Kudos for Retiring Trustees Ahuja and Brew at Village Board Meeting

The Village Board said goodbye to Trustees Sameer Ahuja and Karen Brew after 4 years of service.Four years of service on the Scarsdale Village Board fosters friendships, camaraderie and opportunities to learn. That’s what came through on Tuesday March 25, at the final meeting for Trustees Sameer Ahuja and Karen Brew who complete their terms this week.

As is the tradition, there was kudos around the dais and from the audience for the two departing trustees. Many of the comments noted similar character traits and demonstrated how the complementary skill sets of board members benefit the whole.

Karen Brew was noted for her business acumen, ability to listen and her courage to speak up with a competing viewpoint. Highlights of her leadership included taking the Village through the difficult decision of whether or not to authorize the sale of marijuana in the Village, along with her leadership during the formulation of changes to building code and a building moratorium last year.

Sameer Ahuja, who was unable to attend the meeting in person due to business travel, participated via Zoom. There were many comments on his knowledge of technology and assistance in improving cell phone coverage, improving the technology in Village Hall and decision making skills, all with a sense of humor.

Here are some excerpts from the lengthy remarks:

Heedan Chung, President of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale said, “We are so grateful for all of your work.” She said the League would miss working with their liaison Karen Brew.

Marian Green, Chair of the Council on People with Disabilities said, “Knowing Karen for many years I would like to thank her for her most valuable efforts. Her business acumen is incomparable.” She said, “I am sure you won’t just stop. I know I can always call on you.”

Mayor Justin Arest read comments from former Village Trustee Randy Whitestone:

About Ahuja he said the Village had “benefited from a homegrown top-flight corporate executive dedicating time to helping make our village a better place. In seeing first-hand your work on the pool project and on improving our cellphone coverage, I appreciated your goal-oriented approach and problem-solving skills.” He thanked him for his contributions to village staffing, organizational structure, communications, and technology.”

To Karen, Whitestone said, “I appreciated your common-sense approach to issues both simple and complex, bringing to bear your practical business experience and deep understanding of our community. You always looked at issues at both the twenty-thousand- and five-hundred-foot levels, both big picture and “on the ground” the way our residents experience Scarsdale... … The village has benefited greatly from your clear-eyed wisdom and dedication.”

Ken Mazer brought a laugh when he said, “With Sameer absent, I feel a little like Clint Eastwood at the 2016 Republican convention talking to an empty Chair…”

To Sameer he said, …. “You provided an executive’s drive for excellence and an entrepreneur’s strategic vision. For example, I was continually impressed by your role in transforming the technology in our village. Residents can see – or should I say, hear – the fruits of your work through our enhanced village cell coverage that will only get better.”

To Karen, Mazer said, “I appreciated your thoughtful demeanor. When the rest of us were going at it sharply exchanging opinions and debating viewpoints, you were listening carefully to everything said, and would only finally speak when you had something of value to say that brought consensus to our decision-making. We hung on your every word, at least I did anyway. You provided objective and practical counsel on every discussion and every matter. Often, I’d say to myself “That’s a really good point.”

Then Mazer got a second laugh when he turned to the Mayor who was elected for a second term and said, “And finally, Justin, now that your term has expired…oh, never mind…”

Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg addressed Brew saying, ”You consistently brought a level of diligence and attention to detail that helped move conversations forward in a productive way. You never glossed over the fine print—you dove in, asked the right questions, and made sure nothing was overlooked. That commitment to doing the work well has been a clear through line in everything you’ve taken on.”

“Your voice during our land use discussions was especially valuable. You brought a balanced, practical perspective to the table, and helped us navigate some very complex topics with a focus on long-term impact and fairness. You brought a calm, grounded approach to all of our work, and a steady energy to the board—never the loudest in the room, but always prepared, engaged, and focused on doing what’s right for the Village and never wavering from your moral compass.”

To Ahuja, Gruenberg said, “Working with you on personnel matters, communications and technology, as well as a plethora of other issues, gave me a close-up view of how you operate—and I have to say, I really appreciated your ability to cut through the noise and focus on what matters. You asked the tough questions, skipped the posturing, and pushed conversations forward with honesty and efficiency. You weren’t afraid to challenge assumptions or suggest a better way of doing things, and that kind of no-nonsense approach helped us stay results-focused and move things forward - which is not always easy in municipal government. You were an excellent seatmate—and a good neighbor in every sense. Sharp, observant, and always just the right amount of sarcastic.”
Mayor Justin Arest said, “Sameer, despite your demanding career and frequent travels, you’ve consistently prioritized the well-being of our community. Your expertise in technology has been invaluable—whether it’s safeguarding our systems against cyber threats or enhancing our network management, you’ve ensured that Scarsdale stays protected and connected. On the finance committee, your efforts to boost interest income and strengthen our budget have been particularly impactful, reflecting your thoughtful and strategic approach.”

