Mayor Thomas to Host Town Hall on Monday, November 5, 2018

Dear Mount Vernon friends and family -

I write to you today with an important update on the situation concerning our sewers and infrastructure. It is critical that you know the facts as they unfold and that you understand how we are moving forward from here.

On Monday, October 29, 2018, the City of Mount Vernon filed an answer to the Clean Water Act lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency. The timeline goes back to 2003, when Mount Vernon began developing a plan to “detect illicit discharges into its waterways.” In June 2018, the DOJ filed an action seeking hundreds of millions in penalties from our taxpayers for previous administration failures and current obstruction tactics by certain officials blocking our compliance with the Clean Water Act.

Our answer requests the following:

1. The Judge order myself, the City Council President, and the Comptroller into her Chambers for a settlement conference by the end of November or early December.

2. The Court holds specific elected officials accountable for their actions to delay compliance efforts.

3. The Court protect the taxpayers of Mount Vernon and if required, only assess penalties on the public officials who failed to discharge their duties, not the taxpayers

To read our answer in full, please click here.

For more background information on Mount Vernon’s sewer situation, visit http://cmvny.com/sewers

I will continue to do everything in my power to protect the people of our city and fight for a solvent and sustainable future.

One significant way in which the city can continue to grow and protect itself is by the implementation of a Capital Plan that invests in equipment and infrastructure. Our 2019 Budget Proposal provides the seed money to do just that.

Our families deserve a clean environment and an affordable community. Please join me on Monday, November 5, 2018, at 6:00 PM at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 21 Broad Street West in Mount Vernon for a town hall discussion updating you on the sewer situation, the 2019 budget proposal, and the efforts to keep Mount Vernon moving forward.

Keeping Mount Vernon first.

Richard Thomas

Mayor