Your Letters: Please Pause the Flock Contract
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 2016
(The following was written by Cynthia Roberts of Autenrieth Road, Scarsdale)
June 22, 2025
Dear Mayor Arest, Deputy Mayor Gruenberg, and Honorable Trustees,
According to the Scarsdale Village website, the role of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees includes being the legislative body and the community's policy makers. The policy in question today is the proper balance of privacy and security for Scarsdale.
I predict that this will be the most important policy decision any of you will make during your tenure as Trustees. Are you so confident that you know the answer that you eschew input from the varied members of our community?
For example, do we want surveillance cameras in locations like Chase Park where we gather to mourn, to celebrate and to protest? Who will make this decision? Do we want these cameras controlled by a private company funded by the federal government?
At the June 10, 2025, Trustee Work Session on the contract with Flock Safety, numerous residents spoke against your approving a contract with a private surveillance company without transparency and without the opportunity for community input. You will recall that none of these residents spoke against providing funding for truly publicly vetted equipment for our police department. Do not misconstrue residents’ sincere interest in our community’s civil liberties as opposition to providing appropriate equipment to our police department to safeguard our residents and businesses.
Please give yourselves the opportunity to pause. This is about who we are and what want to be as a community. Provide a public presentation answering the questions that residents have asked about the proposed technology, the company hired, the data protection safeguards, and the creation of an adequate citizen oversight body. Invite public input. Set an example of good government.
We in Scarsdale have a rich history of protecting civil liberties and of practicing informed, energetic debate on matters of importance. Think about how each of you wants this chapter in Scarsdale’s history to be recorded.
Thank you.
Cynthia Roberts
15 Autenrieth Road
(The following was submitted by Myra Saul of Lincoln Road)
Dear Mayor Arest, Trustee Gans, Trustee Goldschmidt, Trustee Gruenberg, Trustee Kofman, Trustee Mazer and Trustee Wise:
The Village of Scarsdale ("Village") is making a mistake in entering into an agreement ("Contract") with the Flock Group Inc. The Village has the ability to "opt-out" of the Contract and should utilize that provision of the Contract to terminate immediately. Under the terms of the Contract, the Village has a six month window to "opt-out" of the Contract without penalty or fees commencing July 1, 2025.
While there are serious concerns about the administrative process used here--namely the material rewriting of the Agenda Notice to the community about the Contract after the vote of the Scarsdale trustees on this matter-- I will leave those arguments to others. That situation does, however bolster the arguments of the opponents of this Contract that the vote was taken without adequate notice. Surely, the Agenda could have been rewritten so that the public could have had adequate notice and could have marshaled its arguments against the Contract before the Contract was voted upon. Why the rush?
Others more eloquently than I have described why the Contract is unnecessary, especially now. Crime in Scarsdale? Give me a break! As others have stated, that rationale is weak. The police want more cameras near traffic signals to catch those who go through red lights, fine. The police want drones to actively surveil the community? That is of another dimension entirely. There is a trade-off between privacy and surveillance. The arguments of the Mayor do not calm the legitimate fears of our neighbors, who belong to racial, religious or ethnic groups that are being targeted by the current federal administration, that this new technology could be used against them specifically. This aspect of the Contract deserved more public discussion: the overreach of the federal government with respect to its treatment of certain people--let's say it out loud--Black and brown people, anyone who is 'different'--is well known. All the residents and visitors of our community need to feel safe in our Village. Again, why the rush?
The Village has a history of evaluating new projects in a thorough and thoughtful manner. Let's compare this Contract adoption with another big project--the pool. That project has been discussed many, many times, with a healthy conversation among the Village, our elected officials and pool users. After what two? three? years, we still do not have a definitive path forward on the pool. No one seems to want to take a stand and get it done, but this Contract is treated differently. Again, why the rush?
