Reynolds Should Have Participated in the Candidates' Forum

The following letter concerning the March 8th League of Women Voters Candidates' Forum and Harry Reynolds was contributed by Robert Selvaggio: Many Scarsdale citizens share Harry Reynolds' objections to both the shroud of secrecy that covers the CNC selection process, and the Citizen's Party stance that candidates' positions on important issues should not be a criterion for selecting a mayor and trustees. However, it is very likely that the Citizen's Party will continue to hold fast to these, as secrecy and non-disclosure have served and continue to serve its members well.

Harry's calls for openness and for informing the electorate where candidates stand on issues and policies that determine our quality of life in Scarsdale resonate among a population that prides itself on being educated, intelligent, informed, and discerning in the choices it makes. His candidacy and the excitement it has generated to this point (as evidenced by the fact that he filled his ballot petition in one day with much room to spare for challenged signatures) will pave the way for new groups of Scarsdale citizens who will challenge the Citizen's Party by conducting all of their business in the sunshine and by discussing openly policy preferences with the electorate so that intelligent choices can be made.

This being said, I question the wisdom of Harry's not participating in the LWV event. First, many voters do not know him, and even those who have read Harry's eloquent op-eds and letters to Scarsdale10583 and the Scarsdale Inquirer over the years would find themselves impressed by his personal charisma and quick mind. Harry would have won many votes at that event. Second, how can we effect change if we do not confront our political opponents openly? It appears to me that the LWV offered up a perfect forum to contrast an ideology of openness, full disclosure, and voting based on full information against one that is closed, rigid and secretive. I personally know that Harry truly does care about democracy and about our citizens being able to tell their kids and grandkids that they vote for whom they personally determine is the best candidate based on full information, but unless Harry can visit every household as he has mine, how will the rest of Scarsdale know that?

Harry, time to get (at least) to the Scarsdale and Hartsdale train stations to let the folks meet you in person and know who you are and what you stand for.