Kind Words Around the Dais For Departing Village Trustees

Departing Trustees: Ken Mazer, Jeremy Gans and Jerry WiseMarch 24, 2026 marked the final meeting of the Board for three village trustees completing their terms. As is the tradition, the three offered their parting remarks to their fellow board members, former board members and the public. Then the board members offered their thanks and last, the public was given the opportunity to speak. There were each given a commemorative silver plaque to celebrate their service. The new trustees, Tim Foley, Ron Schulhof and Scott Silberfein, will be sworn in on Monday April 6, 2026 at noon at Village Hall.

Here are comments from Ken Mazer, Jeremy Gans and Jerry Wise.

Remarks from Ken Mazer:

Fellow residents, village staff, trustees and mayor: 

The past 4 years have been a continuous joy and honor to serve our community on the Scarsdale village board of trustees.  As part of the eyes, ears and voice of our community, I have witnessed the countless moving parts, both large and small, that make Scarsdale so special.  Tonight, it feels only right to shine a light on this crucial work that often happens quietly, out of view.

At the foundation of everything we do is our village staff.  These unheralded professionals give their hearts to this community every single day.  They are plowing our streets in the middle of night, collecting our trash through sub-freezing conditions, ensuring our school buses run safely, delivering clean water to our homes, planning behind the scenes to confront and mitigate storm water overflows, training for and responding to house fires 24/7, employing best-in-class crime fighting tools to protect us, conducting building site inspections to be sure our homes are safely built, running dynamic library programs, keeping our ballfields game-ready, and ensuring our youth summer camp runs smoothly, our senior programs engage our most vulnerable, and our swimming complex meets the needs of our community for the next 50 years – and that’s all done timely, within budget and with a smile.

And that budget – and our village  - could not be administered without the staff at City Hall.  They run the numbers, prioritize spending, Village Clerk Taylor Emanuel and Ken Mazernegotiate contracts, oversee capital projects, manage our records, and attract and retain exceptional professionals.  Much of this leadership flows from our village manger and her department heads.  To each of you: Thank you.

But, as Ron Popiel  famously intoned, “wait, there’s more”:  Our village thrives because of the hundreds – yes, hundreds - of volunteers who roll up their sleeves to give their time and expertise to vital programs.  Hailing from countless states, countries, professions, ethnicities and cultures, they are drawn together, unified by their mission to make Scarsdale prosper.  There are so many, it is not even possible to know who they all are, or what they all do.  Our level of civic engagement is heartwarming - and it’s mind-boggling.

Our volunteers underpin our religious institutions, political advocacy groups, cultural societies, neighborhood associations, nominating committees, school-related committees & boards, scouts, athletic leagues, social service agencies, volunteer first responders and our many village boards & councils that oversee our physical landscape, cultural footprint, and athletic programs.  I send an enormous shoutout of gratitude for all your efforts and contributions.

Of course, much of this collective effort intersects with the village board.  And unlike the advice from the famous pitchman, we never “set-it and forget-it”.  Our work has been continuous and deliberate—always striving to improve and modernize our village.  I could not be more proud to have served along side each of you.  Every trustee has brought distinct strengths that enriched our deliberations and ensured we examined every issue from every angle—guided always by what’s best for Scarsdale.

Jason, I have been impressed by your focus and attention to every issue.  You – without question – are the most prodigious note-taker of our board.  Conscientious and thorough, you followed all the details of even the most mundane topics and were always sure to follow-up with useful questions and observations that guided us all.

David, I have valued your judgement.  You have a gift for distilling complex matters down to their essential points and for offering logical and sensible solutions.  As a result, you made our deliberations more effective.

Gerry, I have appreciated your background in municipal finance and general knowledge of how local governments function.  You used that deep experience to ask penetrating questions that I found relevant and enlightening.  Your voice will be missed.

Jeremy, I have admired your ability to navigate the most technical aspects of village law.  You were always down-in-the-weeds making sure the wording and phrasing of proposed code updates were just right – that they supported our intent to make our village more livable and were reflective of our community’s values.

