![CA-Recorder-Mobile-CR-2025[54].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/09587f_b989949ec9bc46d8b6ea89ecc2418a8a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_370,h_150,al_c,q_80,enc_avif,quality_auto/CA-Recorder-Mobile-CR-2025%5B54%5D.jpg)
Letters to the Editor October 17, 2025
- Thane Grauel
- Oct 17
- 16 min read
Voter says McCaine has served Bedford well
To the Editor:
I have known Stephanie McCaine for 10 years, initially working alongside her in the administration of the Harvey School and ultimately supporting her initiatives within our community.
Over this time, I have come to deeply respect Stephanie’s talents, which have served Bedford well during her tenure on the Town Board. She is an effective communicator and collaborator who understands that effective governance requires listening to voices from all sectors of our community. Stephanie has consistently worked to ensure Bedford serves the needs of all its residents.
Stephanie honors our town’s rich history while keeping her eye on the future. She values Bedford’s heritage while recognizing the importance of embracing innovation and technology to meet our community’s evolving needs.
Most importantly, Stephanie is a proven leader and visionary. She demonstrates the courage to advocate for what she believes in and supports our community in thoughtful, sometimes unexpected ways.
I support Stephanie’s reelection and look forward to seeing her, along with Ellen and Midge, lead Bedford into a promising future.
Susie Danziger Bedford Corners
Housing group has ‘policy loyalty,’ ‘industrial sponsorship’
To the Editor:
I read Jeff Morris’ article (“Housing need is hot topic for Town Board,” Oct. 10) with interest because I wasn’t able to attend the Adam Bosch, CEO of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, presentation on Oct. 7.
However, I was disappointed that neither the town nor the author appear to have disclosed his organization’s policy loyalty nor industrial sponsorship. Spending a few minutes on HVPP’s website makes clear their support of major parts of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s controversial “Housing Compact,” including the same short-lived policy recommendations on which this paper’s predecessor had reported and on which our own town leadership had publicly voiced their skepticism.
HVPP’s site also makes clear how well supported they are by several powerful members of the construction, utility and telecom industries. Listening for an hour and a half to a Hochul and housing-construction industry spokesperson or expert may be useful to the town and its leadership, but only if the whole story is told. Your paper would probably be forgiven for thinking the real stories here are that some of the Governor’s least popular policy ideas, witness them struck from her prior budgets, were packaged to our residents as “without political aims or affiliations” and the possibility that the same industries that would benefit the most from local housing reform may have had a hand in funding the “objective research” presented to us.
Gordon MacGillBedford Hills
Supports Midge Iorio for Bedford Town Board
To the Editor:
Midge Iorio has an established record of turning good ideas into working community programs. Having worked with Midge for 10 years at Bedford 2030, I watched her play a lead role in creating programs like Community Compost, Take-It-Or-Leave-It-Shed, and many others. She is skilled at bringing people together, listening, speaking effectively, understanding our relationship with neighboring towns and how to secure resources for Bedford. Under her leadership Bedford earned recognition as a state leader in climate action. She brings a clear long-term knowledge of Bedford, trust and creative action. Please vote for Midge.
Peter Kuniholm Katonah
Bedford writer supports Pierce, other Dems
To the Editor:
Living in Bedford for over 20 years, I understand how fortunate we are to have excellent leadership. In this “off year” election, it is important to remember to reelect County Legislator Erika Pierce to ensure that she can continue to represent us in Westchester’s District 2.
Erika is fighting ConEd and NYSEG rate increases so that we can keep more money in our pockets. She is working to keep our water clean, and secures funding to help keep our communities strong and safe. In addition, Ken Jenkins, our county supervisor, should be reelected and continue to lead with his unparalleled experience and know-how to serve all of Westchester.
I am proud to also support Ellen Calves for supervisor, Stephanie McCaine and Midge Iorio for Town Board, Jodi Kimmel for town justice and Allie Whalen for town clerk. Bedford’s Democratic leadership has combined fiscal responsibility, accountability, and has a record of accomplishments. Our hamlets are vibrant, safe, and among the best places to live in New York.
