Adam Bradley from Westfair Online on Vimeo.
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The city”™s incoming chief is himself bracing for some chilling challenges he will face when he takes office next week ”“ a $13.9 million budget deficit topping the list. But Bradley promises to tackle them head on and make some tough choices, including possible layoffs, to rein in government spending and reduce operating costs in the city of his birth.
Bradley, 48, is currently a member of the New York state Assembly for the 89th District, which covers most of the city of White Plains as well as towns and villages in northern Westchester. He is an attorney, specializing in family law, who also served as an assistant county attorney in Westchester. And he is no stranger to the county seat; he was born at White Plains Hospital and raised in the city.
When Bradley takes the reins it will mark the end of an era for White Plains. Outgoing Mayor Joseph Delfino, who decided not to seek re-election after 12 years, was regarded as pro-development and is credited with ushering in more than $1 billion in projects to the city. Among those are Louis Cappelli”™s towering City Center and Renaissance Square projects, which include a mix of retail, residential and office space.
In recent times, however, as has been the case in many other downtowns, White Plains has suffered setbacks. The city is facing fiscal challenges with a $13.9 million deficit in its $158 million budget. One glimmer, however: A recent report from Moody”™s Investors Service maintained the city”™s Aa1 rating, but with the asterisk of a negative outlook.
White Plains has seen its retail base contract, as a number of stores closed shop on Mamaroneck Avenue and two large retailers ”“ Fortunoff and Linens ”™n Things ”“ filed for bankruptcy. Tax revenues are down. On a positive note, the city in recent weeks completed the sale of $4.1 million in property to two health-related businesses. Overall, however, development has slowed.
In a wide-ranging interview at the Business Journal”™s offices Dec. 8, Bradley talked about the state of the city and his plans to “restore fiscal responsibility.” Part of that calls for reducing the size of government by not filling certain vacant positions, making fewer appointments and seeking commissioners who can fill dual roles. In keeping with that, Bradley has named as his chief of staff John Callahan, a former city attorney, who will also serve as the city”™s corporation counsel.
Bradley also reflected on his seven years in the state Legislature and offered his perspective on the state of the state. Following are edited excerpts.
