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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 08 March 2020

Created: 08 March 2020

Last Updated: 08 March 2020

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Below find letters from Evelyn Stock, Janice Starr, Amy Laartz, Carl and Betty Pforzheimer, Carol Stix, Merrell Clark and Susan Duncan in support of the candidates for Village Trustee and Village Justice selected by the Citizens' Nominating Committee:

To Scarsdale 10583.com
Please--it is essential that you vote on March 18 for the candidates of the Scarsdale Citizens’ Non-Partisan Party (Justin Arest, Lena Crandall, Randall Whitestone, and Joaquin Alemany). My opinion is based on my soon to be 50 years living in Scarsdale during which I have been an active community volunteer and on my experience serving for 28 years on the Westchester Fair Campaign Practices Committee (WFCPC) from which I have taken a leave of absence.

WFCPC was established in 1991 as an independent impartial body to examine charges of unfair practices made by candidates against their opponents for any State or local election held in Westchester. What I have witnessed in neighboring communities, including those similar to Scarsdale: false information, personal attacks, self-aggrandizement, charges and counter charges, anger and mistrust, all of which continues from election to election and tears apart the fabric of a community. This has made me appreciate and value our non-partisan system which has provided overall good honest government. That our non-partisan system continually enlists new people to participate—people who generally have made and continue to make significant community contributions-- also serves us well
During my nearly five decades in Scarsdale, I have served on the Citizens Nominating Committee (CNC) three times, the last time approximately five years ago. I have also served on the School Board Nominating Committee. The CNC, a publicly elected body is the core of the Scarsdale’s non-partisan system. Nominees for Village office are selected by the CNC on the basis of their demonstrated interest in various Village activities, which among other things, reflects their ability to relate to people. CNC members vet potential nominees in several ways including reviewing their records of community involvement and contacting those residents the nominees have worked with. This is true for the Citizens’ Non-Partisan Party candidates this year.

This is not to say that the system is perfect. The non-partisan system, of which the CNC is the core, has evolved over time as successive generations of Scarsdalians have modified it to adjust to changing circumstances and community desires. The Non-Partisan Resolution, the foundational document for the nonpartisan system in Scarsdale, has been amended over 40 times by public vote since its adoption in 1930. However, fewer people are willing to run for both the CNC and for Village office. Reasons they give vary—no time, reluctance to run against friends and neighbors, unwillingness to lose. Many potential candidates say, “another time, another year.” To work, the system requires broad participation and support. Everyone I know who has served as part of the non-partisan system has found it worthwhile.

So this season, I urge residents to demonstrate their support for our non-partisan system. It has served our Village well for decades. Enlist your friends and neighbors to join you. Vote Row B for the Citizens Non-Partisan slate—Arest, Crandall, Whitestone and Alemany—on Wednesday, March 18th at the Scarsdale Congregational Church, One Heathcote Road, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
And consider running next time for the CNC or School Board Nominating Committee. You won’t regret it.

Evelyn Stock
87 Catherine Road

To the Editor:
I first became acquainted with Justin Arest in my capacity as the co-President of the League of Women Voters Scarsdale when he was assigned to be the Village Trustee Liaison in his first year as Trustee. From the onset of our working relationship, I was struck by how knowledgeable Justin was on a wide range of complex Village issues. He has often shown an encyclopedic-like knowledge of the Village budget and has displayed the ability to handle himself well in front of large groups discussing anything from the mundane to the potentially controversial. The League annually evaluates the Village’s budget process, and Justin made himself available to us regularly to answer questions and explain issues, whether on the phone or in person. He has a natural ability to distill the essence of complicated issues and explain them in a way that is easily understandable. During budget discussions with his colleagues and Village Staff, Justin excelled at asking pointed questions about the Village Budget and routinely tried to find creative solutions to maintaining desired services and as well finding cost savings.

Over the course of his first year, there were at least a few important matters on which Justin was willing to disagree with his colleagues due to problems he found with the process, as well as substance. I respect his courage to speak up and dissent from the dais.
I was fortunate to work again with Justin as liaison in his second year as Trustee in my capacity as co-President of the Fox Meadow Neighborhood Association. Over and over again, Justin showed his willingness to not only listen to residents’ concerns and attend our myriad events, but I always found him to be additive.