I think I know. It's all about the money. The Village has been promised that the money to pay for this hardware/program will be paid for by the federal government, a tricky proposition these days. Once that money is obtained (and I assume that there are adequate assurances that it has), you, the Mayor and the Trustees, may believe that your hands are tied. No more discussion. Done deal. You do not want to rock the boat for fear that the money from the federal government will dry up.
That is not the way things are done in this Village. As indicated above, Village residents are used to more. We tout ourselves as a thoughtful community. Are you, the Mayor and the Trustees, afraid that if the Village does "opt-out", it will lose the money from the feds? If ultimately the residents then decided to re-sign the contract in an untimely manner, would the Village itself have to bear the cost? That's my assumption based upon this uncharacteristic rush. If the residents truly want this after adequate community input, the fact that the Village would need to pay out of pocket for this surveillance would be appropriate. At least the Village would be entering into the Contract and had measured its consequences in a deliberate manner. While you, the Mayor and the Trustees, claim that the cost to Village residents is "free", that is not true. Nothing is for "free". Here we are bearing the cost of surveillance.
The trade-off is enormous: a loss of privacy versus a marginal increase--at best-- in crime fighting tools.
One last note. If the money is the issue, why haven't you, the Mayor and the Trustees, been honest with the community? Even if that is not the reason, why have you, our municipal elected officials, treated those who object as obstacles, instead of opportunities for meaningful discussion? One of the jobs of a public official is to listen and to take criticism seriously, not lightly. A healthy dialogue between the governed and those in government is more important than ever. Our non-partisan system is premised upon the selection of thoughtful, civic minded volunteers who work for the benefit of all. That includes admitting mistakes despite the repercussions. The whole approach of yourselves, our elected officials, with respect to this matter has been truly disappointing.
Regards,
Myra Saul
5 Lincoln Road
(Remarks are my own)
Vote Today or Tuesday for Tim Foley for Westchester County Legislator
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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(Updated Sunday June 22. 2025)
Today is the last day for early voting at any site in Westchester County including the White Plains Board of Elections office and the Eastchester Public Library. Find your early voting location here - or vote on Tuesday June 24 at your regular voting site.
The election is the Democratic primary for an open seat on the Westchester County Legislature and Scarsdale10583 and the Scarsdale Democrats endorse Tim Foley.
Please remember to vote:
From the Scarsdale Democrats
The Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee enthusiastically endorses Scarsdale resident Tim Foley for County Legislator in the June 24th Democratic Primary.
President Trump offers no vision of a country on the move; instead, he focuses on personal retribution and vendettas. The Republican Congress has gone along with his every move. On the other hand, Westchester residents have benefited under Democratic administrations, led by County Executive Ken Jenkins and former County Executive George Latimer, now our congressman. They have demonstrated how government should work for the benefit of their constituents.
Likewise, our County Legislator primary race is an election Democratic voters can feel good about. This is the first time in over 20 years that Scarsdale Democratic voters have a choice about the Democratic candidate who will represent them in the fall contest for County Legislator. Both Democratic candidates running, Tim Foley and his opponent, are good candidates. However, they are not the same.
Tim Foley –local volunteer and the father of children who attend Scarsdale schools--is the superior candidate in all respects. What makes Tim special is his sincere interest in understanding different opinions and viewpoints, his ability to synthesize vast amounts of complex information, and his finesse in working with others to reach an agreed upon course of action.
Our Assemblywoman Amy Paulin agrees and has endorsed Tim.
Tim Foley is an expert on the inner workings of the Westchester County budget and operations and is naturally the right person for this moment, when the County will undoubtedly face fiscal challenges. Tim is the former chair of the Scarsdale Forum’s County Affairs Committee, which, under his leadership, produced reports regarding the county’s $2.5 billion budget, two thirds of which consists of required spending to fulfill state and federal mandates. Especially now, where substantial federal funding cuts are threatened, that expertise is critical in a County Legislator.
