Meet the Next Mayor of Scarsdale
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Former Village Trustee Jon Mark has been nominated to serve as Mayor of Scarsdale by the Scarsdale Citizen's Nominating Committee. As of today, he is running unopposed. So assuming all goes as planned, Mark will be elected Mayor of Scarsdale in the village-wide election which will be held on March 18th. We asked Mark a few questions so that you could learn more about him.
How many years have you lived here and what are some of your most vivid memories about growing up in Scarsdale? How has the Village changed since then?
I have lived in Scarsdale for a total of approximately 40 years. My parents moved here in 1951 a few months before my fourth birthday. Scarsdale was my home until 1968 when my mom moved to Riverdale after marrying Fred Friendly following the death of my father Sandor Mark in 1967. After a period away for college, law school and work, my wife, BK Munguía, and I returned to Scarsdale in 1992 and have been here ever since.
Most of the physical changes in the Village from the 1950s to now are the number of homes in the Village. For example, I grew up on Haverford Avenue a few houses in from Weaver Street. The lot on the corner of Weaver was an empty field. Across the street from us we looked out on approximately 28 mostly empty acres where Louis Marx, the founder of the Marx toy company, lived with his family. My brother and I would watch Louis jog for hours -- rain or shine -- up and down his long driveway that extended from his house at the top of the rise on Haverford to Weaver Street. He kept a horse on his property that we would feed carrots to through his pasture fence.
In terms of the schools, I went to Quaker Ridge through 8th grade--it was Union Free School District No. 2 -- the rest of the schools in Scarsdale being Union Free School District No. 1. As a result, those of us who went to Quaker Ridge did not get to meet the kids in the other schools in Scarsdale until High School which required us to learn a lot of new faces.
Why did you decide to return to Scarsdale to raise your own children?
We returned here for some of the same reasons my parents moved here -- and people move here today. Principally for the schools and also to live in beautiful surroundings with an easily enjoyed outdoors.
What do you like about living in Scarsdale?
BK and I have made many good friends here that we enjoy...and it's still a physically beautiful place to live.
What did you enjoy most about serving as Village Trustee?
The opportunity to give back to the place that served me so well growing up and in my adult years.
What were some of the key resolutions you worked on as Village Trustee?
The negotiations for the sale of parcels of Village land for the 2-4 Weaver Street project was the most challenging and time consuming matter I had the lead on as Chair of the Land Use Committee. We had at least eight Committee meetings on this matter, and several Board meetings on it as well, over a two-year period. This matter had a bit of history to it and was a focus of a predecessor Board. At the time I left the Board in March 2014, the Board had adopted a form of Non-Binding Term Sheet that set out the conditions of sale whenever it might occur. This was arrived at through a process that took into account Village objectives that would not have otherwise been achievable (preservation of the facade of the Tavern building for 25 years, no commercial use of the ground floor space, one less curb cut set further back from the five corners intersection and an affordable housing unit, among other things). I believe the process was one that allowed all who wished to have input to express their views and have them considered and provided an explanation of why the Board was proceeding as it did.
There were a number of other matters, but that one stands out for me.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing local government?
Budget issues and the Governor's desire to force municipalities to consolidate through the so-called 2% cap on real property taxes is the biggest challenge our local government faces. I use the term "so-called cap" because it is not a cap at all. Even if a municipal budget complies with the "cap", the compliance calculation excludes state-mandated payments (pension and benefits) so increases in those costs which are controlled in Albany will produce property tax increases even if Village costs are contained. Albany's goal is to shrink and in some cases eliminate local governments – a goal that may be warranted in some cases, but one size does not necessarily fit all, or more to the point fit Scarsdale. However, even without this pressure, each budget year calls for a review of what municipal services are required and/or desired by residents and what we are all willing to pay for them. We are slowly coming out of the economically challenging period that started with the credit crunch of 2007-2008, but if the economic tide is rising, it is not clear it is rising for all -- or at the same rate for all. For retirees living on fixed incomes the economic environment is also a challenge. Further, with a tax base that is by and large residential, substantially all the cost of financing the Village falls on residents and not commercial establishments. Containing the costs municipal government can control while maintaining the quality of life that we want as residents of Scarsdale is what I perceive as the biggest challenge for Scarsdale's local government.
