Citizen's Party Candidates to Run Unopposed in Village Election
- Details
- Hits: 3327
There will be no fireworks over the Village Election process this year as the candidates nominated by the Scarsdale Citizen's Party will be running unopposed. According to the Village Clerk, the February 14 deadline for candidates to file petitions to be put on the ballot has now passed, and the only candidates on the ballot are the Citizen's Party's nominees.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Scarsdale's new mayor will be Bob Steves, who is just completing four years as a Village Trustee. Steves has served the Village tirelessly with six years on the Scarsdale School Board, He also served on the boards of Scarsdale and Edgemont Family Counseling Service, Scarsdale Student Transfer Education Plan (STEP) and the Immaculate Heart of Mary School of Religion; chaired the Scarsdale Bowl Committee and was president of the Greenacres Neighborhood Association. In addition to his volunteer work, he holds a demanding day job at Fordham University where he is the Assistant Treasurer.
Stacey Brodsky, currently completing her first two-year term as Scarsdale Village Trustee, is on the ballot to serve a second two-year term. Her professional career as an attorney included stints at the U.S. Attorney's Office and in private practice. She also served on the Board of Architectural Review, the School Board Nominating Committee, as the President of the Heathcote PTA, on the Board of the Scarsdale Library, as Vice Chair of the Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol, on the Board of the League of Women Voters Scarsdale and as a member of the Scarsdale Bowl Committee. During Brodsky's first term as trustee she shepherded the Village through the process of liberalizing the laws concerning permanent standby generators making it possible for more residents to install generators on their properties.
Newcomers to the Village Board include Thomas B. Martin and William Stern. Martin is a long-time Scarsdale resident who grew up here and has lived in the Village as an adult on Fox Meadow Road for 29 years. He has expertise in finance and owns Circle Advisers, a wealth management firm.
William Stern is a 40-year Scarsdale resident with expertise in power generation, transmission and distribution as well as radio frequency , microwave
communication and generation, lasers, masers, atomic physics and quantum electrodynamics. He runs a medical device company that manufactures neurological ultrasound for the diagnosis of stroke and management of sickle cell disease. The company also manufactures hospital hydrotherapy pools designed for women to labor in and give birth in.
Visit www. Scarsdalecitizens.org for brief biographies of the candidates.
The Scarsdale Village election for Mayor and Village Trustees will be held on March 19 at Village Hall in Scarsdale, and the voting hours are 6-9 A.M. and Noon - 9 P.M.
However, the election is not totally without controversy as Harry Reynolds objected to the Non-Partisan filing of its petitions. Specifically he argues that the candidate's petitions needed to be fastened together rather than submitted in a looseleaf binder.
Here is his complaint:
Objector's Argument
Section 6215.1 (c) of the regulations of the State Board of Elections relating to the filing of nominating petitions requires that "Any two or more petition sheets shall be securely fastened together by any means which will hold the pages together in numerical order". Section 6251.1(d) of those regulations requires that "Petition sheets may be fastened together to form one or more volumes." (Emphasis added.) These regulations were incorporated by reference in Election Law, §6-134 which provides that "When a determination is made that a designating petition does not comply with such regulations, the candidate shall have three business days from the date of such determination to cure the violation."
A child of seven knows the meaning of "fastening together". The Scarsdale Citizens' Non-Partisan Party, however, has divined a way of claiming that one is fastening petition pages together by inserting them unfastened in a loose leaf book or loose leaf binder, a simple device known universally for containing only loose pages unattached to one another. Should the Scarsdale Citizens' Non-Partisan Party's claim succeed before this Board, Staples will be jammed over night with overweight politicians buying loose leaf books.
The Party's filing was made by use of a loose-leaf book containing 40 separate petitions each of which was not fastened to one another in violation of Election Law, § 6-134(2) and 9 NYCRR 6215.19(c)(d) which together required of the Party its compliance with its mandatory duty of securely fastening together the Party's 40-page nominating petition. Gucciardo v. Wolf, 162 A.D.2d 570 (2 Dept. 1990); see also, Matter of Jones v. Scaringe, 143 A.D.2d 294, 295 (3 Dept. 1988), appeal denied 72 N.Y. 2d 805); Matter of Braxton v. Mahoney, 63 N.Y.2d 691, 692 (1984).
