Tapping the Potential of the NYS Legislature and a Candidates Debate

Dr. Gerald Benjamin and Daniel L. Feldman will discuss “Tapping the Potential of the New York State Legislature” at the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale’s Food for Thought Luncheon at Scarsdale Golf Club on Friday, October 21. Members of the community are invited to attend. Dr. Benjamin and Mr. Feldman are the co-authors of Tales from the Sausage Factory: Making Laws in New York State, which has been hailed as a must-read for anyone interested in the workings of state government. Dr. Gerald Benjamin, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Political Science, has written extensively on state and local government and been involved in numerous efforts to reform both. He also served as an elected official in Ulster County for a dozen years. Daniel L. Feldman is Associate Professor of Public Management at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. As a member of the New York State Legislature from 1981 through 1998, Feldman wrote more than 140 laws including New York’s Megan’s Law

The luncheon will begin at 11:45 am. To RSVP, call Anne Lyons at 725-9810. The cost is $40 per person ($45 after October 10) and is payable in advance or at the door. To pay in advance, make your check payable to League of Women Voters of Scarsdale and mail to Anne Lyons, 82 Greenacres Avenue, Scarsdale 10583.

On Wednesday October 19th at 7:30 pm, the LWV of Scarsdale will sponsor a Candidate Forum in the Scott Room at the Scarsdale Public Library. Participants will be the candidates for the 5th District of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, Dr. Iris Pagan and William J. Ryan.

Ryan, who is a Democrat is the past President of the County Board of Legislators. He is now serving his seventh term and is running for re-election in November. Republican candidate, Dr. Iris Pagan is challenging Ryan for his seat. She is a White Plains resident and a teacher and served as the treasurer and president of the Westchester County Women’s Republican Club. She is a graduate of Columbia Teacher’s College and Pace University.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend. After the candidates speak there will be a question and answer period. For more information, contact Deb Morel at 723-7364 or DEBMOREL1@aol.com.