Letters to the Editor September 5

McCown responds to Briggs’ letter

To the Editor:

Our national politics are dangerously marked by intentional diversion. To distract voters from seeking the truth about serious matters, some politicians play a game of “look at this, not that.” It’s tiresome and it’s dangerous. Unfortunately, the leadership in Pound Ridge seems to be emulating this behavior.

The recent letter to the editor from Town Board Member Diane Briggs (“Town Board Member: Conversations should be grounded in facts,” Aug. 22), seriously mischaracterized a lawsuit in which she was the defendant. The intent of the suit was to right a wrong, to strike out against lies and libel and the lack of civility in public discourse. The court viewed me as a “public person” and the case was dismissed on that legal technicality. But it did not find Ms. Briggs innocent of her false and inaccurate statement in a social media post. Her letter was a feeble attempt to distract voters’ attention from criticisms raised by many voters about distrust of the board. Where are the factual and fulsome responses to these criticisms?    

Pound Ridge residents deserve better from their town representatives.  Serious issues are at stake. State comptroller’s audit shows $1.1 million spent without bidding or review. Multiyear delays with financial statements. Independent auditors point to significant control deficiencies, including tracking capital projects, co-mingling funds and inadequate separation of duties. Closed door meetings where decisions are taken without transparency. Confusion about plans to change the character of the town. Control of communication that ensures only viewpoints of the entrenched are shared.    

We may have to suffer the politics of distraction from some, but we must not allow it in Pound Ridge. We need leadership who have nothing to hide from public inquiry and discourse. Clearly, we need a change. 

John D. McCown Candidate for Pound Ridge supervisor

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Mismanagement of town's finances costing taxpayers

To the Editor:

As a financial expert with over 40 years of experience, I am deeply concerned. For eight straight years, the Town Board filed audited financial statements late — some 24 to 27 months overdue. Improvements only came after John McCown, the Pound Ridge Party candidate for supervisor, pressed for accountability before his 2023 run. Without his persistence, the accelerated filings would likely not have happened. Even now, 2024 is still overdue.

The town supervisor is the chief fiscal officer, yet Kevin Hansan has taken no responsibility and minimizes any significances in the audit findings. He and his running mates, Diane Briggs and Dan Paschkes, ignore oversight, conceal issues, and mismanage finances. If not for this election, they likely wouldn’t be addressing these failures — or the Office of the State Controller audit revealing over $1M in unsupported spending, equal to 15% of the town’s annual budget. The OSC warned this “may have resulted in higher operational costs passed onto taxpayers” and noted “these audit results cannot be used to conclude there is no fraud, theft or professional misconduct in the Town’s operations.”

Shockingly, this board recently removed the auditor’s management letters with recommendations for stronger controls from the town website.

Unlike our neighbors Bedford (AAA rating) and Lewisboro (AA+), Pound Ridge has no posted bond rating, raising borrowing costs. Instead of securing long-term municipal bonds, the board relies on short-term Bond Anticipation Notes (BAN) with higher rates and reinvestment risks. Years of late filings made the town ineligible for traditional municipal bonds to fund projects like TEP, road repairs, and the purchase of 7 Old Pound Road — relegated to using BANs as a long-term funding solution additionally costing taxpayers about $250,000 over the past four years. Hansan, Briggs, and Paschkes have not earned your trust. Residents deserve transparency, accountability, and responsible financial leadership. Vote John McCown for supervisor, and Peter Avellino and Ron Asaro for Town Board, to safeguard our town’s future.

Peter Avellino Candidate for Town Board

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Nathan responds to letter regarding cannabis decision

To the Editor:

In the last issue of The Recorder (“‘Lucky to be guided’ by the current Pound Ridge Town Board,” Aug. 22), Robbie Everett brought up the Pound Ridge Town Board’s 2021 secret decision to allow a cannabis dispensary in town.  

He asked: “Where was [John Nathan] at the time?”  

Answer: In the dark, along with the other Pound Ridge residents.  

That’s why I sued the Town Board for violating New York’s Open Meetings Law. And why I am continuing to pursue the case.

John Nathan Pound Ridge

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Thankful for recent profile of centenarian Marian Rose

To the Editor:

Thank you for the beautifully written profile of centenarian Dr. Marian Rose, a leading physicist and local activist who passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 20, just several days after joining a weekly protest in Mount Kisco to “Save Our Democracy.” (“Centenarian was an activist to the end.”) 

As inspiringly revealed in your feature about this amazing Bedford resident, Dr. Rose overcame her challenges and remained determined to show up and have her voice heard in resistance to the repression she sees happening in our country today.

Marian began dissenting at age 18 by protesting fascism in the form of the dictator Franco when living with her American parents in Belgium. Later she and her family had to escape the Germans in May 1940, fleeing through Europe to eventually reach Portugal where they were finally able to depart for New York. Here she became one of the nation's top physicists, working on the Manhattan Project after earning her undergraduate degree from Barnard College, and going on to earn her graduate and doctoral degrees from Columbia and Harvard, respectively.

Quoting your wonderful article: “It’s part of my life,” Marian said. “I’ve protested against fascism all my life … although I’m very old, I still feel strong enough to fight.” 

Thank you for publishing Marian Rose’s incredibly inspiring story, and thank you Marian, for inspiring us all to keep up the good fight and to never cease resisting that which we see as wrong. 

Marianne Delaney Bedford

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Katonah writer says Marian Rose was an inspiration

To the Editor:

Bravo and sincere thanks for the article (“Centenarian was an activist to the end,” Aug. 22) remembering the extraordinary life of Marian Rose.

I was fortunate to meet and stand beside her at the Rallies for Democracy in Mount Kisco this past summer.

Her lifelong activism serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of commitment, courage and dedication.

My sincere condolences to her family. May her memory be a blessing.

Judith Mason Katonah