The Party's argument, should it make it, that it used a loose-leaf "binder" to "bind" the petitions is self-defeating, for "loose leaves" are individual pages that are not bound or joined together and loose leaf books are "made with each leaf separate for ready insertion or removal (1 Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, p. 1640). Even if we incanted the words "loose leaf binder" over the words "loose leaf book" the Party's petition pages still would not be fastened to one another as the law mandates. Fastening means to "Attach to something else; fix or hold securely in position; secure with a clasp, button, latch, bolt, seal, etc." (1 Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, p. 934). In short, the law expressly mandates the physical joining or "fastening" together of individual petitions.
Nor is the law's fastening requirement a brittle, dispensable duty. Fastening petitions together tends to assure the integrity of the filing of the petition, inhibiting as it does the corrupt removal or substitution of sheets.
Last, during the Village election in 2012, as in the matter now before the Board, the Party filed with the Village Clerk one or more loose leaf books containing petitions which were not fastened to one another. They were mirror images of the unfastened petitions now before the Board. As a candidate opposed to the Party, I informed its representatives of the egregious violation after I discovered it, I believe, following the expiration date for the filing of that petition, as I stated in my letter of objection now before the Board. Notwithstanding its knowledge of that violation in that election, the Party repeated that violation in the matter now before the Board.
Accordingly, the curative provision of § 6-134(2) was not intended to be available to the Party for it can only be read as a provision in aid of persons who by understandable neglect or unfortunate ignorance failed to observe the statute. In a rational order, a Legislature would not have intended it to aid a person who knowingly continued his violation of a provision which, in the eyes of any reasonable person, was designed, at least in part, to inhibit the corrupt removal or substitution of petition sheets.
For the Board to grant curative relief under the circumstances before it would be a violation by the Board of Election Law, § 6-134(10) which provides that "The provisions of this section shall be liberally construed, not inconsistent with substantial compliance thereto and the prevention of fraud." (Emphasis added.) The Party's violation would encourage fraud and its awareness of its violation proves that its attitude towards that regulation was distant from that of "substantial compliance", facts that bar it from the liberality of the section.
I request the Board to determine that the Party's petition is insufficient and that the Party is not entitled to the curative period provided by Election Law, § 6-134(2).
Respectfully submitted,
Harold Reynolds
Ni Hao: Year of the Snake Celebrated at Greenacres School
- Details
- Hits: 3138
The Lunar New Year began on Sunday, 2/10/13. According to the Chinese zodiac, this is the Year of the Snake. In China, it is said that a Snake in the house is a good thing because it means your family will not starve. The Snake is a symbol of fortune, longevity and fertility.
At Greenacres School festivities began with a Chinese New Year lion parade on Friday, 2/8. Ms. Bautista's third grade class led the parade throughout all three floors of the school—armed with Chinese drums, gongs and cymbals (including two drums and two gongs recently purchased by the Multicultural Committee). The earliest Chinese gongs were used to call in peasant workers from the field; in fact, some large gongs can be heard for up to 50 miles! In China, drums were historically used in celebrations and in conflict. Booming drums were believed to help scare the enemy into submission. With 20 third graders banging on drums, gongs and cymbals, the Greenacres lion parade made such a loud noise and ruckus that any evil spirits lurking around the school would certainly have been scared away.
During the week of Lunar New Year, Greenacres parents made presentations in 12 classrooms. Topics included Chinese New Year customs, food, traditional costumes and instruments; animals of the zodiac and the lunar calendar; legend of the Chinese New Year monster; myths about lions and dragons; symbolism of the lion dance; how a lion's head is made; Chinese characters and calligraphy; Lunar New Year celebrations in many countries in Asia; lantern and Year-of-the-Snake crafts; Korean New Year customs, food and traditional costumes. The students tasted Korean rice cakes, Chinese dumplings, Mandarin oranges, Asian pears as well as barley and chrysanthemum tea. They learned a New Year song in Mandarin, and even stomped on bubble wrap to simulate firecrackers popping.
What a way to start the New Year!
This article was contribued by Karen Lee/ Photo credit: Joanne D'Agostino
Southbound Bronx River Parkway to be Closed Weeknights from 2-11 to 2-22
- Details
- Hits: 3411
Westchester County has advised us that they will be working at night on the new Crane Road Bridge on the Bronx River Parkway and will close the southbound lanes of the parkway on weeknights from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am for two weeks. The southbound lanes of the BRP will be closed between Crane Road and Christie Place and a large crane will be placed on the parkway. Construction crews need to close the road and use the crane to install 25-foot high concrete forms for the north walls of the bridge next to the east side of the railroad tracks.
