Unresponsive New Castle Town Clerk Mary C. Deems
1. Freedom Of Information Compliance And Knowledge Ratings:
UNRESPONSIVE: To date There has been no response to our freedom of information requests submitted to New Castle Town Clerk Mary C. Deems. Many New Castle residents complain of a lack of transparency in thier local government and we are starting to understand why.
It has been widely reported that the Town Board Split Over Ms. Deems Appointment.
New Castle’s new Town Board had a rocky start at its organization meeting when its two elected Democrats had concern that they were not properly consulted regarding the appointment of Mary deems by their colleagues, who were elected as the Team New Castle ticket.
Dirty deeds Done Dirt Cheap
The concerns from Councilman Jason Chapin and Councilwoman Elise Kessler Mottel were about the full board being properly involved prior to the votes being made.
Mr. Chapin, in a statement that included an historical overview, explained that the practice involved the entire board in the interview and discussion aspects for candidates.
He said that the incoming board members had agreed to follow that process, but noted that the appointment was being done “without following the established process or honoring our agreement.”
Mr. Chapin added that he and Ms. Mottel “don’t know who interviewed whom, when and where, and what was discussed.” He also felt that the action is contrary to transparency and collaboration.
Other down and dirty without transparency appointments included Robert Kirkwood, a former planning board member and 2011 supervisor candidate, for the planning board’s vacant seat and chair post; town justice candidate and Team New Castle running mate Stuart Miller as a third town prosecutor; Keane & Beane for the new town counsel.
Supervisor Rob Greenstein, part of the 3-member Team New Castle majority, was able to 5r4am through some other appointments that did not require the full board to vote.
He appointed Jill Shapiro, the previous town clerk, to the town administrator’s post, replacing Penny Paderewski, who retired at the end of last year.
Mr. Greenstein also appointed Lisa Katz, one of his running mates, to deputy supervisor.
Mr. Greenstein took questions from the public and local journalists about what Mr. Chapin complained of.
Mr. Greenstein explained there was “a learning process”
Ms. Mottel said that she would like for her and Mr. Chapin to be included in process.
Greenstein replied, “you absolutely will be” and added “I do like sending emails.”
2. Email Address For Filing FOI Requests
mdeems@mynewcastle.org
3, Mailing Address For Filing FOI Requests:
Town Clerk
200 South Greeley Avenue
Chappaqua, NY 10514
4. Experience:
Ms. Deems did not respond to a request for background, career or educational experience. She was appointed to her position in a controversial and underhanded manner.
5. From The Town Website:
The Town Clerk’s office keeps its finger on the pulse of the community as the keeper of all Town records. The Clerk’s office accurately maintains all Town Board meeting minutes and agendas, as well as adopted Town ordinances, local laws, budgets, petitions and employee appointments and resignations.
The Town Clerk’ office can assist you with filing a request under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), applying for a parking permit, a marriage license, or licensing your dog. Certified copies of marriage, birth and death records are also available from this office. The Town Clerk’s office also oversees bid openings for the Town.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Parking Permit Applications are due FRIDAY, MAY 27TH
6. Media Reports
NEW CASTLE NOW – L to E: Transparency? The town administrator’s contract was supposed to be for six months
Monday, May 19, 2014
by Robin Murphy
Dear Editor:
Although I voted for Rob Greenstein as well as the other Team New Castle candidates, Adam Brodsky and Lisa Katz, I have been disappointed that their promises to bring “small business mindset” and “a new approach” to New Castle town government have so far been empty. The appointment of Jill Shapiro as Town Administrator—with no attempt to invite other candidates to apply—raises serious questions.
The residents had been told that Mrs. Shapiro, a ten-year Town employee, was being appointed to that role for 6 months to provide some continuity and knowledge of what had been going on in town hall while the new board got situated. It was said that this appointment could be renewed based on a vote by the full Town Board. But through FOIL [Freedom of Information Act] requests, it’s come to light that this contract is actually a 2-year term with a one-time 6-month review provision.