Tim has dedicated his entire professional career to advancing Democratic values. He is currently the CEO of the Building & Realty Institute, a real estate trade association with members throughout Westchester and the Lower Hudson value, where he has worked with nonprofit organizations, academics, faith leaders, and community advocates to find new ways to address housing needs in our county. Prior to that, Tim served as Communications Director for Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. In addition, he has been a union advocate, serving as Director of the SEIU Connecticut State Council and an employee of the Committee of Interns and Residents-SEIU.
We are living in very turbulent times and Westchester County faces many challenges. Tim is not daunted—he is the type of person who runs towards problems, because he wants to solve them. We have no doubt that he has the vision, intelligence, and drive to protect and serve our County and Village.
Scarsdale Democratic voters—don’t squander your opportunity to make the choice about which candidate should appear on the Democratic ticket for County Legislator. There may be two candidates, but there is only one clear choice, and that choice is Tim Foley!
Early voting has begun and Election Day is June 24. Remember to Vote.
Respectfully,
Alissa Baum and Myra Saul
Co-Chairs, Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee
Scarsdale Recognizes Gun Violence Awareness Day
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Scarsdale Trustees, Village Managers, legislators, residents and members of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America gathered on the steps of Scarsdale Village Hall on the afternoon of Friday June 6 to recognize National Gun Violence Awareness Day. 
In the group were Mayor Justin Arest, Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, Village Trustees Ken Mazer and Jeremy Wise, Village Managers Alex Marshall and Emily Giovanni, members of Moms Demand Action and representatives from the offices of Assemblymember Amy Paulin and State Senator Shelley Mayer.
The Mayor greeted the group and delivered a proclamation against gun violence and also remembered Pat Colella who was an active member of the group who passed away two years ago from pancreatic cancer.
Everyone dressed in orange and wore orange bracelets to commemorate the day.
Leslie Hansen Weiden from Moms Demand Action read the following statement:
Every day 125 people are killed with guns in America. The gun homicide rate in the US is 26 x that in other developed countries but research shows that common sense public safety laws can reduce gun violence and save lives.
On January 21, 2013, Hadiya Pendleton, a high school student from the South Side of Chicago, marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. One week later, Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago. She was only 15 years old. Soon after Hadiya’s death, her friends commemorated her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves. In June 2015, a broad coalition asked people 
nationwide to join what Hadiya’s friends started for the first annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Together, we will remember the millions of lives stolen or impacted by gun violence and take action in their honor. We Wear Orange to demand a future free from gun violence. This year for Wear Orange, we are focused on not only raising awareness, but on the many actionable steps we can all take to protect our families and communities. From parents, to community partners, to law enforcement, to elected leaders, to responsible gun owners who securely store their guns to keep our communities safe, this effort takes all of us.
Hadiya should have turned 28 this month. We honor her and all whose lives have been taken or forever changed by gun violence.
We also honor a long time Scarsdale resident and Moms Demand Action volunteer Pat Colella who lost her battle to pancreatic cancer 2 years ago. Pat was a dedicated leader and volunteer for Westchester and NY State Moms Demand action. She was passionate about ending gun violence in this country and for many years she arranged for the signing of the Wear Orange proclamation and spoke at the Scarsdale village board meeting educating the community about gun violence in this country and the damage it does to families.
Assumptions Disproven During Student's Trip to Albany
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Nathan Beck, Amy Paulin and Dylan Lemberg in the CapitolSHS Junior Dylan Lemberg was chosen by the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale to attend the Students Inside Albany Conference from May 18-21, 2025. The program's main objectives are to enhance students' understanding of their role in representative government and equip them with essential tools to fulfill that responsibility.
During the conference, participants engage in interactive lectures covering various topics, including the state budget process, the role of lobbyists in legislation, citizen rights in accessing government information, media's role in politics, and efforts to reform state government. Additionally, students get the chance to tour the state Capitol and shadow their respective Senators and Assemblymembers during legislative sessions, offering a unique and immersive learning experience.