Justin cares deeply about Scarsdale and demonstrates that in the way he carries out his responsibilities as Trustee. I am so impressed with how prepared he is at every single meeting. I once asked him how he makes the time. He laughed and then smiled and told me that it was hard and meant a lot less sleep but, it was also very important to him. He is committed to making the community and the volunteers who have served before him proud.

I strongly endorse Justin for a second term and encourage voters to show up at the polls to vote Row B on Wednesday, March 18th at Scarsdale Congregational Church. The SCNPP slate is vetted, thoughtful, and will represent us well. We are fortunate that they are willing and able to step up to serve Scarsdale.

Janice Starr
Church Lane

To the Editor:
We moved to Scarsdale almost 4 years ago and quickly experienced our first Scarsdale contested election. We didn’t have the local experience to understand the process or know the candidates, but we were struck by the amount of public animosity targeted by a few individuals toward the non-partisan system. Flash forward to February 2020 and not much has changed. I decided to get more involved to better understand the process and answer the question - is it really “rigged” as a few have alleged?

I joined the Scarsdale Forum Climate Resilience Committee and Friends of Scarsdale Parks (FOSP). My interest in sustainability is both personal and professional. I have dedicated over 21 years working as an environmental scientist, ultimately owning a successful permitting and compliance business assisting clients with environmental impacts analysis, wetland mitigation, and navigating Clean Water Act regulations. Working with FOSP to sustain and enhance our green space, trees, streams, and wetlands was a natural step for me to volunteer and support my new community.

I first met Lena Crandall during her tenure as Village Trustee and liaison to the FOSP. She was very engaged in our meetings, articulating her knowledge about environmental issues, and offering advice and viable solutions to environmental issues pressing upon the Village. I really got to know Lena while supervising the planting of about 200 native shrubs and saplings in Harwood Park for the community wetland restoration planting day in 2018. What struck me most about Lena’s commitment to the community was how approachable and transparent she was in answering questions and listening to the volunteers on a variety of subjects. She dug into the mud with the rest of us while taking the time to get to know the community planting team. This is the type of person we want as Village Trustee.

Lena inspired me to become more involved. In 2019 I ran and was elected by my peers in Fox Meadow for a position on the Citizens Nominating Committee. I was thrilled to be a part of the process interviewing and vetting candidates along with 29 other volunteers from our community elected by their respective neighborhood voters. We carefully reviewed the trustee candidates’ community service track record and conducted due diligence through local references. Subsequently, each person on the CNC committee contributed to an open and thorough discussion and ultimately agreed to nominate the following on the ballot for trustees: Lena Crandall, Justin Arest, and Randy Whitestone, and Joaquin Alemany for Village Justice. Thirty volunteers elected by their neighborhood peers came together to review and nominate the non-partisan slate. There is more engagement in this electoral process than there is in state elections!

I’m proud to be a part of this non-partisan process and happy to report the system is not “rigged.” I suspect the details of village politics is something most Scarsdalians have little time or bandwidth for, which is why the CNC’s work in vetting candidates is important. I stand by our choices. Please remember to vote Wednesday, March 18th at the Scarsdale Congregational Church.

Amy Laartz
Old Orchard Lane

To the Editor:
We have lived in Scarsdale since 1965 and our family has strongly benefitted from its unique, non-partisan form of Village and School government. The Village Board and the School District have faced, and solved, many challenges over those 55 years.

Why does the system work? It works because a dedicated and experienced elected body, the Citizens Nominating Committee, finds candidates who are thoughtful and reasoned, collegial and consensus-building, and expert in needed fields. That body eschews candidates who have pre-determined “platform” views or believe they already have the answers to solve a particular problem. It works because people in the system put the interests of the Village or School District first, and their own interests second. It works because the elected officials understand that not everything comes down to that extra tax dollar. It works because, after public discussion and numerous (indeed, some might say endless) meetings and studies, reasoned decisions are made by the governing body usually, but not always, through consensus.

