Letters to the Editor Sept. 26

Keep Pound Ridge's momentum going

To the Editor: 

Blown away! My folks moved up here about 30 years ago and since then I’ve lived here off-again on-again, but always loved it here in Pound Ridge. We spent the last five years living on the West Coast in the Bay Area and 10 years in midtown Manhattan before that. I just moved back here weeks ago with my wife and two young daughters who are 4 and 5. Best decision we ever made. We were immediately welcomed by the community with open arms. From Food Truck Fridays to the street fair, to the music with the children at the library and in the town park it’s been a dream for us and the children.

This town is light years from where it started when we first came many years ago and we are so pleased with the changes. Truly a credit to Town Supervisor Kevin Hansan and the current leadership. Let’s keep the momentum. Let’s keep moving forward together. This town is truly taking off and we are so happy to be a part of it. Please don’t forget to vote. Let’s keep Pound Ridge the best town in New York.

Douglas Ray Pound Ridge

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Reappoint Briganti as Pound Ridge assessor

To the Editor: 

We acknowledge Supervisor Kevin Hansan’s right to appoint whomever he chooses for the assessor position. However, converting this role to part time, especially with remote work, would jeopardize Pound Ridge’s 2,000 parcels. Part-time assessors, particularly those working remotely, face challenges with timely updates, accurate valuations and local oversight, leading to assessment disparities and resident dissatisfaction. This is evident in small towns with similar parcel sizes, where part-time remote work has resulted in delayed rolls and increased appeals due to lack of on-site engagement and real-time data access resulting in a loss of tax revenue. The position demands full-time, in-person presence to ensure equitable taxation and compliance with state real property services requirements.

While the supervisor’s discretion is understood, he was elected to reflect the will of the people. Over 249 residents have signed a petition supporting Diane Briganti’s reappointment in a short period, surpassing the 222 total votes from the Dec. 12, 2022, firehouse referendum (178 in favor, 44 against) and matching the 249 favorable votes from the April 2025 referendum. This robust support, backed by her 11-plus years of unmatched dedication, deep town knowledge, and the July 15 unanimous endorsement from the Board of Assessment Review, outshines any candidate.

The entire Town Board, alongside the supervisor, must honor this clear resident mandate. In no uncertain terms, we request that Diane Briganti be reappointed for another six years to ensure fair, full-time, in-person assessment services, reflecting the community’s trust and will.

Nicholas Cianciola Sr. Pound Ridge