(Editor's Note: The following letter was sent to Governor George Pataki and is being reprinted here at the author's request).

Dear Governor Pataki:

On behalf of the residents of the Village of Farmingdale, we ask that you oppose State Budget Bill S-6056/A-9556.

If this new law is passed, it would require the Village to collect a new $15 tax from each parking ticket recipient and forward such amount to the state. The $15 surcharge would be in addition to the parking fine amount and will certainly be an undue hardship as it would constitute a double penalty. This would also create additional administrative expenses and likely result in a loss of fine revenue if we reduced our fine to compensate for the mandated surcharge.

For moving violations, this Bill would also require the Village to forward to the State original fine amounts, as opposed to lower plea bargain amounts, for those cases where lesser fines are collected due to plea bargain agreements. Although we realize this Bill will assist in balancing the new State Budget, both of these issues place an unfair financial burden to localities such as Farmingdale.

We thank you for your consideration in opposing this Bill.

George J. Graf

Mayor