No one is shut out of the process along the way. There is no back-room secrecy. There are opportunities galore to make your opinion known. And the most important opportunity in the process is to make your opinion known by voting. Except for times we weren’t in the Village, we have voted in every election that we could over 55 years. And when we weren’t here, we used an absentee ballot.

We urge you to vote Row B for the candidates put forth by the Citizens Nominating Committee: Justin Arest, Lena Crandall, and Randy Whitestone for Trustee and the Hon. Joaquin Alemany for Village Justice.

Sincerely,

Carl and Betty Pforzheimer
16 Tompkins Road

To the Editor:
Scarsdale is a community blessed with fine schools and first-rate municipal services. Both are led by volunteers selected by their neighbors, then typically confirmed in general elections. The process of selecting candidates is Scarsdale’s Non-Partisan System.

This year the election for Village Trustees and Village Justice will take place on Wednesday, March 18th at the Scarsdale Congregational Church, One Heathcote Road. The Non-Partisan Candidates for Trustee positions are Justin Arest and Lena Crandall for second terms, and Randall Whitestone for a first term. These three candidates have all volunteered with respect to Village civic matters in numerous capacities. Their expertise in various fields and their dedication to Scarsdale are proven and well respected.

They are being challenged by a slate which is critical of the Non-Partisan System, even though it is a system that for decades has consistently persuaded talented resident volunteers to dedicate themselves to overseeing our local government. The platform of this challenging slate consists almost wholly of that criticism. For reasons not explained by them they are unhappy with a non-partisan system that emphasizes open minded government leaders committed to overseeing a professional staff that provides first rate local services with fiscal responsibility minus the wasteful and destructive rancor of clashing politics.

Therefore I urge all who value this tradition to vote Row B on Wednesday, March 18th for the Non-Partisan slate, Justin Arest, Lena Crandall and Randall Whitestone for Trustee, and for Village Justice, Joaquin Alemany.

Carol Stix
Carthage Road

To the Editor:
Scarsdale’s major attractions are well known. Highly rated schools, beautiful homes, Village in a Park, Tudor style Village center, and easy commute.

But what about the ethos? Individual families will find their own comfort zone within the Village, but an overarching umbrella that serves everyone is Scarsdale’s tradition of volunteerism. We aim to get along and do our part. Those with flexible time engage with the community. Thus we learn about the needs of the Village and its residents. We get to know neighbors throughout the community. We get to appreciate and emulate those who seem to give more of themselves, including their talent, time and kindness.

Scarsdale’s volunteer ethos was not an accident. Beginning in 1911, it was designed thoughtfully over many years to encourage a neighborly, friendly social order in which volunteer leaders would be recruited by other volunteer leaders for greater responsibility. The selection of Village Board volunteers has followed this system for decades, after repudiating the rancor that once existed in Scarsdale when political parties attacked each other, when abrasive individuals promoted themselves and their self-appointed colleagues, and when hostility nearly destroyed the community’s spirit. That’s why the nonpartisan system that has nourished Scarsdale for a century was adopted and sustained.

Scarsdale encourages participation of volunteers. There are seventeen neighborhood associations, operated by volunteers in every geographic section of the community. There are numerous sports organizations. Every Scarsdale school enjoys an association of parents and teachers. There are approximately 30 community organizations, such as: Boy and Girl Scouts, League of Women Voters, Junior League, Scarsdale Forum, Scarsdale Woman’s Club, and many groups of Friends (for Music and the Arts, Scarsdale Library, Scarsdale Parks, Westchester Band and others).

In addition, Village-appointed groups of volunteers (boards, councils, committees), lend wisdom, perspective, and expertise to the Village Manager and his staff as well as to the Trustees. And, of course, the Trustees are volunteers who provide their expertise to the Village Manager. Of all the hundreds of volunteer leaders in Scarsdale, the Trustees are honored to be selected and gladly undertake a demanding schedule without pay. They provide an enormous service to the residents of Scarsdale, and as residents themselves contribute balance and insight to the day to day work of Scarsdale’s outstanding professional staff.

