Question the Candidates: I Anne McAndrews

1. What are the two most pressing issues facing Larchmont, and what are your plans to address them?

The Village budget should reflect our community's values. Residents expect good police and fire protection, maintenance of our streets and parks, and a fine library. Our most pressing problem this year is adequately funding these services at a time of double barrelled increases in insurance and pension costs. While it is tempting to consider dipping into the Village reserve fund to meet these needs, the reserve fund should be used sparingly. It helps us meet unexpected expenses and it ensures low interest rates for village bonds. Efficiencies must be found, volunteers encouraged and cutbacks limited.

Larchmont is a desirable residential community with a vibrant commercial life. But our residential and commercial areas are challenged - residences are bulking up, changing the character of our neighborhoods; business is hurt by inadequate parking. These zoning and planning issues demand bold creative approaches. We should consider design guidelines for homes and, in co-operation with the Town and Metro-North, additional parking along or over the train tracks.

2. Expand on one of these issues or another issue of your choice.

Open government means more than business hours. It means a commitment to the openness of the process and to the inclusion of many opinions during deliberations, and it means respect for the contributions of our volunteers.