We are about a month and a half away from the end of the 6 months, yet there has been no discussion by the Board of plans to open up the position to interview other qualified candidates. For an administrative position in Bronxville, 12 qualified candidates were recently interviewed before a final candidate was selected. There is nothing to indicate that our town would not elicit similar interest from qualified candidates if we were to hold an open (and transparent) interview process. While Supervisor Greenstein applauds the work Mrs. Shapiro has been doing and publicly states that she is one of his very best decisions so far, I am unable to see on what basis he makes this statement.
Jill Shapiro seems like an amply qualified town clerk but frankly, if she remains as Town Administrator, it is a blown opportunity for the town of New Castle. Not only does she not have the basic educational prerequisite for that position, but she lacks the leadership, people skills, budget skills, and the policy background of Administrators in forward-thinking towns.
The Town Administrator should be a best-practices, lead-by-example person, someone capable of engaging the public as well as one who connects and motivates personnel. Logistics, process improvement practices, problem solving abilities, consensus building, and the ability to listen and work with others, needs to be encoded in the DNA of a successful Town Administrator. In her years of service to our town, Mrs. Shapiro hasn’t demonstrated that she possesses these necessary skills.
The Town of New Castle deserves to have our staff performing at their highest level. That means addressing mistakes in the past and putting policy in place to ensure things like misuse of town property (vehicles and equipment) and harassment (anti-Semitic, sexual, or other) are not tolerated in any way. Unless we have a Town Administrator who rolls up her or his sleeves and is proactive, not merely reactive, we will continue to see morale at Town Hall and other departments remain at what appears to be an all-time low and service quality diminish.
Leadership cannot be by proxy. It needs to be top-down. A void of leadership leads to more problems. Right now, we seem to be going down that road. For example, simply replacing one failed DPW Commissioner with one who had previously held this position—yet was replaced because of problems when he was the head—is not impressive. Again, where is the transparency? For this job too, no open search conducted?
Openly seek the best administrator
A public (e.g., New York Times advertisement) open call to fill the Town Administrator position would likely bring in plenty of qualified applicants with the necessary skill set, qualifications and experience on the planning level. Our town deserves that process to play out. If the job is put out publicly, Mrs. Shapiro should be invited to interview. But there should be a committee put together to evaluate this position and give New Castle residents the most qualified person to hold this job. As it stands at this point, the application process for intern positions with our town government is more open and competitive than that of Town Administrator or DPW Commissioner. This does not sound like the “new approach” many of us voted for last fall.
The Town Board and Supervisor need to remember that although they won our votes last fall, they are expected to continue working for our vote every day of their tenure.
Sincerely,
Robin Murphy
http://www.newcastlenow.org/index.php/article/new_l_to_e_transparency_the_town_administrators_contract_was_supposed_to_be
YOUR TAXES ARE TOO HIGH CHAPPAQUA, BECAUSE THE FRAUD WASTE AND ABUSE IS COVERED UP BY A LOCAL PRIVILEGED POLITICAL CLASS
Supervisor Greenstein and Town Clerk Deems Needs To Start Bringing Accountability And Transparency To The Town Of New Castle
In early June 24th the public interest FOIL Westchester projectsent a freedom of information request to New Castle Town Clerk Mary C. Deems asking for….
“The current yearly salary and total current yearly benefit and pension costs for your elected position of clerk.”
The nonprofit group wanted to use this breakdown to understand and calculate the full cost of the elected clerks position for the benefit of taxpayers.
Violated New York State law and failed to provide this basic public information that the single family homeowners of Chappaqua ha a right to know.
The group has also sent a Freedom of Information request asking for any stipends that New Castle Town Clerk Mary C. Deems receives.
There was also a Freedom of Information request submitted for the salary, benefits and pension costs for New Castle Supervisor Rob Greenstein.
Lets see if New Castle Town Clerk Mary C. Deems provides the information or contues to violate the Freedom of Information laws of New York State, in violation of her oath of office.
https://plus.google.com/+BrianHarrod/posts/NmFJ8s4zEuF
Rob Greenstein is running for re-election; Eileen Gallagher and Seth Chodosh are running for seats on the town board.
New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein today announced that he is running for re-election, and Eileen Gallagher and Seth Chodosh announced that they are running for Town Board.
