Letters to the Editor, Oct. 31, 2025

Writers supports Govçalves, Shah and Hadlock

To the Editor: 

Lewisboro is fortunate to have people with deep community roots and a sense of civic duty, who rally and come forth to serve. Tony Gonçalves is one such warrior, who has served in prior years on the town board is now running for his third term as town supervisor.

I met Tony on a few occasions, always accommodating and willing to lend an ear. I volunteered along with Tony, creating the Pocket Park in Goldens Bridge. He’s authentic and down to earth. He brings with him solid relationships at the county, state, and federal levels. He and his team have delivered a comprehensive plan for the town’s future, improving pool facilities, new town offices and working on police facilities, rejuvenating our town centers, EV charging stations, food/paint recycling, affordable housing units, and looking to create more housing, and environmental oversight for our seven lakes to promote clean water and incorporating a new sewer district. 

His deputy supervisor, Mary Shah, has impressive credentials, is an environmentalist, and civically responsible, supporting Tony and the town’s future. Along with Julia Hadlock running for the Town Board will also bring operational and financial expertise to the board, has a portfolio of civic accomplishments and volunteerism going back some 14 years serving Lewisboro, amazing!

Perfection! Gonçcalves, Shah, Hadlock, taking Lewisboro into the future, creating a team dedicated to the residents of Lewisboro, unselfishly giving of themselves for our betterment. What more can we ask of our public servants? We thank you! Vote Nov. 4.

Jordan Ellsworth

Goldens Bridge

Writer says Lewisboro has more important issues than signs

To the Editor:

I’ve been watching all the hand-wringing over political lawn signs this fall and honestly … is this what we’re doing now? The Democratic Party has clearly labeled its signs — there’s no confusion about who’s who. The other side, though? Let’s just say they’re a little shy about branding. Meanwhile, the national news is a five-alarm fire promising serious impacts for New York state and possibly our own community — and we’re worried about sign sizes? If that’s the biggest issue the local Republican Party can come up with, maybe they should downsize their complaints instead. Because while they’re arguing over the square inches of corrugated plastic, Gonçalves, Shah and Hadlock are actually doing things — serving on town committees, volunteering across the community, and focusing on what matters: infrastructure, clean water, and keeping Lewisboro’s excellent credit rating intact. So let’s skip the sign wars and vote for the grownups on Row “A.” They’re focused on real problems, not the size of their yard decorations. 

Jennifer Bayley

South Salem

Lewisboro writer: Gonçalves is ‘smart, fair administrator’ 

To the Editor:

I’m writing today in support of Tony Gonçalves, up for reelection as Lewisboro town supervisor. I’ve known Tony casually since he coached my son in Little League many years ago. My letter speaks to his character, sincerity and financially rational approach to town spending. Early last year, we had an issue arise from a code required change that impacted our neighborhood. I reached out to Tony who immediately offered to study it and try to find a compromise solution. One solution was quite expensive, he explained. We worked together with Highway Superintendent John Winter (also a great guy) for a few months where together they developed a low-cost solution that gave a reasonable solution to the issue with minimal impact to the town’s expense. 

Tony is a smart, fair administrator and I hope you’ll join me to vote for him and his party line this election. I’m a lifelong independent, and have voted for both parties many times for what that’s worth. 

Bruce Gold

Lewisboro

Lewisboro writer supports Dems

To the Editor:

Some people have been and remain unengaged when it comes to Town Board elections, thinking local elections are not important. But every election is important, and it is critical that our voices be heard — especially in these times. Local elections help define our community. Our Town Board reflects who we are and where our priorities lie.

The Lewisboro Library is a focal point of our community, and a true gathering location at the center of town. Every year, Republican candidate Andrea Rendo has recommended reducing the funding for our library, and every year it has been by an arbitrary amount without a line-item justification. I do not find it “mindful of the business of our Town and neighbors” to reduce funding to the only place in town offering programming free of additional charge to seniors and young families, free Wi-Fi, and a warming/cooling station when we have had storm events.

It is clear to the rest of the board members how important the library is to our community! The board’s continuing support of the library as well as that of community events and coordinated programming such as Pride and Juneteenth, demonstrate their commitment to our community, and where their priorities lie.

