Have you read the Sleepy Hollow candidates' statements in the River Journal? Here are some thoughts about them.
Lauren Connell and Patrick Sheeran (both running to retain their seats) laid out clear, reasonable visions for improving the Village. Investing in downtown and improving traffic safety, both of which will boost economic activity and quality of life. They also want to gradually build facilities on the East Parcel, in a fiscally responsible manner.
The pieces from Jim Husslebee and James McGovern felt a bit bland to us. Their vision is to continue the waterfront development and implement the Comprehensive Plan. Thing is, the private developer is in charge of the waterfront project, and it is moving along just fine. Similarly, the Comprehensive Plan /is/ being implemented by the current Trustees. (See the "Candidate Forum Video" article, below, for more on this topic.)
We were taken aback by Matt Presseau's take. On the surface, it seems incisive. But if you are aware of the positive processes the current Mayor and Board have been using, and the progress they are making, you know it is a baseless, bitter attack piece.
For example, Matt tried to portray a sinister scheme for setting the new parking regulations and picking a payment platform. In reality, a variety of residents and Trustees volunteered many hours on a committee to both balance the needs of residents and merchants, and to compare the pros and cons of the various payment systems. And don't just take our word for it, one of the committee members conveyed their perspective: https://thehudsonindependent.com/show-more-support-for-sleepy-hollows-volunteers/ Then the plan was approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees, including the two Unite Sleepy Hollow members presently on the Board.
We are also scratching our heads that Matt said nothing is happening on the East Parcel. Go look for yourself, the road is being built right now. And the Local Development Corporation is taking steps needed to build a skate park and racquet courts.
The forum for Sleepy Hollow's Board of Trustees candidates provided further insights on the temperament and policy preferences of the people involved. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/NKfoyisdtWE
The biggest show of character came at 39:30 in the recording, when the question was high taxes, debts and expensive facilities like the building a new DPW facility. Lauren Connell's expertise shone when explaining how when Unite Sleepy Hollow was in power, they said yes to everything instead of prioritizing. The result is the Village now has to make massive debt service payments each year. The Unite Sleepy Hollow candidates keep showing they don't understand municipal finances by saying they want to build the DPW and Continental St bridge ASAP, without raising taxes.
To ensure your desired candidates win, it is essential to not split your vote. If you really like one or two candidates, JUST vote for them. Any votes for other people can get those other people elected instead of the people you favor.
Voting is taking place tomorrow:
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
6 am - 9 pm
Considering all of the topics discussed above, Bike Tarrytown suggests voting for:
Lauren Connell
Patrick Sheeran
This new, short-ish video provides a good background on traffic calming measures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsSp8gxzfjo
It starts with a quickbuild mini roundabout in Siesta Key, FL (map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7ZxfKPsHMEgG9Y597) and a chicane at an offset intersection. in Charlotte, NC (map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtQrpMUkdjgSQsi49)
Then it goes on to general concepts. It concludes with a dive into a road diet project on North Bend Rd in Cincinnati, OH (that's similar to how Route 9 is laid out). The safety improvements there are saving lives and saving money. While the project cost $500k to build, it has already saved $5m in just 6 months by reducing the number and severity of car crashes.
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