Village Voices

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 15 February 2020; Created: 15 February 2020; Last Updated: 15 February 2020; Hits: 3606

meetthecandidates The League of Women Voters encourages informed and active participation of citizens in local government and the election process. This year, the Scarsdale Village election for Trustee is contested. There are six candidates vying for three positions as Village Trustee. The LWVS is hosting a Candidate Forum on Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm in Rutherford Hall at Scarsdale Village Hall. We encourage all Scarsdale citizens to come hear from the candidates and to provide questions to be asked of them. For those who cannot attend, the event will be recorded for playback and made available for public viewing.

Each Trustee position in Scarsdale Village is a two-year term. The Citizens Nominating Committee (CNC) has put forth its slate of candidates for each slot: Justin Arest and Lena Crandall, who are seeking second terms as Trustee, and Randall Whitestone. Running as a candidate for Village Trustee under the Voter’s Choice Party is Robert Berg, Robert Selvaggio and Sean Cohen. The Village Election is Wednesday, March 18th. All Election Districts will be voting at the Scarsdale Congregational Church, 1 Heathcote Road, Scarsdale, in Dyckman Hall. Hours of the election are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. As Village Clerk Donna Conkling has explained, the top three vote recipients in the election will each garner a spot as Village Trustee.

If you are not a registered voter but want to vote in the Village Election on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the last day to register with the Westchester County Board of Elections is Friday, March 6th. You may pick up a mail-in registration form at Village Hall, visit the Westchester County Board of Elections website here or you may go directly to the Westchester County Board of Elections, 25 Quarropas Street, White Plains. Please note that the voter registration form indicates the form should be returned to Westchester County at least 25 days prior to the election; however, in the case of a Village Election, the form should be returned at least 10 days prior to the election. In order to register to vote, you must:

● Be a U.S. Citizen
● Be 18 years of age by the date of the election in which you want to vote
● Live at your present address at least 30 days before an election
● Not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction
● Not claim the right to vote elsewhere

For registered voters who will be out of Westchester County on Village Election Day, an absentee ballot can be obtained by filling out an application form at Village Hall or by requesting one by phone or mail, or downloading directly from the Village website here.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020 is the last day for the Village Clerk to receive an application for an absentee ballot which is to be mailed to a qualified voter; however, applications made in person can be accepted until Monday, March 16, 2020.

For more information, call the Village Clerk’s office at (914) 722-1175 or visit the League website at www.LWVS.org.

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 10 February 2020; Created: 10 February 2020; Last Updated: 10 February 2020; Hits: 2376

State Senator Shelley MayerState and local leaders discussed education at the annual PTC Legislative Breakfast on Friday February 7 at Quaker Ridge School. The event was organized by PTC Legislative Advocacy Co-Chairs Lauren Fields and Rebecca Kirschner.

Panelists included representatives from the state, county and local level including:

Senator Shelley Mayer, NY State Senator, Chair of Senate Education Committee
George Latimer, Westchester County Executive
Andrea Stewart-Cousins, NY State Senator, Majority Leader
Amy Paulin, NY State Assemblywoman
Nan Mead, NYS Regent
Ben Boykin, Westchester Board of Legislators
Marc Samwick, Scarsdale Mayor

Each of the panelists gave an update on their work and views on educational issues and here are some of their comments:

State Senator Shelley Mayer who chairs the State Senate Education Committee reported that the committee is sparring with the governor to get more money for education. She said state school districts are owed billions of dollars in unpaid Foundation Aid. She opposes capping transportation and building aid and said the state’s number one priority is students and parents.

County Executive Latimer said, “We are fortunate to have a very educated workforce in this area. We have very supportive local and Latimer County Executive George Latimerstate officials.”