As you take time to carefully evaluate the candidates and what they can offer our community, please consider the accomplishments and excellent leadership of our supervisor, Tony Gonçalves and board member Mary Shah. And although Julia Hadlock hasn’t served on the Town Board, her skill set after nine years on the Katonah Lewisboro school board and various volunteer roles in our community will transfer well.

Please join me in voting for Gonçalves, Shah and Hadlock to ensure our town maintains its restored excellent credit rating; who will support and reflect the town ethos; and will continue to lead our town forward!  

Kathryn Rothfeld

South Salem

South Salem writer reminds that voting is 'fundamental right'

To the Editor:

No matter what your party affiliation, we owe it to all of us and to our precious Democracy to participate in this special right we have to vote. This right is fundamental to our Democracy — it gives us a voice in the election of those who will represent us in our governmentAt the same time I wish to thank all the candidates for being part of this political process.

Timi Parsons

South Salem

Katonah writer calls Pierce 'strong voice' for sustainability

To the Editor:

Everybody knows her name.

And she knows yours. Why? Because she shows up. Everywhere. Here are the three reasons why Erika Pierce must be reelected:

— Erika goes to events, and listens. Whether it is a 9/11 event in Vista, a Veteran’s Day Memorial service in Somers, a pancake breakfast in an elementary school or an event in one of our beautiful northern Westchester parks, she is there. 

— Erika advocates for our towns. She has gotten funds for our nonprofits, has supported local ambulance and fire departments, sponsored legislation that helped our local businesses, and arranged for needed services for our seniors. 

— Erika works with all of our elected town officials. She is an important connection to and with county government officials. Whether it is advocating for sewers in Croton Falls, installing a fire tower in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, working with the Westchester County Police in Mount Kisco, or working with Lewisboro officials to find drinking water and wastewater solutions for residents, she is available and accessible for questions and help. 

That is why I urge you to keep Erika Pierce in office; because she works for all of us. Vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4. 

Lauren Smith 

Katonah

Pierce ‘an extraordinary leader’

To the Editor:

If you asked me how the work of a county legislator contributes meaningfully to our daily lives, I might not have known the answer until I got to know Erika Pierce, an extraordinary leader who works tenaciously on behalf of our community every day. Erika is an expert at securing funding to provide the essential services upon which we all rely. She has maximized outside revenue sources to improve the economic vitality of our towns, deliver affordable housing, and support the local nonprofits that play critical roles in our communities. 

Thanks to Erika, our towns and schools have received millions in sales tax revenue. Erika’s initiatives have also funded improvements to our drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, provided supplemental ambulances to improve response times, and enhanced all five Westchester county parks in our district (Muscoot Farm, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Mountain Lakes Park, Merestead Park and Lasdon Park). 

Erika has delivered these results and much more, all while rebuilding our county fund balance, improving our bond ratings, and keeping our property taxes under the tax cap. 

Looking forward, we need Erika’s superb leadership more than ever as we face the devastating effects of Trump’s federal funding cuts. My vote for Erika is a vote for smart fiscal decisions and tangible results. I hope Erika’s outstanding track record of accomplishments has earned your vote as well. 

Cynthia Braun

Katonah

Voter praises Erika Pierce’s ‘dedication and vision’

To the Editor:

I am proud to support Erika Pierce for reelection to the Westchester County Board of Legislators, District 2. Since her election in 2021, Erika has tirelessly advocated for our district, delivering results that strengthen our communities and protect the environment we share.

A strong voice for clean drinking water, sustainability, and thoughtful responses to the impacts of our changing climate, Erika authored and passed Westchester’s Single-Use Plastic and Waste Reduction Law, landmark legislation that curbs plastic pollution and promotes responsible consumption. She championed funding for Lasdon Park and Hilltop Hanover Farm, two treasured venues in northern Westchester that are models of environmental education and community engagement.

As chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, Erika led efforts to improve wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, helped secure millions in investment for downtown revitalization, expanded EV charging infrastructure, and directed critical funding toward county parks. She has supported programs to help municipalities create composting sites as well as the siting of a large-scale composting facility.

Under her leadership, Westchester’s fiscal health remains strong, maintaining top bond ratings, saving taxpayer dollars.

Beyond the county, Erika serves as vice chair of the National Association of Counties’ Environment, Energy, and Land Use Steering Committee and as a member of the New York Association of Counties’ Environmental Committee. Through these roles, she ensures our district’s priorities are represented on the local, state and national levels.

