Election Results: Arest for Mayor, Ahuja, Brew and Gruenberg to Serve as Village Trustees
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A new generation of volunteers was elected to lead Scarsdale on Tuesday March 21, 2023, when Justin Arest, Sameer Ahuja, Karen Brew and Dara Gruenberg were voted on to the Village Board. Also elected for another term was Village Justice Cindy Dunne.
The candidates, all on the slate of the Scarsdale Citizens Non-Partisan Party, ran unopposed so the election was calm and routine.
Arest, who will be Scarsdale’s Mayor, already served two terms as a Village Trustee and is well known around Village Hall. Ahuja and Brew, who are completing their first terms as trustee were re-elected, and Gruenberg, who has served many leadership roles within the community was elected to serve her first term.
Several of the board members are parents of school age children, some who attended the celebration on election night. The Board is now multigenerational, multicultural and represents a new era for the Village.
The election was held at the Scarsdale Library and polls closed at 9 pm. The campaign committee, members of the Citizens Nominating Committee, trustees, friends and family members all gathered in the lobby to toast the candidates and everyone who participated in the process.
Justin Arest offered thanks and noted that the election was evidence that the non-partisan process, Scarsdale’s unique form of government, worked well. He spoke enthusiastically about the friends he has made through his work for the Village and acknowledged Mayor Jane Veron, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and the entire team that supports Village governance.
The new team will be sworn in at Village Hall on April 3, 2023.
Here is the vote tally, as counted and announced by Village Clerk Taylor Emmanuel:
Justin Arest: 381
Sameer Ahuja: 365
Karen Brew: 366
Dara Gruenberg: 372
Cindy Dunne: 368
Vote on Tuesday for the SCNPP Slate: Reader's Letters
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To the Editor:
I write in strong support of Justin Arest’s candidacy for Mayor of Scarsdale. In the course of my own community service, most recently as Village Trustee from 2017 to 2021, I have been privileged to work with Justin and to get to know him. Like all Scarsdale residents, I have benefited from the excellent work he has already done for the community, and it is important to me that he have the opportunity to continue his service and to do so at an even higher level.
Mayor of Scarsdale has always been a very demanding job, and we've been blessed to have outstanding people in that role. The job has grown even more challenging in recent years, so it's become increasingly important that we select our mayors carefully. To begin with, of course, we need someone who has the intelligence, work ethic, moral sense, organizational abilities, and interpersonal skills to serve the public effectively. But we also need a mayor who understands the range of issues we face, both in Scarsdale specifically and in our society as a whole, and the variety of possible approaches to those issues. Justin is up to the job.
The Village faces a number of ongoing challenges. The annual budgeting process requires balancing the provision of services and the maintenance and updating of infrastructure and amenities with the need to keep costs under control. Questions of land use, which entail ascertaining what our residents want and need and reconciling those wants and needs with the demands of our society as a whole (as embodied most clearly in a recent proposal by the governor that has the potential to effect fundamental changes in communities like ours), are growing increasingly complicated. The need to provide the human resources to facilitate the functioning of our village government (for example, by moving from an in-house village attorney to an outside firm to meet our legal needs, which was done when Justin and I served on the Village board) is crucial. The importance of effective communication with our residents (as to which great strides have been made in recent years, in significant part due to Justin’s efforts) is obvious. These are just some of the things our next mayor will have to deal with. In every one of these areas, Justin has made major contributions, but much remains to be done. Justin is both eager and exceedingly well qualified to continue to deal with the challenges. We should give him the opportunity to do so in a position that will afford him the maximum impact.
I look forward to voting for Justin and to having him as Scarsdale’s next mayor, and I believe that other residents who are aware of his extraordinary record of service to our community feel the same. I urge all of my fellow Scarsdale residents to join me in voting for him.
Very truly yours,
Seth Ross
Dear Editor,
We are writing this letter to express our full support for Dara Gruenberg’s candidacy to serve as a trustee for Scarsdale Village. We both have had the privilege of working with Dara for more than five years in her many volunteer roles. We each served as presidents of the Board of Trustees for the Scarsdale Public Library, between 2019 and 2021, a time that encompassed the fundraising for, and renovation of, the SPL--as well as the difficult period of the pandemic. Dara was President of the Friends of the Scarsdale Library during that time, and we collaborated frequently on issues related to running the Library during construction and while Covid presented special challenges. We always found Dara to be accessible, responsive, and committed. She was easy to work with, a great problem solver and a real doer; when Dara takes something on, she sees it through to completion. Dara is a truly inspiring leader who galvanized our community to embark on the successful campaign to renovate the Library, ensuring that this crucial institution remains a vibrant hub of Scarsdale Village life for generations to come. Dara had a vision of what our Library could offer, and she worked diligently with others to make it a reality.
