Town Officials Decline Raises

NEW YORK (WCBS 880)  -- Nine elected officials from the town in Cortlandt have decided not to take their salary increase for next year.

When the entire nation, and Westchester County included, is facing an economic crisis, these officials have said "No thanks" to raises next year.

WCBS Reporter Catherine Cioffi talks with Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi about this decision.

"All of our elected officials in the town of Cortlandt joined me in not taking a salary increase for the year 2009," said Puglisi.

Puglisi says considering the economy they just didn't feel it was the appropriate time.

"They're saying it's as close to the Great Depression as we've ever seen. So, we feel it would not be right for us to take a salary increase for next year," said Puglisi.

By not taking the raise, the town will be saving about $15,000.

Statement from the Town of Cortlandt’s elected officials will not take a salary increase for the year 2009. 

They are:      
Town Supervisor:       
 Linda D. Puglisi       
Town Board:        
 Richard H. Becker      
 Francis X. Farrell
 Ann Lindau       
 John E. Sloan
Town Clerk:
 Jo-Ann Dyckman
Receiver of Taxes:
 Mary Breining
Town Justices:
 Daniel McCarthy
 Geral Klein 
     
“Due to the very difficult national, state and regional economy and the meltdown of many financial markets and job losses which has resulted in a very high national unemployment rate (6.5%), all of the elected officials in Cortlandt have joined me in not accepting a salary increase for 2009.”

Supervisor of The Town of Cortlandt
Linda D. Puglisi