pay cut and a rate of pay that has not been seen by a Clarkstown Supervisor in over a decade. When I am successful in my article 78 in court, a move that is necessary because of the illegal actions of Supervisor Hoehmann, I will be receiving medical benefits as a retired member of the Clarkstown police department in good standing. As such I will forgo the $24,000 in medical benefits that are due me as Clarkstown supervisor. Combined, this represents a savings to our taxpayers of $60,000.

Because I believe that anyone who is asking others to sacrifice, should be the first person to make one.

Michael Sullivan