Erika Pierce has proven that she has the dedication and vision to move Westchester forward. I urge others to join me in supporting her continued service on the Board of Legislators.

Fiona Mitchell

Bedford Hills

Katonah couple says vote ‘no’ on library referendum

To the Editor:

Residents asked to approve $2,628,845 budget — 47% increase! Adding $840,000 in taxes, enough to break the tax cap. Bedford’s increase in 2025 was $814,088 for the entire town.

Are library services more important than police and snow removal? More urgent than seniors, parks, or public safety? This letter addresses the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency, and not libraries’ services.

Twenty-five signatures required to get on ballot — 0.1% of population — several library board members and family signed. Preparing since 2024, notice came only 12 days before the September meeting.

The town failed to provide oversight. Libraries failed to work with the town and provide services that are within their means.

Lacking transparency: Boards declined to provide detailed budgets or the math for tax allocations. No audits despite receiving millions from taxpayers. Bedford Hills and Bedford Free post no financial information. Katonah’s president offered to discuss tax money in private. Why in private?

Libraries hold $6.5 million in reserves (equal to 3.5 years of costs) — asking $840,000 more equals 13% of reserves. Somers spends $55 per resident. Bedford’s three libraries spend $126 — before this increase!

Since 2016, combined allocations from town averaged 3.3% annually outpacing the 2% tax cap. Libraries describe a wide range of services — hardly the picture of an underfunded system.

Why no thought of consolidation or sharing services to save money?

Creates a permanent tax increase: The town’s tax cap will not be reduced if passed.

Supporters say “it’s only.” “It’s only” doesn’t apply when already high — for seniors and struggling families.

With little information and transparency how does anyone review libraries’ finances?

Until a more fiscally sound, transparent plan is offered — vote “no”  on the library referendum.

Robert and Mary Kehoe

Katonah

Support urged for town library funding proposition

To the Editor:

I’ve been a resident of Bedford for almost 30 years, and I’ve spent countless hours roaming the stacks of the Bedford Hills library and our other local branches. They aren’t just quiet buildings where you get shushed; they are a bedrock of our community’s life-long learning and a vital resource for trustworthy information and ideas.

Every week, young children participate in a variety of programs, wide-eyed with discovery, and adults getting smarter through the excellent free programs on offer. And the digital services offered are innumerable. The sheer number of us who rely on these services proves they are an irreplaceable treasure.

That is precisely why I strongly support the library funding proposition on the November ballot. This proposition is the smartest, most responsible way to guarantee stable funding for our libraries, simplifying the annual budget process and alleviating the town of Bedford from time-consuming analysis and negotiation.

It’s not just an expense; it’s an investment in the future citizens of our town.

Considering what our libraries offer, the cost is reasonable. The median household would pay approximately eight dollars a month; a fraction of the price of a single book or even a magazine. (The median Bedford home is assessed at about $70,000, roughly equal to a market value of $862,000).

When you consider everything our libraries contribute to education, community and generational connections, and overall quality of life, that is clearly a wise investment in our future.

So, I urge my fellow residents to vote “YES” on the proposition and help keep these vital community institutions strong.

Charles Mitchell

Bedford Hills

When a Pound Ridge public servant becomes a target

To the Editor:

At the Oct. 21 Pound Ridge Town Board meeting, Councilperson Diane Briggs, an elected official, made a series of public remarks about the former town assessor that I consider nothing short of a professional assassination. She then repeated those same statements on the Pound Ridge Community Facebook page, where they were viewed by hundreds of residents.

Based on the Board of Assessment Review unanimously supporting the reappointment of the assessor, reaffirmed by more than 240 residents who signed a petition and echoed by the many residents I spoke with while campaigning, the former assessor proudly served the town of Pound Ridge for 11 years with professionalism and dedication.

If there truly were “decades of unfiled paperwork,” as Ms. Briggs publicly claimed, one might reasonably ask: Where was her oversight during all those years? And is this how residents expect an elected official to conduct herself, by disparaging a public servant without facts, verification, or accountability?

Whether Ms. Briggs’ claims are accurate or not, no elected official should use their platform to personally attack a public servant. The people of Pound Ridge deserve leadership grounded in truth, professionalism, and respect. Public service should never be weaponized to destroy reputations.