State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins praised “friendship with other officials and their commitment to public service. Turning to the students who attended the event, she said, “We need to listen to them and the issues they raise.” Discussing the disparities among state school districts she said, “we need to strike a balance between schools doing well and those not doing well…..Scarsdale is where we want to be…. We need to harness the benefits of Scarsdale and spread throughout the state.” Referring to the passing of Regent Judith Johnson she said, “We need regents who understand that public education is exciting and produces kids who can lead the world.” Cousins State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Paulin Assemblywoman Amy Paulin

Assemblywoman Amy Paulin who is a member of the Assembly’s Education Committee said, “Schools have always mattered in Scarsdale” She discussed, the Governor’s proposed state budget and what it means for Scarsdale, saying “We get about $1,054 per child, or $6.5 million, which is the lowest amount in state. The statewide mean/median is about $12,000 per child. We just want to maintain these levels.

She continued, “Building aid reimbursement issues are eliminating our ability to get bonds and repair schools. Building aid and BOCES aid are the biggest issues.
Paulin reported that she is working collaboratively and working hard to find a replacement for State Regent Judith Johnson who passed away.

State Regent Nan Mead is Co-Chair of State Aid Subcommittee. She said they are “Ready to revisit the Foundation Aid formula and pushing to fully fund the formula, which will benefit everyone.” She is also working on revising graduation standards and building civic engagement piece.

County Legislator Ben Boykin said that the Westchester Board of Legislators supports and funds Westchester Community College. Discussing other issues before the legislature he said they were reviewing the County budget, considering a ban of plastic bags to go into effect at the end of April, working on the construction of the Bronx River trail and funding to alleviate flooding in Scarsdale. He said, we are “Always looking to pass laws for the health and safety of the community.” Boykin County Legislator Ben Boykin

Mayor Marc Samwick reported that he works with the school district on day-to-day issues, like Butler Field lights, tree planting, and fixing buses. The Village Board is currently focused on traffic and pedestrian safety and implementing a Safe Routes to School program. Discussing proposed plans for development of the Freightway site, Samwick acknowledged that protecting schools is fundamental to any plan.

At the end of the session a student asked the panel, “How can we take the Scarsdale model elsewhere?” State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins acknowledged how fortunate the community is, saying, “You are living an extraordinary educational life as it relates to other students in this state.” We need everyone to have these same opportunities.”

Details: Written by Laura Halligan; Published: 29 January 2020; Created: 29 January 2020; Last Updated: 31 January 2020; Hits: 2262

census PSA: Ten years have passed, and it’s U.S. Census time again. At Tuesday’s Village Board of Trustees meeting, a representative from the Westchester County Department of Planning discussed the importance of participating in the census; the questionnaire will be sent to all U.S. households from mid-March through April 1.

Mandated by the U.S. government, the census has been conducted every decade since 1790, and is used to compile very general population and demographic data across the country. In turn, the data is used to determine New York State’s representation in Congress, local electoral districting, and distribution of $880 billion in federal funds to local municipalities like Scarsdale.

“An accurate count of Scarsdale residents is critical to maintaining representation at the local, state, and federal levels; it’s also the basis for awarding public funds for a variety of projects, and to a variety of agencies, including local libraries… roads and infrastructure, as well as education, and certain health care support,” said Scarsdale Village Manager Steve Pappalardo.

To prepare for the census, Scarsdale staff verified the addresses of all households in the village to help ensure an accurate count.

William Brady, chief planner for Westchester County, then began his presentation, stressing that the census determines distribution of a vast amount of funds across 26 federal agencies. He explained that this year’s form contains just nine questions covering housing units and vacancy; age, sex, and relationship of individuals in a given household; race/Hispanic origin; and whether you own or rent.

When responding to the census, you’ll tell the Census Bureau your primary residence as of April 1 and include everyone in your home on that date. The census does not ask for Social Security or tax ID numbers, passwords, political affiliations, financial information, or citizenship status. In addition, all responses are confidential. “Confidentiality is a big concern these days… We want to reiterate that it’s confidential… Everyone at the bureau is sworn to protect your information under penalty of imprisonment and fines… Your responses (also) cannot be used in court or by any government agency, and cannot be used to deny you government benefits.”

