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POUND RIDGE, N.Y. -- I recently interviewed two candidates for Pound Ridge Town Board, Sherene De Palma (D) and Bonnie Schwartz (R). I asked both candidates the same two questions.
What issues are important to you?
De Palma (D): “It is important our Town reflect the vitality, culture and values of its residents. Pound Ridge is an amazing place to live. The people and natural beauty here are unparalleled. I would love to be part of creating a business district that is in keeping with our beautiful, semi-rural community that would encourage community-building and would have our residents spend money locally. It is important the Town operate in a fiscally moderate manner and that projects are strategically planned and well-managed so the results our residents want are achieved efficiently and effectively (on time and within budget). In addition, it is important there is open and easy communication so residents' wants and needs are heard and addressed head on.”
Schwartz (R): “Not raising taxes, but maintaining fiscal responsibility within our budget. Volunteerism on all levels, starting with our Ambulance, Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, Neighbor to Neighbor, Town Government with all of the Commissions and the Recreation Department with its various programs. Maintaining and preserving the character of our town and addressing the infrastructure concerns in and around Scotts Corners to promote business.”
If elected, what changes would you bring to the community?
De Palma (D): “Revitalizing Scotts Corners to be in keeping with the beauty and charm of the rest of our Town; Raising funds for infrastructure projects in creative, fiscally-moderate ways; Developing transparent, responsive communication between the Town government and residents; Improving our Recycling performance and getting consistent and complete cell service throughout Town.”
Schwartz (R): “Continue developing an email system drawing upon sources such as Code Red to keep residents informed of "Happenings" in town. Better signage and pathways in our Town Park to draw attention to our facilities like the volleyball, basketball and tennis courts. Working with Federal, State, County and Local officials to continue advancing the progress already made to fix the waste water problems in the business district.”
I will make my opinion for these candidates known on Friday, Nov. 1. Have a safe weekend and be well, my friends.
It should be noted, when she was contacted via the Pound Ridge Republican Committee, Ms. Schwartz replied in a timely manner and we met in person. By doing so, she had limited time to respond to my questions. Over the course of several weeks and multiple attempts by email and phone messages, the Pound Ridge Democratic Committee declined my invitation to interview Ms. De Palma. It was not until this past week I submitted my questions via email to the PRDC, for which it arranged a response. Ms. De Palma replied within 48 hours, allowing her that much time to respond to my questions.
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