Turn Over Your Ballot and Vote Yes on Proposition 1
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Today's the day! When you vote, remember to turn over your ballot and vote YES on Proposition 1, the Equal Rights Amendment for the New York State constitution.
Here's why:
To the Editor,
At a time in history where states are attempting to take away the rights of women and all citizens, New Yorkers have the opportunity to cement the rights they currently enjoy by flipping over their ballots and voting “yes” on Prop 1.
There is a whole disinformation campaign afoot (yes, outright lies) about the impact of Prop 1. Let us be clear, Prop 1 does nothing to change existing law—it does not create any new rights or protections. New York statutes already explicitly protect abortion and discrimination against individuals based on a host of factors, including age, disability, and sex, including gender identity and gender expression. Prop 1, using language from these statutes, merely enshrines these rights and protections in the New York State Constitution.
Prominent in these false and misleading claims is that Prop 1 somehow terminates parental rights with respect to their children’s medical care, especially in regard to gender-affirming care for trans teens. Common sense tells us that this is patently false. Teenagers in NY State cannot go on a field trip or take an Advil in school without parental permission, let alone undergo gender reassignment surgery. Nothing in Prop 1 changes this in the slightest. Nor does Prop 1 endanger girls’ participation in sports. Current NY State education law and federal Title IX civil rights laws already govern this area about who can play on what sports teams.
As for abortion rights in New York, women have the absolute right to abortion through the 24th week of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, abortion is permitted only if her medical provider decides the fetus is not viable or the mother’s life, physical health, or mental health is at risk. Prop 1 does not change this standard.
So why is Prop 1 necessary in a state that already has ample abortion rights and other protections? For anti-choice advocates, the issue is not settled, and they will continue to push for restrictions. Constitutional protections are less subject to the political whims of governors and legislators; they cannot be overturned without first being approved by two consecutive sessions of the legislature and then by a majority of New York voters.
Protecting all New Yorkers from discrimination and placing abortion rights in our Constitution should not be a partisan issue. The Scarsdale Town Democratic Committee encourages everyone to vote “yes” on Prop 1.
Respectfully submitted,
Alissa Baum & Myra Saul, Co-Chairs, Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee
Vote Early By Mail
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To the Editor:
We wanted to make sure the community is aware that ALL New York voters now have an additional method of voting: the option of voting early by mail. Any registered voter may take advantage of this option. Unlike absentee voting, no excuse is required to vote early by mail. Absentee voting is still an option, but absentee voting is only available under certain circumstances, like a disability or being out of town on Election Day.
For this new, early voting by mail method, any registered voter may apply for an early mail ballot in one of the following ways:
-Using the online Ballot Request portal
-By printing and mailing the Early Voting by Mail Application
-If you are visually impaired and require a ballot with accessible features you may apply using the online Accessible Absentee Ballot Application portal
-By going in-person to the Westchester County Board of Elections, 25 Quarropas St., White Plains, NY 10601; OR
-By designating another person to deliver your application in-person to the Westchester County Board of Elections, 25 Quarropas St., White Plains, NY 10601 and receive your ballot
The last day for the Westchester Board of Elections to receive an application for an early mail ballot by mail or by online portal is October 26, 2024. The last day to apply for an early mail ballot in person at the Westchester Board of Elections is November 4, 2024.
In-person voting is still available to all voters. For those choosing to vote in person, in-person early voting is October 26-November 3, 2024, at any of the early polling locations in Westchester County. Election Day is November 5, 2024. Then, voters must vote at their designated polling location.
Make sure your voice is heard this election!
Respectfully,
Alissa Baum and Myra Saul, Co-Chairs of the Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee
Scarsdale's Tommy Hess to be Honored by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
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Tommy Hess, an advocate for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, past president of the young professionals in NYC and first recipient of the Young Humanitarian award will be recognized with the Foundation’s Community Impact Award at this year’s Quest for a Cure Gala. The event is scheduled for October 5, 2024, at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, New York.
Tommy's journey with ulcerative colitis began on May 25, 1994, when he was just about to celebrate his 21st birthday. Instead of a joyful surprise party planned by his family, he faced a life-threatening situation in his hospital room at Mount Sinai. A team of doctors burst in, declaring an urgent need for surgery to save his life. That day marked the beginning of a long and challenging battle against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Following the unexpected surgery, Tommy spent a month recovering in the hospital, which included a second operation and battling a severe infection due to a ruptured colon. His health struggles continued for years, with Tommy enduring six surgeries, various medications, and debilitating arthritis in his 20s—a difficult side effect of IBD that made even simple tasks like sitting or standing a challenge.
Thanks to advancements in treatment, the support of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and the love of his family and friends, Tommy has been enjoying good health since his last surgery in 2017. His resilience and determination have made him a beacon of hope for many living with similar conditions.