Please vote Pierce, Jenkins, Calves, McCaine, Iorio, Kimmel and Whalen. Early voting starts on Oct. 25 and Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Jennifer SaineVice-chair, Bedford Democratic Committee
Opposes ‘developer-first’ approach in Bedford
To the Editor:
I have lived in Katonah since the town sewer project was first being proposed. At that time, I had several conversations with then-supervisor Chris Burdick to express my concern that town sewers could result in the kind of overdevelopment taking place in other northern Westchester communities. He assured me that due to the robust zoning codes in Bedford, we had nothing to worry about because these codes would ensure that large developments, even buildings more than three stories high, would never be permitted.
You can imagine my dismay, then, when I heard at the Oct. 7 Bedford Town Board meeting, following an affordable housing presentation, that the zoning board believes it is their role to “give relief from the codes,” not to enforce the codes. This comment, combined with the Town Board’s discussion about how to justify to residents why “we may need to grant some variances and [the builds] might be bigger” than the codes permit to accommodate the financial needs of developers, raised significant concerns.
I could not disagree more with the idea that the town should undermine its own codes — codes meant to protect the citizens of Bedford — in order to make the numbers work for developers. I have no doubt that larger scale builds are exactly what developers want to make their bottom lines more attractive, but it is the Town Board’s role to do what is best for the current residents of their historic hamlets, not to roll over on our own zoning codes so that the deals for developers are as lucrative as possible.
I urge all residents of Bedford to express their disapproval of this “developer-first” approach to the Town Board.
Teryn Kendall Katonah
Support for Asaro for Pound Ridge Town Board
To the Editor:
Since moving to Pound Ridge in 2019, I’ve followed our local government closely, and it’s clear that it’s time for new leadership. Our town deserves officials who listen, communicate transparently, and act in the best interests of residents — not only after being pressured to do so.
That’s why I’m supporting Ron Asaro for Town Board. After speaking with Ron, I’ve been impressed by his honesty, humility, and genuine motivation for running. He’s not a politician — he’s a neighbor who wants to serve with integrity and common sense.
Pound Ridge is a wonderful community, but under the current board there have been troubling financial oversights and a persistent lack of transparency in decision-making. I don’t doubt that our current leaders care deeply about this town, but caring alone doesn’t excuse dismissing or denying legitimate concerns — often with a tone that feels dismissive and disrespectful to residents. We deserve better accountability and a more collaborative approach. I believe Ron will bring the steady, transparent, and resident-first leadership we need to restore confidence and balance at Town Hall.
Ron’s thoughtful, fact-based approach and approachable nature make him exactly the kind of leader Pound Ridge needs right now. I’ll be voting for Ron Asaro on the Pound Ridge Party line this November — and I encourage my neighbors to do the same.
Kat Nelson Pound Ridge
Avellino ‘cares deeply about the future of our community’
To the Editor:
I’m writing to express my enthusiastic support for Peter Avellino in his run for Town Board.
As a fellow resident who cares deeply about the future of our community, I believe Peter embodies exactly the kind of leadership we need right now — responsible, transparent, and truly rooted in service to the people.
This election is an opportunity to move our town forward with leadership that is honest, transparent, and driven by a genuine commitment to serve the people; not protect the status quo. He’s running not out of ambition, but out of a genuine desire to give back to the town that he and his family proudly call home.
Please join me and family by coming out to elect Peter Avellino for Town Board on Nov. 4!
Natalie Fopeano Pound Ridge
Hansan’s team has improved Pound Ridge
To the Editor:
I wanted to voice my support for Kevin Hansan’s team in Pound Ridge. Since moving to Pound Ridge in 2014, I have observed substantial improvements to the Scotts Corners market area. The transformation of the village green, which replaced a dilapidated old gas station, positively impacted local residents and businesses. The installation of new streetlights has also made our town feel more welcoming. These investments clearly demonstrate the team’s commitment to the continued improvement of Pound Ridge, and I appreciate the dedication that has made these changes possible.
John Cosetti Pound Ridge
Paschkes says assessor discussions are in line with Open Meetings Law
To the Editor:
It’s disappointing, though not surprising, to hear John Nathan once again misstate the law in a way that serves his ongoing campaign to undermine the Pound Ridge Town Board. At last Tuesday’s meeting, Mr. Nathan invoked the state’s Open Meetings Law and case law to argue that the town acted unlawfully in appointing a part-time assessor. His interpretation, however, has no basis in fact or law.
