Congressional Candidate Catherine Parker is Confident She Can Unseat Bowman
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Catherine Parker, a recent entrant into the race to represent Congressional District 16, is no newcomer to government service. Elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 2013, she was the Majority Leader and currently serves on many committees of the board. A fourth generation Westchester resident who was raised by a single mom, Parker understands what it means to live and work in Westchester.
Learn more about Parker below:
-Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us something about your background, your family and professional and political careers to date.
I was raised by a single mother in Westchester who was a sixth grade teacher in White Plains. Money was very tight, and starting from when I was thirteen years old, I have worked. I wouldn't change a thing about my childhood. It tested me, showed me that I am resilient, and it instilled in me a good work ethic. I also have empathy for those that struggle. I'm a graduate of Providence College. My professional life has been spent primarily as a small business owner, and my store, Parkers, in Rye was a staple of the community for twenty-two years. My husband, David Walker, and I have two kids - Julia who is 21 years old and Aidan who is fourteen years old. We live in Rye, where I served six years on the city council before I was elected to the Board of Legislators in 2013. I served as Majority Leader after George Latimer was elected as County Executive and currently serve as Chair of the Human Services, Human Rights & Equity Committee. I also serve on the Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Environment, Energy & Climate, Housing, Law & Major Contracts, Parks & Recreation, Public Works & Transportation Committees.
-You decided to enter the congressional race rather late. What persuaded you to make a bid for the seat?
The congressional race had the reset button hit by the Appellate Court and the Special Master whose new map was accepted by the court at almost midnight on May 20th. Had Mondaire Jones stayed in Westchester I would have supported him, but on the morning of May 21st the New York Times announced that he was running for CD10. I recognized we were without a strong challenger to Mr. Bowman.
-What is your view on the redistricting of the Congressional map and the change in primary date? How did that affect your decision to run, and what impact might it have on the outcome?
I think the map makes sense. It is a solidly Southern Westchester district and has four relatively straightforward natural borders - the Hudson River to Long Island Sound, and from 287 to the Bronx border with just a small part of the Bronx. While redistricting generally favors an incumbent, I see a clear path. I represent over 62,000 in CD16, and have been elected and reelected by my constituents many times. As someone who has a deep record of passing pragmatic progressive legislation even in areas of Westchester where I haven't represented the local community, many people still recognize me as a leader for environmental policy, good fiscal governance, women's reproductive health and sensible gun policy.
-Incumbent Congressman Jamaal Bowman hails from Yonkers and publicly stated that with the new district map he was disappointed he would no longer serve many of his Bronx constituents. Why do you believe you would better represent Westchester residents in Washington?
I'm a fourth generation Westchester resident. Truly, Westchester is in my blood. It is why I was drawn to serve as a county legislator. I have had the better experience of representing Westchester already for nearly nine years. Here's what Westchester wants - someone who understands that in every community people struggle. Someone who is looking to restore our SALT deduction. Someone who knows that every municipality including more affluent ones have a real need for federal dollars to help pay for infrastructure, who understands the cost of climate change and the need for flood mitigation. That's me!
-Given that Bowman is the incumbent and has received many endorsements from organizations and unions, do you think it will be possible to unseat him?
Most of his endorsements were given before the lines changed. He has since lost the endorsement of the Mayor of Mamaroneck, and other endorsers have shared that if they had known how things were going to change they would have waited. The most important endorsements in running for office are that of the voters, and I feel confident we can unseat him.
-How do you distinguish your platform from Bowman’s?
My platform in this election has to include fixing what has been egregiously missing from the incumbent - responsiveness to residents and local elected officials. I will work with the local communities to fund necessary infrastructure, provide comprehensive constituent services so people don't fall into crisis because no one returns a phone call, and lastly, but not least importantly - representing the district with my votes. Congressman Bowman has forgotten us on many occasions, whether by his no vote on infrastructure, withdrawal of his support of the Abraham Accords for Israel and other Middle East nations, no to aid for Ukraine, and no for NATO.
-Some claim that your entrance into the race will ensure a win for Bowman by taking votes away from challenger Vedat Gashi. How would you respond to that charge?
So the woman who has seven times the elected experience of that challenger, who actually lives in the district and represents a large chunk of likely voters is the spoiler? No. This isn't a deli line. There may be a spoiler, but it's not me.
-What achievements are you most proud of during your five terms of service on the Westchester County Board of Legislators?
When I was Majority Leader, in that two year term we passed more legislation than at any other time, before or after. These were good policy decisions that we sorely need in Washington - paid sick leave, tax parity, and sensible gun legislation.
-What do you hope to do in Congress to benefit Westchester residents? Is there any chance of reinstating our SALT deductions?
I have a long to do list, representing many projects that municipalities need. Every bit of money that comes in from Washington, reduces the burden on your property taxes. Speaking of, I do think there is a good chance to reinstating our SALT deduction.
-With a polarized Congress and a divided country, give us your views on how the two sides can reach consensus to pass legislation on climate change, gun control, voting rights and women’s rights?