Vote for change. Vote Line E — E stands for Enough. It’s time for change.

Ron Asaro

Candidate for Pound Ridge Town Board

Pound Ridge Party responds to Oct. 24 Shaffer letter

To the Editor:

Nicole Shaffer makes inaccurate claims about the Pound Ridge Party’s Key Issues. All our points are based on factual information from the town’s website, public records, and FOILed documents. Shaffer misunderstands the facts and makes misleading statements.

Shaffer says there are “specific adjustments allowed,” but it’s not the actual cost to the taxpayer. The town claims it stayed below the 2% tax cap, but only by using allowable expense adjustments. The actual compound annual growth rate was 3.22% from 2021–2025, hardly commendable. The focus should be on reducing taxes, not manipulating the cap.

Shaffer misunderstands the town’s role in the 9.1% school tax increase. We stated the supervisor failed to verify or question the state’s equalization rates comparing sales prices to assessed values. The state reviewed 49 sales but excluded 10 qualifying ones. Those 10 averaged 2% above Zillow’s estimates, meaning they’re valid and should have been included, reducing Pound Ridge’s increase from 9.11% to 4.06%.

Shaffer misrepresents the cannabis process. The Town Board discussed it at only two meetings in 2021. The first was 30 seconds in an online meeting to announce the topic. The second was with Assemblyman Burdick who secured authority for towns to “opt out,” which the board never discussed or revisited and let the law take effect without public input, unlike neighboring towns that opted out. There was a large 200-attendee public hearing in 2023 that was requested by the residents where residents expressed outrage at the lack of any real public involvement in the decision to opt-in and four of the five board members publicly apologized except for Supervisor Hansan. 

Shaffer says we don’t need an Oversight Committee, yet the Water Wastewater Task Force rarely meets, posts no minutes, and never shared 2023 test results. It was the project engineer who revealed in June 2024 that the wastewater site was unviable.

We are not involved in the water district lawsuit but disagree with the project’s approach, which burdens taxpayers who must pay district taxes even if they don’t connect to the system, a fact that Shaffer and the town omit.

The board never held a public meeting on the 7 Old Pound use. Shaffer calls the BAN part of a “strategy,” but the town was ineligible for municipal bonds due to late filings and no bond rating. Now that the property can’t host a wastewater project, the board should offset costs by selling the house and preserving the rest as open space with potential trails.

Pound Ridge Party

John McCown

Peter Avellino

Ron Asaro

Former Pound Ridge assessor defends her record

To the Editor:

At the Oct. 21 Pound Ridge Town Board meeting, and on the Pound Ridge Community (Facebook) page, Councilperson Diane Briggs made claims about the Assessor’s Office and myself that deserve clarification. Residents deserve facts, not fiction.

Contrary to Ms. Briggs remarks, there are no “decades of unfiled paperwork.” All files are complete and fully up to date. Older documents on site are STAR applications retained by the office to assist the police department with emergency contact information.

Ms. Briggs also alleged that tax maps hadn’t been updated. In fact, the town has contracted with CAI Technologies for a decade to provide yearly digital and hardcopy map updates, paid for by the town and available online through the town’s GIS platform.

The new part-time remote assessor is also employed full time by the town of Harrison. Under New York Real Property Tax Law, assessors are expected to maintain regular office hours accessible to the public. The current setup also leaves the assistant, Deann Grogan, originally hired by me to work just six hours per week only, now manning the office. And she was promoted to a $55,000 position with no assessment experience.

I worked hybrid/remote only during the COVID-19 shutdown under state emergency orders as did most staff. That temporary situation cannot be compared to the current arrangement of working remotely while holding another full-time job.

Finally, assertions that “an audit is underway“ and that “the assessment roll will now be prepared in-house to save money“ lack any public record. The roll has always been prepared in-house using New York state software, with only printing done externally.

I served Pound Ridge with professionalism and accuracy for 11 years. Residents deserve truth, transparency and respect, not a smoke screen of innuendo to justify poor management decisions.

Diane Briganti

Former Pound Ridge town assessor

Writer: Asaro truly cares about people and Pound Ridge

To the Editor:

Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Ron Asaro, and it quickly became clear that he’s stepping forward for all the right reasons. Ron isn’t in this for recognition or ambition, he’s doing it because he truly cares about people and about Pound Ridge.

