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RYE, N.Y. - Rye Mayor Doug French's 2012 New Year's resolutions can be summed with one word, relief. For Rye, and for most of Westchester, 2011 was a difficult year economically and environmentally.
"We would hope 2012 brings relief from mother nature, and a return to a better economy," Mayor French said over the phone.
Most of what French and the rest of the City Council wish to accomplish in the new year hinge on those two stipulations.
"The city generally funds capital improvements through a budget surplus," French said. "But with the down economy, that's just not feasible."
French believes that 2012 will challenge both City Manager Scott Pickup and the City Council to find alternative means to reinvest in the city's infrastructure.
"The city needs to reinvest in the infrastructure," French stated. "Downtown Purchase Street has not been repaved or redone since 1985, it's a vibrant downtown and the center of community."
Another project French hopes to see in 2012 is the Bowman Avenue Sluice Gate project. The project looks to expand the upper pond on the Bowman Ave. dam, which should help better regulate water flow.
Projects aside, French is also eager to resolve the labor peace issue with the city's police and fire departments.
"We want to come to agreement with those unions," French said. "Both departments have given extraordinary service to the city."
Aside from specific goals, French also expressed a desire to achieve general goals as well.
"We need to look at other ways to run the city efficiently," French said. "We need to transform our city to function in a tax cap world."
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