While the Library has always been a passion of Dara’s, she is very committed to other organizations in Scarsdale and beyond its borders that benefit our community at large. Here too, we have each had the good fortune to work with Dara as an energizing and positive colleague. One such organization is White Plains Hospital where, among other things, she created and hosted a successful fundraising event featuring a professional panel that addressed women’s health issues; she is now organizing a follow-up panel where the latest medical information will be discussed, to be held on April 27th. Communicating effectively and respectfully with people in order to unify them behind a purpose is a strength of Dara's, so it makes perfect sense that she also created the Advisory Council on Communications, which provides a vital link between the Village and its residents. ACC members have also worked with Village staffers to improve Scarsdale's website, helped solicit input from residents about the future of the Scarsdale pool, and spread the word to encourage people to volunteer on local boards.
Dara is a tireless volunteer and true leader who works to improve the lives of people around her. Importantly, she is a team player, who will undoubtedly be an asset to the strong slate being put forward by Scarsdale's non-partisan system.
We wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy.
Very truly yours,
Margot Milberg
Axtell Drive
Elyse M. Klayman
Brewster Road
To the Editor:
Justin Arest earned my recommendation for Mayor by hard work, dedication, and thoughtful consideration of the many issues addressed 
by him in his service on the Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Trustees, among many other offices. As a colleague on the Board of Trustees working with Justin on various policy proposals, budgets, and legislations, I saw firsthand Justin’s open minded, analytical, and thorough approach. Justin consistently provided alternative perspectives in discussions which often resulted in improved policies, statutes, and decision making by the entire Board of Trustees. I can safely say that his leadership on various Committees of the Board of Trustees resulted in significant accomplishments throughout our service together in enacting legislations, adopting fiscally responsible but effective budgets, and in implementing effective policies.
I also worked across the table from Justin as a member of the Board of Education. This experience provided further evidence of Justin’s ability to navigate the complicated dynamics of working with different interests and constituencies. Justin’s dedication to completing the work of the Village in a timely and efficient manner were again on display in this context. He endeavored not only to assure that discussions were meaningful and thoughtful but effective in their implementation. Justin’s participation assured the completion of projects and successful application of all policies and procedures agreed upon under any circumstance.
As a leader Justin challenges those around him to be thorough, thoughtful, and methodical in a way that creates an environment of success. His skills at negotiating differing interests and perspectives have already been repeatedly proven. I am convinced that Justin not only will be a successful mayor, but will prepare the Village for many years of success beyond his terms. He has my wholehearted support and I hope the voters will join me in electing him as the next Mayor of Scarsdale.
Very truly yours,
Carl L. Finger
Butler Road
To the Editor:
It is my pleasure to write in support of the candidacy of Dara Gruenberg for a first term, and Sameer Ahuja for a second term, as Village Trustee.
There is a lot to be said about one’s energy and ability to motivate and influence others. I met Dara less than a year ago when, with the support and encouragement of Trustee Ahuja, the Advisory Council on Human Relations for which I am vice-chair, partnered with the Advisory Council on Communications, for which Dara is chair, on shared projects and goals. I was struck by her tact, ability to analyze a proposed initiative within seconds and determine which Village departments, personnel, and resident volunteers are best suited to get results – with the least red tape. Dara’s accomplishments within the Village of Scarsdale and Westchester at large are incredible. However, what stood out most to me is her selflessness. Whether it is being a patient advocate at White Plains Hospital, spearheading the realization of the Scarsdale Library’s long-term vision, or providing sound guidance to fellow dog owners, Dara’s genuine altruism is apparent. Dara’s focus on improving inclusion and equity within the Village is something she is passionate about. She understands and appreciates the fact that diversity of ideas brings about the best results – in government, business, and within a community.
Sameer’s love and passion for Scarsdale is rooted in his experiences as a youth. His perspective as a Scarsdale High School alum and as an immigrant, is invaluable. Not only for the fact that he is a successful businessperson who effectively applies his analytical and communications skill set to Village governance, but also because of his cultural background which has led to a broader perspective at the decision table. Sameer is an effective collaborator, a tested civil servant with a solid record of accomplishments in local government, and as Village Trustee, he has earned the respect of his neighbors and Village staff. Not only has Sameer been instrumental in leading Village technology into the 21st century, he has also worked tirelessly to usher in a new and more diverse generation of leaders in the Village workforce including a new Village Manager, new Village Clerk, and numerous others who are working collaboratively and effectively with the Village Board. As an added benefit, the diversity of Sameer’s past work and volunteer experiences across numerous sectors provides a unique perspective to the numerous initiatives that come before the Village Board.
