As Mayor/Supervisor, I have the overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the town. I must act in a fiscally responsible manner, not only in the daily operations, but also in planning the future of Harrison. What is the point of having the most up-to-date facilities and parks if we drive people out of town because they can’t afford the taxes? With this year’s turmoil, I feel a strong leader who is focused on the town’s financial situation, is more important than ever. I also work with our county and state legislators, as well as the Governor’s staff and the County Executive’s staff on issues that affect the town.

Since Harrison is a small town, I believe that the Mayor should be accessible at almost all times. It has been my policy since taking office in January 2008 to set aside several hours every afternoon for meetings with residents, to hear their concerns. You learn a great deal that way. I can’t always solve the problem, but there are many cases, I am proud to say, I have been able to make a difference. Sometimes all it takes is a phone call to the right office; sometimes it takes much more. I am happy to assist the residents of Harrison in any way possible.

The framework for each year is the Budget. The Comptroller and I prepare this document, in consultation with the Department Heads. It is then reviewed and perhaps altered by other Board members. By December 10^th each year, it must be approved by the full Town Board. In it, we list what each Department is authorized to spend, what projects will be funded, what equipment is to be bought. At the same time, we list what we expect to receive in income that year. In addition to real estate taxes, the town receives revenue from sales taxes, mortgage taxes, building department fees, Court fines and forfeitures as well as interest on the funds deposited in the bank until needed. If we are sufficiently wise in preparation, at the end of the year "income" and "outgo" will balance, with hopefully a small amount to be added to our reserves, our "rainy day" account.

Town Board meetings, over which I preside and at which the full Board makes decisions about matters of policy, personnel, and often expenditures, are held twice a month, generally on the 1^st
and 3^rd Thursdays of each month. Check CATV Ch 75 for the exact dates and times. We would welcome you if you care to attend, or watch the tape of the meetings on Channel 75, at noon, 6 PM and 10 PM every day.

My personal background: I was raised in Westfield, NJ, and moved to Harrison in 1964. My husband and I have four adult children: Douglas, Chris, Whitney and Matthew, and two grandchildren. I learned about Harrison as an officer of various PTA'S, and then later as Town Clerk for 10 years. I worked for both the State and Federal government, so learned how to navigate those waters. I am a graduate of Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA, with various graduate credits as my interests grew and changed over the years.. Harrison is a wonderful community, warm and friendly, and will be my home for years to come.