I am the only candidate that has ever passed legislation while being in the minority party of government. The way to be successful is through language. When I had a bill to create the position of Energy Director for Westchester and the Office of Sustainability, I spoke not in terms of climate change and carbon footprint, but in terms of millions of dollars saved by taxpayers because of energy efficiency. My bill passed. Language matters!
Saks OFF 5th Opens in Eastchester
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There’s finally some good news for shoppers in Scarsdale, with the opening of a second Saks OFF 5th store in our area. This new location, in the lower level of the former Lord and Taylors, appears to be a hybrid of a Saks designer discount store and a venue for lower priced merchandise purchased expressly for the location. So though you will find racks of discounted designer items, you’ll also see fresh merchandise available in all sizes.
In other words, it’s a mixture of a treasure hunt for luxury items and a traditional venue for moderately priced formal wear, dresses, shorts, bathing suits, leisure wear, lingerie, menswear, cosmetics, watches, jewelry, children’s clothing, shoes and more handpicked for Saks OFF 5th shoppers. Chief Merchant Molly Taylor explained that a dedicated buying group for Sake OFF 5th has sourced 500 new brands and new designers to offer core elements in every size surrounded by the sizzle of designer finds.
The store is filled with summer merchandise, ready to be worn now.
On Wednesday night July 13 the. store held an opening with champagne, hors d-oeuvres and a DJ, and beginning today, July 14 the store is officially open. Remember to drive around to the back parking lot to enter on the lower level.
Will this mean that the Sake OFF 5th on Route 119 will close? Apparently not. It remains open. And what of the rumor that We Work is also opening at that location in the Vernon Hills Shopping Center? No one seemed to be able to confirm or deny that news, but there doesn’t seem to be much activity upstairs for now.
The Scarsdale Procedure Committee Invites Scarsdale Voters to Submit Suggestions to Improve the Non-Partisan System
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The Scarsdale Procedure Committee (PC), whose members are representative of Scarsdale’s five elementary school neighborhoods, is inviting Scarsdale voters to help improve the non-partisan election system’s governing document and the Citizens Nominating Committee (CNC) processes. To accomplish these important tasks, the public is being invited to review and comment on a summary of proposed amendments to the document known as the Non-Partisan Resolution, which are available on the PC’s website here, along with the current Non-Partisan Resolution marked to show proposed changes.
According to PC Chair Michelle Sterling and Vice Chair Peri Zelig, “The Scarsdale community’s non-partisan system of electing qualified candidates for village office is governed by the Non-Partisan Resolution – a living document that, since its adoption in December 1930, has been amended 42 times, most recently in November 2018. The system administered by the PC establishes a method for selecting a slate of qualified candidates for Mayor (every two years), Trustees (every year according to staggered terms), and Village Justice (every four years). Periodically, the community is asked to comment on proposed changes to the Resolution which are ultimately submitted to the electorate for a vote on ratification. Today’s announcement represents a collaborative opportunity for Scarsdalians to make a positive difference in the civic affairs of Scarsdale.”
This annual non-partisan election procedure, which is managed by residents of Scarsdale and is similar to the School Board Nominating Committee system, works like this: the PC administers the annual recruitment and election of voting members of the 30-member CNC. CNC members – six residents from each of Scarsdale’s five elementary school districts – are elected by their neighbors to vet and nominate a slate of candidates for Village office positions which may be open in any given year. By contributing input on potential revisions to the Non-Partisan Resolution, Scarsdale voters play an integral role in the process that helps to select Village government, another unique feature of Scarsdale’s non-partisan system in which partisan politics and electioneering is avoided.
Procedure Committee chairs Sterling and Zelig stated that “all comments received by the PC from Scarsdale voters and community organizations during the 90-day public comment period, from June 27 through September 2022, will be reviewed by the PC. At the end of its public review, the PC will propose amendments that, in the Committee’s judgment, should be presented to the electorate on the Tuesday November 15, 2022 ballot, when the voters go to the polls to vote in a new class of Citizens Nominating Committee members.”
The members of the 2022-23 Procedure Committee are: Michelle Sterling, Chair, Peri Zelig, Vice Chair, Christian Callaghan, Susan Douglass, Madelaine Eppenstein, Carly Grossberg, Elena Kanner, Jon Krisbergh, Liz Lashbrook, Barry Meiselman, BK Mungia, Abigail Sterling Olsen, Camille Roche, Emily Shteinhauz, Ilissa Siegel, Jill Spielberg, Laura Thierer, Jay Wechsler
The Procedure Committee invites the public to review and submit comments about the proposed amendments via email to Procedure Committee Chair Michelle Sterling, and members Madelaine Eppenstein.
Public and Media Contact: michellesterling1@gmail.com; meppenstein@eppenstein.com
Man Arrested for Possession of Semi-Automatic Handgun in Greenburgh Home
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Greenburgh Police were called to a home at 332 Ridge Road at 6:50 pm on June 26 about a fight in the basement and the possibility that a man there had a firearm.
Before they arrived, there was a report of car fleeing the scene with three to four men inside.
