‘The strong-arm tactics of the Department of Taxation’

The following is a sample of comments complied by writer Roger Gavan following the action by state tax officials last week to close La Petite Cuisine, a popular indoor/outdoor café at 20 Railroad Ave., for non-payment of back taxes. (The owner of the popular café at 20 Railroad Ave. looks to re-open this weekend.):

“While it is pertinent that the state collect taxes owed by businesses and residents in order to continue to provide the program and services that are vital to New Yorkers, the state cannot continue to be burdensome and be excessive with its regulations on small businesses. Duplicative and unnecessary state mandates on small businesses must be determined and eliminated.

"I am happy to know that Jennifer Haesche, the owner of La Petite, is working to rectify any outstanding issues with the state so that La Petite can continue to be a local fixture in Warwick. I wish Jennifer all the best in being a successful small business owner.”

Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt

“I am not aware of the specific facts of the case and therefore can’t comment on it. I was in small business for 30 years before I was elected to the state Senate so I know what it is like to have to meet payroll and comply with regulations.

"I encourage the Governor to tell the agencies he controls not to be heavy-handed, but to be more business- friendly. That said, everyone does have to play by the rules. Allowing one restaurant to ignore the law, while every other restaurant complies with it, is not fair to all the other small businesses out there, either.”

State Sen. John Bonacic

“I am saddened by the heavy handed way the State chose to serve notice on a small business. While they certainly had the right it seems that when an owner is making efforts to resolve the issue, some discretion could have been exercised, especially since the business owner was not shirking her responsibility but implementing a plan to meet that responsibility.

"This is what happens when 'big' government and its bureaucracies gain too much power.”

Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton

“I was shocked at the strong-arm tactics of the New York State Department of Taxation. It was a form of bullying that points clearly to the dysfunction of the state and it’s bureaucracy.

"The business community in our village has worked its way through an incredibly difficult economy. This has been no easy task. During this time there have been many setbacks and challenges including Hurricane Irene, Lee and Super-storm Sandy. Flooding, days without power, revenue loss due to these events and other potential factors such as health and medical issues have affected the daily operations of our local business.

"Yet these men and women have persevered, have kept their doors open, and kept a smile even through the worst.

"La Petite is a destination, a unique and wonderful experience. The owner, Jen Haesche, is one of the kindest and hard-working businesswomen I know. Her dedication to her restaurant and to the public is obvious in every meal served. I know that she was trying to work out a payment plan with the state. She was responsible for her business and trying to resolve the issue.

"For the state to enter a restaurant at lunchtime and to seize it, is theatre of the absurd. So this is the business you want to shut down and seize?

"No one should be treated this way - but especially someone who has been working to resolve the problem. I believe prior to this publication the restaurant will reopen. I urge everyone to fill the tables and show support to a business that has given so much to us.

"I also urge any one upset by this incident to contact our State officials, Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt and Senator John Bonacic.”

Mayor Michael Newhard

“The purpose of the chamber is to promote commerce. New York State is not the friendliest place to run a business and many of our business owners operate close to the wire. But they love their businesses. It was their dream and it’s our job at the chamber to promote tourism and shopping local to help them succeed for the benefit of everyone in our area.”

Michael Johndrow, executive director

Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce

“I know Jen is trying to make a positive out of a negative but it was inexcusable to raid her restaurant during lunch hour. That’s what law enforcement did during Prohibition when they raided speakeasies run by Al Capone.

"She sells Quiche.
"Jen supports our community. She helps with all our events and supports local charities. I’m behind her and I agree that there are too many regulations, costly and complex health care rules, high taxes and the like that make it difficult for small businesses to survive. We even have to pay an MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) tax for a service most of us never use.”

Mary Beth Schlichting, president

Warwick Merchant Guild

“I’ve been dealing with the small businesses in the Warwick community for the past 14 years. I’ve seen their struggles, good and bad. These businesses are essential to a thriving downtown and surrounding area. I hope the people in this community will continue to support their local businesses to keep Warwick the desirable place it is to live, work and enjoy.”

Terry Reilly, senior account executive

The Warwick Advertiser