Harrison REVIEW THE
October 21, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 43 | www.harrisonreview.com
A SPOOKTACULAR DAY Sisters Julia and Lyla get started on their Halloween-themed window painting at this year’s annual Halloween window painting contest held on Oct. 16 in downtown Harrison. For coverage, see page 19. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
Latimer, Killian debate centers on Albany reform By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Two candidates for New York state Senate in Westchester’s 37th District continue to court undecided voters in a series of scheduled debates leading up to Election Day. At the Harrison Public Library on Monday, Oct. 17, in front of residents from across the county, incumbent state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat, squared off against challenger Julie Killian, a Republican
councilwoman from Rye. While Latimer, now a two-term senator, looked to champion his blue collar Westchester roots and breadth of experience—he has spent nearly 30 years in elected office—Killian, a first-time Senate candidate, looked to pivot her newcomer status as a harbinger of Albany reform; a major theme in her campaign so far. “I decided to run for state Senate the day [Sheldon] Silver was arrested,” said Killian, referring to the former Democratic New York state speaker of the As-
sembly. “Then, Senate leader Dean Skelos was arrested; one Democrat; one Republican…. We deserve better.” On policy, much of the differentiation between the candidates was made in the minutia, with both candidates agreeing on substance, but not means. A question regarding either candidate’s willingness to raise the state gas tax in order to fund infrastructure projects elicited a resounding no from both sides. Each candidate, however, outlined different approaches.
While Latimer, 62, said he would entertain supporting the maintenance to the state’s infrastructure through bond issuance, Killian pointed to the elimination of New York state’s Scaffold Law—which establishes contractors’ “absolute liability” for elevation-related injuries and contributes to costly insurance rates in addition to lawsuits— as a major point for reform. Additionally, a question regarding the Women’s Agenda DEBATE continued on page 16
School district voters approve $46.5M bond By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer In an Oct. 18 referendum, residents of the Harrison Central School District overwhelmingly supported a $46.5 million bond aimed at addressing infrastructural and overcrowding concerns in each of the district’s six schools. Eighty percent, or 1,693 residents, voted in favor of the bond, which grants the district $46.5 million to be repaid over a 30-year term; just 414 residents voted against the bond. Louis Wool, school district superintendent, said that this bond will have no impact on district taxes. The bond will be repaid through the district’s capital improvements budget, about $2.6 million. And the district has no other debt; debt from a $22 million bond borrowed in 1996 was paid off last year. The largest portion of the funding—more than 50 percent—will be used to address infrastructural concerns at Louis M. Klein Middle School, LMK. That work will include replacement of the school’s roof and façade. The LMK auditorium will also undergo a complete overhaul, and the cafeteria will be renovated with a small expansion. The field adjacent to the school will also be upgraded with a new surface, lights, restrooms and bleachers. Ilissa Marks, president of the PTA and a parent of the district, told the Review, “The biggest part for me is [repair-
ing] the exterior of LMK,” adding that she thought the district’s plan was well-prepared. Heather Schwartz, a parent with three students in the district, said the infrastructural repairs at LMK and across the district’s schools were, first and foremost, an issue of safety. Parsons Memorial and Harrison Avenue schools will both undergo minor infrastructural repairs as well as major expansions, totaling about $11 million. Since 2007, much of the district’s capital improvement budget had been used to temporarily address overcrowding issues in those schools, including converting maintenance closets, bathrooms and offices into classrooms. Parsons will see six new classrooms and a new cafeteria, as well as an elevator to bring the school closer to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Harrison Avenue will get four new classrooms, plus new bathrooms and a cafeteria expansion. Harrison High School will also undergo expansion. Wool said the creation of eight new classrooms will allow students to continue challenging themselves and filling their schedules with college-level classes. Expansions to the school’s guidance department, including a new guidance center, will help students plan for college and meet with representatives BOND continued on page 20