Woodbury and its sales tax revenue

To the editor: In the minutes of the April 26, 2005, meeting of the Woodbury Republican Committee, page four reads: “Ralph explained that he met with Eddie Diana as the committee has concerns about his comments when he was interviewed by the Woodbury Committee especially about the Tax Revenue.” During the month of April, prior to the April 26th meeting, I met with County Executive Ed Diana and his Chief Administrative Officer in the County Executive’s office. The purpose of the meeting was to obtain a commitment to weigh the impacts from Woodbury Common on the Woodbury residents, against the amount of sales tax revenue Woodbury receives. Also, to convince Ed Diana to put himself in the shoes of us Woodbury residents, and in good faith tell me he would work with us, to help deliver a greater share of the sales tax revenue raised in Woodbury Common to the Woodbury taxpayers. He told me that when the agreement is up again for discussion in two years he would work with me for Woodbury to compensate for any inequity to the Woodbury taxpayers. My opponent has been in the Orange County Legislature for eight years, without resolving the sales tax revenue sharing inequity to the Woodbury Taxpayers. In fact, five years ago, the current sales tax revenue sharing agreement was re-negotiated. That agreement, which is the current agreement, came before the Orange County Legislature on Feb. 8, 2001, for a vote. My opponent voted to approve it as is, without the Woodbury taxpayers getting a greater share of the sales tax revenue raised from Woodbury Common. In 2007 the sales tax revenue sharing agreement will be re-negotiated and voted on by the Orange County Legislature. This time, let’s make sure we in Woodbury have the right person there who will get us the results we deserve. Sincerely, Ralph Caruso Orange County Legislator Candidate 14th Legislative District Towns of Woodbury and Highlands