Politics & Government

Yorktown Town Board Race: Q&A with Terrence Murphy

Editor's Note: We asked the candidates for Yorktown Town Board – incumbent Terrence Murphy (R), Dorothy Forcina (R), incumbent Vishnu Patel (D) and Rich Campanaro (D) – a series of questions before the Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Below are Murphy's responses. 

Patch: Why did you decide to run for re-election?

Terrence Murphy: In my four years as Councilman we have accomplished a lot for the people of Yorktown. From bringing in new businesses, to developing an improved emergency response plan, to delivering the first tax break in over a decade, the last four years for Yorktown has been great. However, there is still more that needs to be done. I am looking forward to the infrastructure improvements on Rte 202 as we prepare for Costco's arrival. The Jefferson Valley Mall will become one of the premier shopping outlets in the Hudson Valley. But most importantly, I look forward to my continued work with all Yorktown residents to maintain the high quality of life while keeping a town financially healthy.
    
Patch: What personal or professional experiences qualify you to serve as a town board member?

Murphy: First and foremost I am a small business owner here in Yorktown. I understand what it takes to start and run a business and the obstacles that were consistently put in the way of business owners here in town. However, since being in elected in 2009 I have made it my mission to cut through the bureaucratic red tape to make starting a managing a business here easier.

Patch: What are the top three issues facing town residents?

Murphy: I said it in 2009 and I'll say it again. The top three issues are taxes, taxes and taxes. Within the last four years we have put Yorktown in a position of financial stability which will only benefit Yorktown taxpayers. We delivered the first tax cut in more than a decade and must continue this trend by guarding Yorktown's tax dollars from poor decisions and financial mismanagement.

Patch: Describe your campaign platform or how you differentiate yourself from your opponents' platforms?

Murphy: My platform remains the same as it did when I was first elected. We must continue to improve the business climate in Yorktown, which we have, and this will not only provide local jobs and development but a stronger tax base which will ease the burden on our neighbors.  We must continue to find ways to make Yorktown more affordable to for families like mine raising young kids here, for our seniors on a fixed income and for our businesses to keep their doors open.

Patch: Should you be re-elected, what would you like to achieve over the course of your term?

Murphy: I believe I deserve a second term as councilman. We have accomplished a lot in the last four years but the next four are equally as important. Having delivered the first tax cut in nearly a decade we must continue this trend through proper financial management as well as possessing the foresight to recognize the hurdles that lie ahead of us.  

Patch: Is there anything we haven't asked that you would like the public to know about you or your candidacy?

Murphy: Serving the public trust has been an honor and one I hold dear to my heart. I look forward to another four years as a leader and role model within our community.


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