To be clear, the Town Board’s decision to modify the assessor’s hours and job description is an administrative and legislative act properly handled in public session, which it was. Executive sessions are specifically permitted under New York’s Open Meetings Law for discussions relating to personnel matters — exactly the context here. The case cited by Mr. Nathan involved a village board of trustees that the court found had played “musical chairs” with elected officials’ positions, with officials resigning and then being reappointed to each others’ positions behind closed doors in an executive session. Mr. Nathan, an experienced attorney, should know better than to cite that case to accuse the Pound Ridge Town Board of wrongdoing. Mr. Nathan’s assertion of a violation of the Open Meetings Law by the Pound Ridge Town Board is either a misunderstanding of the law or a deliberate distortion.
Equally misleading is his suggestion that “calling for a vote twice makes it unlawful.” That is pure invention. The law does not forbid a board from clarifying or reaffirming a vote, and the town clerk’s record clearly reflects that both votes — on the position and on the appointment — were properly taken, on the record, and with full transparency.
It is worth noting that Mr. Nathan’s previous lawsuit against the town, also alleging Open Meetings Law violations, was dismissed by the court earlier this year. The facts haven’t changed — only his rhetoric. Legal threats and misused citations don’t make something illegal. Facts — and the law — still matter.
Our community deserves better than constant litigation threats and half-baked legal theories. The Town Board acted responsibly, lawfully, and in the best interest of Pound Ridge residents. It’s time to stop pretending otherwise.
Daniel S. Paschkes Pound Ridge Town Board member, candidate for reelection
Seeking ‘transparency and accountability’ by officials
To the Editor:
As a 23-year resident of Pound Ridge, I have watched as our existing Town Board has mismanaged Pound Ridge finances and other basic governmental responsibilities. The cavalier attitude and response to concerns voiced by the residents of Pound Ridge further exacerbates the sense that there is no desire to govern responsibly on behalf of voters. The proposals to bring better governance and financial oversight by McCown, Avellino and Asaro are a welcome first step to establish transparency and accountability by our elected town representatives and stabilizing the town’s financial position. Pound Ridge is such a beautiful town and needs to be managed in a way that will allow it to maintain its special character.
Robert Smock Pound Ridge
Taking the long view on school tax impacts
To the Editor:
As a member of Bedford Central School District’s Budget Advisory Committee starting at its inception and ending a few years ago, residing in Pound Ridge for 40 years, and raising kids who attended kindergarten through graduation at Pound Ridge Elementary School and Fox Lane, I have come to learn the benefits of taking a longer-term view towards building community assets and fairness.
During our family’s tenure, at least two large education infrastructure bonds have been passed with benefits spread throughout our communities and similarly, each year, equalization rates set by state formula — NOT within the town’s jurisdiction — have spread tax impacts among the towns. Taking a longer-term view, a vote to support a bond issuance is to acknowledge that at the time of the vote, those students then attending will benefit. After some time another bond is required to support the next generation and keep infrastructure up to date to maintain competitive schools reflected in strong property values,
Similarly, taking a longer-term view, with objections to Pound Ridge having a higher school tax this year, there were years when our school tax bill was one of the lowest. The state-derived equalization formula is used to fairly distribute taxes across a district with the New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services calculating the rate by dividing the total assessed value of all taxable real property by the estimated total market value in town. Although this year the school tax bite is larger, in future years other towns will shoulder a varied and generally higher tax burden. If all towns’ assessed valuations were the same and there was no change in total market value, there would be no need for a state equalization formula. Building fairness to support all students in the district calls for everyone to do their part both short- and longer-term.
Elyse Arnow Brill Pound Ridge
Writer says Asaro will provide ‘honesty, balance and a steady hand’
To the Editor:
I’ve known Ron Asaro for about two years, and I can honestly say you couldn’t find a finer gentleman or neighbor. His dedication to Pound Ridge shows in everything he does. As an active and dependable member of the Pound Ridge Historical Society, Ron gives his time, energy, and thoughtfulness to preserving the character of this town we all love.
What impresses me most about Ron is his clarity of thought and his genuine concern for his neighbors. He listens carefully, considers all perspectives, and acts with integrity. These are the traits of someone who doesn’t just talk about community values — he lives them.
Ron brings professionalism, common sense, and strong financial acumen to everything he takes on. Those skills are exactly what we need on the Town Board to help guide Pound Ridge forward responsibly. He’s also someone who believes in collaboration and bipartisanship — working across differences to find solutions that serve everyone, not just a few.