Any thoughts on how to address them?
The Village staff and Board go through a rigorous budget process and examine the trade-offs involved in each budget line item. Often that means deferring capital projects in favor of budgeting for operating needs. That in turn may mean that infra-structure maintenance falls below desired levels until appropriate funding can be allocated for it.
In terms of the state-mandated payments referenced above, that is an issue that can only be addressed in Albany.
It is often difficult to get people to volunteer to service on Village boards and councils and participate in the non –partisan system. How can we get more people involved?
That's a good question and I wish I had an answer. Young families who move here are of course fully occupied by raising their children and pursuing their careers. They have little time for extra-curricular activities of the sort municipal government involves. However, I believe that Scarsdale is attractive as a community in large part due to the involvement of residents in the Village affairs. Hopefully as they adjust to life here and when time permits, the younger generation will come to see that they can have a voice in Village affairs and will seek to volunteer. Some already do, but when more do, that should be a positive development. That is not to say that attracting volunteers is only an issue among the younger set. It is something more residents should consider doing, regardless of how long or short a time they have lived here.
What's your view on Scarsdale's unique form of governance – the non-partisan system?
I have addressed this topic publicly a number of times, most recently at the last Village Board meeting I attended as a Trustee on March 25, 2014. Here is what I said:
"I would like to take this brief time to address a broader subject in light of my experience over the past four years and express my thoughts on our non-partisan system embodied in part by this Board.
Since the early 1900s Scarsdale residents have run municipal government on a non-partisan basis. While dissatisfaction with that approach is expressed from time to time, the overwhelming evidence is that our Village is very well run as reflected by the continuing desire of almost half our residents to remain here long after their children have completed school, and by the arrival of new residents. The very able Village staff keeps things running day-to-day and I see no basis for concluding that a partisan system of electing officials overseeing Village staff work would improve how the Village staff carries out their day-to-day duties.
What the Mayor and the Village Board do in general terms is to oversee the staff; establish spending priorities through the budget process; appoint residents who volunteer to the various Village Boards and Councils; and focus on areas of resident concerns and consider how improvements might be made. What the non-partisan system supports is the very strong Board principle that when acting, Board members must consider the interests of all residents when deciding on a course of action.
The ability of the Board to approach issues without the pressures of partisanship gives it the freedom to balance competing concerns in exercising its judgment on the matters before it. It does not mean that the Board is always right. It does not mean that every resident is happy with every Board decision—we receive regular reminders from residents that some are not happy with Village operations or decision-making. However, it does mean that every resident who wishes to voice an opinion to the Board is heard and his or her comments are weighed in the balance. That openness of approach – the willingness to hear all sides of an issue -- is not something that I am convinced a partisan system would produce, much less improve.
Another benefit of our system is that there are no barriers to entry. Almost any resident can participate by simply investing the time and effort to do so. Many take advantage of the opportunity and more should. Board members are your neighbors and the issues that the Board addresses are issues for all of us in the Village. The community interests Board members share with all residents is one of the strengths of our system."
As Mayor – what do you look forward to addressing – what issues do you expect to address during your term?
I expect that the Board that takes office in April 2015 will continue to address issues that have faced Boards over the past several years: budget, land use, development, historic preservation and sustainability will all continue to be among the issues on the Board's docket. The Board will address specific issues in these and other areas as a body as they are presented. I also look forward to making greater use of the newly reinvigorated Scarsdale Public Television in an effort to continue the work of Mayor Bob Steves and the Board to enhance transparency of Village operations and have spoken to members of the Cable TV Commission on this topic.
Many people seem to leave the Village after their children graduate from high school. Do you think Scarsdale is hospitable to empty nesters and seniors? What works and what could be improved?