Dylan wrote the following reflection about what he took away from his time in Albany:
Undoubtedly, we view our country as polarized and paralyzed. We view our government as immobile and inefficient. We view the halls of the legislature as unproductive and power-hungry. I long held these beliefs as well, but nowhere else have I seen these assumptions so categorically disproven as in the New York State government.
I walked the halls of the Capitol in absolute awe, staring at the melting pot of architectural styles—from Roman painted ceilings to Moorish arches. I looked in amazement at the gold-plated Senate Chamber and the oak-lined Assembly. But nothing stood out to me more than the genuineness of our New York State representatives.
I spent the day with Amy Paulin as she delightedly explained the ins and outs of the daily workings of the Assembly, walking me step-by-step through the endless list of bills she was attempting to pass. She went from place to place, person to person—the floor, committees, lobbyists, pharmacists, citizens, and everything in between. I have rarely seen anyone work so hard. Kindly, she brought me into the Health Committee, which she chairs, and I watched the flurry of bills be mentioned and quickly resolved. Though they flew past, there was one very notable one: a ban on the discount and giveaway sale of nicotine pouches (Zyns). Before the small, closed-door session started, she asked me two questions: Did I think that companies like Zyn were marketing to kids? Yes. And what percent of kids my age did I think had used nicotine pouches at some point? Around a third.
As the committee came to a close and bill A7814 was brought to a vote—unanimous minority opposition—she boldly made sure to say, “I asked a student some questions today. He believed that a third of his fellow students had used these drugs and that he felt confident they were targeting their sale to kids in some way. I want those who voted no to remember that. They are endangering our kids.” I was proud—not just of the immensity of her work, but of what she hoped to achieve.
A day later, just ten minutes after walking into Senator Shelley Mayer’s office, her Chief of Staff, Rachel Estroff, invited us into one of the most eye-opening meetings of my life. As we walked in with our suits, I was greeted by a long wooden table, every spot filled by children my age in casual clothes, accompanied by a few adults. They brought signs: “We are all human.” As the meeting began, I realized their goals. Though they were not in the Senator’s district, they had come to ask her for help. They described their experiences in western, rural New York, where their schools where fewer students are in attendance and playgrounds abandoned, as parents fear the impending conquest of ICE. Kids younger than I nearly cried as they told horror stories of friends’ parents being taken, leaving the children with nowhere to go. They spoke of their fear every time they stepped into the street, whether undocumented or not. One 15-year-old, who spoke no English and was accompanied by a girl to translate, described his grueling 14-hour workdays with little to no breaks, an experience which Rachel pointed out as a clear violation of both state and federal labor laws. They came to ask for help. It was heartbreaking. Sure, we hear these stories on the news, but rarely do we get a chance to see the rawness and pain in person. I was overcome with a sense of empathy.
But, as moving and transformative as it was for me, our day moved on. We met Senator Mayer near the Senate floor as she
State Senator Shelley Mayer with Students at the Capitol took extensive time to talk with me and the other students. Both Paulin and Mayer told stories, showed us private rooms, and introduced us to their colleagues. They were welcoming and invested. They were incredibly supportive in my quest for expanded Civic Education, each promising their help in some way in achieving our goals at NYSEC (ny-sec.org). After spending the day with the two of them, I can confidently say that I have the utmost confidence and pride in our representatives.
Beyond our shadowing, however, were also some of the most important insights. The League of Women Voters made sure our day was filled with knowledgeable speakers—from activists (Alliance for Quality Education) to legislators (John McDonald) to reporters (Dan Clark). They, and many more not listed here, all had a unique view on the workings of our government. Each gave their motivations, tips and tricks, and honest answers to various questions, all designed to encourage our further participation.