Team New Castle will again be endorsed by the New Castle Town Republican Committee. They will run as a slate under the Team New Castle 2.0 banner
Greenstein stated, “Just like the last election, we believe that town government is about people and principles, not parties. Once again, the Team New Castle ticket is a bipartisan ticket that believes in the power of community. After all, fixing a pothole is neither a democratic nor republican issue.” Greenstein continued, “TNC 2.0 will always act in the best interests of the community – regardless of party affiliation!”
Two years ago Team New Castle won the supervisor’s position and the two open board seats with a bi-partisan slate, running on the idea that the complacency of the past will not result in a better future for our community.
Gallagher said, “Seth and I hope to build on the accomplishments of Rob, Lisa Katz and Adam Brodsky and work to lay the foundation for a brighter tomorrow for all residents.”
Steve Schoenfeld, New Castle Republican Committee Chair, reiterated, “Rob, Eileen and Seth will bring a diversity of perspective and talent to our town government that goes beyond party labels. The slate will give our neighbors in town a real democratic choice on the vision for the future of our town and our children who grow up here. The election will be a healthy debate for our town.”
Rob Greenstein, Candidate for Supervisor
Rob Greenstein, the current supervisor of New Castle, has lived in Chappaqua twelve years with his wife and their three children, ages 11 through 13. His children attended Westorchard Elementary School and now Seven Bridges Middle School. Greenstein graduated from SUNY Binghamton in 1989 and from New York Law School (full scholarship) in 1993. He is a partner and trial attorney at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP, the New York City
Eileen Gallagher, Candidate for Council Member
Eileen Gallagher has lived in Chappaqua for twelve years with her husband and two sons, one of which is a Horace Greeley High School senior and the other a third year at the University of Virginia. Earning a bachelor’s degree from the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business in 1987, she worked as an auditor for Ernst & Young. She then earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education from St. John’s University and went on to teach computer science and math. While raising her children, she has volunteered in several capacities including Westorchard School PTA chair, religious education teacher and parish council secretary at the Church of St. John and St. Mary, member of Chappaqua for Responsible Affordable Housing, and parent manager for travel soccer. Gallagher has also recently chaired the New Castle Coyote Management Task Force. In addition to reporting town government news and writing for both Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk, she currently serves as a freelance writer, is a member of the New Castle Historical Society and the Westchester Cycle Club, tutors weekly at Renaissance Youth Center in the South Bronx, supports our veterans and overseas troops as an active member of Soldiers’ Angels, and assists in dog rescues and adoptions through Puppy Rescue Mission.
Seth Chodosh, Candidate for Council Member
Seth Chodosh has deep ties to the community. Chodosh grew up in Chappaqua, as did his wife, Nurine, and is a member of the Horace Greeley High School class of 1990. Chodosh’s mom and in-laws still live in New Castle. He and his wife have 3 children, ages 6 months to 6 years, the oldest attending Douglas G. Grafflin Elementary School. Chodosh is a small business owner and founder of Running Paws, Inc., a company in New York City with 50 employees. In addition, he is an adjunct MBA professor at the Metropolitan College of NY (MCNY). )He is an avid runner who loves dogs, and is fluent in Spanish. Chodosh holds a joint MBA in International Business from the Lubin School of Business (Pace University) & Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico (ITAM).
http://patch.com/new-york/chappaqua/team-new-castle-20-announces-run-town-offices
WALL STREET JOURNAL: Coyotes Divide Residents of Westchester’s Chappaqua
In the upscale Westchester County hamlet of Chappaqua, friction has simmered for years over how to manage coyotes.
This summer it boiled over.
The new tensions stem from a local housing development’s decision to hire trappers when a dog was attacked.
The question of whether to trap and euthanize coyotes is at the center of the Chappaqua debate. One camp says trapping should be done when the coyote is rabid or attacks a person unprovoked, and in other instances on a case-by-case basis. Another side says trapping should be an option whenever coyotes attack pets—and mandatory if they go after people.
“The whole town is polarized over this,” said Jennifer Lyne, a Chappaqua resident of two years.
The town of New Castle, which includes Chappaqua with its estimated 1,400 residents, has produced a coyote-response plan for its public spaces. It also intends to hire an animal-control officer to investigate sightings and attacks.