Brady then discussed the difference between the census and the more extensive American Community Survey, which is an ongoing, much more detailed questionnaire sent to a small sample of the population every month. It is possible for some Scarsdale residents to receive both the census and the survey at the same time; both are important and both should be completed.

It’s important for all Scarsdale residents to participate. Considering our large immigrant population, many members of the public may be unfamiliar with the census or its purpose.

The Census Bureau estimates that every person not counted equals a loss of approximately $2,500 per year to local municipalities. So, if 400 current Scarsdale residents aren’t counted in this year’s census, the village will lose roughly $1 million in funding every year during the next 10 years.

This time around, you’ll be able to easily complete the census online, via mail or via phone. About 80 percent of households will receive an invitation with a PIN number to submit responses online, and paper census forms will be mailed to the remaining 20 percent – households with low internet access and/or less likely to use the digital form (e.g., older-adult populations). Paper questionnaires also will be sent to anyone who hasn’t responded to the online invitation.

Another point of interest to Scarsdale residents for whom English is a second language is that respondents will be able to provide information in 59 non-English languages. The bureau has provided information for all 59, as well as American Sign Language, braille, and large print via 2020census.gov. Census information also will be available through the United Way (call 211), Westchester County libraries, and local community and senior centers.

To ensure that all households are included, the bureau will send census takers to residents who who do not complete the questionnaire online, or via mail or phone. The census takers will work between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm; will wear an ID badge that bears a name, photo, and U.S. Department of Commerce watermark; will carry a Census logo bag, and will provide a letter on U.S. Census Bureau letterhead. They also never will ask you for identification or to enter your home. For more information, visit 2020census.gov.

Help Wanted

Brady also mentioned that the bureau is currently recruiting individuals to fill hundreds of field and office positions to assist with the census count. Census jobs offers= a pay range of $20 to $23 per hour in Westchester County, and may be interesting options for college students on summer break or senior citizens looking to serve their community. Visit 2020census.gov/en/jobs for details.

Facts and Figures

At the time of the 1790 census, the combined population of the country’s largest cities was 109,826 – New York City (33,131); Philadelphia (28,522); Boston (18,320); Charleston, SC (16,359); and Baltimore (13,503). The total U.S. population was counted at 3,929,214.

Fast forward to 2020, when the attendance capacity at the largest U.S. college football stadium is 107,601 (Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, MI). Current estimates put the U.S. population at nearly 330 million.

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 04 February 2020; Created: 04 February 2020; Last Updated: 04 February 2020; Hits: 2970

villagehall The nominating petitions for Justin Arest, Lena Crandall and Randy Whitestone for Village Trustee and Joaquin Alemany for Village Justice were delivered today to the Village Clerk – a critical milestone for the candidates to be placed on the ballot for the forthcoming Village Elections on March 18, 2020.

The petitions were filed in accordance with state election law and contained the signatures of registered Village of Scarsdale voters. The candidates filed with 412 voters’ signatures –over four times the number required by election law.

“Ryan and I want to thank the volunteers who made this happen,” said outgoing CNC Chair Marc Greenwald speaking on behalf of himself and outgoing CNC Vice Chair Ryan Spicer. “We saw how hard the members of the Citizens Nominating Committee worked to seek candidates from across the community, research and vet all of the potential candidates, and then to carefully and respectfully deliberate. But they didn’t stop there. After choosing candidates, CNC members then went to their friends and neighbors, and joined other volunteers to knock on doors to ensure their choices would go before the voters in March.”

The Village Election will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The Village will make the final determination on the location of the polls and will provide further information on where voting will be held.