It is true, many leave, but many stay. I believe approximately half of our residents are empty nesters. There are a number of programs that focus on senior citizens in Scarsdale that seem to work for those who participate in them: Senior Adult Programs operated by the Village Parks and Recreation Department and the liaison work done by the Advisory Council on Scarsdale Senior Citizens are among those programs and organizations. While the good work that these programs do could be expanded, finding additional Village funds for such programs becomes a budget issue and involves the sort of decision-making referred to earlier. Those who leave the Village do so for a variety of reasons and I understand from speaking to some friends who have left, that the high property tax cost of living here is often a principal reason for their departure as opposed to the lack of senior oriented programing (there clearly are other reasons too ranging from desires to be near adult children and their families, a move to a sun belt region and the like). A large part of that cost, however is attributable to the school budget which is approximately three times the size of the municipal budget. Since empty nesters are by definition not using that asset of Scarsdale, many logically feel they no longer want to bear that cost, which is certainly a reasonable position to take. However, as noted in answer to some of the first questions above, since the schools tend to motivate people to move to Scarsdale, modifications in the structural model that finances the school budget and municipal budget would involve a community-wide discussion that goes far beyond the scope of what the Mayor and Village Board are generally asked to do.
Chinese New Year Celebrations Here and Beyond
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You Say Sheep, I Say Goat: In between snowstorms, Greenacres School held its ninth annual Lunar New Year Celebration, which includes the traditions of China, Korea and other Asian countries that follow the lunar calendar. On Tuesday 2/10, Ms. Cooper's fourth grade class led the lion parade throughout the school—with its own Southern Chinese lion head and accompaniment of Chinese drums, gongs and cymbals.
Each year, many Greenacres parents collaborate to purchase New Year decorations to embellish the lunchroom, entrances and bulletin boards in the school; to make cultural presentations in their children's classrooms and to organize a Chinese New Year lion parade. Red envelopes, clementines and other goodies that symbolize prosperity for the coming year are distributed to the children.
Preparations for the Lunar New Year are underway all over the world. According to the lunar calendar,
the first day of the New Year is Thursday, 2/19/15. This begins the Year of the Goat (or Sheep). Lasting for 15 days until March 5th, the Lunar New Year is celebrated by more than 11 countries in Asia—from Beijing to Manila, from Bangkok to Sydney. People born in a year of the goat are very serene and calm. Therefore they tend to have fewer health problems.
You can celebrate here in town at the Chinese Lunar Year celebration at Scarsdale Public Library on Saturday, February 28, between 2 and 5 p.m. Families can enjoy performances, arts/crafts, games and food. The program will feature traditional dancing by adult and youth groups, fashion shows for adults and children of traditional costumes, music and, of course, Chinese food. There will be crafts and games for children of various age groups, including coloring, games run by high school students taking Chinese language classes, goat crafts made from paper, and creating the traditional Chinese knots.
The event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Scarsdale Chinese Association.
An estimated 1.4 billion Chinese people worldwide, or 20% of its population, are preparing to celebrate. Marked by festivities ranging from firework festivals to underwater dragon dances, the New Year is rung in with a big bang!
Are you up for an adventure next weekend? Take in an authentic Chinese New Year lion parade. Lion and dragon parades will circle the streets of Chinatown on Sunday, February 22nd, starting at 1:00 PM. Here are links for the parade route and photos from last year's festivities:
Edgemont Mom Dies in Fiery Crash with Metro North Train
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The Scarsdale community was already deeply shaken by the crash of a rush hour Metro North train just a few miles north of here in Valhalla when we learned that the accident had taken one of our own. The NY Post reported Wednesday 2-4 that the woman who was driving the car that was caught on the track between the gates was Edgemont mother Ellen Brody. She was on her way home from her job at ICD Contemporary Jewelry in Chappaqua, driving the black Mercedes SUV that was hit by the train and exploded into flames. The explosion not only killed Brody inside the car but took the lives of five others who were burned in the first car of the train. Brody, age 49, was the mother of three daughters, the youngest a junior at Edgemont High School. The other two graduated from EHS in 2010 and 2014.
