I did not endorse the Town of Cornwall’s Strategic Budget Advisory Committee (SBAC) report. How can we responsibly recommend raising property taxes without first thoroughly examining where taxpayer money goes?

The town’s audit shows a negative net position of $3,417,908. That is a serious warning sign demanding scrutiny, not simply another tax increase. Our town faces growing obligations, stagnant revenues, rising spending, and no comprehensive financial plan.

Throughout my service, I repeatedly requested departmental budget documents and detailed, itemized analysis. Initially, I was told we could not meet department heads or review their budget requests. After repeated requests, and with Council Member Mary Heed’s support, we held introductory meetings with three departments. Several others were excluded, and these meetings came too late to meaningfully inform this year’s recommendations.

We never systematically examined itemized spending, required departments to justify requests, or evaluated potential savings across all departments. Instead, we received a draft report recommending property tax increases before completing that fundamental review.

During a recent public meeting, Supervisor Wojehowski questioned my qualifications in my absence, despite having appointed me to the SBAC alongside the Town Board. He had never raised those concerns with me directly. Before that meeting, I emailed the committee chair my availability, as every member was asked to do. Yet, the meeting was scheduled for a date I had explicitly stated I could not attend. When I questioned the chair following the Supervisor’s remarks, he stated that he never received my email.

For context, I am an elected Cornwall Library Trustee serving on the Finance and Buildings, Grounds & Sustainability committees, working to improve services, advance solar projects, and secure outside funding. I have over a decade of law enforcement experience as a municipal government employee, previously served as an elected NYCPBA union delegate representing hundreds of officers, and currently serve as a Fraternal Order of Police delegate. I hold a Master’s degree in Public Administration focused on inspection and oversight. These experiences provide firsthand knowledge of government spending, grants, labor agreements, and collective bargaining costs. I serve on SBAC without pay while raising a family and working as a police officer.

I am tired of hearing government spending dismissed as “only $5,000” or “only $7,000”. When small amounts are treated as insignificant, fiscal discipline erodes. Stipends and other expenditures deserve scrutiny, while fees, fines, and surcharges should be reevaluated as potential revenue sources.

Without examining internal controls, contracts, staffing vacancies, deferred spending, efficiencies, and alternative revenues, how can we claim to have exhausted our options before asking taxpayers for more? Recommending tax increases without that examination is not responsible budgeting. It is the easy way out.

I respect every SBAC volunteer and believe they genuinely care about Cornwall’s future. However, I fear the committee’s work could become political cover for decisions deserving greater scrutiny. I will continue advocating for accountability and responsible spending because Cornwall’s families, seniors, and taxpayers deserve better.

Cornwall needs a long-term financial plan, meaningful oversight, and leaders willing to make difficult decisions.