Please join me in supporting Dara Gruenberg and Sameer Ahuja, and voting for the 2023 Scarsdale Citizens’ Non-Partisan Party ticket.
Cordially yours,
Aubrey C. Phillibert II
Colonial Road
To the Editor:
It was a Tuesday evening when my wife told me we were going to the Library to speak to someone about the proposed renovation project, to which I responded, “Why in the world would anybody want to put money into a library in this day and age?”. That’s when I first met Dara Gruenberg, and by the end of that initial meeting, I couldn’t wait to become part of the library project. And seeing the finished project, well, Dara was spot on: it has made the community better.
Having served as Chairman of White Plains Hospital for 7 years, I very early appreciated the importance of our Foundation, which was in need of an overhaul. Dara soon thereafter joined our Foundation and has injected the energy, vision, and achievement orientation that has made an important contribution to a remarkable transformation in the quality of our community’s healthcare. This includes initiating important programs during the early days of the Covid Pandemic, where she helped the community support the Hospital, directly impacting the Hospital’s protective equipment needs as well as funding requirements, and helped the Hospital address the needs of the community by sharing information that allowed people to make the best healthcare and lifestyle decisions for their situation. She now has the responsibility of Co-Chairing (with yours truly) the campaign in support of the most important construction project in the Hospital’s history.
Dara’s talents are many, but what is perhaps most important is her relentless zeal to make the community, our community, a better place. Given that, I cannot imagine a better candidate to serve on the Scarsdale Board of Trustees.
Larry Smith
To the Editor:
I am excited to write in support of the candidacy of Sameer Ahuja for Village Trustee for a second term. I’ve come to know Sameer through his role as liaison to the Technology Advisory Committee, which I chair. From the get go, Sameer has been an engaged and dedicated liaison, someone our council has come to view as part of the team.
Sameer supported and encouraged the TAC to seize the moment on at least two critical areas of technology for the Village. One was the transition to a managed service provider and the other was wireless service gaps. Building on a few years of work to evaluate a long-term technology strategy for the Village, the TAC has been focused on identifying a permanent managed service provider to handle Village technology. Sameer was instrumental in ensuring that the Board and the community had the information needed to be comfortable with this shift. He took a balanced view, sharing both benefits and risks. I was impressed by how Sameer was able to support me in representing all of our work in an easy to understand presentation of the managed service provider opportunity to the Board.
Sameer also encouraged the TAC to work on wireless coverage gaps, an issue of great import to public safety and quality of life. What distinguished Sameer’s contribution here, is that while he urged the TAC to pursue this project and provided timely connectivity with staff and the Board, he frequently communicated with us and Village staff as we developed the initiative, drove it forward, and owned the outcomes. This approach makes it clear to me that Sameer appreciates the power of rallying the collective energies of Scarsdale’s residents through our volunteer boards and councils. He has been a positive force during our meetings, and has built relationships with many on the TAC.
I look forward to partnering with Sameer in the years ahead to advance technology initiatives to support the business of the Village, resident needs, and more broadly quality of life, in the Village of Scarsdale. Sameer Ahuja is an excellent choice for Village Trustee. I urge you to come out and vote on March 21 for him and the entire Scarsdale Citizens’ Non-Partisan Party slate.
Scott Rompala
Scarsdale Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) chairman
To the Editor,
I enthusiastically support the Citizens’ Non-Partisan Party candidates for Mayor, Trustees and Village Justice.
Each of the CNC nominees has proven their dedication to the Village and their integrity – former Trustee and Deputy Mayor Arest serving four years of exemplary service on the Village Board, Trustees Ahuja and Brew serving nearly two years as committed Trustees, and Dara Gruenberg has played pivotal roles in getting the newly formed Advisory Council for Communications up and running, and serving as President of the Friends of the Scarsdale Library as it raised an unprecedented amount of funds that enabled us to renovate and expand our library into the crown jewel that we enjoy today. Village Justice Cynthia Dunne has served ably in that capacity and has earned our vote.
I worked very closely with Justin Arest for two years on the Village Board. During the time I served as Mayor, Justin was my primary sounding board. Justin was always thoughtful and available, and Justin’s heart was always in the right place. When we disagreed, the interactions were always respectful and thoughtful, and importantly, Justin always listened to the opposing perspective with an open mind. I felt so strongly about Justin’s commitment to the Village, his thoughtful approach to problem solving, and his deep desire to serve that I appointed Justin to be Deputy Mayor. Justin was always a true partner. Never was that more evident than when COVID broke out. Without any basis to assess the varied and unpredictable situations we faced as a Village, Justin jumped in wherever needed. His dedication and judgment helped us manage through the wide array of challenges we faced, from health, safety and welfare concerns, to dealing with the human elements of the pandemic, to addressing the significant impact the pandemic had on the Village budget. Justin was an invaluable partner during an extremely trying time.