Police entered the house and found two residents of the home and a man later identified as Daniel Bigelow with a gunshot wound in his leg.
The resident said that Bigelow had been dropped off by the occupants of the car. He pulled out a black semi-automatic 9 mm handgun and fired at one of the residents, missing him. During the struggle that ensued, Bigelow shot himself in the leg.
Bigelow was taken to Westchester Medical Center in stable condition and is expected to survive. He was arrested and charged with PL 265.01 Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a class E felony.
Arrested
Daniel Bigelow
33 years old
160 Westfield Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07208
Residents Say New Flood Plane Regulations Do Not Go Far Enough
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Water rushed into a home on Willow Lane during Hurricane Ida in September 2021.The Village Board of Trustees got some pushback from an attorney and residents on proposed changes to flood damage prevention laws that do not go far enough to address longstanding issues with flooding in the Village.
On Tuesday night June 14 the Board held a hearing on code changes to bring the Village into compliance with FEMA requirements for flood damage protection.
In summary, the changes would require new and replacement equipment and prefab homes located within a Special Flood Hazard Area to be sited two feet above the base flood level, to prevent damage during storms. The requirements pertain to electrical equipment, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, pool equipment and generators.
According to a memo from Village Planner Greg Cutler, “The purpose of this code is to require that all new or substantially improved development meets a higher standard for flood safety and damage prevention. The freeboard requirement ensures that new construction and substantially improved construction remains safe and undamaged during flood events that exceed the base flood elevation for a 1% annual chance storm.”
At the hearing, the Board heard from attorney Helen Mauch of Mintzer Mauch LLP who is representing 30 clients who live in in a sensitive drainage area along Garden, Cushman, Willow and Sheldrake Roads.
She pointed out that these changes do nothing to address her clients’ concerns about flooding risks from construction. She said that her clients have written to the Village to ask for stricter requirements in sensitive drainage areas including grade changes, tree removal and retaining walls, as recommended by the Village Engineer.
She wanted to know why the Village was taking a piecemeal approach to the issue and said these proposed changes are “simply not enough.” Furthermore, the Board has rejected her clients’ request to impose a temporary development work moratorium, even though it's well within the Board’s authority to make the legislative changes that will provide some protection to residents living in sensitive drainage areas. Ms. Mauch asserted that the “changes need to be made now.”
Her client Helen Maccarino of 83 Cushman Road also spoke. She told the board that “a lot of neighbors are struggling with the repetitive flooding that goes on primarily due to stormwater runoff,” and asked the Board to amend the code. She asked the Board to be more specific about when they will be tackling this issue and said it should be given a high priority due to climate change and more ferocious storms that are happening more frequently.
Bob Harrison also voiced his concerns about flooding of the sanitary sewer lines. He said there have been issues with roots growing into the lines. He also complained about heavy rains flooding basements.
Both the Mayor and the Village Manager responded.
Veron said, “she understands the frustration and that they all feel and the sense of urgency on the storm sensitive drainage areas and the need to address it.” She said it was not an issue of priorities and that the Village Managers are working behind the scenes to address the issues.
Village Manager Rob Cole said, “Staff is working in parallel on a number of different projects, one of them would be the sewer lateral inspection law that will be coming to the Village Board within approximately 30 days.” He also discussed a “flood study” to target flood relief throughout the community, as well as some local laws to deal with sensitive drainage areas.
He said the staff will work with the Village Board to vet the proposals and a work session with the full Village Board will be planned. However, he warned, “There’s almost no infrastructure project or code change that's going to preclude the types of events such as a storm like Tropical Storm Ida and some of the more intense rainstorms that cause flooding damage on Scarsdale properties.”
Public Hearing re Signs
Also on the agenda was a hearing about a proposed new law prohibiting signs in the Village right of way. The new code would apply to all signs, regardless of content. The law simply bars all signs in the right-of-way, which is usually ten feet from the curb. If passed by the Village Board, the law would require most signs to conform to these new requirements within 60 days, with an exemption for signs that will cost more than $1,000 to relocate, providing evidence is supplied to support a waiver. There are exceptions for signs at a place of worship or a country club.
Bob Harrison asked whether or not the legislation includes an amortization schedule. Rob Cole responded that the law includes definitions of what constitutes a non-conforming sign and under what conditions they have to be brought into conformity. It specifically references the $1,000 and provides a reasonable pathway for all signs to ultimately be brought into compliance without presenting an extreme hardship for any one individual or entity to remove a sign simply because the law changed.
Read a draft of the proposed code here:
In other news, the Board approved:
-a resolution for the Scarsdale Business Alliance to hold their annual sidewalk sale from Thursday July 28 to Saturday July 30 in Scarsdale Village.
-a contract for Coach Bus Services for the Teen Travel Camp
-An administrative award for Detective James Gannon for the arrest of a suspect in a serious assault with a knife in June 2020.
-An administrative award for Detective Robaire Johnson for his work in capturing the suspect involved in the same incident, for road rage incident leading to a stabbing.