What stands out most about Ron is his authenticity. He listens carefully, speaks with purpose, and approaches every conversation with respect and thoughtfulness. In a time when too many seek public office for personal gain or attention, Ron’s motivation is refreshingly simple: he wants to make our town stronger and more connected.

Those who have met Ron know how much he values fairness, transparency, and collaboration. He’s not interested in politics as usual, he’s interested in good governance and honest communication. That’s something Pound Ridge needs now more than ever.

Ron’s background, steady temperament, and genuine concern for others make him exactly the kind of person we should want on our Town Board. I believe he will listen, learn, and lead with both integrity and humility, qualities that have been in short supply lately.

As we head toward Election Day, I hope you’ll join me in supporting Ron Asaro for Pound Ridge Town Board, on the Pound Ridge Party line. It’s time to bring thoughtful, community-focused leadership back to our town.

Deb Damascus

Pound Ridge

Questions claims of environmental risks from water project

To the Editor:

In response to Mr. Bernstein’s letter to the editor Oct. 17, neither argument has any merit.

According to the Map and Plan Report (May 2024) “Aquarion Water Company indicated that it is willing to provide Pound Ridge  with treated water at the same cost it charges other customers.”

This alternative is based off of the 1973 agreement between the town and Aquarion for the construction of the Siscowit Reservoir which provided the town with access to the reservoir. Aquarion has recognized the agreement and is working with the town to move the project forward.

Secondly, the environmental risks Mr. Bernstein alleges do not exist. The required State Environmental Quality Review Act study states “Although water is currently removed from on-site wells and disposed of on the same site, abandoning wells in favor of a public water supply will have no significant adverse impact on groundwater levels. Existing septic systems will continue to function as they do today, with discharge into an absorption area that is designed to allow flow to slowly drain away and spread outward to prevent any significant adverse impact to the groundwater level.” 

The FAQ’s for the project also note that septic systems will continue to function. The proposed solution has passed engineering, regulatory and permitting reviews.

All of the above is a matter of the public record.

Edward (Ted) Dowey

Pound Ridge

Pound Ridge writer: forcing water plan participation is wrong

To the Editor:

The furthest south section of Scotts Corners, PB-C, is predominantly residential. It begins past Wittus and runs for a quarter mile towards the Connecticut line. Like everyone else, its residents get their water from wells. With the proposed water district these residents are being mandated to buy water from a utility despite them already getting it basically for free. Several residents of PB-C and PB-B have indicated that this mandate will force them from Pound Ridge. This isn’t surprising when considering the subscription fees, cost of constructing underground hookups to the main, and that the broader plan includes sewage services in a second phase.

This is being done in the name of PFAS mitigation even though the engineering for the project predates the detection of PFAS. But many property owners in the district already have PFAS mitigating filtration systems. One resident who opposes the project chronicled in this very paper how he received a zero-PFAS test result from DOH just months ago. This was not surprising. Filtration works.

But forced participation is also being justified and celebrated as progress. This is heartbreaking. Giving maximum benefit of the doubt regarding its benefits, this project still crushes a handful of people. We must be more clear-eyed. It’s wrong to impose an onerous water project on our neighbors when some clearly will not be able to afford it, even when others will benefit.

Making transformative decisions from behind closed doors without public hearings was plainly wrong. Operating its finances to where Pound Ridge no longer qualifies for a municipal credit rating is also obviously wrong. But these things pale in comparison to what, by way of forcing a handful of people to buy water and other services, we are doing to our fellow residents, what we are doing to our neighbors.

Sam Connelly

Pound Ridge

Boak says vote for Team Hansan in Pound Ridge

To the Editor:

We are neighbors first!

A Vote for Team Hansan is a vote for deep civility in Pound Ridge politics.

Politics in Pound Ridge, with few exceptions, has maintained civility, decorum, and mutual respect. Both previous Republican administrations and throughout the entire tenure of the Hansan administration, elected leaders and the hundreds of volunteers that make up our town government serving on boards and commissions, have purposefully risen above the fray of the vitriolic and divisive national rhetoric and treated each other as neighbors first. I remember years ago when former Republican Town Supervisor Dick Lyman grabbed his chainsaw and cut up a tree that fell blocking my driveway after a storm. We may have had different views at times on the role of government, but we strived to treat each other with respect. The Hansan administration has continued in this tradition of serving all residents of Pound Ridge regardless of party affiliation or politics. This is the Pound Ridge way. When we all work together as volunteers on commissions, committees and task forces we are able to achieve great progress. Recent examples of progress in our town achieved under Democratic leadership through collaboration and partnership include new streetlights, sidewalks, Village Green, Food Truck Fridays, creation of a human rights committee and clean safe drinking water. 