I have also worked closely with Dara Gruenberg. In a community that is blessed by so many dedicated volunteers, Dara stands out. Dara’s energy, enthusiasm, intellect, people skills, and communication ability has and will continue to benefit our Village for years to come. I first met Dara when she was President of the Friends of Scarsdale Library. I quickly saw Dara’s value to the community as we had difficult discussions about the important balance between community benefit and cost. I also quicky saw that Dara addressed points with serious intellect, understanding, and unwavering dedication.
While my experiences with Justin and Dara differ, there are many similarities that they both share. Justin and Dara are each: (i) thoughtful, (ii) dedicated to serving our community, (iii) open minded to opposing perspectives, and, above all, (iv) have the upmost integrity. We are hard-pressed to find better candidates than Justin Arest for Mayor and Dara Gruenberg for Trustee. Please join me in supporting and voting for all of the CNC nominees on March 21st at the Scarsdale Public Library.
Marc Samwick
To the Editor:
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically support the CNC’s slate for the Village Board: Justin Arest for Mayor; Sameer Ahuja, Karen Brew, and Dara Gruenberg for Trustee; and Cindy Dunne for Village Justice. I can say unequivocally that Scarsdale is getting the best of the best.
Justin has the vision, dedication, and smarts to guide the Village Board and to partner with the Village Manager and his staff. I met Justin six years ago when he volunteered to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee on Communications (ACC). He impressed me with his passion and determination to do right by Scarsdale. We worked side by side as Village Trustees, and together we became agents of change, leading the charge to transition our Village government into 21st century excellence. With confidence, I selected Justin to be my Deputy Mayor, and he was tops. Justin has a deep understanding of Village operations and a strong desire to lead us into the future. Justin is immeasurably qualified to serve as our next Mayor.
Sameer and Karen joined the Village Board when I was elected Mayor. They have shown unwavering commitment to Scarsdale and have been instrumental in advancing key priorities. Sameer championed technology and telecom, leveraging the Technology Advisory Council, to advance Village IT capabilities and close service gaps. Sameer values communications and outreach and has been a strong proponent of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Karen has handled with aplomb a myriad of quality of life, legal, infrastructure, and personnel matters. I can count on her to research thoroughly, immerse herself in the facts, and present all sides of an issue. No matter the complexity of a topic, Karen drives to closure balancing fiscal prudence with future needs. Sameer and Karen worked by my side as champions of the pool project, with countless preparatory meetings and rigorous analysis. As second term Trustees they are key to turning our concept into a design that will delight ours and future generations.
With her deep involvement in all things Scarsdale, it is hard to believe that Dara has yet to serve on the Village Board. Dara’s grasp of Village matters and her strong relationships with Village staff will make for a seamless transition to the Board. Dara elevates and catalyzes issues; she is a true force for good. Dara was my partner in proof of concept for the ACC, and we worked in marathon sessions to ensure the Library project came to fruition. I know she will apply her boundless energy and drive to the Village Board.
I had the honor to appoint Village Justice Dunne to fill the unexpired term of Justice Alemany. Justice Dunne exhibits a strong desire to serve with diligence and integrity. Scarsdale is lucky that she wishes to continue her service.
Our nonpartisan system has delivered for the people of Scarsdale for over 100 years. As I conclude my Mayoral term, it gives me great comfort knowing that extraordinary individuals stand at the ready to continue to serve this community I love so dearly.
Jane Veron
ADL Regional Director Scott Richman to Speak at Scarsdale Synagogue
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With an unsettling rise in antisemitic incidents around the country, Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El will host ADL Regional Director Scott Richman for an in-depth exploration of antisemitism in all of its forms.
The event, “Antisemitism Now: How Can We Confront It and What Can We Do About It?” will take place at the Synagogue on Sunday, March 19 beginning at 11am with a bagel brunch, followed by a discussion with Mr. Richman at 11:30am. Richman will address such issues as the state of antisemitism in the United States today and how we can respond effectively to hatred in our society. Mr. Richman will leave ample time for questions and further discussion.
Members of the public are invited to attend this important conversation, but must register in advance on the temple website at www.sstte.org under the events tab. The direct RSVP link can be found here. Interested parties may also contact Executive Director Fawn Mendel by phone at 914.725.5175 or via email at fawn@sstte.org to RSVP. The event is free of charge.
Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El is a sacred community where members feel connected, engaged and enlightened. It is recognized as a synagogue where everyone is welcome.
Letters to the Editor: Vote for the SCNPP Slate on Tuesday March 21
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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To the Editor:
I am writing to voice my unconditional support for the SCNPP’s candidates for Mayor and Village Trustees. They are a dynamic and well balanced slate. I have worked closely with Justin Arest and Dara Gruenberg for several years, and with Sameer Ahuja for the past year.
Dara is a true force and inspiration with her genuine desire to help our community and others in need. She is one of Scarsdale’s finest volunteers, as evidenced by her dedication and unparalleled work ethic through her numerous leadership positions. She is a strong believer in the power of collaboration and working with others to find the best outcomes.
Dara has been an invaluable asset and consultant to the Scarsdale Business Alliance (SBA), which I lead as co-president. During Covid, Dara helped craft innovative fundraising ideas, including funding for the Dine the ‘Dale tent Initiative through a new SBA sponsorship program. This program allowed us to purchase the tent and furniture and provide the community with a safe multi-generational place to gather and support our business community during the height of the pandemic.
Dara was also instrumental in formalizing the partnership between the SBA and the Village, through a Memorandum of Understanding, which solidified the two entities joint mission to assist Scarsdale businesses and continue to infuse all of Scarsdale retail hubs with vibrancy. Dara’s vast experience with our municipal government, stellar leadership qualities, and ability to engage the community make her an ideal candidate for trustee.
Justin is likewise a dedicated community volunteer, holding various leadership positions, including as a two term Village Trustee and Deputy Mayor. Justin has been a tireless advocate for and invaluable resource to our local business community. Throughout the last few years, he has been instrumental to the success of the SBA and has contributed to the vibrancy of our Village center. He was a critical proponent for and asset to the Downtown Village Task Force, which was established during Covid to provide support to the merchant community by removing unnecessary red tape and devising creative ways to bolster commerce. He invested endless hours assisting and advising the SBA during this critical time. He was supportive, thoughtful, open-minded and always willing to listen and lend a hand.
The SBA has been extremely well served by Justin’s brilliant mind, experience with governmental process, infinite fund of knowledge and incredible work ethic. He thinks “out of the box” to find the best solutions. I am confident that Justin will be an unyielding advocate for all of Scarsdale as its next mayor, and will lead Scarsdale with great judgment, intelligence, and empathy.
During the past year, as the trustee liaison to the SBA, Sameer has demonstrated all the qualities needed to be a successful Village trustee. He’s thoughtful, respectful, smart, and open-minded. His calm demeanor, thoughtful approach to issues and can-do attitude make him a pleasure to work with. Scarsdale will only benefit from his continued service.
Please vote for the SCNPP slate on March 21st.
Marcy Berman-Goldstein
To the Editor:
I am writing in support of the Citizens Nominating Committee slate of Justin Arest, Sameer Ahuja, Dara Gruenberg, and Karen Brew. Scarsdale is lucky to have this group who have each contributed to the civic life of our town in their own way.
In particular, I wanted to share my personal experiences with Karen Brew, whom I have known for almost 10 years. Karen had been Edgewood PTA President and served on Scarsdale Parent Teacher Council, as well as several Scarsdale Middle School PTA committees. I followed her in many similar roles so I knew her reputation as a tireless volunteer even before I actually started working with her on the Executive Committee for the Scarsdale High School PTA Scholarship Fund for College. We worked very closely together on that committee, sharing responsibilities for publicity, fundraising, and scholarship candidate selection. In every role she took on, she was a committed, hard-working, thoughtful contributor. In our work together, Karen was very pragmatic and brought a critical eye to the issues that needed it. I can see those same qualities in her first term as Trustee, where she has been involved with the Personnel Committee, the Law Committee and others.
Karen has already contributed so much to our schools and our community and I am so happy that she is nominated to continue in her role as Trustee. I wholeheartedly support her nomination.
Seema Jaggi
14 Overhill Road
To the Editor:
I got to know Justin well during his first term as a Village Trustee when I served as Mayor. He worked hard. I can’t recall any Board-related event Justin didn’t attend and participate meaningfully in the discussion. He personally explored issues by going to sites that were the subject of Board attention and often asked me to join him to help me better understand relevant issues. He tried to find the option which would serve the Scarsdale residents and businesses best. To do this he discussed options with Staff and fellow Board members. If those discussions shared new information, he was prepared to change his initial opinion on a matter if he saw residents and/or businesses would benefit more from a change in his original position.
Having served as Deputy Mayor, Justin was often asked to take on responsibility for researching and organizing information regarding issues in order to better focus Board decision making. I have no doubt that he will serve as Mayor with the same focus he brought to his service as a Trustee.
