The Debate is On: Irvington Elections Contested
Both the Irvington Democrats and Republicans have nominated candidates for the two open seats on the March 20 elections.
- Editor's note: Information for this article came from Trustee Connie Kehoe, Mayor Brian Smith and Democratic Committee Chair Kris Woll. Also thanks to Woll for her photographs of the Democrats' caucus held Tuesday night.
Remember last year when Irvington's board and mayoral candidates held bipartisan coffee hours to discuss the issues because uncontested elections don't lend themselves to formal debate?
Not this year!
On Tuesday, Mark Gilliland was nominated by Irvington Democrats to fill a two-year term for village trustee; the nomination was seconded and the Irvington Democratic caucus, with approximately 40 attendees, unanimously approved the nomination, said current Trustee Connie Kehoe.
The Irvington Republicans have nominated incumbents Walter Montgomery (who is also deputy mayor) and current trustee Rick Rasulo, who came into office when Brian Smith left his trustee position to assume the role of mayor.
"We are fortunate to have three qualified candidates," said Smith, who is excited for the conversations—albeit sometimes contentious—that come from having contested elections.
Desmond Lyons was similarly nominated for a four-year term for Village Justice.
In Irvington, when there are three candidates vying for two open seats on the board, the two candidates with the highest number of votes are elected. The election is March 20.
On Tuesday, nomination speeches for Gilliland, chair of an environmental services group, were delivered by current trustees Connie Kehoe and Ken Bernstein and former Mayor Jon Siegel and for Desmond Lyons by Ken Bernstein and Jon Siegel. Those speaking for Gilliland noted his extensive volunteer work on behalf of the village's natural landscape.
Lyons, an incumbent, is a founding partner with the law firm Lyons and McGovern LLP.
Rick Rasulo, originally from Hastings, he has been active with the Irvington Recreation Department for many years.
Walter Montgomery is the head of Robinson Lerer & Montgomery, a company that specializes in communications strategies.
Which issues, specificially, should candidates focus on in their debates? What questions would you most like answered? Please post them in the comments section below and we'll make sure they get before the candidates.
Linda Neal
11:35 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Do we really need the democratic and republican party involved here? This is all very divisive. We need the best people with the best ideas not parties.
Linda Neal
11:40 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Let Irvington be unscathed from the divisiveness and bitterness taking place on the national scene between political parties. Let us stand united against the craziness.
Madeline BIllings
6:16 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Ms. Neal could not have said it better - this election should not be about parties - it should be about "the best people with the best ideas and not parties."
For myself I have been living in Irvington for over twenty years. This election I will be voting for Rick Rasulo and Walter Montgomery. Over the last 30 years or so Mr. Rasulo has been an active member of our community. His only passion is to best represent you and not a specific agenda! There is much more I can say about Mr. Rasulo but I will leave that for another time. Mr. Montgomery has also been an active member of the community way back to when his children were young. It is very comforting to me when I watch these two individuals on our "Government New Channel" that both are very knowledgeable in various aspects of our government. I can only speak for what I see and read. Again, my vote is not based on any political party but for who I think will best represent us all!