According to an account from a witness, published in the NY Post here's what happened:
"The gate came down on her ML350 and she got out to look. She then got back in the car and drove forward — even though the motorist behind her was yelling for her to stop, and was struck. She looked a little confused, got back in the car and pulled forward on the tracks."
The Jewish Daily Forward said that Brody's family was active in Chabad of the Rivertowns. Brody worked at the jewelry store for 15 years and her employer, Varda Singer called her "a real tzaddik," (a virtuous person.) Her husband Alan immigrated here from South Africa.
The Post is also reporting the identities of two of the other crash victims. Walter Liedtke, the curator for European paintings at the Metropolitan Musem of Art died as well as Eric Vandercar who worked for Meisrow Financial in Manhattan.
In Scarsdale, it's hard to believe that commuters like us on their way home from work on one of the most trusted railroads in the country died in this senseless tragedy. Many of us ride the trains daily – and consider it the safest and most convenient way to travel to the city. In the past two weeks, train service has been steady through the winter storms and most have all but forgotten the deadly accident that occurred at Spuyten Duyvil in December, 2013 killing four and injuring 70 when the train derailed.
The National Transportation Safety Board is on the scene to investigate the accident, which is being called the deadliest in Metro North's history. Governor Cuomo said, "this was as gruesome as I have seen," and County Executive Rob Astorino called it "horrific and unimaginable."
We asked MTA spokesperson Marjorie Anders for a comment and she said we "won't be saying much as the various investigations unfold."
Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: Perfectly Suited For the Many Moods of Love
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Valentine's Day is Saturday! If you haven't figured out yet what you'll do for your valentine, here are our suggestions – all locally available. Consider these and if you have more ideas to share, do so in the comments section below.
For Romance ...
Dance lessons
Learning to dance sparks romances, kindles connection and electrifies your relationship. When a couple moves together across a dance floor – practicing the subtle art of lead and follow – their senses are heightened through physical and emotional connection. "One of the best gifts a couple can give to each other is the gift of dance. It's not only fun and joyous; it's a magical opportunity to reconnect through touch on the dance floor," said Stanley McCalla, co-owner of Fred Astaire Dance Studio Mamaroneck. "Just imagine doing a tango, cheek to cheek, chest to chest, with the lady's feet caressing the floor and brushing against her partner's legs. Salsa is another popular dance that we teach. Its rhythmic beat is like a heartbeat – hot, sultry and exciting. The waltz, too, is a romantic dance and a classic choice for couples asking us to choreograph their first wedding dance. With the waltz, you feel the rise and fall of the music and the graceful sway of two bodies linked together in motion. Dance is the embodiment of love and passion." Packages of weekly dance lessons make a fantastic ongoing gift because they set aside time for togetherness, and they can be a prelude to a great date. Lessons also build confidence, fortify communication and invigorate a couple's social life. For Valentine's Day, Fred Astaire Dance Studio Mamaroneck is promoting an introductory special of two 30-minute lessons for $60, which can be used for either a couple or a single person.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio Mamaroneck, 451 E Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, 914.381.2562
For Classic Elegance ...
Flowers
You can never go wrong with flowers. They are as classic as love itself. "Red roses are the eternal symbol of romantic love," said German Chino, owner of The Scarsdale Village Flower Shop. "Most people choose the traditional bouquet of a dozen roses; however, even just one gorgeous red rose, beautifully presented and tied with a nice ribbon and bow, can have dramatic impact." Since flowers are so versatile, they suit couples at any stage of a relationship – especially when a nicely written card expresses sincere sentiment. In addition to red, Chino is offering roses in unusual colors, including a gorgeous bi-color blend whose petals bleed from bright raspberry to saturated pink. Other fresh and unique options include mixtures of orchids and roses or bouquets of gingers, orchids, birds of paradise and textural greenery. "It's always best to order flowers and arrange deliveries in advance, but we will be open on Valentine's Day, with beautiful flowers in stock for our last-minute customers. We understand how busy everyone is, but most of all, we understand how important it is to get the perfect gift," Chino said.