Justin’s volunteer efforts have extended to a number of organizations. most in Scarsdale. One example is his four years of service on the Scarsdale Zoning Board of Appeals prior to joining the Village Board. Those four years (2014-2018), gave him an in depth understanding of the types of issues that often concern residents and businesses and require resolution at the municipal level. I believe that experience provided useful training for his service as a Trustee and comprise one part of his preparation to be Mayor, in addition to his service as a Trustee.
I believe Justin will serve with energy and dedication as Mayor and urge voters to show their appreciation for his service, and willingness to serve again, by voting for him in the Village Election on March 21st.
Dan Hochvert
Dear Editor,
I have had the great pleasure of working with Dara Gruenberg for the last several years on the Friends of the Scarsdale Library Board. When Dara first joined the FOSL it was a small organization that quietly supported our wonderful library. Members of the FOSL quickly recognized Dara’s innate leadership capabilities and asked her to fill the role of president. In this role, Dara not only grew the Board to include remarkable representatives from each of the Scarsdale neighborhoods, she also elevated the organization to play a prominent role in the Scarsdale Library’s Capital Campaign and in its much needed renovation. Both as president of the FOSL and as Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign, I have long admired Dara’s ability to lead with not only a gentle sense of authority and determination but also with thoughtfulness, kindness, and great consideration. In addition to being the type of leader who listens and values teamwork, Dara is a consummate professional who is respectful, responsible, and always reliable.
Throughout her tenure, I’ve come to know Dara to be an incredibly hard-working public servant who has a huge heart and cares deeply about our community. For years I have watched Dara give selflessly of her time and resources and gladly step up to help any of her Scarsdale friends and neighbors. Dara’s warmth, sense of humor, and commitment to our community shines through in everything she does. She recently ended her service on the FOSL Board and I can’t begin to express how greatly she will be missed. I can honestly think of no better candidate for Village Trustee and truly feel Scarsdale would be lucky to have Dara fill this position.
Sincerely,
Wendy MacMillan
To the Editor:
How lucky are we to have had Dara Gruenberg as a thoughtful community leader over so many years? Dara is deeply committed to so many segments of life here in Scarsdale, and we would be lucky to have her leadership as a Trustee for Scarsdale Village.
I have known Dara for 8 years. I feel privileged to have worked at her side on initiatives at Westchester Reform Temple and to have followed her vision as a leader with the Scarsdale Library and White Plains Hospital.
It stands out to me that in the earliest days of the pandemic, while many of us outside of the health care system were focused on our loved ones’ safety, and many who worked inside the health care system were focused on Covid prevention and patient care, Dara was focused on supporting the public health professionals themselves. With creativity and persistence, Dara drew upon her deep organizational skills and her diverse community networks to offer meaningful support to our health professionals. Under Dara’s leadership, this initiative expanded and ultimately raised more than $10M for White Plains Hospital. Citizens from all over Westchester benefited from her hard work.
Dara brings a unique blend of passion and patience to all that she does. She is tactical during a crisis and strategic with long-term projects. She is a deep listener and, as a volunteer, deeply generous with her time.
We have ALL been the beneficiaries of Dara’s vision, intellect, and integrity in her community work to date, and will be lucky to have her as a village trustee in the coming years – please join me in voting for Dara and the entire CNC slate of candidates on March 21.
Ruth Suzman
Reimer Road
To the Editor:
It is my pleasure to write in support of the candidacy of Sameer Ahuja for Village Trustee for a second term. I’ve come to know Sameer as we have partnered to reinvigorate the volunteer Human Relations Council, which I chair. From the beginning, I was impressed by his passion for Scarsdale and especially for his desire to advance Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Scarsdale. Over the last year, we worked together to identify an exciting mission for the HRC and revitalize the council’s membership. With his help, we are moving forward with a committed group of resident volunteers and have identified high priority projects for the council to work on this year. WIth his support, we have also partnered with the Advisory Council on Communications on shared projects and goals.
Sameer has long ties to Scarsdale, having grown up here as an immigrant, graduating from Scarsdale schools. His desire and efforts to give back and volunteer with Village government are inspiring to all, especially for Scarsdale’s increasingly diverse population, both adults and children. I also greatly appreciate the perspective he brings from his professional work in technology and entrepreneurship. I have seen him bring his skills, experiences, and knowledge to bear on numerous Village matters such as wireless coverage and information technology.
Along with his fellow candidates of the Scarsdale Citizens’ Non-Partisan Party, Justin Arest, Karen Brew, Dara Gruenberg, and Cynthia Dunne, Sameer Ahuja is an excellent choice for Village Trustee. I look forward to the impact he will have these next two years.