The electoral system in Scarsdale, both for School Board and Village offices, avoids partisan politics. Active participation of volunteers from many organizations of the Village is its foundation. Efforts to abolish or challenge it are uncompromisingly indifferent to how this part of Scarsdale’s ethos has benefited the community over many decades. Like the freedoms of our democratic society and the quality of life that we enjoy in our Village, the community “spirit” of our nonpartisan election system is central to the Scarsdale ethos and worth fighting for. Vote the Scarsdale Citizens’ Non-Partisan slate -- Justin Arest, Lena Crandall, Randall Whitestone and Joaquin Alemany -- on Wednesday March 18th.

Merrell Clark
Popham Road

To the Editor:
Edgewood resident Randall (Randy) Whitestone is a candidate for Village Trustee in the election on March 18, 2020. Scarsdale has an exciting opportunity to elect an intelligent and thoughtful leader to help steer our village in the coming years. He has a long family history in Scarsdale and not only raised his children here, but chose to stay even when they grew up and moved away, as children do.

I have known Randy for more than 20 years and have found him to be a calm and steady voice in any discussion. He always seeks consensus in a thoughtful, rational manner. He cares about the issues that are of concern to our residents, such as education and taxes. He has no axe to grind but will listen to the various voices before reaching a decision.

I feel confident that Randy will make a great trustee and commend him to the voters.

Susan Duncan
193 Lyons Road

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 13 March 2020

Created: 13 March 2020

Last Updated: 14 March 2020

Hits: 3124

On Tuesday night I got several calls to alert me that Mayra Kirkendall-Rodriguez was at the mic at Village Hall quoting me. Curious to find out why my name was invoked – I tuned in to Channel 75 to find her quoting from an article I wrote about my experience on the Citizens Nominating Committee. She said I wrote the article in 2013 – but I actually wrote it in 2011 – and it referred to time I spent on the committee in 2007—8. That’s now 14 years ago, and in that time, the resolution has been amended, and the rules, the management and the make-up of the Citizen’s Nominating Committee has changed.

When I served on the CNC, the committee proceedings were run by the leadership of the Town and Village Civic Club which has since become the Scarsdale Forum. The people who presided over the nomination process were not elected by the nominators and at times they appeared to have their own agendas. I was often unable to understand who they were speaking about and why they kept bringing up matters that they then said could not be discussed. Many of the nominators served multiple terms and appeared to be quite partisan.

As a relative newcomer to Scarsdale, it was frustrating. But since that time, things have changed. The leadership of the committee is elected by the nominators and there is considerable turnover among the 30 elected committee members who represent a wide swath of the community. It is evident that the process is fair and democratic.

Ms. Kirkendall-Rodriguez never asked me to update my views on the CNC and repeatedly quotes from a 2011 article in order to justify her views about the nominating process. If she finds them unfair or biased, I hope she can ground that opinion in her own experiences rather than quote views I no longer hold.

And this leads me to the upcoming election – yet another year when our non-partisan system is being challenged.

If Mayra Kirkendall-Rodriguez or anyone else wants to know, I have full confidence in Scarsdale’s Non-Partisan system, the Citizen’s Nominating Committee and the candidates they vet and select. I know many of my neighbors have served on the CNC and they worked hard to find good candidates, present them to the committee and thoroughly vet their experience and credentials. The committee is comprised of 30 elected members from all of Scarsdale’s neighborhoods who in turn seek qualified Scarsdalians to serve.

We’re fortunate that these nominators volunteer their time to identify dedicated and talented leaders to run Scarsdale. Winning the confidence and approval of the CNC is a real accomplishment – and I will give the candidates who passed muster with the committee my vote in the general election on Wednesday March 18.

Justin Arest and Lena Crandall, two Scarsdale Non-Partisan Party candidates who have been re-nominated for a second term, have both served well during their first terms. They have unique perspectives and opinions which they are never reluctant to share -- but know how to work together with their fellow Board members when it’s time to reach consensus. I am impressed by their commitment to their roles, the many hours they serve, their passion for the Village and willingness to engage with neighbors. Randy Whitestone, who is running for his first term has already done considerable volunteer work in the Village and his financial acumen and communication skills will be assets to the Board of Trustees.