Facebook has become a clearinghouse for Chappaqua residents to trade the latest intel on coyotes, though it has also ended some friendships. Robin Murphy, a critic of trapping, said a friend stopped speaking to her after she made a coyote joke on Facebook. “We were friends in real life,” she said.
New Castle supervisor Robert Greenstein, who supports trapping in certain circumstances, made coyotes a campaign issue during his run for office in 2013.
“To me it’s just one issue we have in this town,” Mr. Greenstein said. “And quite honestly, if anything, I think it’s a little disturbing how this one issue gets blown out of proportion.”
Coyotes first came to New York state in the 1930s, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. They reached Westchester by the 1970s. Jim Horton, an independent trapper, said Westchester residents have to get used to the permanent presence of coyotes. “They are everywhere” in the county, he said.
Representatives of the hamlet’s most famous residents, Bill and Hillary Clinton, didn’t respond to a request for comment on the dispute.
The town of New Castle formed a committee in 2014 to develop a townwide policy for dealing with coyotes on public property. It had to be split into two committees because of the trapping disagreements, Mr. Greenstein said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8u9qNt4XRA
New Castle Democrats Choose Slate for Fall Elections
A number of people were interested in running for town board and supervisor seats, the NCDC said.
The New Castle Democratic Committee has announced a slate of candidates for town offices:
- Victoria Alzapiedi, Candidate for Town Supervisor
- Hala Makowska, Candidate for Town Board
- Jeremy Saland, Candidate for Town Board
The vote was unanimous, officials said.
A number of New Castle residents approached the New Castle Democratic Committee (NCDC) this spring in the hopes of securing its endorsement to run for Town Supervisor and Town Board, said Jerry Curran, Co-Chair of the New Castle Democratic Committee. The candidate selection process was transparent and thorough—all applicants were interviewed by the NCDC’s Nomination and Candidate Development Committee. Applicants were then invited to make a presentation to the entire NCDC before its members voted at their May 11 meeting.
“We believe that this is the right ticket to move New Castle and its residents forward together,“ Curran said. “They represent a cross section of our multidimensional community and will work together in the best interest of all residents for the betterment of our Town.”
More About the Candidates from the NCDC
Victoria Alzapiedi:
A former public interest attorney and social justice entrepreneur, Victoria is a management consultant and the Founder and Principal of Breakthrough Insight Consulting, LLC – focusing on leadership development, executive coaching, and organizational effectiveness with businesses, teams, and individuals. Victoria has extensive experience working in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors – creating and leading innovative initiatives, partnerships, and collaborations.
“I’m running for Town Supervisor because I love living in New Castle – we are a wonderful community and we’re fortunate to wake up every morning in this beautiful setting with engaged, generous, and caring neighbors. I believe that the residents of New Castle deserve a leader who sets a positive and inclusive tone – where all residents have an opportunity to participate in helping to make our community the best place to live. We need a leader who brings people together – who is transparent about process — knows how to find common ground – and builds bridges and understanding instead of creating division and conflict. I believe that I am that leader.”
Victoria grew up in Brooklyn, NY and has lived in New Castle since 2008. She is a member of the New Castle Conservation Board, a District Leader for the New Castle Democrats, and was the Chair of the New Castle Coyote Awareness and Safety Advisory Committee. Victoria received her Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, her JD from University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and her BA from SUNY College at Purchase.
Hala Makowska:
“Local government has an enormous impact on our quality of life, the services we come in contact with and the value of our property. We have both an opportunity and a responsibility to enhance New Castle’s future and I am running because I believe that good governance can make a difference in our daily lives.”
Hala is a 16-year resident of New Castle and has served on the Millwood Task Force, as a volunteer firefighter and is currently the Chair of the Millwood Board of Fire Commissioners.
Jeremy Saland:
“With a young family, I am keenly interested in sustaining and improving the quality of life for all of New Castle’s residents. Whether we are keeping our community safe, giving our children ample opportunities to succeed or addressing the ongoing and challenging housing and development issues, together as a community we need to find answers and solutions The strongest advocates for our community start with our neighbors, friends, local leaders and business people, elected officials and public service providers who have a vested interest in our community today and well beyond tomorrow. Although we may not share the same view on every issue, with common goals and working together we can identify the ideas and implement the plans to move New Castle in the right direction.”