But it was Erica Smitka, the Executive Director of the New York League of Women Voters, who engaged me the most. Immediately upon talking with her about my ambitions to expand NYSEC, she sat down with me to help present the project to legislators and to discuss how best to expand it overall. She was constantly invested in my—and everyone else’s—engagement, pushing students to really get the most out of the program, from talking with peers to engaging with speakers and legislators. Even at the very end, as we got ready to head home, she shook my hand and told me how she looked forward to working together. I was elated to find that she shared my excitement in our fight for Civic Education.
The impact of this program, nevertheless, would not be complete without the wide range of students from across New York with whom I had the chance to spend my days. From the border of Canada to rural farms, to Buffalo, Long Island, Manhattan, small isolated towns, Syracuse, and every place, big or small, in between, there was someone different. Having spent much of my life here in Westchester, the wide range of cultures, even within the same state, was so intriguing. I am very happy that I not only connected with them but also continue to stay in contact with many of them. Without them, the experience would not have been the same.
I have long been interested in politics, and I sincerely hope that this trip to Albany was the first of many more. And for this, I truly owe a big thanks to the League of Women Voters—the Scarsdale chapter, the New York chapter, and everyone else who made this event possible. Thank you for giving me one of my first chances to experience my dream. I will forever remember it.
A Beautiful Day for a Parade
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Jonathan Blake, Dara Gruenberg, Amy Paulin, Justin Arest, Ken Mazer, Jason Kofman, Alex MarshallSkies cleared on Monday of Memorial Day weekend just in time for the parade in Scarsdale Village. A longtime tradition, the parade was sponsored by the American Legion Post 52 and the Village of Scarsdale to honor the Village’s veterans.
Rabbi Blake and Assemblymember Amy Paulin
Before the parade began, participants gathered in Chase Park for welcome remarks from Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest, a poem from Assemblymember Amy Paulin, remarks from Village Manager Alexandra Marshall, an invocation from Rabbi Jonathan Blake, a call to attention from American Legion Commander Dominic Morelli and the laying of the wreath by members of American Legion Post 52.
See their comments below.
The Scarsdale High School Band played Taps, the Girl Scouts led the pledge of allegiance and the Scarsdale Boy Scouts eld the call to assemble the parade.
Participating in the parade were:
Scarsdale American Legion
Scarsdale Boy Scouts
Scarsdale Cub Scouts
Scarsdale Fire Department
Scarsdale Girl Scouts
Scarsdale High School Bands
Scarsdale Police Department
Scarsdale Village Staff
Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Mayor and Members of the Board of Trustees
Amy Paulin
Tim Foley
It was a joyful celebration and a beautiful display of Scarsdale Village in spring bloom.
Here are remarks from some of the speakers:
Mayor Justin Arest
Mayor Justin Arest addresses the crowd.
Thank you again for joining us today as we pause to remember and honor the men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is not only a moment of solemn remembrance, it is a call to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice, duty, and unity.
We gather here at a time when our nation and our world face profound challenges. Whether it is global conflict, social division, or the quieter struggles that many carry in their everyday lives, the weight of this moment in history is real. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed.
(Photo Gallery Andrew Li)
And yet, Memorial Day reminds us that even in the hardest of times, courage endures. The individuals we honor today did not serve because times were easy. They served despite uncertainty. They stood firm when the future was unclear. They believed that protecting freedom, supporting one another, and defending a shared ideal was worth everything.
Scarsdale PoliceThat spirit lives on in this community. We see it in our volunteers, our first responders, our teachers, and our neighbors. These are the people who, in large ways and small, show up for one another.
I would be remiss not to take a moment to thank our first responders. In an era of ever more complex challenges, your presence, dedication, and service are vital. We are grateful for all you do to keep our community safe.
Each year, Scarsdale also takes time on this day to recognize young people who have earned the highest honors in scouting—a mark of leadership, perseverance, and service to others.
