At a candidates' night, the four candidates who are seeking two council seats on the New Castle Town Board repeatedly touched upon the topic of communicating with the public.
The event, held Thursday at the Chappaqua Library and supported by the League of Women Voters of New Castle, featured Democrat John Buckley as the only current councilman, with fellow Democrat and former councilman Michael Wolfensohn sitting next to him. Also present were Team New Castle candidates Lisa Katz and Adam Brodsky.
Wolfensohn, who served from 2008-11, described how his work in helping to get the town's 9/11 memorial built lead him into service. He also touted the town board's financial work during what was a tough time economically, including the fact that the town has a AAA bond rating.
Buckley described being on the town board as a “delightful experience,” praising his colleagues. He also discussed other local roles he has had, including as a volunteer firefighter and in selling real estate. He also feels that there is more for the board to do, which is a reason why he is seeking another term. He also stated that he will be voting against rezoning for Chappaqua Crossing.
Katz, who is an attorney and has lived in town for about seven years, feels that major issues, such as Chappaqua Crossing and the Conifer Realty affordable housing plan, were not handled with enough transparency. She feels that the town board needs to listen to residents. Katz, a Democrat who is running with the Republican and Independence parties supporting her ticket, talked about how she does not have an agenda that is political.
Brodsky, who works for a law firm that handles commercial real estate, sounded a similar message as his running mate, arguing that the present town government is not connected to the community's needs.
Aurora owner Dawn Greenberg, who mentioned an online survey that was taken to gauge public opinion about Chappaqua Crossing, asked about collecting public opinion for it and other issues. Buckley is supportive of engaging residents and noted places in town to meet people, and talked about how his presence in town helps. He is also open to suggested to improve engagement.
Katz's response was “absolutely.” She feels that the town board should seek opinions but also wants residents to have enough information to form them.
Brodsky feels that the current administration has failed and feels there has been a lack of communicating. He also feels that board members have taken an approach where they have been elected and that they will be make the decisions.
Wolfensohn expressed openness for improvement and noted how he was responsive as a councilman, including to email. He also feels that local perspective may also be had outside of what is expressed at a public meeting.
Gray Williams brought up a proposal made by Brodsky, which was published in a July New Castle NOW letter, involving a replacement of town hall with a new structure housing a supermarket on its first floor, town space on the second floor and affordable housing on the third floor. Williams asked if the concept was something that Brodsky still supports.
Brodsky remains interested in the idea, as well as developing the nearby commuter parking lot. He suggested that it could be done as a public-private partnership. However, he noted that it is one idea and expressed openness for others. Katz expressed a similar characterization of Brodsky's concept, as being "a thought to throw out there as part of our master plan review.” She then felt that the town, in the context of the master plan review, needs to be looked at holistically.
Wolfensohn brought up the scenario of moving town hall and the police station to Chappaqua Crossing, which Team New Castle Supervisor candidate Rob Greenstein mentioned could be done through a public-private partnership earlier in the night during the supervisors candidates' discussion. Wolfensohn explained that the idea was brought up with Summit/Greenfield but cost was an issue, although he expressed openness to public-private partnerships in general. He also feels that town hall should not be moved.
Buckley, in response, expressed support for updating the master plan and public participation.
The issue of environment for town board members and the public came up after a question from Robin Murphy, who does not like how it is currently.
Buckley, stated that if the impression has been that communication is difficult, then he apologizes. He also gave a willingness to listen to concerns.
Katz described the atmosphere as having been “downright hostile, many times," adding that people should not be yelled at.
“There will be no yelling, there will be no egg timers,” she said.
Wolfensohn supports an initiative from supervisor candidate and running mate Penny Paderewski to be out in the community more. Brodsky described how his ticket has run the campaign is how town hall would be run, referencing four policy meetings held on different topics.
During his closing remarks, Wolfensohn also took issue with an argument from the opposing side that not enough has been done to tap into local expertise, noting current advisory committee as example of it already happening.
The full video for the candidates' night is at this link. It also includes discussion from the supervisor candidates, town justice candidates and county legislator candidates.
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