A resident of New Castle since 2006, Jeremy is a criminal defense attorney and former treasurer of the Small Law Firm Committee of the New York City Bar Association. Prior to establishing his law practice, he worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Robert Morgenthau’s Manhattan District Attorney’s Office where he was assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit and was one of the original prosecutors in New York’s first ever Identity Theft Unit (now the Cybercrime and Identity Theft Bureau).
Jeremy has volunteered in New Castle as his children’s soccer, t-ball and baseball coach and currently serves as a Town Prosecutor after being appointed with bipartisan support by both Democrat and Republican Town Boards each year since 2010.
Town Board Splits Over Appointments; Inclusion Planned
New Castle’s new Town Board had a rocky start at its organization meeting on Wednesday when its two elected Democrats had concern that they were not properly consulted regarding appointments by their colleagues, who were elected as the Team New Castle ticket.
The concerns from Councilman Jason Chapin and Councilwoman Elise Kessler Mottel were about the full board being properly involved prior to the votes being made. Chapin, in a statement that included an historical overview, explained that the practice involved the entire board in the interview and discussion aspects for candidates. He said that the incoming board members had agreed to follow that process, but noted that the appointments were being done “without following the established process or honoring our agreement.”
Chapin added that he and Mottel “don’t who interviewed whom, when and where, and what was discussed.” He also felt that the action is contrary to transparency and collaboration.
The appointments included Robert Kirkwood, a former planning board member and 2011 supervisor candidate, for the planning board’s vacant seat and chair post; town justice candidate and Team New Castle running mate Stuart Miller as a third town prosecutor; Keane & Beane for the new town counsel; Mary Deems for town clerk and receiver of taxes.
Supervisor Rob Greenstein, part of the 3-member Team New Castle majority, was able to make some appointments that did not require the full board to vote. He appointed Jill Shapiro, the previous town clerk, to the town administrator’s post, replacing Penny Paderewski, who retired at the end of last year after being defeated by Greenstein in November’s election when she ran with a failed Democratic ticket.
Greenstein also appointed Lisa Katz, one of his running mates, to deputy supervisor. Mottel previously had the title under recent boards that were comprised entirely of elected Democrats.
Greenstein, along with Katz and fellow councilman and running mate Adam Brodsky, won by using the Republican and Independence Party ballot lines, ending a years-long era of elected Democrats having a lock on, and majority of, the town board. However, Greenstein and Katz are registered Democrats, while Brodsky is a non-affiliated.
Later that night, when the board switched to a work session, Greenstein took questions from the public and local journalists. He was asked to give a rebuttal to what Chapin mentioned earlier. He explained that there was correspondence by email. He described there being a “a learning process” and expressed a willingness to learn each other’s approaches.
Weighing in on the appointment of Kirkwood, which was approved 3-2, he felt that the planning board’s “seat has remained open for too long.” The seat became vacant in early 2013 when Gerard Curran stepped down, leaving four members remaining. Kirkwood will replace Richard Brownell, who was reappointed, as chair.
Even with the disagreements, there were unanimous votes on non-controversial topics, such as mileage and an employee salary schedule. There was also no overt disagreement during the subsequent work session regarding topics such as a planned upgrade to the Code Red emergency notification system.
The style of the night had some differences from what has been done before. It was preceded by a coffee and chat, which included attendance from Chappaqua school board members, county Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, members of the Millwood Task Force and the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce.
The work session was held in the main assembly space and was also included in an NCCMC taping,
https://vimeopro.com/newcastlemediacenter/nccmc
Mottel, Chapin Bid Farewell From New Castle Town Board
The year’s end also marks the conclusion of terms for New Castle Town Board members Elise Kessler Mottel and Jason Chapin, who have a combined 20 years of service as local lawmakers.
During the board’s final meeting of the year, which was held earlier this month, Chapin and Mottel were feted with praise for their work and accomplishments. The pair were joined by fellow board members, family members, and current and former town officials at a reception.
Mottel is leaving the board after serving as a councilwoman for 12 years, or three consecutive 4-year terms. She also served as deputy supervisor for five of those years.