I have full confidence that Ron will serve our town with honesty, balance and a steady hand. He has my respect, my trust, and my vote. I encourage my fellow residents to join me in supporting Ron Asaro for Pound Ridge Town Board this November.
Nick Cianciola Pound Ridge
Hansan says Coughlin letter ‘misleading and omits important context’
To the Editor:
The letter from Debra Coughlin questioning the Democrat mailer is misleading and omits important context about the Town of Pound Ridge’s fiscal progress (“Writer questions Democrats’ mailer in Pound Ridge,” Oct. 10).
When I took office in 2018, the previous Republican Administration left the Town with an unassigned fund balance of just 7.5%, far below the recommended 16.67% benchmark and short of the cushion needed for this town to manage emergencies or rising costs. Over eight years, we have steadily rebuilt those reserves while remaining under the 2% property tax cap every year, a difficult balancing act that reflects fiscal discipline, not creative accounting.
The chart in question reflected the Town’s broader financial improvements, including growth in grant funding, consistent adherence to the tax cap where previous administrations fell short, and steady increases in unassigned reserves. Those reserves represent funds prudently set aside for critical future needs such as capital improvements. That’s responsible budgeting, not deception.
What has slowed our progress toward the full 16.67% target are the costly and unnecessary lawsuits filed by Mr. Nathan and Ms. Simons and supported by my opponent, lawsuits that diverted taxpayer dollars away from building reserves faster, adding expanding town services, or easing the tax burden on residents.
Despite these setbacks, our strong fiscal management has paid off. The recently released NYS Comptroller’s 2024 Fiscal Stress Monitoring Report placed Pound Ridge in the “No Designation” category, the best possible rating, citing our healthy fund balance, consistent surpluses, substantial cash reserves, and very low debt and fixed costs as indicators of financial stability.
Pound Ridge today is financially strong, well-managed, and moving forward responsibly. I stand by our record and our transparent commitment to protecting both the town’s fiscal health and its residents’ quality of life.
Kevin Hansan Pound Ridge Town Supervisor
Pound Ridge writer questions Dems’ mailer
To the Editor:
In a mailer that I received, Mr. Hansan’s administration wrote that it had “secured Pound Ridge’s right to Stamford’s clean water.” The statement is flat false. On July 23, 2025, I sent a Freedom of Information Law request to the town clerk for “all communications between any official of the town of Pound Ridge with Aquarion Water Company ...” The town responded with two 1973 agreements with Aquarion’s predecessor, the Stamford Water Company. One paragraph of one of the two agreements allows the town to draw water “from the completed Project.” The project related to the construction of a reservoir in the vicinity of the then-Siscowit Reservoir. Whether that 1973 agreement would be applicable to the water now sought from the Aquarion system is unclear. But one thing is clear. The Hansan administration had nothing to do with the 1973 agreement.
The mailer is grossly misleading in another way. Of course, clean water is a matter of public health but there are multiple ways of attaining that objective that do not involve the environmental risks that the Hansan administration’s water project entails. My July 25, 2025, letter to The Recorder warned of those environmental risks. After heavy rains the elevation of the water in the aquifer under Scotts Corners will rise. The town’s consultant collected no data as to the elevation of the water in the aquifer, nor did it collect data on the elevations of the septic systems under Scotts Corners. No analysis was done on the environmental risks this entailed.
I wrote, “it was reckless for the board to proceed with a plan to pipe in more water and shut down the extraction wells currently in use in Scotts Corners.”
There was no response from the Hansan administration. It’s time for a change.
Norman Bernstein Pound Ridge
Writer defends Rendo’s record in Lewisboro
To the Editor:
I am writing in response to a recent letter regarding councilwoman Andrea Rendo of Lewisboro and the false claims that a resident wrote of (“Lewisboro writer supports Gonçalves, Shah and Hadlock,” Oct. 3).
I have attended every Town Board meeting for over five years. I have seen that resident at a few only. During budget meetings Councilwoman Rendo, along with her fellow board members, questioned each, and every person that our town gives money to and the library was no exception. At no time did she speak of defunding the library. In fact, quite the opposite. That writer is part of a group that continuously spreads this falsehood. The library is much needed, loved, and a cornerstone of our town, but at no time, ever, should they be free from transparency. No one else is. Ms. Rendo takes her fiduciary duty to our residents seriously and it is appreciated by all, fair minded people of Lewisboro.
