Hugh O'Brien
59 Rockledge Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 793-3809

I am running for reelection to the Board of Trustees on May 25. The challenges Saltaire faces require knowledge, experience and hard work. I'd like to take a few moments to discuss the issues as I see them and to tell you something of what I've done, what I believe and what I propose to do in the next two years.

Vehicles

I believe in the philosophy, "Fewer - Smaller - Slower."

Fewer vehicles is essential. All applications for permits to drive in Saltaire must continue to be rejected when excessive or unnecessary. Although Saltaire's ability to act is limited by FINS and Islip, I have acted to strengthen our laws and their enforcement to limit vehicle access.

Smaller vehicles benefit everyone. I helped create incentives for contractors to use small gas or electric powered carts and utility vehicles instead of trucks. My vehicle fee structure has made it more economical for business people to use smaller carts. They cause less wear on our walks, don't block bikes and pedestrians and are less noisy.

Slower is shorthand for better enforcement of our laws. Speed laws especially, but also vigorous enforcement of all our vehicle laws.

I support stronger regulation of driving in the "shoulder seasons" - the periods in the late spring and early fall when driving is permitted but many people are in residence. I have already introduced local laws to further control vehicles and traffic in Saltaire. I oppose the Seashore's proposal that they abandon vehicle regulation, which would result in more traffic on Lighthouse.

Water System

The hydrology report recommended that Well #2 (by the Village Hall) be able to come on line instantly. That work will be completed this month. Planning for the more extensive second phase is underway. The good news is that the cost of this work is far less than was projected. Instead of $511,000, it will cost about $330,000.

The Beach

Fire Island is on its own. The Interim Project is dead. Whatever can be done to restore the dunes must be done by us, ourselves.

The 1994 dune restoration performed beyond expectations. It was projected to last only five years but after seven years we still have 44% of the sand that was put down.
With my support work on the next beach restoration has begun. The money has been appropriated for the surveys required to obtain the necessary permits. As in 1994, we are sharing the costs with other communities, reducing the cost to Saltaire.

Fire Safety

As the only trustee and the only candidate who is a member of the Fire Company, I understand the ongoing need to upgrade its equipment. Fire is not a theoretical concern. We have had two total losses from fires in recent years in addition to several houses damaged - most recently on April 28.

In the past three years I voted for two new vehicles -- the Rescue Vehicle (ambulance) and an equipment carrier. Late next year, we will get a new pumper to replace our 27-year-old model. I am also proud of writing and passing improved fire-safety standards in the Saltaire Code.

Docks

In 1999, the Board ordered a survey of the docks. Acting on that report, the Board began the long and difficult process of obtaining the necessary permits to replace them. We have already chosen the materials to be used and are pursuing grant money to reduce our expenses. While delays by state agencies have pushed back the start of work by a year, reconstruction will begin in fall 2002. Meanwhile, our engineers have certified that the docks are safe.

Ferries

I have negotiated two contract renewals with Fire Island Ferries. Both times I brought in rival carriers, in the belief that competition would benefit Saltaire. It did. Although FIF won both contracts with better bids, they agreed to my main requests. We the won the right to use or trade in expired tickets without penalty. I expanded the Village's right to purchase discount ticket books. I got the separate ferry and parking contracts to run concurrently, improving our bargaining position. I doubled the franchise fee that Saltaire receives. And FIF adopted my scheduling suggestions, which doubled our Friday trips and significantly increased and extended other ferry service. I also insured that water taxi service to the Village would run unimpeded. I am continuing my efforts to get more ferries to make Saltaire their first stop.

Parking

Those of you who attend meetings regularly will know that this is an area of great frustration for me. I continue to pursue new parking space for the village. Your vocal support will be of enormous help. While acquiring more land for parking will be expensive, this expense, unlike any other, will ultimately be repaid from the extra revenue generated. And it will help insure that every Saltairian has a parking spot. Meanwhile, I continue working with FIF to crack down on illegal parkers in our lot

Taxes

Saltaire has not had a tax increase for eight years. Every member of the Board can take pride in this. However, critical projects will require an increase in taxes in coming years.

A big tax hike would adversely affect many of our residents, as Mayor Berger has long stressed. Because we cannot float a bond for a project before it is underway, I agree with the emerging consensus on the Village Board that we begin to fund these projects in advance. This money would be placed in reserve funds earmarked for the projects, and would accrue interest. It would also reduce the amount eventually to be bonded, and on which interest will have to be paid. This will result in lower tax rates over time.

From my experience in working on Saltaire's budget, I understand that we must live within our means, set priorities, separate the necessary from the merely desirable and make informed decisions on how to spend our tax dollars. And I know how to do it.

Closing Thoughts

So far, I have discussed some of the big issues that confront Saltaire. But I strongly believe that the "little things" matter as much. As Maintenance Trustee, I supervise the yearly rebuilding of boardwalks, repairing beach accesses and maintaining public buildings. There is, of course, much more, but you get the idea. It was my suggestion to relocate the doctor's office to the bayfront. I help to organize dune grass plantings each year. I have actively supported the funding of the deer immuno-contraception project since its inception. I support the tick and mosquito control programs. Over the years, I have written local laws which have enhanced the quality of life in Saltaire.

If working to get chair storage space for Sea Walk beach, additional bike racks, a public bench or two, better street signs, or better landscaping for our parks is unimportant, then maybe I've wasted my time on the Board. But I don't think so. A Trustee must be active in all aspects of Saltaire, not just the big things that get attention.

Long before I joined the Village Board, I was active in village life. I helped found Concerned Communities of Fire Island. I served for three years on the S.C.A.A. Board. I was on the Yacht Club Board of Governors for 16 years and served two terms as Commodore. For the past two decades (actually a bit more), I have written the Saltaire column in the Fire Island News.

I seek your vote based not on promises and rhetoric but on a solid record of successful service to Saltaire.