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 23 January 2020; Created: 23 January 2020; Last Updated: 23 January 2020; Hits: 6429

Randy WhitestoneOn January 23, 2020 the Citizens Nominating Committee (CNC) announced the candidates it selected for the Scarsdale Citizens’ Non-Partisan Party slate for the following Village offices:

Justin Arest of Heathcote, a Village Resident for 7 years, Trustee

Lena Crandall of Fox Meadow, a Village Resident for 28 years, Trustee

Randy Whitestone of Edgewood, a Village Resident for 25 years, Trustee

Jack Alemany of Fox Meadow, a Village Resident for 30 years, Village Justice

Justin Arest is currently serving his first two-year term as Village Trustee. He grew up in New Rochelle and since moving to Scarsdale served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Library Project’s Capital Campaign Committee and the Scarsdale Forum. With Trustee Jane Veron he formed the Village’s Ad Hoc Communications Committee to improve communication between the Village and residents.

Upon learning the news, Arest said, "I am extremely humbled that the CNC has nominated me for a second term as Trustee and thank its members for their service and commitment to Scarsdale. I take the role of Trustee very seriously and hope that my hard work and willingness to challenge assumptions and ask tough questions has made a positive difference. I believe there is a lot to be done and will appreciate an opportunity to continue working with my colleagues and our wonderful community to do what is right and what is best for all of us."

Lena Crandall-Photo by Lisa VanGundyLena Crandall is also currently her first term as Village Trustee. In her 28 years in Scarsdale, Lena has been a champion for conservation, beautification and preservation of the Village tree canopy. She served on the Conservation Advisory Council and the Friends of Scarsdale Parks where she improved stormwater management and improved DeLima Park. Crandall said, "I'm thrilled that the Citizen's Nominating Committee has selected me as one of the candidates for Village Trustee. I have worked hard as a first term Trustee to learn various municipal procedures; but frankly and more importantly, I have transitioned from an advocate with one point of view to a public servant with a broader appreciation for the complexities of most issues. As the daughter of immigrants, I know how hard it can be to speak up. My hope is that all residents of Scarsdale, no matter where they're from, will feel comfortable reaching out and talking to me about whatever hot topic comes our way. I don't have any particular agenda, but I certainly want to do my best to serve our community."

Randy Whitestone is a longtime resident who has served in many volunteer roles throughout the Village. Randy served as an Executive Committee member of the Scarsdale Forum and has been a past member of the Procedure Committee, the Citizens Nominating Committee and the Scarsdale Bowl Committee. Professionally, Randy has worked as a financial journalist and a senior communications executive in the financial services industry; he currently works as Head of Communications and Public Affairs at D.E. Shaw Group.

Commenting on his nomination Whitestone said, "I have always felt civic involvement is important, and critical to the vibrant life of our village. During my 25 years in Scarsdale, I have learned from mentors including the late Beverly Sved and Boine Johnson, and from super-volunteers like Jackie Irwin and Jill Spieler. They and many others have impressed me with their dedication and judgment, tirelessly bringing to bear their considerable gifts and talents. So I take seriously the stewardship of this great community. I want to continue to give back and now I offer myself as someone who I'd like to think can help make a difference. I look forward -- by listening, asking the right questions, and providing a voice for the community -- to helping tackle the tough issues and concerns facing the village."

Jack Alemany was originally named Acting Village Justice in 2015. He began his career as a Prosecutor with the Bronx District Attorney’s office and worked at the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Division of Enforcement. He later formed his own law firm and during that time was appointed to be the Acting Village Justice of Sleepy Hollow (1997-1999), and as an Administrative Law Judge with the Westchester County Taxi and Limousine Commission.

Justin ArestJustin ArestMarc Greenwald served as Chair and Ryan Spicer served as Vice Chair of the CNC. In addition to the candidates for Village office, the CNC selected Eric Lichtenstein as Chair and Steve Pass as Vice Chair for next year’s CNC. The CNC also elected Becky Bach to serve as Vice Chair of the Procedure Committee.

Greenwald said, “Starting in late November, the CNC searched for potential candidates and then conducted extensive diligence. The CNC also received a report from the Judicial Qualification Advisory Committee for the position of Village Justice. While deliberations and reference conversations are not shared publicly, the CNC considered and researched carefully the background, experience, and qualifications of each trustee candidate and engaged in significant deliberation,” stated Marc Greenwald, Chair of the CNC.