New Rochelle District 4 Council Candidate: Kevin Barrett

Editor's note: Every candidate running for City Council in New Rochelle in the Nov. 8 election was sent the same list of questions. The answers were only edited for style. Kevin Barrett is running against Ivar Hyden to represent District 4 on the New Rochelle City Council. Hyden's responses to the questionnaire can be found here.

Name: Kevin Barrett
Age: 51
Occupation: Sales, Brooks Brothers
Family: Daughter, Victoria Jenna Barrett
Line(s) on the ballot: Republican, Conservative, Independence

Patch: Last winter was particularly severe, taxing city resources. What can be done to avoid similar situations?

One of the most important principles we share is saving for a rainy day. The city, with fund balances that have dropped from $13 million to $1.7 million over four years, has lost its ability to save for a snowy day. We need to rebuild our city’s financial coffers by focusing on commercial and retail business development. It is not going to happen overnight, but the City Council should maintain such development as a long-term priority.

Patch: The city adopted the GreeNR Sustainability Plan recently. What should the city concentrate on in the short run and long run to implement it? Or should it be something that is implemented at all?

GreeNR is expensive. We can barely afford to pay our police, firefighters and public works employees. I served as a member of the Hudson Valley Task Force on Sustainability two decades ago. Hence, I support environmental initiatives. Keeping our waterways and lakes clean is an important priority.

Patch: Declining revenues and increasing costs seem to be a fact of life. How would you adjust the city's budget without hurting the quality of life for its residents?

First, we need a forensic audit by an independent agency. There is a need for a review of what is spent and where. The current council is against reviewing our finances. Because my opponent is attached to that majority, he will vote to keep us in the dark. 

I was a county department head. Every year we had to submit a department budget that was 5 percent less than the prior year. It is a good exercise that could work in New Rochelle. It shows respect for taxpayers and reminds decision makers that they can be creative in their approach to city government. Another idea is to implement a zero-based budget process.

Another idea that I support is establishing a citizens advisory committee to recommend ways the city and school district can share assets and reduce costs.

Patch: Parking is always an issue in New Rochelle. What is the solution?

I am the only candidate who has openly opposed the new regulations that extends metered parking from 6 p.m. until midnight. Many residents downtown consider this change to be ridiculous. I believe the current parking policy is solely designed to generate revenue for the city. The solution is to have a parking policy that will welcome people to dine and shop downtown.

Patch: What are some concrete ways the city can bring more businesses to New Rochelle?

The city can do very little to attract businesses to the city until it has policy makers who see that as a priority. The current council majority is absorbed in residential development to exclusion of commercial and retail development. 

One idea that I have is a realtors conference. Realtors can sell the idea of attracting businesses to the city and advise the community of industries that would consider moving here. It would be the first step to promote the idea of downtown business revitalization. More importantly, these real estate professionals will buy into the concept of selling New Rochelle for commercial and retail establishments.

Our city government could be helpful by providing complete information about how to open a business in New Rochelle. Such a guide would include all pertinent phone numbers, departments, regulations, etc. 

The city could also publish a downtown business directory that could be published online and in print. 

Also, the city could recognize the Hispanic community and other immigrant groups for the new businesses they open and highlight their presence and success.

Patch: How can development be used to increase the quality of life for New Rochelle residents and help the city's coffers?

Commercial and retail development increase sales tax revenues and help offset the burden on property taxpayers. Developing more ratables will also help our school district. This will not happen overnight. The city has a $2.7 million decrease in sales tax revenues over the past three years. By focusing on non-residential development, we will see the rewards in a few years. By not shifting to commercial and retail, we will see a continual rise in property taxes and fees.The time is now!

Patch: If there is anything you want to add or if you'd like to make a statement, please feel free.

Yes, this is a crucial election. The candidate you chose should be clear about the issues at hand. You have read my stand on the issues. I have reached out to every segment of my district. And I have the business and government experience to be an asset to our community. More importantly, I am independent, free-thinking and only motivated by my desire to serve my community. 

I can assure you that you will not be disappointed with my service on City Council. And I humbly seek your vote and support next Tuesday, Nov. 8. 

Thank you kindly for your consideration.