Letters to the editor — Sept. 11, 2026

Candidate seeks to start community conversations

To the Editor:

This year, the race for Bedford town supervisor will be on the far right side of a very long ballot, competing for attention with congressional and statewide races in which millions of dollars will be spent.

My campaign will spend less than $50.

But the decisions we make here in Bedford matter every bit as much as those made in Washington or Albany. Maybe more.

That’s why I’d like to invite Supervisor Ellen Calves to join me for three public conversations before Election Day, one each in Bedford Hills, Bedford Village and Katonah. Each hamlet has its own set of challenges and issues. Each conversation should focus on the hamlet hosting it, with residents helping to determine the questions.

I’d rather have conversations about the things residents actually care about: roads, development, taxes, public safety, parks, local businesses, and whatever else people want to ask us about.

We’re working on possible locations, and I’d welcome the help of our local newspapers, civic groups, and other nonpartisan organizations in moderating, soliciting questions, and getting the word out. I invite Ellen to suggest changes that would make the format fair and useful.

With local elections now sharing the ballot with much bigger races, it’s going to be harder for Bedford issues to get attention.

So let’s make some room for them.

Three hamlets. Three conversations. Two candidates.

Let’s give Bedford residents a chance to hear from both of us and make up their own minds.

Don Scott

Candidate for Bedford town supervisor

Calves has a record of progress and achievement

To the Editor:

It’s never been more critical to ensure that we have outstanding local leaders on the front line fighting for things that matter to our lives — and that starts by reelecting Ellen Calves, Town of Bedford supervisor.

Ellen is dedicated, passionate and smart. She works tirelessly, is focused on all residents and importantly, is a master of GST — getting stuff done.

After 4½ years in office, her record speaks for itself. With an emphasis on vitality, Ellen has managed the challenges of three unique hamlets, making sure that each thrives while keeping a watchful eye on fiscal responsibility.

Under her leadership, Ellen balances the need for housing and development while holding true to our community’s values and character. From infrastructure improvements to quality of life measures, Ellen consistently delivers.

Tip O’Neill is credited with having coined the phrase “all politics is local …” I would argue that should be true at all levels of government but in reality, we feel less seen and heard as the distance between our lives and politicians increases geographically — especially these days, when “working for the people” seems to take a back seat in Washington.

Ellen sees us, she hears us. She is everywhere in the community — from Food Truck Fridays to the launching of our new community center to visiting seniors, she is the best version of showing up for the people.

I urge you to reelect Ellen Calves as Bedford’s town supervisor so she can continue the great progress that has been achieved under her leadership.

Lisa Schwartz 

Bedford Hills

Response to parking plea appreciated

To the Editor:

Credit where credit is due. For Pound Ridge’s 2024 Labor Day Artisan’s Market, we parked in designated handicapped spaces adjacent to the fire house. 

Last year, when that parking area had been blocked due to construction of the expanded fire house, we looked for easily accessible, handicapped-designated spaces, but were turned away and redirected to Pound Ridge’s Town Park. The Town Park did not then have any parking spaces available, never mind designated spaces with easy access to the shuttle bus. 

Waiting in line and touring the market, I found a remarkable number of people struggling due to a variety of disabilities. I wrote to the Town Board, the chief of police, and the head of the Pound Ridge Business Association that sponsors the event. 

Very soon after, I received apologetic messages from the chief of police and a member of the Town Board.

For this year’s market, to my delight, a number of spaces in the behind-the-shops parking lot were reserved for cars with handicapped placards and the police officer directing traffic knew how to direct us. 

Quite the change from 2025. (There’s also now a designated spot at the front of the Town Park lot.).

This year, we were again able to easily enjoy the market, spend, and visit with friends. Attention to accessibility is not only a matter of law (the Americans with Disabilities Act is 36 years old), it benefits all those who need it now and those who may need it later.

Thank you! 

Michele Braun 

Pound Ridge