Candidate for Village Trustee David Goldschmidt Vows to Listen to Residents and Support a Shared Vision for the Future
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Scarsdale will elect a Mayor and three Village Trustees on Tuesday March 18, 2025. This week we are introducing you to David Goldschmidt a candidate for Village Trustee who was selected by the Citizens Nominating Committee.
See below for his thoughts on living in Scarsdale and serving the community as a Village Trustee.
How long have you lived in Scarsdale? What brought you here and what do you like about it?
My family moved to Scarsdale in 2003 after living for 10 years in the North End of New Rochelle. As our family grew, we needed more space and were drawn to Scarsdale to stay within the area. We formed many close friendships in the neighborhood and we never considered moving elsewhere. We spent countless days exploring the neighborhood pushing strollers, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere left a lasting impression.
My wife, Ellen, and I are proud parents to Daniel (married to Rachel), Josh (married to Yael), and our youngest, Allison. All our children loved growing up in the Heathcote area. Though they attended Westchester Day School in Mamaroneck, they took full advantage of the great services Scarsdale offers, including the library, the pool and recreational sports, where they connected with even more kids. I truly enjoyed these activities because both the parents and children were so welcoming to our family. As a sign that my kids loved growing up here, last year, Daniel and Rachel moved back to Scarsdale with their two-year-old daughter, Olivia, and we are now a three-generation family in the neighborhood.
What do you do professionally and how might your skills assist the board?
For the past 37 years, I have worked as a capital markets lawyer at the Skadden Arps law firm. Until recently, I served as the Global Head of the Capital Markets practice, managing over 120 lawyers worldwide. As a lawyer, I help clients navigate complex laws and provide strategic advice on achieving their business goals by outlining risks and benefits of various alternatives. My focus is on ensuring they make informed decisions, ultimately becoming their trusted advisor. As a manager of a legal practice, I developed strategies for growth and expansion for the group while creating a collaborative environment. I also promoted mentorship, ensuring that the next generation of lawyers received the training they needed. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of listening - whether to clients, colleagues, or even opposing lawyers. Only by truly listening to people’s concerns can you form a strategy to achieve a client’s objectives or manage a team effectively. This skill is essential for any Village Trustee. We have to listen to residents, village professionals, and outside experts to solve the issues facing the Village.
Have you done any previous volunteer work? Tell us about it.
I am very involved with our synagogue, the Young Israel of Scarsdale, serving in various roles and having served as president of the synagogue from 2001 to 2003. During my time as an officer, I was part of the team that furnished the interior of the newly built synagogue. My listening skills were tested extensively, as there were many differing opinions on design and furnishings. I was also responsible for hiring the synagogue's first rabbinical intern, Rabbi Jonathan Morgenstern, who is now the Senior Rabbi of the synagogue and he has been with the community for over 25 years. I was also active at the Westchester Day School in Mamaroneck, where my children attended elementary school. I served as a Trustee and later as an officer of the Day School. In 2012, I became Chairman of the Board during a challenging time marked by increased competition and a tuition crisis. We hired a new headmaster and restructured our costs and scholarships to address the rising cost of providing a high quality education. Both of these experiences taught me the value of listening to people, incorporating good suggestions, and explaining why some ideas might not be feasible. Leadership, I learned, isn’t necessarily about making decisions unilaterally; it’s about synthesizing diverse perspectives and convincing others to support a shared vision.
Why did you decide to step up for service on the Board now?
The Village of Scarsdale functions well, thanks to the outstanding professionals and dedicated volunteers who make Scarsdale such a great place to live. However, we face challenges that require attention. These include aging infrastructure, supporting new construction without compromising the village’s character and charm, and ensuring that our water and sewer systems can handle increased demand. We cannot afford to be complacent; we must continue to improve and enhance our community. The current board is addressing key issues like storm drainage, road maintenance, and the upgrading of parks, fields, and pools. These efforts will continue, but we must also remain mindful of the costs to residents, particularly younger, newer families. Our goal is to ensure that Scarsdale remains an attractive place for families to settle and raise the next generation. I would like to be part of ensuring that goal. I have always believed in giving back to the community. I grew up with that lesson and I have stood by it, volunteering at various institutions since first moving to Westchester. Scarsdale is my home and I want to make sure that the next generation of Scarsdale residents will have the ability to enjoy the benefits of this great neighborhood.