Chapin is stepping down after serving for eight years, which he did for a pair of non-consecutive 4-year terms.
“I thank the talented and passionate town board members and supervisors I have worked with during the past 12 years,” Mottel said. “Together, we found solutions to difficult problems. Our accomplishments were always a team effort.”
Mottel also praised town staff, volunteers and members of the public for their roles.
Chapin noted the importance of listening to others – he named residents, town staff, advisory boards and town counsel as examples – before making decisions on major issues.
“I always felt if I understood the pros and cons, and the short and long-term impacts, I would know what was best for the entire town and vote accordingly.”
Chapin praised a litany of local stakeholders, ranging from his colleagues to staff to first responders.
County and state officials whose districts cover New Castle offered their own thanks.
Michael Kaplowitz, who is chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, presented the pair with two honorary proclamations. The outgoing council members received similar honoraria from state Assemblyman David Buchwald. Deputy Supervisor Lisa Katz, who gave her own praise, read from proclamations issued by state Sen. Terrence Murphy, who could not make it to the celebration.
“I want to thank you very much from the bottom of my heart,” Katz said.
Supervisor Rob Greenstein, who notably disagreed with Chapin on several local issues, praised the outgoing members.
“You both care deeply about the community,” he said.
Councilman Adam Brodsky noted the sacrifices that his colleagues made for their jobs, which meant less time spent with family members.
Town Administrator Jill Shapiro thanked Mottel and Chapin for their support. Shapiro also noted the various accomplishments that the town made over the past two years, which range from downtown infrastructure work to advancing a Comprehensive Plan update.
“Although it certainly has not been a smooth ride, this board accomplished a tremendous amount in two years,” she said.
Chapin and Mottel will be succeeded by Jeremy Saland and Hala Makowska, whose terms start on Jan. 1.
http://chappaqua.dailyvoice.com/news/mottel-chapin-bid-farewell-from-new-castle-town-board/614626/
6. Notes
This Ratings Page Has Been Updated With Additional Information
About The Town Of New Castle
New Castle is a town in Westchester County, New York, United States. The population was 17,569 at the 2010 census.
New Castle was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Siwanoy and the Wappinger. Portions of New Castle were initially purchased in 1640 by Nathaniel Turner from Ponas Sagamore, chief of theSiwanoy. In 1661, John Richbell purchased land, including all of present-day New Castle, from the Siwanoy. In 1696,Caleb Heathcote purchased that tract of land from Richbell’s widow. What is present-day New Castle was originally incorporated as part of the town of North Castle, which was jokingly referred to as “the two saddlebags,” in 1736. The first European settlers in the area were Quakers, who settled in present-day Chappaqua in 1753 and constructed a meeting house, which still stands today on Quaker Street. The town of New Castle broke away from North Castle in 1791.
New Castle has several locations on the National Register of Historic Places, including The Williams-DuBois House, Old Chappaqua Historic District, and Isaac Young House. Two buildings from Horace Greeley’s former farm are also on the National Historic Register, including the Greeley House, which houses the headquarters for the New Castle Historical Society, and Rehoboth, the first concrete barn in the country.
Perhaps the most renowned area and hamlet of New Castle is Chappaqua. Both Chappaqua and New Castle became well-known as the residence of Horace Greeley.
More recently, Chappaqua and the Town of New Castle have attracted national attention as the home of Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who purchased a home on Old House Lane in Chappaqua in 1999 as they were preparing to leave the White House.
- Chappaqua is the largest hamlet of New Castle. Its center is located in the southeastern part of the town, but most of the town falls under Chappaqua’s ZIP code.
- Millwood is another hamlet of New Castle, located in the northwest part of the town.
- Mount Kisco was New Castle’s only village, as per the guidelines of the State of New York. Half of the village was in the town of New Castle, the other half was in the town of Bedford. However, in 1972, the Town of Mount Kisco was formed, officially separating the village from New Castle. The Village of Mount Kisco is now coterminous with the Town of Mount Kisco, and has nothing to do with the towns of New Castle or Bedford.
Please Read More Here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Castle,_New_York
Population: 17,569 (2010)
