Write-in Candidates Challenge Citizens Party Slate in Tuesday Election

Though elections in Scarsdale are usually uncontested, this year may be different. Elections for Village Mayor and Trustee are scheduled for Tuesday March 15 and the Citizen’s Non Partisan Committee has selected its slate of candidates. The party’s nominee for Mayor is Dr. Miriam Flisser and for Village Trustee the CNC candidates are Stacey Brodsky, Robert Harrison, and Robert Steves. In the past, very few people turned out to vote because there was no choice of candidates and residents could either vote for the individuals on the slate or abstain.

However, write-in votes are permitted, and Scarsdale10583 has learned that this year a move is afoot for a write-in campaign. Disenchanted with the CNC’s selection process, a well-organized group of residents has selected two people to challenge the Non-Partisan Committee candidates. The ad hoc group is encouraging Scarsdale voters to write in these names on the ballot when they vote at Village Hall or on absentee ballots. For the post of Mayor, they favor Sharon Lindsay, and for Trustee they are backing Robert Selvaggio, for Bob Harrison's seat.

Sharon Lindsay is an attorney who served as Village Trustee and Deputy Mayor, as the Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and as the President of the Greenacres Association. She has lived in Scarsdale for 29 years. Robert Selvaggio has worked in finance for over 20 years and has a B.A. in economics and math from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in economics from Brown University.

Voters can write in alternative candidates – whether for Ms. Lindsay and Mr. Selvaggio or otherwise – by collecting an absentee ballot from Village Hall on Monday, or in the voting booth on Tuesday’s Election Day. The latter option can prove complicated, requiring voters to lift a small lever located above the CNC candidate’s name, and penning the write-in candidates name on a blank line there.

Voting will be held on Tuesday March 15 from 6 am to 9 am and from noon to 9 pm at Scarsdale Village Hall-- and whatever the outcome-- this challenge is sure to increase voter participation.