I urge you to vote for Kevin Hansan and his team. The divisive rhetoric, the constant manipulation of facts, the lawsuits, the rudeness, and lack of respect and decorum displayed by the other side has no place in our special, little town. Kevin Hansan and his team are transparent, accountable, responsible, and get things accomplished.

Ali Boak

Town Board member

Pound Ridge couple: ‘town has never looked better’

To the Editor:

We have enjoyed living in Pound Ridge for 45 years. The town has never looked better! We especially enjoy seeing our neighborhood children kicking a soccer ball heading to the Village Green or watching others doing cartwheels on the lawn. How nice it is to now walk around town on even sidewalks looking in all the interesting shops and stores and seeing young families and many dog walkers instead of past empty storefronts. And who could not enjoy the fun of Food Truck Fridays? We’ve even sent a video of the town to a former shop owner now living in another state who can’t believe the improvement.

Let’s keep our town the very special place it is and reelect the team that made it all happen — vote for Kevin Hansan, Diane Briggs and Dan Paschkes — vote row A.

John and Karen Janiga

Pound Ridge

Writer says fact-check Pound Ridge finances yourself

To the Editor:

Good governance in Pound Ridge in response to a recent letter crying foul with Pound Ridge’s finances. The ordinary constituent just wants to know ... are services being met? Are taxes kept flat? Is money being put aside?

Yes on all three counts. Services: Walk down Westchester Avenue and decide for yourself whether the streets, park and community are in good shape. Have you used services recently? What was that like?  For longtime residents, do you might remember how things were?

Taxes: In 2018, plus 2.30%; 2019,plus 1.96%; 2020, plus 1.98%; 2021, plus 1.97%; 2022, plus 3.50%; 2023, plus 2.92%; 2024, plus 2.40%; 2025, plus 2.04% (Below state cap. Long-time residents know that was not the case in prior years).

Funds (unassigned) 2017 $456,000, 2018 $680,000, 2019 $886,000, 2020 $688,000, 2021 $718,000, 2022 $975,000, 2023 $785,000, 2024 $1.053 million. Fact-check this, go to the town website, “Your Government,” then “Finance.” And a reminder that there was a pandemic from 2020 to 2023.   

Jean Duckett

South Salem

Pound Ridge voter wants board outage problems fixed

To the Editor:

My wife and I have lived in Pound Ridge for 27 years. It is time for a change in the Town Board.

Our roads need repair. We lose power regularly here on Upper Shad Road because trees fall on wires at least a couple times each month.

When I asked a NYSEG worker recently when power would be restored, he indicated that while it would be in about an hour, it really did not matter because there were many more trees that would fall in the next six months.

Our board ignores my pleas to be more proactive and more aggressive about reducing this inconvenience and this obvious danger.

A telephone pole outside our home was struck by a local driver six months ago. The top of the pole is split and hanging at an angle. The town supervisor/chairperson has told me that he is unable to get Verizon to respond to this danger.

Our town deserves to have leadership that has the skill to resolve these sorts of problems, not lament that they are helpless to do anything.

Ric Apter

Pound Ridge

Independent will vote for Pound Ridge incumbents

To the Editor:

I have lived in the Pound Ridge area since 1974. During that time nine town supervisors have led boards starting with Zwick to Hansan today. Some good ones, a few very good, but no bad ones. As an independent, I like to think I always voted for the candidate(s) I thought could do a better job on the board regardless of party affiliation.

Here’s why I am voting for the incumbents:

Results: Getting the sidewalks with night lighting plus the Village Green are two examples. We went from a non-descript geographic locale to a handsome village which is now a go-to area for dining, shopping and entertainment — all in a relatively short period of time.

Easy to communicate with: Somewhere along the way I became a senior citizen. I am more aware than I used to be of the value of good communications and resulting action. This board gives you their cell numbers. Call them. I have. You get action. I can tell you from my experiences in two other towns and one city where I have been a property owner in each, that this ability to communicate easily with those town leaders was difficult to do. Getting action was even harder. Not in Pound Ridge with this board.

