Democrats Stand Behind Democracy and Local Leaders at Annual Event

Justin Arest, Dara Gruenberg, Mondaire Jones and Amy PaulinOn the eve of Trump’s indictment for conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election the Scarsdale Democrats held their annual fundraiser at the home of State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin.

The timing was perfect to acknowledge local leaders, support the party and recognize the importance of defending democracy. All of the speakers remarked on the critical role of both leaders and citizens in preserving free speech and the rule of law.

The event was hosted by the Scarsdale Democrats and Paulin who offered up her home and fresh made pizzas from an outdoor pizza oven.

State Senator Shelly Mayer and former Village Trustee Jonathan Lewis

Myra Saul, who heads up the Scarsdale Democrats introduced the attendees that included state, county and local officials along with candidates for justice. She thanked the event committee, BK Munguia, Susan Kessler Ross, Laura Daniels, Tim Foley, Carlos Ramirez, Michelle Lichtenberg, Nan Berke, Sarah Kagan, Jeannie Rosenthal and Elaine Weir Sherman for organizing the evening.

About Trump, State Senator Shelly Mayer said, “The fact that he was indicted is a tribute to our democracy …. We can fight, we can disagree and we’re luck to live in a country where we can do this. The stakes are so high that we must unite to defend our democracy.”

The keynote speaker was former Congressman Mondaire Jones who lost his seat due to re-districting and is running for Congressional District 17, a seat held by Republican Mike Lawler. Also on hand was County Executive George Latimer who is said to be considering a run to unseat Jamaal Bowman for Congressional District 16 which includes Scarsdale.

Michelle Lichtenberg, Mondaire Jones and Diane Greenwald

Jones said, “We are facing a crisis unlike anything we have experienced as a nation,” and called upon “the committed group of public servants” to make good choices. In Congress he was voted the most legislatively active Congressman and noted that while in office Congress “rescued the economy from collapse, “passed the biggest infrastructure bill in history,” and brought money for schools and housing at a time people were struggling. He vowed to defend a woman’s right to choose, and to defend educational freedom to teach the truth about slavery and the holocaust.

Myra Saul and Jon Mark

Among the group was Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest and former mayors Marc Samwick, Jon Mark and Carolyn Stevens. Current and former Village trustees Dara Gruenberg, Jonathan Lewis and Seth Ross, County Legislator Ben Boykin and candidate for County Legislator Ruth Walter along with several judges and aspirants for State Supreme Court.

Frank and Michelle Lichtenberg, Susan Ross and Mona Longman

Myra Saul and Amy Paulin