1) Currently, a Cayuga County legislator is permitted to serve 12 years in office, and there are three incumbents (Steve Netti, Ray Lockwood, and Sam DeRosa) who will not be able to serve out their entire four-year term if elected. How many years should a legislator be permitted to serve and why?
Murphy: She believes two, four-year terms are sufficient: “It kind of keeps new ideas, fresh blood in there.”
Catto: “The voters passed a referendum that said 12 years, and I don't think we should change that unless the voters change that.”
2) The county treasurer underbilled 31 municipalities $655,000 in insurance premiums. Who should pay for the underbilling?
Murphy: “Ultimately, the city and towns need to because they're the people receiving the health benefits. ... It's unfortunate that that mistake was made, but they should pay.”
Catto: Those who benefited should pay.
3) Is this county in need of a professional manager, and if so, what do you intend to do, if elected, to reform county government?
Murphy: She feels strongly that the county needs a county manager form of government. The law needs to be drafted in a more timely manner, with better communication and the law needs more clarity. “There needs to be clarity on what's being voted on, so that it doesn't take 18 months to develop a law that isn't strong enough that people feel they can vote for it.”
Catto: “I absolutely believe the county needs a real county manager. I intend to pursue (a vote) on county manager.” He wants to talk with legislators about the strong county manager form of government and will propose it again when there is support for the resolution.
4) Should the county pursue a land claim settlement with the tribes or begin foreclosure proceedings if taxes are not paid on time?
Murphy: Since the issue is still in the courts, “there's little that we can do to make a decision on that now. ... Taxes need to be paid on that land, otherwise, it's going to hurt our tax base.”
Catto: “They should not proceed with a settlement. ... The Indians should be treated like any other taxpayer in Cayuga County - no better, no worse.”
Catto: “The voters passed a referendum that said 12 years, and I don't think we should change that unless the voters change that.”
2) The county treasurer underbilled 31 municipalities $655,000 in insurance premiums. Who should pay for the underbilling?
Murphy: “Ultimately, the city and towns need to because they're the people receiving the health benefits. ... It's unfortunate that that mistake was made, but they should pay.”
Catto: Those who benefited should pay.
3) Is this county in need of a professional manager, and if so, what do you intend to do, if elected, to reform county government?
Murphy: She feels strongly that the county needs a county manager form of government. The law needs to be drafted in a more timely manner, with better communication and the law needs more clarity. “There needs to be clarity on what's being voted on, so that it doesn't take 18 months to develop a law that isn't strong enough that people feel they can vote for it.”
Catto: “I absolutely believe the county needs a real county manager. I intend to pursue (a vote) on county manager.” He wants to talk with legislators about the strong county manager form of government and will propose it again when there is support for the resolution.
4) Should the county pursue a land claim settlement with the tribes or begin foreclosure proceedings if taxes are not paid on time?
Murphy: Since the issue is still in the courts, “there's little that we can do to make a decision on that now. ... Taxes need to be paid on that land, otherwise, it's going to hurt our tax base.”
Catto: “They should not proceed with a settlement. ... The Indians should be treated like any other taxpayer in Cayuga County - no better, no worse.”
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