Purnima Srivastava
To the Editor:
I am honored to write to share my strong support of Sameer Ahuja for village trustee.
I have known Sameer for over 20 years, when we met as classmates at Harvard Business School. Even among our HBS classmates, Sameer’s intellect and ambition were distinctive, but more importantly, they were paired with a deep caring and enduring empathy to impact and improve the lives of others. Throughout our friendship, Sameer hasn’t merely been interested in business, but has been devoted to the betterment of the world and has employed business as a vehicle. When Sameer and I first discussed how he might turn his energy to create a positive impact on our community, I immediately appreciated the fit and supported his interest in the Village Board. I knew that he would bring a fresh perspective and vigor to village matters. Now, one term in, my faith has been justified, as we have all seen how hard he has worked on behalf of the Village, all while leading GameChanger, his current start up, from a tiny niche player to the leading sports app in the app store! As a side note, I would add that GameChanger benefits communities and millions of families in every corner of the United States and embodies Sameer’s abiding drive to use business to transform communities one team at a time.
Sameer always spoke highly of his time growing up in Scarsdale, and when I choose to settle down here, our families have since become close friends. Now speaking as a friend and resident, I am continuously impressed by his passion and dedication to whatever he is focused on and have enjoyed cheering him from the sidelines as he worked tirelessly on his start ups and as a trustee for our village – always with a positive energy and spirit. In my view, these two experience bases complement one another, as the start-up culture that Sameer has embraced has fortified his dogged resilience to “get things done.”
Sameer regularly communicates about village matters with me and other residents, sending emails asking for our opinions and encouraging us to attend/dial into meetings to share views. Sameer listens first, and leads second, and for that I am grateful. He is a strong (and eloquent) advocate for Scarsdale residents and for enhancing our quality of life and the safety of our community. As an example, I believe that I speak for many neighbors in Fox Meadow in expressing gratitude for the progress the Village Board has made to address wireless coverage gaps. I want to acknowledge the crucial role Sameer played in launching this work and ensuring it got over the finish line.
Sameer Ahuja is an excellent choice for village trustee. I urge you to come out and vote on March 21st for him.
Sincerely,
Michael Kahan
To the Editor:
I enthusiastically endorse Justin Arest for Mayor of Scarsdale.
I have been impressed with Justin as a superb Trustee as well as on a variety of Village committees. His adherence to process, his knowledge of the issues, his deep experience with the financial condition of our Village and his commitment to Scarsdale, are all conditions that will make Justin a thoughtful, dynamic and action-oriented leader.
Justin knows Scarsdale, the Village, the Schools and its neighbors. He is respectful of our needs, our wants and understands our capacities. He, often as not, has a unique question that expands the conversation and leads to a more complete decision. Justin is wonderful to work with and will do so inclusively and transparently.
The Village is faced with interesting and challenging opportunities. Justin will work diligently, collaboratively and intelligently to effectively engage all stakeholders. He will enhance our processes, structures and planning to provide sound guidance that will lead to thoughtful decisions to set the Village on a solid foundation for today and tomorrow.
Please lend your support to Justin and vote for him for Mayor of Scarsdale and the entire slate, on March 21, 2023 at the Scarsdale library.
Deb Pekarek
Please Vote for Arest for Mayor, and Ahuja, Brew and Gruenberg for Trustees
I strongly support the CNC slate of Justin Arest, Sameer Ahuja, Karen Brew and Dara Gruenberg. As a local volunteer myself, I have seen these amazing residents in action on the Board of Trustees and as local volunteers active in numerous town volunteer positions. They are intelligent, thoughtful, caring and hard-working residents that continue to give their time and expertise to build on the strengths of this community. I feel lucky to have them volunteering to help lead our community as Village Mayor and Trustees.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with and have been able to rely on this incredible team to support several sustainability initiatives such as Scarsdale’s Food Scrap Recycling Program, the LED streetlight conversion, our new Paint Recycling Program, and the recent passage of our new local law which ensures that our Village properties are maintained organically and without toxic chemicals. Working with them, I can say that they always listen, consider the facts, and involve our Village volunteers in order to get to the best results for our community.
The role of mayor is a critical one for our Village, and we are fortunate to have Justin Arest ready to take on this position. During Justin’s two terms as Trustee he showed us that he has the temperament, skill set and work ethic to positively impact our community. We are still benefitting from the work and changes he made during his time as trustee, such as the hiring of senior village staff, structural staffing changes which have saved money and improved Village services, and his many hours spent developing budgets that deliver the services our community wants in a fiscally responsible way. Justin continually made our community better, and I’m looking forward to his leadership as mayor.
