Letters to the Editor — June 19, 2026

Reader lists concerns about Scotts Corners water district

To the Editor:

Your article (“State OKs Scotts Corners water district,” June 5) regarding the comptroller’s approval of the Scotts Corners Water District omits several points. 

First, the Pound Ridge Board has effectively conceded that it will have to negotiate with Connecticut water authorities for an agreement to supply the water needed for this project. There can be no assurance that those negotiations will succeed nor as to the cost of the Connecticut water. Second, because of inadequate testing, the construction of this project may prove to be an environmental disaster. The excess water from the project will likely raise the water table and flood the septic systems in the area. Third, there is currently no applicable sewer system design nor a wastewater treatment plant design to deal with the excess water. 

Apart from hoping the courts put an end to this project, in my view, the only solution is political. The upcoming election in November offers an opportunity to remove the current town supervisor and replace him with someone who will have the common sense and leadership ability to stop this ill-advised project. 

Norman Bernstein

Pound Ridge

Route 35 parcel eyed for subdivision? 

To the Editor:

We are writing to alert Lewisboro residents to a potential issue involving the Reynolds property at 831 Route 35 in Cross River. 

An environmental document provided by the Town of Lewisboro in response to a FOIL request indicates that the property may be considered for as many as 14 houses on approximately 15 acres. 

While current zoning may allow half-acre lots, many nearby properties are substantially larger and reflect the area’s rural and open-space character. Recent activity on the property, including test holes, construction equipment, and repeated noise, suggests that development-related due diligence may already be underway.

This property also has community and historic significance. The adjacent Reynolds cemetery is well-known locally. Many neighbors knew the Reynolds sisters who lived on the property for many years, and their family’s long connection to this area is part of Cross River’s history. We are concerned about the potential impact of dense development on neighborhood character, stormwater and drainage, traffic and road safety, mature trees, open space, and the broader environmental setting.

We urge the Lewisboro Town Board to review whether the current zoning for 831 Route 35 and the surrounding area remains appropriate before any subdivision proposal advances too far. Residents who share this concern are encouraged to contact the Town Board and ask for a zoning review. If zoning review does not resolve the issue, community members may also need to provide informed, fact-based input to the Planning Board if a subdivision application is filed.

Ed Thieberger 

Preserve Lewisboro

Grateful for Knicks watch party at oHHo

To the Editor:

oHHo owners and team — on behalf of everyone who attended, thank you for hosting such a wonderful Knicks Watch Party on Saturday night.

What made the evening so special wasn’t just the game (but that was also very special), it was the spirit of community you created. Opening your doors free of charge and welcoming everyone to come together, cheer, celebrate and connect was an incredibly generous gesture. The atmosphere was energetic, friendly and fun, bringing neighbors, friends and fellow Knicks fans together in a way that truly reflected the best of our community.

Events like this remind us how important small businesses are, not only as places to gather, but as partners in creating community. Your hospitality and openness did not go unnoticed. 

Thank you for investing in the community and giving us a memorable evening. 

I, for one, look forward to supporting oHHo and hope to attend more community-minded events in the future.

Alison Monico

Bedford

Conley possesses crisis-tested decision-making 

To the Editor:

Cait Conley is the strongest and most qualified candidate to challenge Mike Lawler in November. She is the only one capable of addressing the escalating risks from emerging technologies, the challenges we must navigate in national security and public safety, as well as the affordability crisis, healthcare access, and the protection of federal benefits.

West Point graduate and 16-year Army veteran, Conley’s post-military career includes leadership roles as a national-security advisor focusing on protecting critical infrastructure, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity. She has worked in conjunction with federal, state, and local agencies to protect our families and livelihoods. 

There are only a handful of congressional representatives with the credentials needed for today’s technology-driven landscape. We need legislators with technical literacy and an understanding of challenges posed by global instability, cyberattacks, and artificial intelligence. Conley is equipped to assess risk and implement policies to protect our communities and critical infrastructure. She possesses crisis-tested decision-making and is the only candidate whose background aligns with the rapidly changing technological landscape. 

Beth Davidson’s experience as a local legislator is not a predictor of success at the federal level. Cait Conley’s experience in federal leadership roles positions her to be the most effective at negotiating and crafting federal legislation.

Her work coordinating national security policy and engaging with Democrats and Republicans responsible for election-security and counterterrorism oversight demonstrates her ability to work effectively to protect our democracy and local economy. This background sets her apart as the best candidate to address district challenges, including rising food, housing, electricity and healthcare costs. She is committed to access to affordable education and investing in clean energy to protect our environment. 

Cait Conley is the leader we need to deliver solutions to the domestic, international, and technological challenges confronting our district and nation. It’s important to vote on June 23.

Gina Reid

Chris Maxmin, Capt., USMC (ret)

Katonah

Conley has a commitment and belief in America

To the Editor:

Like so many voters, I feel it is so vital to choose the candidate who can beat Mike Lawler. 