Finances: Highest rating from the state comptroller’s office for financial stability. Solid history of tax stability and keeping a lid on tax increases. Continuous building of tax reserves when needed for the next Black Swan event.

Getting value added for town projects. As an example, the government grant for the sidewalks and streetlamps. Another is when the large donation for the Village Green was not enough, they got other donors to fill the gap. That is about $2,000,000 that did not come from town residents.

John F. Kelly

Pound Ridge

Voter says keep momentum going in Pound Ridge

To the Editor:

Living in Pound Ridge is a lot better now than when I moved here in 2015. The business district has been beautified and is more vibrant. There are more town events. And our neighborhoods are quieter. The current Town Board led on those changes and many more that have been mentioned on these pages the past few weeks. 

On the other side, John McCown offers no vision on how local government can boost the quality of life in our small town. Worse, he very likely wants to reverse some of what makes our town so livable. We need more than a self proclaimed “numbers guy.” I’m voting for Hansan, Paschkes and Briggs to keep the momentum going and make Pound Ridge an even better place to live.

John Grogan

Pound Ridge

Writer says McCown wil run 'participatory government'

To the Editor:

I am supporting John McCown in the upcoming election in Pound Ridge.

I am a 24-year Pound Ridge resident, practicing attorney and member of the Zoning Board of Appeals in Pound Ridge. I was involved as a member of a steering committee which attempted through proposed legislation which was introduced in Albany, to provide an opportunity for a full debate on whether a cannabis facility should be permitted in Pound Ridge. The government of the town of Pound Ridge supported our efforts because they understood that residents had been denied the opportunity to consider the issue. 

I believe that John McCown and the Pound Ridge Party have raised some important issues related to transparency that go beyond the town’s handling of the cannabis issue, specifically issues around finances.

I trust John McCown to run a town government that is participatory and seeks openness and collaboration with Pound Ridge residents. 

Joseph Gunset

Pound Ridge

Voter says Dems have made Pound Ridge ‘a better place’

To the Editor:

Ralph Emerson would have loved Pound Ridge, with our natural beauty and emphasis on quality of life. I am therefore led to quote him in my assessment of the future of our town. Emerson wrote in “The Foundation for a Better Life,” “to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition.”

I believe that the team of Kevin Hansan, Diane Briggs and Dan Paschkes have done just that. Pound Ridge is better because of their efforts. I, for one, want them to continue. As a Pound Ridge resident for 25 years, I have watched growth for good, especially in terms of environmental protection and strengthening the community. When I first arrived, although our personal properties were well cared for, the town was unkept and business owners were frustrated. 

Yet, since then, we have experienced a renaissance, thanks to the vision and dedication of Supervisor Hansan and his board. We residents benefit with an improved quality of life: the green, updated sidewalks and gardens with native plantings. The town is an inviting place to meet. At any time one can see young families enjoying themselves, kids playing while parents meet. The local businesses and recreation department have responded; Pound Ridge is thriving, alive with activity. Those of you who bought homes here in the past five years or so benefited from all the development. 

Let us not recede into the past with changes the critics suggest. Let us support the Pound Ridge we appreciate now. I vote for a positive future in the hands of those who have made Pound Ridge a “better place.” I encourage you to do the same. 

Terri Pike

Pound Ridge

Supports Pound Ridge Party

To the Editor:

Beware the dancing bear, Food Truck Friday, corn hole Tuesday, the sweet, homespun weekly supervisor’s letter and all that fluff and jazz. What you’re missing is the lack of transparency, the monopoly of thought and ideology, the sudden astronomical leap in school taxes without discussion or questions, the lack of public hearings for issues dear to the board’s heart, for example, the cannabis dispensary debacle, taxpayer monies spent on projects that fail, slow walking financial reports, and lots of decisions made behind closed executive session doors. 

We’ve lived in Pound Ridge for 45 years and these changes have got to change for the better with the Pound Ridge Party nominees: John McCown, Democrat, Peter Avellino, Independent, and Ron Ansaro, Republican. DEI, the way it oughta be. 

Peggy and Joseph Seton

Pound Ridge

Writer will vote for Brown, Bryant in Mount Kisco 

To the Editor:

I believe that we have a situation in Mount Kisco’s government where hypocrisy has become the norm, and MAGA-style actions occur on a regular basis.