Please Vote for Arest, Brew, Ahuja and Gruenberg on Tuesday, March 21.
Michelle Sterling
Brayton Road
To the Editor,
As the current Citizens Nominating Committee Chair and Vice Chair, we are very proud of the age, gender, cultures, thoughts and backgrounds that make up this dynamic group. The CNC was made up of 30 elected residents whose mandate was to find and vet exceptional candidates for our Village board. They have done an excellent job in doing just that.
The process by which the slate was chosen is a rigorous one. The CNC first hears directly from potential candidates who each make a 10 minute presentation addressing their interest in serving and their qualifications. The presentation is just the beginning of a lengthy vetting process. The CNC then reviews each potential candidate’s history of volunteerism, gathers and reports back from a variety of reference sources who are interviewed “on the record” and holds lengthy deliberations over many meetings. The process is not easy but necessary to choose the best people for the positions to be filled. After months of fact-finding, due diligence, and calling over 60 references in total, the CNC has nominated the Scarsdale Citizens’ Non-Partisan Party slate for Mayor and three Trustee positions.
The candidates, Justin Arest for Mayor, Sameer Ahuja, Karen Brew and Dara Gruenberg for Trustees are bright, conscientious, thoughtful and most of all, extremely dedicated. Based on its work, the CNC concluded that the candidates’ extensive experience gives them the perspective necessary to understand and address issues we share as a community. They are all hard-working individuals who have dedicated countless hours to discuss, debate and respond to our village needs effectively. In the volunteer work they have done to date, each candidate has shown their ability to remove their personal preferences, consider input from residents and professional sources and make thoughtful judgments for the best interest of the Village as a whole. The CNC has also nominated Village Justice Cynthia Dunne to be elected as Village Justice. Justice Dunne has shown she is fully capable to perform as Village Justice and has earned your support to be elected to that post.
We all are grateful for Scarsdale and the community we live in. We believe in the non-partisan system because it is effective, efficient and produces outstanding community engagement. We hope you agree these candidates will do the best job for you, your family and our special town.
We enthusiastically support the CNC’s slate, Justin Arest for Mayor, Sameer Ahuja, Karen Brew and Dara Gruenberg for Village Trustees and Cynthia Dunne as Village Justice and hope our Scarsdale neighbors come out to show their support by voting on March 21.
Omer Wiczyk
CNC Chair
Janet Han-Youm
CNC Vice Chair
Your Letters: Traffic Light Needed at Post and Edgewood Roads
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1435
(The following was submitted by Christine Weston)
The crosswalk signal at the intersection of Post and Edgewood Roads is inadequate and continues to fail to protect pedestrians, especially children crossing on the way to and from school. We cannot trust that cars will see and/or obey the blinking yellow light and are forced to risk our lives to simply cross the street. Here are just a few examples that illustrate our concern:
February 14th, 2023: a 14-year-old girl was hit by a car while attempting to cross as she walked home from high school. She was taken away in an ambulance but was released with minor bruising.
February 8th, 2023: a man on his way home from dropping his young children off at Edgewood was almost hit by a car that did not stop, despite the presence of other stopped cars, including a police car.
January 25th, 2023: a mother and her two young daughters were walking home from school and were almost hit by a car that shot through the intersection.
September 12th, 2022: a commuter on his e-bike was hit and injured by a car.
May 27th, 2022: an 11-year-old boy and his bicycle were hit by a car as he was walking home from playing with friends at Edgewood.
There are countless more near-miss stories involving children, parents with children, commuters walking to the train station or anyone else trying to access the cut-through at the top of Windsor Lane to travel to or from the village.
Travelers in cars often have near-misses with other cars as well, especially when turning onto or off of Post Road. Residents of the surrounding houses report hearing honking horns and screeching brakes daily.
The New York State Department of Transportation must take responsibility for this dangerous intersection and install a much-needed traffic light or Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon.
Until that happens, we implore the community: BE CAREFUL. Drivers, keep your eye out for those lights, and slow down. Pedestrians, cross very carefully; assume cars can’t see you or the lights.
Please report all incidents, whether accidents OR near-misses, to us at postedgewoodroadlight@gmail.com so we can continue to put pressure on the state to act.
Sincerely,
Christine Weston
Camille Roche
Julia and Glenn McClanan
Alyson and Jason Andrus
Abby Balbale
Mary Beth Evans & Dan Moretti
Fabien de Malartic
Joshua Mitts
Paul Tetlock and Edy Moulton
…and many other concerned residents of Crane Berkeley, Drake Edgewood, and Arthur Manor
