Politics & Government

VIDEO: Meet the Candidates, Dennis Krolian

Dennis Krolian is running for a seat on the White Plains Common Council in the Nov. 8, 2011 election.

Election season is upon us again, and White Plains has races on Nov. 8 for seats on the White Plains Common Council and Westchester County Board of Legislators.

Read below to learn more about one of the candidates, and click  to find out who else is running.

Meet the Candidate: Dennis E. Krolian

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How Long in White Plains/Where: 28 years in White Plains, currently lives in the Soundview neighborhood

Age: 60 

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Family: wife, Eleanor Barrett Krolian; daughter, Elizabeth; son Paul; daughter Emily

Job Title/Profession: Trial attorney with Safranek, Cohen & Krolian; Adjunct Professor, Berkeley College

Education: Fordham University, BA 1973; Gonzaga University School of Law, JD 1979; Cornell University, Arbitration and Mediation courses 1984

Other activities and current/past involvement: 

  • Commissioner on the White Plains Commission on Human Rights (1987-1997); member, Concerned Citizens for Open Space; former delegate, Council of Neighborhood Associations; treasurer, Soundview Civic Association; member and steward, St Gregory’s Armenian Church, White Plains
  • Bronx County Assistant District Attorney (1980-1986); faculty, Hofstra University, Trial Techniques Program; faculty, National Institute for Trial Advocacy; New York State Bar Association, past chair, moderator and lecturer, Continuing Legal Education; New York State, Westchester and Bronx County Bar Associations

Website: http://www.votekrolian.com

Run for office before: No

Party: Democratic

Endorsements: Democratic, Working Families, Independence

Why are you running for a seat on the White Plains Common Council?

I am running because I can understand and effectively represent the interests of the people of the city of White Plains. My entire 30-year career has prepared me to be a committed advocate for the citizens of this city. 

I am committed to: controlling taxes while preserving services and infrastructure; maintaining the character and quality of all neighborhoods; advocating for open and transparent government for all and planning smart and sustainable growth.

What makes you the best candidate for a seat on the council? What would you bring to the council as a member? 

I am a legal advocate, representing the interests of others since 1980. During law school I clerked with the Department of Justice and represented the Federal government. As an attorney with The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, I represented the economic interests of New York and New Jersey fighting organized crime in the ports. 

As an Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County, I represented The People of the State of New York prosecuting street crime and corruption. My current legal practice involves the representation of people and organizations throughout the metropolitan area in tort and insurance matters.

I am prepared to advocate for the good of the people as I have when I served as a Human Rights Commissioner defending the rights of those who suffered illegal discrimination in this city.

Explain your stance on the following issues, and how you would address these issues as a council member?

Parking: Obviously, we need more parking spaces, especially in light of the temporary closing of the Lyons Place garage. Unfortunately, parking violations produce fines, but also much needed revenue for the City. I would rather see more parking lots built, easier access to spaces and fewer violations. 

Every new downtown building should have a realistic parking plan considering new mechanized parking technologies, above and below ground level. The total ban on overnight parking, without accommodating reasonable requests for exceptions should be modified. 

Property Taxes: You can certainly expect me to provide downward pressure on any proposal to increase real estate taxes. Taxpayers in Westchester County already pay very high taxes.

The French-American School of New York’s plans for the former Ridgeway Country Club: Maintaining the character and quality of all of our neighborhoods is a top priority for me. Open space is also in the best interests of the city should be preserved as best we can, consistent with the vision of our Comprehensive Plan. 

The present moratorium gives us the opportunity to explore all issues, including the environmental and financial impact of any proposal for development in our city. While addressing the French-American School proposal will take considerable fact finding, due process and deliberation before I could state what the best course will be for us to follow, it is very clear that if we follow the proper legal process, we will likely get the right result for all.

What are other issues facing the city you feel are important, and how would you address these issues?

I would like to participate in the ongoing review of the Code of Ethics and implement improvements in the area of conflicts of interest.  In order to economize, we should extend the shared services concept with the White Plains Board of Education.

What is your favorite thing about White Plains?

We have all of the benefits of a city and all of the benefits of a suburb, all in the same place.

Anything else you would like to add?

Vote Row “A” THE DEMOCRATIC TEAM on Nov. 8.

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