Hail to the Chiefs
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Chief DelBene is sworn in by Chief Matturro, while DelBene's family looks on.Scarsdale’s finest, along with members of the fire department, school board, the village board, former Mayors, government officials, retired officers and captains and officers from across the county, convened at Scarsdale Library on Thursday January 30th, 2025 for the transfer of power from Police Chief Andrew A. Matturro to Chief Steven DelBene. The parking lot overflowed and the Scott Room was standing room only as the community convened to honor the departing chief and to congratulate Chief DelBene on his promotion to lead the department. Matturro has served in Scarsdale for the past 25 years, the last ten years as Chief of Police. He assumed the top job in a similar ceremony in 2015 when Chief Brogan retired.
The ceremony was officiated by Lieutenant Eric LoGiudice who gave a lengthy opening, individually acknowledging many in the room.
After an invocation by Reverend Kelly Rogers, Chief Matturro gave his farewell remarks, again thanking many in the room along with the mentors who helped him along the way. He noted that he started his career in 1984, which is the same year that Steve DelBene was born, and as January 30 was the day, he wished DelBene a happy birthday. Matturro said that he had worked for four village managers and five mayors and only taken one sick day in 40 years. As both he and DelBene played football in high school, he left with a quote from Vince Lombardi who said, “I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.”
Chiefs DelBene and Matturro
Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest said it was a “bittersweet moment in the history of the Police Department today, as we formally bid farewell to Chief Andrew Matturro as he completes an extraordinary career of service, and we welcome Lieutenant Stephen DelBene as he steps into his new role as Chief of Police.”
He said that he and Matturro had “developed a relationship built on candor, mutual respect and a shared commitment to this community.” He praised Matturro for prioritizing “the safety and well-being of the people of Scarsdale and the selfless men and women who protect it.” He continued, “Your leadership has been defined by professionalism, compassion and an unwavering dedication to ensuring that our Police Department is one of the finest, not only in the region but the country. Under your leadership, both the village board and I have always felt absolute confidence that our community was safe, well protected and in the best hands. Beyond that, I have learned a great deal from you, your deep institutional knowledge, your steady handed moments of challenge, your warmth and compassion and yes, your occasional dry humor, have all been part of what has made working with you such an honor and a privilege. You are one of a kind, and you will certainly be missed on behalf of this village, the many village boards and mayors you have faithfully served under as police chief, and of course, on a personal note, I extend my deepest gratitude thank you for your unwavering service, your steadfast guidance and your valued friendship.”
The Scarsdale Color GuardTo DelBene he said, “This is a day of well-earned recognition for you and also your family. your support system, your years of service, leadership and forward-thinking approach to law enforcement have brought you to this moment. From Police Officer to Sergeant to Lieutenant, you have taken on each new challenge with skill, professionalism and a deep commitment to both your fellow officers and the community you serve. Your steady leadership, the deep respect you command within the department, your open-minded approach and steadfast professionalism are just a few of the many reasons the village board was proud to entrust you with the role of Police Chief.”
He concluded, “As we mark this important transition, I want to acknowledge the mix of emotions that comes with the change in leadership. We bid farewell to a chief who has set an exceptional standard, and we embrace a new chief who is more than prepared to the rise to rise to the challenges ahead. Chief Matturro, we are deeply grateful for your service and legacy and Chief DelBene, yes, it's time to get used to that title. Congratulations. We look forward to this chapter and the journey ahead with you at the helm.”
(Photo credit for photo gallery: Marc Jessamy)
Village Manager Alex Marshall came next. She said, “I’m not just saying this because he brings fresh cookies to Village Hall. Chief Matturro has put an amazing 36 years into the Scarsdale Police Department, and Scarsdale is a better place because of him, although he will be deeply missed.”
Mayor Justin Arest and Village Manager Alex Marshall
About Chief DelBene she said, “The first time I met Steven DelBene was at a ceremony recognizing his promotion to Lieutenant. I could tell from his excitement and the way he spoke about the department that this is someone who is passionate about policing and cares deeply about the Scarsdale community…. Over these past two years, I've had the pleasure of working with him on everything from traffic safety issues to emergency communications to community event planning. He's handled large scale projects, rolling out critical technology improvements for our Police Department, and continues to explore new tools to make the department even better. He doesn't shy away from any problem, even small ones, like fixing a parking meter, which is actually very hard to do if you've seen one of our old meters.”
Following the march of the Color Guard and his oath of office, DelBene took the mic. After thanking the Village for entrusting him with the job, he turned to his family. Choking back tears he thanked his wife for giving up her career in order to accommodate his. He said, “My success is your success.” Turning to his two young children he said, “Being a dad is the greatest job I will ever hold. You two are my heart.” He thanked Chief Matturro for taking a chance on a 21 year-old kid when he hired him.
Former Scarsdale Mayors Marc Samwick and Jonathan MarkHe called the Police Officers “the backbone of our Village,” and noted that though none of them live here or have any personal connection to Scarsdale they are committed to making it safer every day. He thanked them for their service, pride and dedication. He said, “Scarsdale’s extraordinary values are what makes it so special, and said, “I am honored and excited to serve as your Chief.”