Dara, I have been dazzled by your boundless energy and dedication to our village.  Whatever the job, you gave 110%.  And you took on a lot of jobs.  Your contributions made our work easier and more efficient.

And finally Justin, I commend all you have accomplished these last 3 years.  Under your active leadership we confronted complex and sometimes controversial issues head-on.  We reinvigorated the village executive team, modernized key sections of our village codes – such as the land-use ordinances - and advanced significant capital projects – such as the pool complex.  The time and dedication you have invested to make this happen are difficult to overstate.  A time commitment that is twice-over with your additional term.  Scarsdale is better because of you. 

A gifted stateswoman once said “it takes a village to raise a child”.  Beyond parents, it’s neighbors, schools, and government that play a vital role.  That spirit flourishes in Scarsdale—and it’s why there is no better place to raise a family.

Remarks from Jeremy Gans

I can’t believe that I’m at the end of this incredible four-year journey. I have greatly enjoyed my time on the Board, and I’m amazed at how much we have accomplished. I think that everyone in this room, with the exception of Trustee Mazer, is different from my first meeting in April of 2022. We have a different Village Manager, Deputy Village Manager, Assistant Village Managers, Village Clerk and a different Village Attorney from when I joined the Board. In some scenarios, that much turnover could be problematic. In our case, however, I believe each person hit the ground running from day one and immediately improved our operations and ability to respond to the community.

I want to mention a couple of things I am particularly proud of: When I joined the board, I’d had years of volunteering in youth sports and, like many parents, had spent hundreds of hours in our parks and on our fields. I’m extremely happy that over the past few years, the Board has made it a priority to reinvest in our recreation facilities. Like any community, we face budget pressures from many different directions. But it is nearly impossible for Scarsdale to call itself a “Village in a Park” when those parks are not provided adequate capital resources. I am thrilled that in the past few years, we have replaced playground equipment at parks throughout the village. I am also glad that we are continuing to allocate resources to improve the fields at the Crossway/Winston/Boulder Brook complex.

And I can’t wait for the future of the Scarsdale pool.

Finally, I’m excited that the Village Board is looking into the development of the Freightway Complex. Improving the Freightway site was a priority of mine when I joined the Board in 2022. I’m very happy that this is now on the front burner and I am excited to see where things come out. It’s an area in the middle of Village Center with vast opportunities to bring new vibrancy to the area.

Now, I want to spend a couple of minutes talking about my former colleagues on the Board. I want to start with former Mayor Veron, who reached out immediately after my election and made my transition to the Board as smooth as possible. I thank you for your guidance and leadership during our year together. I also want to thank former Trustee Jonathan Lewis and Deputy Mayor Randy Whitestone for sharing their wisdom during our time together on the Board.

I served three years with Trustee Brew. Almost immediately after I joined the Board, she and I were tasked with interviewing candidates to serve as Village Attorney. We worked very well together and I believe we made the right choice in selecting Nick and his firm to advise the Village. Karen, it was great serving with you and I appreciate your thoughtfulness in all matters during our time together.

I also served three years with Trustee Ahuja. Sameer, we did not know each other before I joined the Board. But you went out of your way to provide advice, guidance and a sounding board any time I needed one. You’ve since become a friend, and I cannot thank you enough for being there for support any time I needed it.

Now, for the people in front of me…in the words of Frank Costanza “I got a lotta problems with you people. And now you’re gonna hear about it!”

David and Jason: You joined just a year ago, and I’m not sure if two Trustees have ever contributed more in such a short period of time. I know that it took me the better part of a year to find my feet, but you both got comfortable immediately. I have been extremely impressed with your ability to dive into important issues, Jason on the budget side, David on the land use side and give your thoughts in such a clear and concise way. I’m thrilled that you joined the Board last year and I know that you will continue to exhibit thoughtfulness and leadership throughout your terms.

Jerry: you are always asking whether we are doing things the right way. Whether it’s budgeting, bid process or operations, you are always seeking improvement and efficiency. That’s the nature of this job, and you attack it with passion. Your background in municipal matters has been additive to our discussions during the past two years. It’s been great getting to know you and I wish you the best.