We have a choice between Beth Davidson, a career politician who is running a negative campaign rife with MAGA-like lies and innuendos, and Cait Conley who has consistently been talking to voters about the issues and her plans for a future that will benefit all of District 17. 

Cait Conley brings a unique combination of talents and experience to the task of governing.

She’s worked with Congress on complex issues of national security and critical infrastructure, including the water supply. She’s shown leadership, winning three Bronze Stars during 16 years in the military. Importantly, she is the only one in the race with a knowledge of AI. She has worked with state and local law enforcement to protect families attending huge stadium events. She has worked to keep hospitals safe from cyber attacks. She knows the positives and negatives of AI and believes that, like any new technology, it needs to be regulated. She is opposed to building a data center at Indian Point.

Cait Conley can beat Mike Lawler. She has a commitment and belief in America that appeals to voters of different backgrounds, Democrats and Republicans.

With her boundless energy, Cait Conley will make a major impact for our district in Congress — and she’s the only candidate who can hit the ground running on Day One. 

Barbara Lalicki

Briarcliff

Conley best person to unseat Lawler

To the Editor:

Are you angry that Mike Lawler has supported this administration and co-sponsored the SAVE Act to take away our right to vote? I am writing to ask everyone to join me in voting for Cait Conley in the Democratic primary for CD-17. I believe that Cait is the best person to push Lawler into the private sector.

Cait grew up in the district in a working-class family. She served 16 years as an active-duty Army officer, deploying six times to combat zones. Cait continued to serve as a public servant as director for counterterrorism on the National Security Council. 

Cait sees what we need and will fight for it. We need lower costs for utilities and prescriptions. We need to clean up corruption in government. We need a safe American democracy for all residents. We need to invest in education. We need access to affordable healthcare and a right to privacy in it. We need to tackle climate change as a national security and public health crisis.

There have been things spouted by Lawler and then repeated by others that are not true. Vulnerable candidates will take action like that. Cait is solid. She has the endorsement of the majority of Democratic Committees in Westchester as well as many in Dutchess and Putnam. She has support from labor as well as national support (but is not taking corporate super PAC funding). Cait has plans for winning in every part of CD-17. She has a practical roadmap for addressing the needs of our district. We need someone who will serve our communities, our neighbors, and our families. Please look at Cait who has served and join me in casting your vote for her in the June 23 primary so we can have genuine representation in Congress.

Mary Shah

South Salem

To flip CD-17, vote for Davidson

To the  Editor:  

With a few candidates running in the NY-17 Democratic primary to defeat incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, Beth Davidson is the best choice. 

Winning Rockland County is essential and Davidson is a 20-year Rockland resident, former school board member, Jewish community leader, and current county legislator with a strong record of public service. Known for her collaborative, bipartisan approach and strong local relationships, Beth has earned trust through years of advocacy, problem-solving, and results-driven progressive legislation. 

She is the only Democratic primary candidate who has run repeated, successful political campaigns against Republicans on Lawler‘s home turf. She has already proven her effectiveness. Her accomplishments include advancing gun safety measures, preserving open space, supporting tax relief for families, seniors, and veterans, and championing community protections. 

As a two-time cancer survivor, she brings firsthand experience navigating health care challenges alongside a reputation for resilience and follow-through. With deep district knowledge, authentic credibility, strong grassroots support, and established connections across key constituencies, Davidson is the only candidate with the political and legislative experience to win  NY-17 in November. In contrast, her principal opponent, Cait Conley, moved to the district and registered as a Democrat just before announcing her candidacy, and she has rarely participated in her right to vote. She has never run for, let alone held, elected office, and she possesses little political or legislative experience. If we want to flip NY-17, vote for Beth Davidson.

Lloyd Trufelman

Katonah

Conley an example of what’s best about America

To the Editor:

When I met Cait Conley, I recognized something in her that reminded me of why I decided to enter Mount Pleasant politics five years ago. My family moved here to Valhalla from the Bronx in the 1970s and from my parents and siblings, to an endless number of uncles, aunts and cousins, our political views ranged from Republican, to Democratic, to Independent; but we were always bound by our values of decency, common sense, and service to our community.

Cait Conley was born in the Hudson Valley and raised by her father who worked in construction, and her mother who worked at the post office. Cait went to school at West Point and graduated at the top of her class. She served 16 years in the Army and deployed six times overseas, earning her three Bronze Stars. She worked in counter terrorism during the Biden administration, putting her years of education and training to the purpose of keeping American citizens safe.

To me, Cait Conley is an example of what is best about our country, and this is why she is my choice for Congress in CD17.

After 25 years in the Valhalla Fire Department, and more recently as the only Democrat on the Mount Pleasant Town Board, I feel I have an understanding of my neighbors and this community. We have different ideas of how to get things done, but every one of us share the values of decency and common sense, and what Cait Conley has demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt, is her dedication to serving this country, and our community.

Early voting started June 13, the primary is June 23. Cast your vote for Cait!