The Scarsdale Village Flower Shop, 7 Harwood Court, Scarsdale, 914.723.0852
For Indulgence ...
Chocolate
Chocolate is the taste of Valentine's Day. Foil-wrapped truffles and heart-shaped boxes of candy are tempting choices. However, to distinguish your gift from the plentitude of drugstore iterations, select luxury confections that flirt with the senses. The penultimate gift of chocolate should be gorgeous in its presentation and packaging. Its flavors should be rich and nuanced – complex rather than sweet. Chocolate is a pleasure food. Each morsel is intended to be savored slowly, as it melts in the mouth. Additions of nuts, sea salt, caramel, dried fruit, liqueur and warm exotic spices can add surprising variety and stimulate the palate. Since ancient times, when Mayans exchanged cacao beans for sexual pleasure, chocolate has acquired a reputation as an aphrodisiac. It contains serotonin which is thought to increase arousal; and chocolate's silky texture on the tongue is a sensual experience itself. Bill Vogel, co-owner of Imagine Candy, said some of this year's most popular confections include rich Belgian truffles and solids in a heart-shaped box, salted caramels, mendiants (thin dark chocolate squares with pistachios and cranberries), boxed Chapel Hill dark chocolate and pecan toffee (all natural and gluten-free), Valentine's Day heart pops, buttery Scottish shortbread and an edible chocolate box filled with foil wrapped chocolate hearts. "People associate Valentine's Day with love and beautiful chocolates," Vogel said. "We have lots of artisan, organic, nut-free and gluten-free dark and milk chocolates – and they're all delicious. We give our customers lots of variety and choice so they always find exactly what they're looking for. When you buy good chocolate, you want to enjoy it by eating it and sharing it. That's what it's all about."
Imagine Candy, 22 Harwood Court, 914.723.7887
For Commitment ...
Jewelry
When affection isn't a fleeting affair ... when love has only deepened with time ... when you can't imagine your life with anyone else ... when words are not enough, express your feelings with jewelry. The timeless permanence of gold, silver and gemstones makes each jewelry piece into a lasting statement of adoration and commitment. The ritual intimacy of wearing jewelry close to the body is like a lover's totem; it reinforces the intimate bond of the relationship. For a wife of 25 years, Jonathan Landsberg, of Landsberg Jewelers, suggests an 18k yellow gold Primavera bangle with diamonds by Roberto Coin (Roberto Coin is available at Landsberg Jewelers' Ritz Carlton/White Plains location). For newlyweds, diamond studs make a spectacular and exuberant gift. For a husband or boyfriend, Landsberg recommends a Phillip Stein watch. For a girlfriend, a Hipchik necklace is an excellent choice – and totally on trend now. "When purchasing a Valentine's Day gift, you want that special someone to really enjoy receiving the gift and wearing the gift. That's why selecting a meaningful piece of jewelry is very important. This year, we're loving everything by Roberto Coin. His pieces are classic, sumptuous and understated all at once. They can also be worn in an extremely personalized way. Fashioned out of white gold, yellow gold and rose gold, Roberto Coin's pieces are meant to be mixed, matched and layered within the collection.
Landsberg Jewelers at The Ritz-Carlton Westchester, 3 Renaissance Square, White Plains, 914.761.1122
For Sentimentality ....
Custom Photography Blocks
Start a tradition with personal, heartfelt gifts that celebrate your life together. Mutually chosen artwork or decorative objects are wonderful gifts for a couple to give themselves. The process of mutually shopping for the joint gift is like a fun date. Inside the home, the object will always be a tangible embodiment of the couple's love. Karen Tolchin, co-owner of Current Home, recommends Custom Photography Blocks. "More prominent than a regular picture frame, these archival quality, modern lacquer blocks are the perfect way to showcase or highlight a special photograph in your home," she said. "We are excited about the Photography Blocks because they can inspire traditions based on images of special events experienced together during the year, such as a memorable vacation, a bat mitzvah or a birthday!" The Photography Blocks are carefully edited; they take approximately five weeks to make, and they come in two sizes suitable for placement on a credenza or a tabletop. They start at $300. "We love these custom photography blocks, they make a unique Valentine's Day gift because they are personal gifts that celebrate family, love and the life you have built together," Tolchin said.