The current Village Board majority, elected as “Independents,” promised fairness and transparency. While Deputy Mayor Theresa Flora and her Republican/VIP crew still profess these ideals, their actions regarding free speech, homelessness, religious freedom and the environment cast doubt on their sincerity.

Flora claims to advocate for safety, yet recently voted against submission of a grant application funding badly needed traffic safety measures (Mount Kisco Village Board 9/15/25).

On the First Amendment, the Village Board majority proposed a law unconstitutionally restricting public assembly, days after a peaceful demonstration opposing Rep. Lawler — with whom Flora had campaigned (Village Board 7/7/25). They also, unconstitutionally, tried to prevent a local synagogue from holding a traditional ceremony in Leonard Park.

They cancelled our Community Resource Officer program, which saved lives and gave hope to many residents. They did this despite objections from Northern Westchester Hospital, Neighbors Link and other local organizations (Village Board 4/8/24). Since then there have been two deaths of un-housed people in local woods. At a meeting following the first death, we heard many “sad” comments from those who cancelled the CRO program, and statements such as, “we did everything we could …”  

Mount Kisco residents who’ve had enough of hypocrisy in our local government should vote for Heather Bryant and Tammy Brown for Village Trustee.

John Rhodes

Mount Kisco

Mount Kisco’s Brown and Bryant would be ‘wonderful contribution’

To the Editor:

I am happy to say I voted for Tammy Brown and Heather Bryant for Village Trustee; and Mike Cindrich for Mayor. I also voted for Emily Rubin for Family Court Judge. I urge all Mount Kisco citizens to do the same.

I have lived in Mount Kisco, on and off, since 1979; and in my current home since 2008. I am a registered Democrat who has previously served as a Democrat Committee Town district leader and secretary, however I have rarely voted a straight Party line, especially in local elections.

I do a lot of research before I vote. I have watched every single Village Board meeting for the past two years. 

I do know that a Village Board can benefit from inclusion of members from every imaginable background. As long as the board members are able and willing to govern respectfully, in a democratic manner, are willing to acknowledge when they don’t have the requisite expertise; and above all else are honest. But I also know, as we all see so well in Congress today, that a governing board that always votes 4-1, with only one vote ever differentiated from a dear leader’s autocratic wishes, is unhealthy and undemocratic.

I understand that Tammy Brown and Heather Bryant are new to the political arena in the village. They are not new to this community. And they are definitely not new to a commitment to service and professionalism. I have had the opportunity to get to know them, and am beyond impressed with their personal professional achievements, their character, their reliance on research (not Google research) in their decision making; and their high level of competency. And their good will, as evidenced by their positive and respectful campaigns. 

I believe both Tammy and Heather will be a wonderful contribution to the sizable wisdom and knowledge and integrity Mayor Mike Cindrich and Trustee Tom Luzio have brought to the village.

Judith Sage

Mount Kisco

Participant says about 1,500 at No Kings protest

To the Editor:

On Oct. 18 an estimated 7 million people participated in No Kings protests including about 1,500 in Mount Kisco despite a headline in the Oct. 17-23 issue of The Recorder announcing “No Kings protests this Saturday skip Mount Kisco.” Apparently the co-leader of Westchester Indivisible who told The Recorder about the various No Kings events in this area was unaware that the Mount Kisco event was on.

I knew Mount Kisco was having an event but was very surprised that so many people showed up. Mount Kisco has been the site of a protest every Saturday but typically about 80 or 90 people attend. I have been going every week and have found that it can be fun with people fighting back against authoritarianism by holding up protest signs, with music playing and many drivers going by honking in support. 

It appears the misinformation in The Recorder had no discernible effect on the turnout in Mount Kisco. But I hope as the protesting continues against the authoritarian Trump administration that The Recorder will improve in its accuracy in reporting where protests are taking place.

Robert Liebman

Mount Kisco

Editor’s note: It was incorrectly reported in The Recorder on Oct. 17 that there would not be a No Kings protest on Oct. 18 in Mount Kisco. There was, in fact, a rally near Village Hall, the same location as the weekly pro-democracy protests. At the deadline for filing the article that week, Indivisible Westchester, which was involved in the organization of the events at some locations, did not confirm a Mount Kisco rally and there was no protest listed on the No Kings website.