Below is the response I received from the County Executive about closing Nature Centers. It reads like a polictical “form letter” that was prepared in advance and will be sent to everyone who comments. It would be interesting see if you all get the same response.
It explains how he agonized over this tough decision. And blames it mostly on the employees.
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Thank you for writing to County Executive Robert P. Astorino in support of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation.
Mr. Astorino has read your message and he has asked me to respond to you on his behalf.
The county executive understands and appreciates your concern for the nature centers and other programs, services and facilities which are part of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. While developing the proposed 2012 county budget, Mr. Astorino and his administration have given parks, recreation and conservation offerings the same consideration accorded to every agency which is a part of or supported by county government. Please know that the parks and trails will remain open at the six nature centers. These parks are not “closing”.
As you know all too well, this is a very challenging economy. There is a critical need to balance a $114 million county budget deficit with a responsibility to provide essential services and property tax relief, protect Westchester’s neediest residents, promote structural financial reform and reduce government spending at all levels. In order to keep expenses down, lower the tax levy and pay for rising costs, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation reduced its operating budget for 2012. One of the major roadblocks to maintaining existing funding levels for parks, recreation and conservation and other department programs, services and facilities is the failure of county union workers to agree to pay part of their healthcare premiums. Since assuming office two years ago, Mr. Astorino has consistently attempted to get county workers to agree to the same healthcare contributions that state workers make. Westchester County employees are among a very few groups left in the nation who do not contribute anything to their healthcare costs. The lack of these contributions or other relief, coupled with dwindling resources from New York State necessitated many hard decisions regarding what programs, services and personnel could be cut and what additional revenue could be generated without pricing the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation out of the marketplace. These harsh realities will continue to challenge the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation to re-invent how it serves the public and functions while staying true to its mission to provide safe, clean and affordable facilities.
The decision on programs at the six nature centers was a difficult one and not made lightly. It makes sound economic sense as it has the least impact on revenues. These programs can be closed since other local entities such as the Beczak Environmental Center, Greenburgh and Rye Nature Centers, Teatown, Muscoot Farm, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Lasdon Park and the Bronx River Parkway/Reservation offer similar programs and experiences.
Your views and those of all who live and work in Westchester are very important to the county executive. Your input is both welcome and valued.
Again, thank you for writing.
Sincerely,
Janet Lokay
Assistant to the County Executive
148 Martine Avenue
White Plains, New York 10601
(914) 995-2127
birdsoup 
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