Turning to Karen he said, “Your involvement in the pool project demonstrated both your desire to look ahead as well as your willingness to navigate complex challenges head-on. And, from addressing the tough conversations around cannabis to constantly advocating for cost reductions and quality-of-life improvements, you’ve shown unwavering commitment and thoughtful guidance. Your pragmatic approach and dedication to considering every angle have greatly benefited our community.”

“Thank you both for your countless contributions and unwavering commitment to our village.”

Jeremy Gans said, “One of the most rewarding things about being on the board has been meeting new people who I probably would not have met if I had not served. I feel I have become a better person and a better trustee from the service.”

Gans continued, “Karen, you worked with me on bringing in Keene and Beane. You ask thoughtful questions. On the budget, you asked questions that did not occur to me. Most important, you taught me to push in my chair to let others pass by.”

To Ahuja he said, “Sameer, it’s been great to get to know you. I was struck by your passion for Scarsdale. You are always looking out for others. You deserve credit for the work on cell phone coverage. Simply getting Verizon to the table for discussions was the crowning achievement.
Anything is possible because you are Sameer!”

Turning to Karen Brew, Trustee Jeremy Wise said, “High praise is both warranted and earned… You have demonstrated a commitment to the public welfare.” To Sameer, he said, “I was going to say you are an enigma wrapped in a puzzle. You were a credit to the board – your knowledge of technology was invaluable You will be missed but I know we can always call you back into service.”

Karen Brew then made her own closing remarks, saying “It’s been an honor to serve over the past four years. This has been rewarding and a learning experience.”

To Ken Mazer she said, “You are one of the kindest people I ever worked with. You always put the human element at the forefront.”

She called Gruenberg “a no nonsense person of action. You put together a plan and get things done…… I put together a nice wedding ceremony but then I find out you have a few that you let the couples choose from. Then when I had surgery and couldn’t walk you drove me everywhere for 10 weeks.”

To Justin Arest she said, “Your knowledge of all aspects of Scarsdale never ceases to amaze me.
We have been in good hands for the last two years.”

To Village Manage Alex Marshall she said, “When you did the job of Village Manager and Deputy Village Manager for over a year you did a great job. You are calm and cool under pressure.”

About Gans she said, “I have worked with him on the board for 3 out of 4 years. We worked on hiring Keene and Beane and on code changes this past year.”

To Wise she said, “We have developed a great working relationship and friendship. I appreciate your directness and pushing us to find solutions.”

She thanked Ahuja for his “strategic perspective,” and for his “great sense of humor to lighten up the mood in the room.”

Wrapping up, Ahuja spoke via Zoom and said, “I wish I could be there. Thank you all for your flexibility as my schedule has evolved. Tonight is bittersweet. Serving on the Village Board has been one of the great honors of my life. It has been challenging and deeply rewarding.”
Thanks to those who encouraged me to run and to the people on the CNC who twice entrusted me with this important role.”

Working alongside all the volunteers. Passion and dedication leave an indelible mark on the people we call home

He called the Village Staff “the unsung heroes of Scarsdale.”

He said to Wise, “I was struck by your courage even when you ask tough questions. You’re willingness to speak up.” He told Brew, “You always asked the right question.” To Mazer he said, “Sitting next to you was one of the great joys of my tenure. Our families are connected now and I hope they will be for years to come.” To Jeremy Gans he said, “You put residents first. I enjoyed our spirited conversations about economics, politics. My wife said you are her favorite trustee.”

To Gruenberg he said, “Dara, there would be no Samir + Village Board had we not met. The community benefits from your willingness to make people feel welcome and included.
For over a decade you have worked tirelessly to support civic and religious institutions.”

He credited the Mayor with “deep knowledge and a passion for finding consensus.”

Last he thanked his family saying, “I joined the board when my kids were 11 and 8. I hope I showed by kids the value of public service.” He added, “I was the first person of color to serve on the board.” To his wife he said, “You managed your own full time job and everything while I pursued this.”

He ended with a quote from the late great Kobe Bryant who said, “You asked for my hustle, I gave you my heart.”