Why are you a candidate?

 

I’m running for reelection because I care deeply about Bedford and the people who make it home. I believe in the steady work of good governance that builds trust, improves systems, and strengthens communities over time. My experience on the Town Board has shown me how important it is to meet our challenges with both compassion and pragmatism.I take pride in being a collaborative voice, a connector between residents and government, and a listener who helps translate community needs into action.

 

Much of my work happens behind the scenes: improving how our town operates, supporting transparency, identifying gaps in access to services, and advocating for equitable outcomes for all of our residents.I’ve helped move key initiatives forward—from infrastructure improvements to expanded housing options to community engagement efforts—by working across perspectives and staying focused on solutions. I’m proud to have contributed to Bedford being recognized as the safest city in New York, to our adoption of a Comprehensive Plan rooted in community values, and to budget decisions that balance responsibility with real investment.I’m running again because I know that thoughtful, inclusive leadership matters—and because I love this town. I want to continue building a Bedford that works for everyone, while staying true to the character that makes this community so special.

 

What do you consider the top three challenges facing Bedford today?

 

First, working collaboratively across agencies to maintain and improve infrastructure—especially where roads and facilities fall under county or state oversight. We need to ensure Bedford's needs are heard and addressed in those partnerships.

 

Second, affordability—not just in housing, but in daily life. Seniors on fixed incomes, young adults raised here, and essential workers like teachers and nurses all struggle with staying in the community they serve.

 

Third, ensuring that local services and resources are accessible, responsive, and equitably available. That means looking at where residents experience gaps and finding practical ways to close them, while preserving what makes Bedford such a special place to live.

 

What can you do as a board member to encourage more affordable housing in town?

 

As a board member, one of the most important things I can do is help demystify what affordable housing really is—and what it isn’t. It's not a building style or a plan to change who lives here. At its core, it’s about whether people can afford to stay, return to, or continue living in a community they already contribute to—seniors looking to downsize, young adults raised here, teachers, EMTs, and healthcare workers who serve Bedford every day.

 

Supporting organizations like the Blue Mountain Development Corporation is part of the solution, but we also need to address the barriers developers face when trying to build diverse housing here. We recently heard from Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, which presented clear data showing that this isn’t just a social issue—it’s an economic one. From declining school enrollment to the rising cost of construction and shrinking household sizes, the evidence shows that we need more varied and affordable housing to keep our community vibrant and our local economy strong.As a board member, I’ll keep working to bring clarity, facts, and thoughtful leadership to these conversations—so residents can see how affordable housing, when done right, strengthens the Bedford we all value.

 

If money was not an issue, what projects/initiatives would you want to see funded in town?

 

I would start with targeted infrastructure improvements, especially in areas like the Bedford Shopping Green, which should serve as a vibrant, accessible community hub. I’d invest in housing that supports intergenerational needs—from seniors looking to stay in town, to workers and young families trying to build a life here.

 

I’d love to see dedicated, welcoming spaces for teens and seniors—spaces designed specifically for connection, learning, and recreation, not just shared use. I’d also prioritize investments in walkability and “bikeability”, especially near our hamlets and downtowns, to make getting around town safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

 

Supporting local businesses is another priority. Whether that means helping new entrepreneurs get started, improving foot traffic through thoughtful downtown improvements, or streamlining processes for existing businesses, I believe a thriving local economy is essential to Bedford’s long-term health.Finally, I’d continue to modernize the systems that make local government more accessible, responsive, and effective.

 

What do you see as the best long-term strategy to revitalize downtown Bedford?

 

When we talk about revitalization, I think we’re talking about a few things at once: building on what already exists, supporting local businesses, and creating a sense of vibrancy—not just in terms of activity, but in how our downtowns feel to the people who live, work, and spend time here.

 

To me, vibrancy is about connection. Our downtowns should feel like places people want to be—where there’s a sense of community, where businesses can thrive, and where Bedford’s identity comes through in everyday life.We’ve already made meaningful progress—through infrastructure work in Bedford Hills, the Bedford Hills–Katonah sewer expansion, and pedestrian and aesthetic improvements in Bedford Village.

 

The Comprehensive Plan gives us a thoughtful roadmap, and I think the key now is to stay focused on clear, community-driven goals.In Bedford Hills, that means continuing efforts to improve walkability, enhance the streetscape, and support businesses near the train station and commercial corridor. In Bedford Village, building on its historic charm through signage, small business support, and gathering spaces could help strengthen its role as a community hub. And in Katonah, preserving its unique identity while supporting a mix of independent businesses and cultural activity is key to keeping the hamlet lively and resilient.