Boykin and Flisser Meet at LWVS Candidates' Forum

Former Scarsdale Mayor Miriam Flisser sparred with White Plains Councilman Ben Boykin at the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale Candidates' Forum at Scarsdale Village Hall on October 24. The two are vying to win a seat on the Westchester County Legislature to represent District 5 which includes Scarsdale, most of White Plains and a portion of Harrison.

Both candidates emphasized past achievements in public service and their professional careers to demonstrate their abilities to work with others and get things done. As a former Village Trustee and Mayor of Scarsdale, Flisser recounted some of the initiatives that were implemented during her tenure including the Fox Meadow Stormwater Improvement Project at George Field and Cooper Green, the emergency notification system at Village Hall, leaf mulching, a new generator law and the tax revaluation that is now in process. Dr. Flisser, who is a pediatrician, cited her experience working with parents and children to come up with practical solutions to health issues.

Boykin touted his educational resume, professional record and tenure as a White Plains Councilman. The former Assistant Treasurer of Nabisco, Boykin claimed to have a facility with budgeting and cost control and vowed to keep County taxes low while tackling flooding and infrastructure issues. He referenced the development of downtown White Plains including the construction of The Ritz Carleton, City Center and The Source (site of Whole Foods) as examples of his ability to work with community and business leaders to revitalize the downtown area.

When asked to identify the three main issues affecting the county, both Boykin and Flisser discussed issues specific to Scarsdale.

Boykins three top priorities were:

• Holding down property taxes
• County funding for flood remediation
• Infrastructure and transportation issues

Flisser used this opportunity to warn voters against the threat to the Village posed by the Affordable Housing Settlement and said, "the most important issue is to maintain our Village in a Park ..... the federal system is not serving Scarsdale."

The candidates diverged on their views on the Affordable Housing Settlement and it's possible effects on Scarsdale. Flisser read quotes from letters sent from HUD to Scarsdale Village during her term as Mayor, referring to a study from Rutgers University that called for 160 units of affordable housing to be built in Scarsdale. Boykin responded by saying that the study had not been adopted and claimed that the settlement posed no threat to Scarsdale. He repeatedly stated that "New York State is a home rule state. Only a local municipality can change their zoning code. Scarsdale is 98% built out and there is no room for additional development. It is a matter of sitting down, communicating and collaborating"

According to Boykin, the HUD Monitor has now identified seven Westchester communities with "exclusionary zoning practices" and asked them to address how they will overcome these impediments to Fair and Affordable Housing. On the list are Pelham Manor, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Croton, Ossining, Pound Ridge and Lewisboro. Boykin contends that the issues could be worked out through collaboration with the Federal Monitor and criticized the Republicans for using "fear mongering and scare tactics" to make voters believe that the county would sue local municipalities to force changes in zoning codes and build multi-family homes in areas now zoned for single-family housing.

In her rebuttal to Boykin's claims, Flisser responded, "It is naïve to think the State and Federal governments will not interfere. These seven communities are having their zoning law scrutinized. Why do we need a monitor? Is this high school?"

Questions were posed from the audience, Most audience members appeared to have been asked to attend by members of the candidate's constituencies. More discussion followed on flooding, the County Charter Commission, bonding to pay for operating expenses (both were against bonding for anything but long-term capitol projects), increases in daycare costs and Rye Playland.

In closing remarks, Boykin said, "I am ready to serve you now. I don't have a learning curve. I know how to build consensus and I understand the issues faced by us at the local level.... flooding, infrastructure and quality of life."

Flisser said, "I have served thousands. I have deep experience and will serve your needs and keep taxes down. I support job growth and local zoning control. I came to this country from war-torn Europe and winning the election and serving you will allow me to express by gratitude."

Election Day is Tuesday November 5. Polls are open from 6 am to 9 pm. For more information visit vote411.org.  (Photo credit Nan Berke)