Their challengers from the Voter’s Choice Party contend that Scarsdale’s voters need a choice. In my view, the CNC made some good choices, and I’ll support them. I am pleased with the management of the village, our excellent services, and the fact that they provide it all while keeping our tax increase under 2%.

In short, I am going to vote Row B for Justin Arest, Lena Crandall and Randy Whitestone for Village Trustee at the Scarsdale Congregational Church at 1 Heathcote Road on Wednesday March 18 from 6 am – 9 pm. Since it’s a contested election and our non-partisan system is being tested, I urge you to vote Row B as well. If you’re concerned about voting due to the virus, go to Village Hall on Monday before 5 pm and get your absentee ballot there.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 29 February 2020

Created: 29 February 2020

Last Updated: 29 February 2020

Hits: 2655

Joaquin Alemany, Randy Whitestone, Lena Crandall and Justin ArestTo my Scarsdale Neighbors: Our Village elections are fast approaching and I want to urge all my fellow residents to re-elect Justin Arest to a second term as Village Trustee.

For nearly two years, I and a group of dedicated residents have had the pleasure to work with Justin as members of the Scarsdale Cable Television Commission of which I have been a member for ten years and its chairman for the last two years. The Village Code established this commission authorizing it to negotiate and recommend to the Mayor and Trustees new cable television franchise agreements with our cable providers, Verizon and Altice (Cablevision). Justin was appointed by two successive Mayors as the Trustee liaison to the Commission. The role of the Trustee liaison is to provide feedback to the Board. As did his predecessors, Justin does far more.

Justin’s involvement has been an invaluable asset to the work of the Commission. Justin has not only attended every meeting and participated in every conference call – his ongoing advice, input and recommendations have been important in the preparations for face to face negotiations with the cable providers. His background as an attorney and businessman have uniquely combined to provide the Commission with a priceless partner in seeking the best cable television deal for village residents, businesses and non-profit organization during the next 5-10 years.

Additionally, Justin was instrumental in helping the Commission secure funds from our cable providers for our Library’s cable television facilities upgrade to enhance residents’ television access to their events and programming on Scarsdale’s Public Access cable channels.

Beyond his involvement with the cable commission, Justin’s astute analysis of issues and proposed solutions and his proven business acumen and legal skills in addressing village wide matters, make his continued involvement with our Village government invaluable. I urge all our residents to reelect Justin by voting Row B on March 18th.

Michael A. Rubin
33 Crossway
February 25, 2020

To the Editor:
Dear Sirs: Elections for Village office approach in March and I would like to offer a recommendation and request for support for my good friend, Randy Whitestone, Scarsdale's nonpartisan system and the other candidates on the Citizen’s Nominating Committee (CNC) non-partisan slate as well.

I have known Randy for twenty five years, first meeting while working on the Fiscal Affairs Committee of the then TVCC. He made valuable contributions to our committee reports over several years and demonstrated a complete understanding of the village accounts. There were always many people who were willing to append their name to the reports without ever attending a session, but Randy was one who was willing to share the actual work. He has always been the type of person who draws other people into groups, and into conversations, wherever he happens to be, be it our book club, the train posse of people who meet on the tracks every morning, a working committee, or cocktail party. He invites people around him to join in and respects their views. I think that he would make an excellent contribution to our Village Board, willing to hear people out.

The other CNC candidates for Trustee should be known already to the community for their ongoing work and experience. Justin Arest has been the liaison to the Overhill Neighborhood Association, of which I am a member, and has provided a willing ear to our group, showing up for evening meetings to hear our complaints and comments. His real estate experience is very valuable to understanding the complex issues of development on the Freightway site currently before the Board.
Lena Crandall has always been a voice for the environment and sustainability in the community, having been active on the Friends of the Parks for many years before joining the Village. She has demonstrated that she has the even temperament required for Village Board service.
The Village Justice, Joaquin Alemany, is running unopposed for another well-deserved term on the slate.