Dara: I’m not sure whether to thank you or blame you for getting me to run in the first place. In all honesty, your passion for recruiting volunteers is incredible. I’m honored that I was on your list in the first place, as I know that you spend nearly every waking hour thinking about how to make Scarsdale a better place for everyone. You serve as a sounding-board for nearly all of us and you’re frequently the first person anyone in the community will contact when there’s a problem. I’m not sure how you are able to handle it all, but you do. I want to thank you for being a great friend for as long as I’ve known you and a great Trustee and Deputy Mayor during your time on the Board.

Ken: It’s been fantastic serving with you for four years. While I knew you from Quaker Ridge, it’s been great getting to know you on a completely different level on the Board. Maybe the CNC knew what it was doing when they nominated us, as our responsibilities rarely overlapped. I think that we complimented each other extremely well, and I’ve enjoyed every minute. One area where I will not hesitate to admit you’ve outshined me: I believe you have a 100% hit rate when it comes to making jokes. It wasn’t often, but anytime you would make a joke, either on the dais or in the Trustee room, you had everyone doubled over in laughter. It’s a true talent, and I have to admit, I’m a bit jealous.

To Justin: I was appointed as an alternate to the Zoning Board in 2016. Justin immediately reached out, saying no one contacted him when he was appointed to the Zoning Board, and he offered to answer any questions that I had. Throughout our time serving together on the Zoning Board and Village Board, you’ve been there for brainstorming sessions and advice. We have not always agreed, but I think that’s healthy in our system and I’ve never for one second doubted your desire to improve things for Scarsdale and all its residents. You have accomplished a lot already as Mayor and I look forward to all the good things that transpire during the remainder of your term. I look forward to continuing to discuss Scarsdale-related matters as a layperson. And you’ll probably enjoy those too, knowing that I won’t have this podium to use if we disagree on something.

It’s been a pleasure serving on this Board for the past four years. I have enjoyed nearly every minute of it. While it’s time for me to move on, I am happy that we have an incredibly strong group of newly elected Trustees, ready to step in. Tim, Scott and Ron, I cannot think of anyone more qualified to step into this role. Best of luck with your terms and please let me know if there’s anything I can do to make your transition easier.

Remarks from Jerry Wise:

Wise, who served one two-year term was briefer. Turning on his mic he joked, “I finally learned how to use the microphone.” Turning to his fellow trustees, he said, “Thank you for your accolades. I think now is the time for brevity. I appreciate your dedication to the village and your willingness to shoulder the burden of the village. I wish the new trustees good luck and I am ready to discuss issues and lend a helping hand. I hope that Scarsdale retains its good fortune.”

Fellow board members also offered thanks to their colleagues.

Trustee David Godschmidt, Mayor Justin Arest, Trustee Ken Mazer, Trustee Jeremy Gans, Trustee Jerry Wise and Trustee Jason Kofman

Mayor Justin Arest said this:

Trustee Gans

Jeremy, serving with you has been a unique experience for me, because you are the first person I have sat next to on this dais who I was already friends with before either of us took on this role. That changes the dynamic, and I think in our case, it made it more meaningful.

From day one, you brought a level of preparation and discipline that set a standard. You do the work. You read everything. You ask the extra question that others might skip, and those questions consistently made the final product better.

Your impact is tangible. In land use, in budget and finance, and especially in how we think about and manage interest earnings, you pushed us to be more precise and more intentional. That is not always the most visible work, but it is some of the most important.

At times, we approached issues from different angles. There were moments where we had different instincts on how to get to the right outcome, but I think we were ultimately working toward the same goal, doing what is best for this community. Those differences led to important conversations and a more thoughtful process.

On a personal level, I am glad that through all of it, the friendship we started with is still there. That means a great deal to me. Thank you for your work, your partnership, and your friendship.

Trustee Mazer

Ken, serving with you has been a real privilege. You have a way of approaching issues that is entirely your own. At times, it may not be obvious where you are heading, and then you arrive at a point that is thoughtful, grounded, and genuinely helpful to the discussion.