Here are the closures:
Southbound Exit 12 ramp from the Bronx River Parkway to Crane Road; --Motorists directed to Exit 10 – Harney Road
Northbound Exit 12 ramp from the Bronx River Parkway to Crane Road; --Motorists directed to Exit 10 – Harney Road
Westbound Crane Road between Chase Road and East Parkway; and Southbound East Parkway between Crane Road and Christie Place.
A Detour will be posted utilizing Chase Road and Christie Place.
Ramp closures on the Bronx River Parkway will begin at approximately 8:00 PM and end by 6:00 AM. Local street closures (Southbound East Parkway and Westbound Crane Road) will run from approximately 9:00 PM and conclude by 6:00 AM.
Weather permitting, the closures and detours are scheduled on the following nights:
- Wednesday February 13
- Thursday February 14
- Friday February 15
- Monday February 18
- Tuesday February 19
At all times northbound East Parkway, eastbound Crane Road and the northbound Exit 12 Entrance Ramp to the Bronx River Parkway will remain open.
In March, the same two-week night operation will be repeated to remove the concrete forms (including an additional five weeknights of closures and detours). Notification will be provided when this work is scheduled.
Installation of 12 prefabricated concrete beams over the Metro-North Railroad is projected for April/May. This will also require night work with limited closures and detours.
SVAC Needs Community Support
- Details
- Hits: 3431
This letter was written by Peter Strauss, Treasurer of the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps: I write to report on the current annual fund drive conducted by the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps. SVAC sent two letters to all Scarsdale households; one in October and one in December. Fewer than 20% of the recipients have responded with contributions, This falls considerably short of SVAC's prior year returns which have always been around 40%. Traditionally, 80% of our returns have come from residents contributing between $25 and $100, and these have amounted to about 80% of the monies raised. While this pattern remains constant in the current fund drive, because the number of respondents is only half of prior experience, the drive is far short of its goal.
A reliable emergency medical service is essential for any community. SVAC is that service for Scarsdale, averaging more than 100 emergency calls each month. We have a choice: continue the viability of SVAC with adequate funding from a generous community, or force the Village to negotiate with a commercial emergency medical service and add the much higher cost of such a service to everyone's tax bill. The choice is a no-brainer!
Contributions are welcome and will be gratefully acknowledged; Please send your donation to:
The Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps
P.O. Box 92
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Peter Strauss
SVAC Treasurer
Village Board Seeks Volunteers to Serve on Village Boards and Councils
- Details
- Hits: 3717
The Personnel Committee of the Village Board is asking residents interested in volunteering to serve on Village Boards, Councils and Committees to submit their names for consideration. New terms will begin April 1, 2013. This year, there are openings on most Boards and Councils. The Committee strongly encourages residents to apply for these positions.
Trustee Robert Harrison, Chair of the Personnel Committee, said interested residents are encouraged to submit their own names, together with a listing of community service and relevant professional background. It is also helpful for Scarsdale residents to provide written suggestions of individuals who should be considered for appointment. Please submit contact information including email addresses. The information may be submitted in one of two ways:
• Via the Village Website – At www.scarsdale.com, click "read more" under
* Volunteers Needed for Boards and Councils (located under Village News on the home page). On the next screen, complete the on-line application form under "Boards and Councils Applications" and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Via Village Hall – Alternatively, the information may be forwarded to Robert Harrison at Village Hall, 1001 Post Road, Scarsdale NY 10583
All materials should be received at the Village website or Village Hall by March 1, 2013. Residents should feel free to contact the Personnel Committee Chair, Robert Harrison by telephone at 914-725-0962 or e-mail at proscars@aol.com. You may also contact the
Village Clerk, Donna Conkling at 914-722-1175 or via e-mail, dconkling@scarsdale.com for further information.
Pursuant to the general policy adopted by the Village Board, guidelines for membership on Scarsdale's appointed Boards, Councils and Committees cover four areas:
1. Residency
Boards, Committees and Advisory Councils are comprised of residents of the Village. While comments from outside the community can be sought as needed, actions recommended or taken by Boards, Committees and Advisory Councils should ultimately reflect the views of Village residents.
2. Professional or Business Affiliation
Various professional skills and training are required by Village law or deemed desirable by the Village Board of Trustees for the successful fulfillment of some Board, Council or Committee charters.