School Superintendent Andrew Patrick, School Board President Suzie Hahn and School Board Member Ron Schulhof
Scarsdale Scores a Solid Victory Over Spring Valley
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Senior Guard Brand Gibbons (5) takes the ball upcourt.The Scarsdale boys basketball team took on a strong Spring Valley team on Wednesday Jan. 7 at Scarsdale High. The game was very tight for most of the first half but the Raiders made a big run in the third quarter and held on for a solid 61-52 win. Senior guard Jake Sussberg led the Raiders with 35 points.
Senior forward Finn Miller (2) throws a crosscourt pass.
The Raiders improved their record to 8-1 overall. Their next game is a road game against Clarkstown South on Thursday January 9, 2025.
Jake Sussberg (1) celebrates after hitting a jumper.
Photos by Dave Taber of Shots of the Game
To see more game photos and/or download photos, please visit https://www.shotsofthegame.com/
Brand Gibbons (5) sets up for a midrange shot.
Jake Sussberg (1) drives the baseline.
Jake Sussberg (1) goes for the reverse layup.
Junior center Andrew Roseman (30) fights for a loose ball.
Finn Miller (2) takes an outside shot.
Andrew Roseman (30) and senior forward Lev Stahl (24) get ready to fight for a rebound.
Lev Stahl (24) hits an open man in the corner.
Ethan Grossberg smothers the ball resulting a shot clock violation.
Ethan Grossberg smothers the ball resulting a shot clock violation.
The student section celebrates a big third quarter run.
A Narrow Defeat for the Raiders
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Senior guard Logan Mancusi (11) drives the baseline.The Scarsdale boys basketball team battled Mamaroneck at home on Wednesday Jan.15. It was the first of 2 regular season showdowns between two of the top teams in Section 1. Mamaroneck made a run in the second quarter to take the lead but Scarsdale fought back in the second half and had a chance to win at the end but Jake Sussberg’s contested 35-footer at the buzzer came up about 1 foot short. Final score: Tigers 58 Raiders 56.
Senior forward Lev Stahl (24) rolls one in off his finger tips.
Scarsdale will get another chance against the Tigers when they play at Mamaroneck on Friday, Jan. 31.
SOTG 011425 HSBoysBasketball Mamaroneck v Scarsdale 0Senior forward Finn Miller (2) takes a contest shot from in the lane.
Photos by Dave Taber of Shots of the Game
To see more game photos and/or download photos, please visit https://www.shotsofthegame.com/
Sophomore guard Ethan Grossberg (0) dribbles through traffic.
Lev Stahl (24) sets up for a 3-pointer.
Senior Guard Brandon Gibbons (5) drives to hoop with a fingerroll.
Junior center Andrew Roseman (30) and Lev Stahl (24) defend a dive to the hoop.
The Scarsdale bench and the student section celebrate a made 3-pointer.
Senior guard Jake Sussberg (1) is fired up after making a bucket.
Ethan Grossberg (0) battles for a loose ball.
Jake Sussberg (1) drives to the hoop.
Jake Sussberg (1) fires a long range shot at the end of the game.
Holiday Cheer in Scarsdale
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Scarsdale got into the holiday spirit with shopping and feasting around town. Her are photos of a few holiday boutiques and the Scarsdale Seniors luncheon in Scarsdale:
Scarsdale Small Business residents and SHS Alumni celebrate the holiday season with a boutique at Micheline, hosted by restaurant owner Jonathan Aubrey and Ashley Badger of Julia B Fee Sotheby’s on Monday December 9, 2024.
Pictured above are Lauren Zinzi, Meredith Wing, MooMooi, Rachel Schmerin, Whigstock Studio, Jonathan Aubrey, Micheline, Lauren Goldman, byGoldGirl, Cinthia Boni Cordioli, Campo Collection, Ashley Badger, Julia B Fee Sothebys, Haley Jordan, Monarch Market, Nicole Vallario, Falena, Isabelle Alix, OffTrack, Lindsay Roth: Photo by Mark Jessamy
On Thursday December 19, Scarsdale Seniors gathered at the Girl Scout House for a international pot luck lunch. There was sumptious contributions of many holiday specialties. State Assemblymember Amy Paulin was on hand along with an interpreter.
The Women of Reform Judaism drew a crowd for their holiday boutique on Tuesday December 10 at Westchester Reform Temple. Holiday vendors brought stationary, sweaters, jewelry, hats, gloves, housewares, Judaica, baby clothes, cheeseboards, mah jongg and canasta accessories and lots more.
A wonderful prelude to Hanukkah and Christmas.