The second falsehood was that she is against Pride; baseless, inflammatory and untrue. Her position has always been that if the town gives to one group, they have to give to all and she wanted to have guidelines, so everyone could apply. In fact, her position of equality for all was demonstrated when as a proud Italian American, she also voted against funding our Italian American group, who came with the same request. She donates privately to each group and has maintained that position, along with a separate board member.
It’s sad when you have nothing negative to say about a strong and transparent candidate, that you must resort to made up falsehoods.
Councilwoman Andrea Rendo, from the beginning, was and remains a breath of fresh air on the Lewisboro Town Board and that is who I am voting for.
Simone O’Connor Lewisboro
Support for Rendo and Giardina in Lewisboro
To the Editor:
In a culture dominated by click-bait headlines, it is inevitable that we are conditioned to look for easily accessible candidate information. Most settle for voting along party lines in local elections, yet this would be misguided.
The Town Board candidates who would do most to encourage economic growth and bring a measure of transparency to the board are Andrea Redo and Adam Giardina. However, they have a seemingly insurmountable obstacle — running as Conservative and Republican candidates in a Democratic town.
Examining each candidate through the lens of their individual achievements allows us to transcend the trend of snap judgements to identify which individuals will best serve Lewisboro.
Serving on the town board Andrea consistently addressed local concerns with graciousness, honesty and decisiveness.
Even when respectfully voicing disagreement with her constituents she advised them how to achieve their goals and encouraged continued communication. Adam is not known for his political impact simply because he had not been acting for political gain in the years he spent quietly investing time, energy and funding into Lewisboro. His commitment to Lewisboro’s youth ranged beyond coaching and sponsorship as he worked to build programs allowing children in greatest financial need to benefit from the best resources Lewisboro has to offer. As respected professionals with decades of experience in law and business, Adam and Andrea have built livelihoods on personal accountability, an attribute which the Town Board is sorely in need of.
Given the onslaught of distractions in our digital world, it’s unsurprising that we are losing our ability and willingness to engage in critical thinking. This election cycle is an opportunity to defy trends and invest in patient evaluation of individual merit.
Doing so will find Andrea Rendo and Adam Giardina earning your vote for Lewisboro town council.
Samantha Zaffiro South Salem
Calling police on leaf blower violations usually ‘a last resort’
To the Editor:
Reporting leaf blower violations is, by and large, a last resort. Despite the town’s sustained efforts over the past eight years to educate and inform, many continue to ignore the ordinance — choosing convenience over compliance with a law designed to protect public health, reduce excessive noise, and safeguard the environment. After repeated requests to neighbors and landscapers to shut off gas blowers are disregarded, some residents reluctantly resort to calling it in. Many more remain silent. It’s incumbent upon all of us to respect the ordinance and avoid putting our frustrated neighbors in the uncomfortable position of having to complain — whether to each other or to the town.
Helene Kopal Katonah
Dearest Marian Rose, happy 105th birthday!
To the Editor:
I was glad to go to the demonstration on Saturday, Oct. 11 in Mount Kisco, and share with friends the fact that it would have been Marian Rose’s 105th birthday. We felt warmed in the drizzle with memories of our dear friend.
That night I watched “Ghost” on TV, and thought at the end of the movie, when “Sam,” the heroic, loving ghost, is bathed in golden light — that if there’s any weight to the premise that souls gravitate to an afterlife, commensurate with the quality of light in their souls, then surely Marian’s soul is being bathed in golden light!
She often said the best decision she ever made was her choice of parents, Dannie and Hettie Heineman — and I can see how that’s true. Her father became an extremely successful industrialist, thanks to a full scholarship he had received from an American to study electrical engineering in Brussels. Subsequently he established a foundation to pay forward his good fortune, and in turn Marian did the same. Paying good fortune forward is the cornerstone of her family’s values — along with standing up for what’s right socially, politically and environmentally, and always with an indomitable spirit.
Years ago, I wanted to introduce her to Smiling Eyes Yoga, but she’d have no part of it. As a youth she had contemplated whether to pursue competitive skiing as a career, or physics, and decided physics offered more long-term financial security. She considered herself strong. Indeed, Marian inherently had the optimism and sense of wonder that’s the key to Smiling Eyes power. An hour before her stroke she had remarked that she had never seen a more beautiful day.
Back in the ‘80s I felt honored to call her my friend. As time went on, I knew I had been blessed to have had her in my life!
Janeen Sudaka-Karlsson Bedford Hills
