NEWBURGH — The elected leaders of three Hudson Valley counties will discuss how they push for smart growth, navigate change and address priorities from residents, New York State and Washington, D.C., when they join Hudson Valley Pattern For Progress for a panel discussion May 15 at Pace University in Pleasantville.
Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino, Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell drive policy, quality of life, job attraction, transportation and management of tax dollars in constantly evolving communities. They do that while gauging the impact of huge projects such as the Tappan Zee Bridge construction and planned closing of the Indian Point nuclear power plant.
“In this era of change, leadership is more important than ever,” said Pattern President and CEO Jonathan Drapkin, who will moderate the talk. “These seasoned county executives are being called on to juggle a range of priorities, from being business-friendly to ensuring safe neighborhoods. They’ll provide an insightful window into the decisions they make every day.”
The breakfast is from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at The Gottesman Room in Pace’s Kessel Student Center. The campus is at 861 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, N.Y., 10570.
The public and audience members will have an opportunity to help determine topics addressed by the county executives. Questions are welcomed before and during the event via Pattern’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/PatternForProgress and on Twitter by tweeting to @HVPattern. They also can be emailed to .
In addition to Pattern’s integration of social media, in a unique move, Pattern has partnered with Pace’s Master’s of Public Administration Program to have its government students directly question the county leaders as well.
“it is imperative to integrate younger professionals into discussion on the future of our counties,” Drapkin said as he announced the partnership.
Tickets are $55 for Pattern for Progress members and $70 for non-members. Tables of eight and sponsorships are available. For more information or to reserve a ticket, call (845) 565-4900, email Robin DeGroat at , or visit www.PatternforProgress.org. –or click here to make a reservation.
Sponsors are Pace University’s Master’s of Public Administration Program, Bellefield at Historic Hyde Park, The Chazen Companies, Delaware Engineering, Keane & Beane, P.C., Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Orange & Rockland Utilities and Zarin & Steinmetz, with support from The Business Council of Westchester, The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and the Rockland Business Association.
Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, based in Newburgh, N.Y., is a nonprofit policy and planning organization that promotes solutions to enhance the Hudson Valley. Visit PatternForProgress.org. Follow us on Twitter at @HVPattern and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/PatternForProgress.