Although weather forced the cancellation of last year’s parade, we remain committed to honoring the achievements of these exceptional individuals. Today, we proudly recognize scout honorees from both 2024 and 2025.
The Eagle Scout Award is the highest rank in Scouts BSA, earned through years of dedication, leadership, merit badges, and a meaningful service project.
Trustee Dara Gruenberg and the Boy Scouts
Similarly, the Gold Award is the top honor in Girl Scouts, recognizing those who lead projects that create lasting change.
The Silver Award honors younger Girl Scouts who have demonstrated leadership and commitment through impactful community work.
2024 Honorees:
Eagle Scout: Kenneth Ren, Noah Millard, Zachary Finkel, Janghee Lee, Michael Cacioppo, Jake Gherardi
Gold Award: Kyra Montgomery, Adelia Bandsma, Charlotte Blotner
2025 Honorees:
Eagle Scout: Olin Bradley, Luis Marquez, Oliver Bandsma
Gold Award: Giselle Lese, Samantha Levine
Silver Award: Maeve Richmond, Julia Riela
To each of you, congratulations. Your accomplishments are a source of pride for your families and for our entire community.
Thank you all again for being here. May we leave today inspired by the courage of those we remember and the promise of those we honor.
Assemblymember Amy Paulin
Today, we pay homage to those who have fought for our freedom and to the men and women who continue to fight for us around the globe.
Let us never forget the sacrifices our soldiers have made – lives lost and dreams deferred.
I would like to read a poem dedicated to “the soldier.”
It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.
The Color Guard
Village Manager Alexandra Marshall
Today is a day of remembrance for those who have sacrificed so much for the well being of our community and our country. Their selflessness, giving their lives in the line of duty, is the reason we are able to gather here today and enjoy the weekend with our friends, family, and colleagues. When I was a kid in elementary school, I didn't quite understand the significance of Memorial Day. At the time, I knew it was an extra day off from school, and an opportunity to enjoy great barbecue with my family. It wasn't until I had learned about the service of my Great Uncle Vinny, who told us about his near death experience jumping into the waters of France during World War II. He was struggling to swim, weighed down by heavy equipment, when a helping hand pulled him out of the water onto the shore. Several of his friends were not as fortunate, and I often wonder about their families and what they must have been going through when their loved ones didn't return home. I'm sure Memorial Day holds a heavier place in their hearts, which is why it’s so important that we honor those who have fallen in the line of duty, and keep their memory alive. I appreciate everyone who is joining us today as we recognize their invaluable contributions and dedicated service to our country.
Boy Scouts
Rabbi Jonathan Blake --Westchester Reform Synagogue
Invocation
God of compassion and courage,
We gather this Memorial Day in sacred remembrance—
to honor the men and women who served our nation in times of war and conflict, especially those who gave their lives in defense of freedom.
May their memories be a blessing and their sacrifice a summons:
to uphold the ideals they fought to protect—liberty, justice, and democracy.
Help us cherish these values in word, in action, and in spirit.
Bless our veterans, our active-duty military, and all first responders—
especially the devoted members of our Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Departments—whose daily acts of service remind us that the strength of a nation is measured not only by its might, but by its moral resolve.
May we walk today in gratitude and unity, and may this gathering renew our shared commitment to a more just, peaceful, and democratic world.
And let us say: Amen.
Benediction
As we prepare to march, let us carry forward the spirit of this day.
May the memory of those who served and sacrificed never fade from our hearts.
May their legacy inspire us to live with integrity, to lead with compassion, and to serve with courage.
Let us honor their lives with our deeds—working for a nation that cherishes justice, upholds dignity, and pursues peace.
Bless our veterans, our military families, and all who serve in uniform—on the battlefield, in our neighborhoods, and at the front lines of crisis.
May the Holy One bless our Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Departments, and all those who risk their lives to protect others.
May we go forth in gratitude and humility, committed to a future worthy of their sacrifice.
Amen.
Girl Scouts Leaders
