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Astorino Talks Property Taxes, Tappan Zee and Small Business

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino answered questions from the community at last night's Town Hall in the Town of Mamaroneck.

As he spoke to a semi-crowded room of people at Mamaroneck Town Hall Tuesday night, County Executive Rob Astornio talked about how his administration has made cost-cutting and getting rid of wasteful spending priorities in tough economic times.

Since he took office in 2009, said Astorino, his administration has trimmed budgetary expenses from $1.8 billion to $1.7 billion.

"We have put the breaks on spending in a real way," he said.

Despite these changes, he said, costs for pensions are "soaring out of control." Since 2001, pension costs have skyrocketed from $3.3 million to a projected cost of $95 million in 2014.

He pointed to the cost for an average employee in the private sector who makes $63,515 annually; a Westchester County public employee makes $73,789; with fringe benefits, their total salary comes out to $113,635.

Stay tuned to Larchmont Patch for more on Astorino's Town Hall. 

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Clifford Blau June 15, 2013 at 09:48 am
It's not true that parking is required. You could do as I do and walk there (assuming it isRead More actually the White Plains office you are referring to and not Harrison), or take a bus, or a taxi, or have someone drop you off and pick you up. And if you aren't happy with their service, go somewhere else. There are lots of doctors not affiliated with Westmed.
Cathy G June 15, 2013 at 04:41 pm
Clifford, thanks for your two cents! How lucky for you that you can walk to your doctor's office andRead More not have to pay to park!
Raymond Lautersack June 19, 2013 at 05:55 pm
There are two expenses that I always seem to have a difficult time accepting - parking fees andRead More tolls. I too was disappoint as I am sure many were to see that the WestMed Medical Group initiated a parking charge of $2.00 for each visit regardless of the time actually spent at the White Plains facility. Upon hearing this new policy I had to step back and look at what is going on around us and looking at the bigger picture. Parking fees are a way of life for all of us who live in and around White Plains. Tolls are a way of life for any who travel in New York State and New Jersey. A charge of $2.00 per visit is less than a cup of coffee and for the medical care received, you cannot put a price on it. A $2.00 parking fee does not make nor does it detract from the 'fine organization" that WestMed Medical Group has been and remains. My visits to WestMed Medical Group unfortunately have been far more over the past several years than I care to admit however I have the complete satisfaction and comfort knowing that I am getting the best care that I can get anywhere, near and far. I am always treated professionally, with respect and never leave feeling rushed, uninformed or uncomfortable with anyone that I have come in contact with which includes the building receptionist, the clerical staff at check in and all those beyond the waiting room areas. We must be our own health advocate and if anyone feels rushed, I would suggest that they slow the pace down with the doctor and perhaps make use of the WestMed web site and send a secure message to the doctor a few days prior to your appointment with your specific concerns and issues that you'd like to discuss. When everyone is prepared, things will go much easier and timing will not be an issue. I have even had the opportunity to use the WestMed Medical Group Ambulatory Center at Theall Road in Rye. I've used both White Plains Hospital and Greenwich Hospitals in the past and they are both excellent however I found equal if not better attention and care at the Theall Road Ambulatory Center. As for where the Customer Service Center is, it should not make any difference with the service provided. If running a Center is North Carolina is more efficient and cost effective, than so be it. It is not like moving jobs outside the country as so many corporations have done and continue to do. Everyone you speak to in the Center speaks well, has the doctors calendar and the ability to make an appointment for any open time frame. What more would anyone expect of a Service Center whose mission it is to make timely appointments for patients to see the doctor of their choice.