3. Civic Interest and Involvement
The majority of the members of Village Boards and Councils are appointed by reason of demonstrated interest in Village affairs, through volunteer involvement. Scarsdale is the beneficiary of a long history of voluntary civic endeavors. Since the overriding purpose of Boards, Committees and Councils is to assure the continuation of high community standards, it is appropriate that members on Boards, Committees and Councils be those residents who have demonstrated willingness and initiative to work in support of this objective.
4. Specialized Knowledge
Certain Boards, Committees and Councils benefit by having one or more members with specialized knowledge. For example, the Cable Television Commission benefits by having people with knowledge of the communications industry; the Advisory Council on People With Disabilities would benefit from the experience of residents with disabilities; the Advisory Council on Youth would benefit from people who have worked with young people; the Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation would benefit from having a parent active in the Recreation Department's Elementary School Sports Program.
APPLICATIONS
Applications should be made in writing and should include information on the candidates' civic involvement, work experience or other qualifications in sufficient detail to help the Village Board evaluate the prospective candidate. Applications should be submitted via the Village website or sent to Trustee Robert Harrison at Village Hall, 1001 Post Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583 by March 1, 2013.
The following are the terms of office, and responsibilities for members appointed to the Boards, Councils and Committees:
BOARD OF APPEALS - (5 years - one term). Rules on appeals from zoning requirements, including setbacks; on permits for construction of swimming pools and tennis courts, and on non-conforming uses.
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW - (3 years - two terms). Its basic purpose is to preserve the character and appearance of the Village. Review of all applications involving construction of buildings, or additions to, or reconstruction of existing buildings affecting the exterior appearance.
PLANNING BOARD - (5 years - one term). Advises Village Board on master planning; rules on applications for sub-division of lots, street designations, construction in wetland areas and non-residential buildings.
BOARD OF ETHICS - (5 years - one term). Possible conflicts of interest or other
issues of ethics affecting Village personnel are referred to this Board by the Board of Trustees.
CABLE TELEVISION COMMISSION - (5 years - open-ended terms). Administers and monitors the Cable Franchise Agreements with the Village and encourages use of the cable access channels.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL - (2 years - open-ended terms). Advises the Village Board on such matters as programs, areas, facilities, public relations and other matters pertaining to conservation of the environment.
COMMITTEE FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION - (3 years - two terms). Determines if a structure located in the Village for which a permit for demolition has been requested is a structure of historical importance.
LIBRARY BOARD - (5 years - one term). Responsible for the administrative and operating policies of the Scarsdale Public Library. Operates independently of the Village Board and selects its own President.
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES - (2 years - open-ended terms). Advises and assists the Village Board in matters of concern to residents with disabilities. Assists with programs and activities, increases public awareness of the needs of the disabled, acts as liaison with other Advisory Councils, and promotes participation in community affairs by disabled persons.
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HUMAN RELATIONS - (2 years - open-ended terms). Considers and recommends actions at the request of the Village Board to foster mutual respect and understanding among all members of the community.
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PARKS AND RECREATION - (2 years - open-ended terms). Promotes the recreation program in the Village and advises the Village Board on the use of Village parks for recreation and passive uses, recommends the use or non-use of all open space, and acts as a liaison between the Village Board and the community on all matters relating to recreation and parks.
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON SCARSDALE SENIOR CITIZENS - (2 years - open-ended terms). Advises and assists the Board of Trustees in all matters concerning the senior citizens of the Village of Scarsdale.
TOWN BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW - (5 years – open-ended terms). This Board reviews property tax grievances filed with respect to property tax assessments.
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON TECHNOLOGY - (2 years - open-ended terms). This Council has a broad mandate in advising the Village Board and staff on technological matters. It provides advice, explores strategic options, and develops recommendations on how the Village Board can best utilize technology, including the Internet to improve efficiencies.
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON YOUTH - (2 years - open-ended terms). Advises and assists the
Board of Trustees in responding to the needs of Scarsdale's young people and works to
generate a favorable climate for growth and development of youth in the community.
JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE - (5 years - two terms). The Committee's function is to assist the Citizens' Nominating Committee and the Mayor, respectively with the selection of individuals who are qualified for the offices of Village Justice and Acting Village Justice.
REPRESENTATIVE TO SCARSDALE ARTS COUNCIL - (2 years - open-ended terms). At-large representative (total of 4 appointed by the Village Board) to the Scarsdale Arts Council Board. The Council's mission is to encourage the arts to flourish in Scarsdale by, among other methods, improving communication among arts programs and by attracting grant support and to raise public awareness and participation in the arts.