The upcoming Quest for a Cure Gala promises to be a memorable evening filled with purpose and community spirit. Chaired by fellow Scarsdale resident Jesse Edelman, the event will feature a silent auction, cocktails, dinner, awards, and entertainment, drawing over 300 supporters from Westchester, Fairfield Counties, and beyond. It is the largest annual fundraiser for the Connecticut/Westchester Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, aimed at raising critical funds for IBD research and support services.
Tickets for the Quest for a Cure Gala are priced at $375 for individuals and $3,750 for a table of ten. Those interested in attending or supporting the mission can find more information at https://onecau.se/cw2024gala.
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis while enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals. Over the years, the foundation has invested more than $350 million in vital research initiatives, educational programs, and support services for the estimated 3.1 million individuals living with IBD and their families.
For further inquiries about the event or the foundation, please contact Jennifer Jara at [email protected] or (475) 422-6178.
ERA On the Ballot this November in New York: Learn More
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This November, New Yorkers have the power to protect abortion rights and secure our fundamental freedoms for generations by voting YES on Proposal 1, the New York State Equal Rights Amendment. Prop 1 has the effect of cementing existing legal rights into the NY Constitution, which currently prohibits race and religion based discrimination. The amendment expands coverage to include protections against discrimination by the government based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.
As we have witnessed on the national front, complacency is dangerous, and laws that we assumed were safe may change overnight with the political tides. Prop 1 is about ensuring that we New Yorkers, not politicians, control our healthcare decisions and personal futures.
Throughout Westchester, many of us have shared personal stories about the importance of protecting reproductive freedoms and protecting the liberties of all New Yorkers. “With
Jenna Lauter from the NY Civil Liberties Union will speak at the Scarsdale Library on Tuesday October 1 at 7 pm the fall of Roe v. Wade and increasing attacks on reproductive rights across the country, many of us have realized that the legislative protections we once took for granted can no longer be assumed,” stated one Scarsdale League of Women Voters board member, who is also the parent of two high school students. “That’s why Prop 1 is essential: it permanently protects reproductive rights, including the right to abortion and IVF, in New York’s state constitution, safeguarding them from future political rollbacks.”
Many in our community have also shared their concerns about other forms of discrimination—whether it’s age-based bias in the workplace or the fear that LGBTQ+ New Yorkers could face discrimination in employment, healthcare, or child custody. Prop 1 closes these gaps in our state Constitution and brings the Constitution into alignment with existing state law. It confirms that no New Yorker should be denied access to healthcare, public sector employment, or public services based on who they are. And it reinforces existing laws to ensure that LGBTQ+ New Yorkers are protected from discrimination, that seniors won’t face age-based bias in the workplace, and that pregnant individuals cannot be penalized or disadvantaged.
For another board member, this is personal. “I’ve seen how older colleagues and friends have struggled with age discrimination,” she stated. “It’s heartbreaking to watch someone’s skills and contributions be ignored because of their age. Prop 1 will make sure older New Yorkers are treated with the respect they deserve.”
All New Yorkers deserve the freedom to control our own lives, futures, and healthcare decisions – including personal reproductive decisions, such as our right to abortion. Although some have tried to divide and distract us from the amendment’s goal of guaranteeing our personal freedoms, Prop 1 does not change any existing laws or regulations. It simply codifies our fundamental civil rights and reproductive freedoms in the New York State Constitution.
To learn more about this ballot initiative, its significance, and its potential impact, the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale invites you to a community discussion with Jenna Lauter of the New York Civil Liberties Union, on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 7pm at the Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583.
Join us in being part of the conversation, flipping over your ballot to vote YES on Prop 1 in November, and ensuring New York remains a stronghold for reproductive rights and equality.
Register for the event on our website at https://lwvs.org/events-and-speakers/
Read the amendment text and learn more about the NY ERA: https://lwvny.org/nys-equal-rights-amendment/
Should Fishing Be Permitted in Scarsdale?
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Is fishing legal in Scarsdale? That's the question now that the activity has become popular at Library Pond, which is home to largemouth bass, bluegills, carp and some enormous snapping turtles. Local dad, Brian Culang and his son were turned away from the pond by Scarsdale Police who said that fishing was not allowed. Culang questioned the rule as he thinks fishing is a healthy activity, preferable to playing video games inside, and appears to be harmless.
Below is a letter he wrote to the Scarsdale Police and Rec Department to find out more:
I recently visited Harwood Park with my son, who brought along a freshwater fishing rod to enjoy the afternoon outdoors. However, we were approached by SPD and informed that fishing was not allowed at that location due to Village code. (The officer could not have been more professional and we appreciate his service to be clear!)
I reviewed the Scarsdale Village Code but could not find any specific regulation prohibiting fishing in town. Could you please direct me to the relevant section that restricts this activity?
I did notice a sign posted at the park that reads "No Fishing"; it appears to be unofficial, lacking any Scarsdale or NY state markings.
I would like to ensure that we are not enforcing rules that actually aren't on the books! And if there is a town code against fishing, the good news is that I think I found a meaningful civic project for me and my son to work on together!
Thank you for your assistance.
Best regards,
Brian Culang