Current Home, 8 Palmer Avenue, Scarsdale, 914.723.2462
For Pampering ...
Spa experiences
Spoil your beloved with the luxurious gift of a massage, facial, body scrub, manicure, pedicure or other spa treatment. These services are a wonderful physical indulgence and an ideal psychological escape from the stress of everyday life. For Valentine's Day, Devra Bader Skin Care and Beauty Spa is highlighting treatments that incorporate chocolate – such as a 60-minute chocolate cake body scrub, in which chocolate oils are blended with salts for an incredible massage and exfoliation. For a shared relaxation experience, Tranquility Spa is offers a couple's massage, in which soothing Swedish massage techniques will work to pamper the body, relieve stress and improve sleep.
Devra Bader Skin Care and Beauty Spa, 38 Garth Road, Scarsdale, 914.725.1158
Tranquility Spa, 917 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale, 914.713.0066
For appetite ...
Cooking classes
Candlelight, wine and a romantic playlist add essential spice to dinner a deux. Why not intensify the pleasure by inviting your significant other into the kitchen? Taking a cooking class together is a wonderful way to bond, as you discover something new and collaborate on the delicious. Even long married couples that make time to share the kitchen benefit from working together toward a common objective, sharing tasks and learning to 
appreciate each other's skills. Cooking offers great practice in the collaborative skills of being a couple, and it's a wonderful time to slow down for conversation and connection. Whether you're tempted by sweet or spicy, the Scarsdale Adult School offers a variety of themed classes taught by fun and dynamic teachers – and the best part is, each class is a wonderful prelude to dessert. ... And don't forget; the complement to any meal is a celebratory libation. Zachys Wine and Liquor recommends Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, which they say is "perfect to share with the one you love." In honor of Valentine's Day, Zachys is hosting a complimentary, in-store tasting of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne from 12-4 pm, Feb. 14. Wine expert and special guest Charlotte Raux will be available to answer questions and advise on last-minute gifts.
Scarsdale Adult School.org
Zachys Wine and Liquor, 16 East Parkway, Scarsdale, 914.874.8000
For Creativity
Handmade gifts, gifts of time
To really personalize Valentine's Day for your beloved, make it personal. This is the time to polish your poetic voice and your crafting talents. This is a moment to give generously of your skills and your time. Your sweet creativity will be rewarded by the impact of a handmade card, a handwritten verse, a chain of cut paper hearts, a love note taped to the mirror, breakfast in bed, rose petals in the bath, or homemade brownies cut into the shape of hearts. The significance of a creative gift is expressed through its heartfelt expression of affection and its personal, one-of-a-kind aspects. However, similar impact can also be achieved through special store-bought goods. Declare your love through a book of romantic poetry (try Pablo Neruda), a playlist of bedroom songs or a favorite photo of the two of you in a silver frame. Build anticipation for a future date night by buying tickets to a show, a sporting event, a concert – or, best of all, a romantic weekend getaway where you can spend lots of time together in bed.
Local Teens and Tweens Perform in 13 The Musical
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Featured in the show, across 4 separate casts, are 16 Scarsdale residents. In Cast A: Chloe Faegenburg (Emily/Geek 1), Alexandra Goldman (Lexi/Geek 6), Julia White (Patrice), Craig Carroll (Simon), Julia Kawai (Student 11), Annie Radin (Student 2), Carolyn Breakstone (Student 7), and Sophia Roth (Whitney/Geek 1). In Cast B: Isabelle Adler (Lexi/Geek 6), and Anna Giddens ((Student 3). In Cast C: Julia Lipsztein (Hannah/Geek 5), and Charlotte Braun (Student 11). In Cast D: Emma Kops (Kendra), Molly Bochner (Student 5), Laura Paternoster (Student 6), and Liana Givner (Student 8). 
