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NORTH WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. One of the hot topics of discussion in the political debate at North Castle Community Center in North White Plains Tuesday night was whether or not candidates, if elected, would accept health care and pension benefits. Town supervisor candidates, incumbent Supervisor William Weaver (R) and Howard Arden (R), did not see eye to eye on the issue.
Weaver, who currently accepts the towns offered benefits, argued that the supervisor role is a full-time job. He said he works nights, days, and that hes involved in the community all the time. But Arden said that if he were elected, he would not accept benefits. I would not burden taxpayers with health care and pension benefits.
Incumbent town council member Mike Schiliro (D), who is also seeking reelection, does not currently accept benefits and said he would continue refusing them, if elected again. Schiliro defended Weaver, saying the role of town supervisor deserves healthcare.
Town council hopefuls, Republican Matt Rice and Democrat Chris Carthy, both agreed with Arden that they would also not accept benefits if elected. Fellow candidate for town council, Republican Stephen DAngelo said he was unsure about whether or not he would accept benefits if elected, and that no residents had ever mentioned this as an issue to him.
Still, all candidates agreed that taxes, finances, and infrastructure were issues that must be addressed. Candidates were also asked about the prospect of implementing a town administrator position. Supervisor candidates, Weaver and Arden again disagreed on the subject with Weaver against and Arden in favor of the idea of creating the new town job.
Instead of a town administrator position, Weaver said he thinks a role should be created for a financial advisor or CFO, adding that the cost of an administrator would be too great. Arden said he introduced the idea early in his campaign and was commended by many supporters. The position, Arden said, would drastically reduce the supervisor salary.
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