Carlucci Speaks to Pearl River Rotary

David Carlucci was still the Clarkstown Town Clerk and a candidate for the state senate when he spoke to the Rotary Club of Pearl River last year.

Carlucci (D-New City) returned to speak to the Pearl River Rotary again Thursday in the Greenhouse Cafe as a New York State Senator, focusing his comments on economic growth and taking questions.

"I think the most important issue right now is really obvious. It has to do with economic development," Carlucci said. "Wherever I travel within the 38th district, I hear the same story. Whether it is a young family that is worried because they lost a job or they are worried about hanging on to a job or a senior who has lived in the county for decades and is being taxed out by spiraling-out-of-control property taxes."

Carlucci said that the two percent tax levy cap that was passed during the most recent legislative session was an important step toward addressing financial issues in his district.

"I think it is important that we passed the property tax cap in the New York State Senate," Carlucci said. "There were  a lot of reservations from people because of the concern of what it would do to the municipalities and the school districts. I think there is no silver bullet that will solve all of our problems, but the reason why I support the tax cap is  because I really believe it’s the way we have to move the direction of New York State. We have to make sure every state, every nation in this world, knows that the Hudson Valley is open and ready for business.

"The way we can provide the best services to our community, the best schools, is if we have the tax ratables. To be able to genrate that revenue to go to our schools and to make sure we all live a great quality of life."

Carlucci was asked about a "circuit breaker" option that was supported by Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern). He praised the idea, but said that it does not help bring in business and the state could not afford it in the most recent budget.

Carlucci did say that another focus for him is to do away with the MTA payroll tax and to call for an audit of MTA finances. Carlucci co-sponsored legislation that would have eliminated the tax by 2014. The measure passed the senate, but not the Assembly.

"One thing that I think is an outrage right here in Rockland County is the MTA payroll tax," Carlucci said. "The MTA payroll tax is a job-killing, onerous tax. Right where we are in Pearl River, if you go a few minutes to New Jersey, you don’t have to pay that tax. That is one thing that makes us less and less competitive."

Rotarian Jim Trojan asked why state legislators were not willing to take pay cuts themselves to help deal with the state's economic issues.

"That is something that could be done as an example," Carlucci said. "It's a good idea."

Carlucci appeared as a guest of Rotarian Hanns Kohl. Pearl River Rotarians take turns bringing in speakers to make presentations at their weekly meetings in the Greenhouse Cafe.

Rotarian Honors

Trojan and Dr. Ed Fisher were both honored by the club for their ongoing charitable contributions after becoming Paul Harris Fellows.

The club also honored Arthur Matriciani for 50 years as a Rotarian.

"I don't know how it is 50 years since I am only 49," Matriciani quipped.