Finally, I would encourage all citizens to turn out and vote for the CNC’s non-partisan slate on Wednesday March 18th at the Scarsdale Congregational Church, One Heathcote Road. Participation gives our political system the support it deserves having served our Village well for many decades.

Sincerely,
David E. Buchen
2 Circle Road
February 24, 2020

To the Editor:
It is again that season where all good women and men need to come to the aid of the Village of Scarsdale and support the Non-Partisan Citizens’ team running for trustees and village justice. The ticket includes Justin Arest, Lena Crandall, and Randy Whitestone for trustee and the Hon. Joaquin Alemany for Village Justice. The depth and breadth of the slate is illustrated by their background and experience which will be summarized in a brochure to be circulated in due course to all residents. It is worth noting briefly the following:

Justin Arest, a current trustee, has both the professional and community experience that we need. Even before becoming trustee he was active in community affairs including the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Freightway Steering Committed, and the Library’s Building and Campaign Committees. As trustee he has had leadership roles in overseeing the budget process and as Chair of Personnel heading search committees. Justin served as liaison to neighborhood associations, advisory councils on communication and Technology, the Board of Appeals, Board of Architectural Review, Board of Assessment Review, Cable Commission, and others.

Trustee Lena Crandall, who retired from the practice of law to raise her family and to be involved in the Scarsdale community, is also running for a second term. She too has had leadership positions on the board including having chaired the Village’s Sustainability Committee and co -chaired the Recreation Committee. She is liaison to the Conservation Advisory Council, the Advisory Council on Youth, Friends of Scarsdale Parks, Junior League of Central Westchester, Advisory Council on Senior Citizens and neighborhood Associations. Crandall has served the Scarsdale Forum, Friends of Scarsdale Parks, The Scarsdale Woman’s Club and the Bronx River Parkway Reservation Conservancy.

Randy Whitestone, a twenty-five year resident of Scarsdale has been nominated for a first term as Village trustee. He has deep family roots here going back to 1928 when his grandparents moved to Scarsdale. His civic involvement includes having chaired the Scarsdale Forum’s village Fiscal Affairs Committee and served as a member of its Audit Committee. He has served on the Citizens Nominating Committee, Scarsdale Foundation Bowl Committee, and on the Arthur Manor Association board of directors.

Joaquin Alemany is our current Village Justice, who previously served by filling the remainder of the term of the Late John Galloway. He was also an Acting Village Justice in the Village of Sleepy Hollow and an Administrative Law Judge for the Westchester County Human Rights Commission and the Westchester taxi and Limousine Commission.
With the important issues currently facing the village it is more important than ever to vote for those who have demonstrated their significant qualifications and their dedication to the Village of Scarsdale by their past efforts. Vote for the nominees of the Scarsdale Non-Partisan Committee.

Dorothy M. Finger
Sheldrake Road
February 25, 2020

To the Editor
Once again, the Non-Partisan system is being challenged.

For many years, when choosing trustees of our Village government and also the School district, Scarsdalians have looked to neighbors with demonstrated experience, skills and an interest in serving the community. A Citizens Nominating Committee elected by the community at large serves as the vehicle for vetting and then proposing individuals who could fill these unpaid positions without regard to political affiliation. All residents are encouraged to give suggestions for candidates to the Nominating Committee.

While to some this system may appear somewhat complicated, it generally functions well in our community which abhors politicking over local matters and prides itself in broad participation by interested residents, all in the context of volunteerism. We have been fortunate that this non-partisan system has produced skilled candidates who can oversee and supplement our professional management.

This year the Nominating Committee has proposed two candidates who have completed one two-year term and are eligible now for one more term: Justin Arest and Lena Crandall. On the slate to replace a retiring current Trustee is Randall Whitestone, who should bring fresh perspectives to the Board.

I for one believe in non-partisanship for Scarsdale and am grateful that these highly qualified individuals are willing to serve. Vote Row B on Wednesday, March 18th at the Scarsdale Congregational Church, One Heathcote Road.

Bill Miller
Popham Road
February 25, 2020