What stands out most to me is your willingness to ask questions others might hold back. You never hesitated to say when something was unclear or needed more explanation. That takes confidence, and it made our conversations better. It also made them more accessible to the people we represent, who are often working through the same questions.

You bring a level of kindness and decency that is not always easy to find, and it shows in how you treat people and how you approach this role. Your service to this community goes well beyond this Board, from your years as a volunteer firefighter to everything you have given during your time here. And, as far as I know, you are the only one among us who can say you quite literally saved a life while serving.

This Village has benefited from that commitment, and I have as well. I am proud to call you a colleague and a friend, and I am grateful for everything you brought to this work.

Trustee Wise

Jerry, you certainly brought a distinct perspective to this Board, and you were never hesitant to share it. You approached issues with conviction and were always willing to engage, even when the conversations were not easy.

We did not always agree, and often saw things very differently. But you were consistent in making your views known and staying part of the discussion, and that contributed to the overall process.

You were actively involved as we worked through the schematic design of the pool project and helped present both the plans and the financial implications to the community. Those conversations gave us valuable feedback from residents and played an important role in allowing the project to move forward. We are now in design development, and that progress reflects, in part, that early work.

I also appreciated your sense of humor and the personal side you brought to this role. I will miss hearing about your travels.

I wish you well and thank you for your time on the Board.

Trustee David Goldschmidt:

David thanked Jeremy Ken and Ken for their service and professionalism and thanked them for taking the time to meet with him when he was new to the board. He said he was “impressed by their commitment,” and that they devoted the time and effort necessary to understand the issues before us and brought a valuable historical perspective to the conversation. He said, “We did not always agree,” but was grateful for “the diversity of views.” He said, “I knew their views were the result of careful thought and analysis.”

He said he benefited from Jeremy’s focus and Jerry’s leadership on the pool project, and costs savings and efficiencies in running the village.

He congratulated them on their retirement and hoped they “won’t mind if I continue to call on them for advice.”

Trustee Jason Kofman

About Ken Mazer, Kofman credited him for his optimism and his “salt of the earth character.” He thanked him for being the one to “ask the question no one wants to ask.”

He thanked Jeremy Gans for his “many years of service.” He said, “You have been a great teacher to me on how to think broadly on how a decision will affect our long-term picture.” “Thank you for your expertise.”

To Jerry he said, “I appreciate your desire to know the details – the details matter. We will miss your sharp eye and good humor in bringing the pool project forward. I look forward to sharing that first cold swim in May 2028.”

Though unable to attend the meeting, Trustee Gruenberg asked that her remarks to be read.

To Jeremy Gans she said, “Our friendship makes this meaningful for me.” She complimented him on the “integrity and thoughtfulness you bring.”

To Jerry Wise she said, “It has been a pleasure to work alongside you. You are unapologetically yourself. Your deep care for this village is genuine. You kept us focused on how the pool will be used. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.”

To Ken Mazer she noted his “Unflinching kindness,” and listening skills, “making sure people feel seen and valued.” She noted his years of service as a firefighter and said, “You care about this village and about the people who run it. I will miss your kindness. Thank you for the heart you have brought to this role and to the community.”

Public Comments

To Ken Mazer, Marian Green noted that she met him camping. She thanked him for “serving and learning with us. I wish you lots of good luck in the future.”

To Jerry Wise she said, “You were a true liaison to our Advisory Council on People with Disabilities. You offered sage advice on creating an inclusive village. We wish you all things good.”

BK Munguia thanked the three trustees, their spouses and families for the time serving the Village. She said, “Now that you’re free on Tuesdays you might take your spouse out to dinner.”

Elizabeth Lawrence was unhappy that Wise would not serve a second term. She said,”I question the role of the CNC. Perhaps we need a new process. The CNC has broken my heart by not advocating for Jerry Wise.”

League of Women Voters President Beth Sukier called in to thank the trustees for their service. She said, “Thanks to Gans, Mazer and Wise for the service to the village. You have served our village well. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”

Susan Douglass also called in and said farewell to the trustees and thanked Ken Mazer for his participation on the Advisory Council on Senior Citizens.