May 21, 1999

Re: Greenburgh Democratic Party Primary

Dear Democratic District Leader:

This letter is to inform you that I plan to seek a seat on the Town of Greenburgh Town Council as a Democratic candidate in the September primary. In recent months, I have received numerous telephone calls and personal appeals from Town residents who want real change in Greenburgh. You have likely heard the same calls for change. My opponents, who have 24 years on the Town Board between them, have, for example, failed to control growth and development which has lead to unbearable traffic congestion and infringement on residential areas. Meanwhile, since 1992, the village town tax rate has increased 105% and the unincorporated town tax rate has increased 36%. They have also repeatedly participated in illegal closed door work sessions, and televise only Wednesday night board meetings where their predetermined decisions are announced. I am dedicated to true open government, long-range land-use and fiscal planning, campaign contribution restrictions, term completion pledges, and, as importantly, respect for all who call Greenburgh home. After carefully considering the requests with my wife, Millie, and my children, I have reached the decision that I could make a very positive contribution by serving as a Town Council member. I will bring to the board an earned reputation of being open, honest, fair, thorough, and willing to stand up for my principles. I respectfully ask you to consider my qualifications, commitment and candidacy.

As you may have already surmised, I am new to the political process, even though in previous election years I have publicly supported and carried petitions for Greenburgh Democratic candidates. Although I may not yet know all the nuances of running for office, I assure you I believe in our Town and my commitment to improving the quality of life for ALL residents in ALL parts of our Town is clear from the widespread support I have received for my candidacy.

Although new to politics, I am not a newcomer. Millie and I purchased our home in Greenburgh sixteen years ago. Our two children attend our public schools. Our family has been actively involved in numerous events, programs, and organizations, such as the Early Childhood Program PTA (where Millie and I served as chairs).

In 1994, when commercial expansion threatened our residential neighborhood, and pitted neighbor against neighbor, I was able to mediate the dispute in large part by researching public records in town, the county and in New York City. My research revealed that the developer had no legal authority to build on the property as planned. It wasn't built. This led me to spearhead the campaign to mobilize the 560 families in our neighborhood into founding and incorporating the Secor Homes Civic Association, Inc. (SHCA). I served as its first President, and helped develop its solid organizational structure that makes the SHCA so effective today.

Recognizing the importance of civic associations, as SHCA President I joined the Council of Greenburgh Civic Associations where I learned more about the rich diversity that makes Greenburgh such a unique municipality and I became very actively involved in Town-wide affairs.

In 1995, I was appointed to the Town of Greenburgh Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) on which I continue to serve. I make a site visit on every case and speak with the applicant and adjacent neighbors, when necessary. In addition, when warranted, I conduct additional research before the Public Hearings and present my findings at the hearings to help assure that decisions rendered are informed ones. My record in protecting the community from over-development while helping a homeowner work through the process speaks for itself.

In 1996, I co-authored the Town's Antenna Law which received national recognition and was appointed to the Antenna Advisory Board, now called the Antenna Review Board (ARB). In 1997 and again in 1998, I worked on amendments which strengthened the Town's antenna law and increased protection of scenic areas and residential neighborhoods, and fought against amendments which would do otherwise.

Since July 1998, I have been working closely with Scenic Hudson, an environmental group, and other state-wide environmental and municipal organizations, on state-wide legislation which would permit municipalities state-wide to retain local control of antenna tower sitings and ensure scenic areas throughout the State are protected from unsightly towers. I am proud to announce the legislation was recently introduced in the State Senate and State Assembly.

In addition to serving as a ZBA member and an ARB member, I am aware of the broader issues facing the Town. I regularly attend Town Board and Planning Board meetings, and I have the highest attendance record of any ZBA member during my tenure on the board. I frequently visit Town Hall to obtain additional information on issues, to voice my concerns to elected officials and Town staff, and to assist in resolving problems on a wide range of issues. Also, since being appointed to the ZBA, I have regularly attended the Council of Greenburgh Civic Associations monthly meetings as an observer (since ZBA members are prohibited from being members). I hope you agree I have a proven long-term record of commitment to this town and will be an asset on the Town Council.

By profession, I am a full-time tenured lecturer of sciences at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. My administrative responsibilities include longstanding service on the Standards Committee and the departmental Personnel & Budget Committee, and I chair the academic appeals committee and the committee on employee safety and practices. I am also the department's space allocation coordinator. My teaching schedule will allow me to maintain a high attendance rate at the Tuesday afternoon Town Board work sessions (which I will move to have televised) and the Wednesday evening Town Board meetings. This is in keeping with my current high attendance rate at ZBA meetings. My teaching schedule will also permit me to actively participate as liaison to numerous committees and boards, and conduct the research necessary to make informed decisions as a Town Council member.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and candidacy with you, and thank you for taking the time to consider my qualifications. Also, if you wish to participate in my grassroots campaign please do not hesitate to contact me. You won't be disappointed.

Sincerely yours,

Francis Sheehan