Joe Bonanno

Mount Pleasant

‘See through the foolishness’ and vote for Conley

To the Editor:

We are seeing in this community the result of Citizens United unlimited funding for electoral campaigns including negative campaigns. Mike Lawler, who is running for his life to keep his seat, has influenced some groups to fill social media with attacks against Cait Conley, who according to many seasoned politicians will easily defeat Lawler in the general election. 

The ads cite the sponsor as a group with the word “progressives” in their name. It’s hard to believe that any true progressive would stoop this low to spread this form of disinformation. The voters of NY-17 will be able to see through the foolishness and vote for Conley in the primary and again in November.  

Henry Zachary

Bedford

Conley is best equipped to win general election

To the Editor:

Like many Recorder readers, I love life in Bedford but I’m concerned about the state of our country. I’m worried about the toxicity of our politics, the absence of coherent U.S. strategies at home and abroad, rampant corruption, and the failure of Congress to fulfill its constitutional role as a check on the executive branch. For all these reasons and more, I’ll cast my vote for Cait Conley in the NY-17 Democratic primary for U.S. Congress.

Compelled by a sense that there’s never been a more important time to be an engaged citizen, I’ve made it my business to meet all the candidates and closely review their backgrounds and platforms. Cait is clearly best qualified to represent our district. A person of integrity who has devoted most of her life to public service, she’s also very smart. 

A West Point graduate who went on to earn master’s degrees from both MIT and Harvard, she has the intellect we need more of in Washington at a time when the challenges facing our country are increasingly complex.

It’s laudable that Cait has chosen to run a positive, issues-focused campaign. Her military service and grounded style position her uniquely well to compete with incumbent Mike Lawler in a purple district that includes many veterans, first responders, and military families. Cait comes from that community. She understands its values, has lived its ethic of service, and speaks authentically to the voters who will decide this election.

As Democrats choose their nominee on June 23, I hope they’ll focus on the question of who is best equipped to win the general election in November and then serve effectively, responsibly, and honorably in Congress. That person is Cait Conley.

John S. Needham

Bedford

Working mom supports Cait Conley

To the Editor:

As a working mom to two young children, a Democrat desperate for change in Washington, D.C. and co-chair of the Pound Ridge Democratic Committee, I don’t make endorsements lightly. But in the June 23rd Democratic primary for New York’s Congressional District-17, the choice is clear: Cait Conley.

CD-17 is one of the most competitive Congressional seats in America, and flipping it is essential to Democratic hopes of retaking the House — a House that must serve as a check on an administration enriching itself at the expense of working families. Cait is our best chance to make that happen.

I’m supporting Cait because:

— She understands our communities’ needs. Cait grew up in a working-class family in the Hudson Valley and knows firsthand how rising costs of health care, groceries, gas, and other essentials strain families in our high-cost area. Her policy platform reflects this.

— She’s a uniquely qualified leader. A decorated combat veteran and national

security expert, Cait’s life’s work has been protecting our increasingly fragile

democracy. She graduated from West Point in the top 2% of her class, then earned graduate degrees from Harvard and MIT. But her credentials aren’t the point — her judgment and toughness are.

— She’s driven by values, not ego. Cait is not a lifelong politician or operative chasing power for herself or her party. Her commitment to public service is genuine, rooted in something deeper than political ambition. You feel that when you talk to her. She’s in this for the right reasons.

— She can win. Cait is the Democratic Party’s best chance at defeating Mike Lawler in November and taking back the House. Her opponents know it.

Early voting is happening now, through June 21. Primary Day is June 23. I urge my fellow CD-17 registered Democrats: vote Cait Conley.

Hailey Davis

Pound Ridge

Conley’s words not just lip service, but backed up by action

To the Editor:Democratic voters in this Tuesday’s Primary election have a critical decision to make. We have a field of several candidates who believe they will be good representatives in Congress, but only one will be an excellent congressional representative, and that is Cait Conley. I have met with virtually all of the candidates and understand their various viewpoints and approaches to government. Cait is the only candidate who can take on our Republican Congressman Mike Lawler in November and bring real representation back to the 17th Congressional District.

Cait knows our communities and has proven throughout this campaign to be up to the challenge to represent the four counties that comprise this Congressional district. On a personal level, she is passionate, empathetic, engaged, and dedicated to working on the issues impacting Americans in our current political climate. Cait’s words are not just lip service, but backed up by tangible action.

Cait is ready to hit the ground running to address the affordability crisis in our area, protect our healthcare, clean up corruption in Washington, and defend our democracy. The Lewisboro Democratic Committee enthusiastically endorsed her candidacy earlier this year, along with local and National leaders such as Gloria Steinem, Congressman Jason Crow, Congressman Pat Ryan, Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, Former Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, and numerous local and county Democratic Committees and unions. Cait Conley has earned your vote in the Democratic Primary on Tuesday, June 23.

Jenn Castelhano

Chair, Lewisboro Democratic Committee