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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 12 March 2026

Created: 12 March 2026

Last Updated: 12 March 2026

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How long have you lived in Scarsdale? Tell us about your career in public service and your volunteer positions and what do you most value about the community?

I’ve lived in Scarsdale for about 12 years with my wife Rachel and our two sons. Since moving here I’ve volunteered in a variety of ways throughout the community. Most recently I served six years on the Scarsdale Board of Education, including two years as President and Vice President.

Many people may also be familiar with the sustainability initiatives I’ve been involved in – launching the food scrap recycling program, transitioning our streetlights to LEDs, expanding recycling operations at the recycling center, moving to weekly recycling pickup, among other projects. I have also served in several roles in local village and school organizations including the PTA, various school committees, the Scarsdale Forum, the Citizens’ Nominating Committee, and coaching youth sports. A great aspect about local volunteering is that you can really get things done while making tangible improvements to our community!

It’s been terrific not only to serve in these capacities, but also to meet incredible volunteers throughout the community. Working with so many great people has really made me appreciate what a special place Scarsdale is and the amazing work that happens here because of community volunteers and our professional staff.

You served six years on the School Board, two as President and Vice President: What did you learn from the experience? What was most memorable and what are you proud of?

During my six years on the Board of Education there were certainly a lot of memorable events. What I am most proud of is the many tangible improvements we made in partnership with the administration and community for the benefit of our students. We added new class offerings based on student feedback, such as Financial Literacy at SHS. We made improvements to our buildings and fields with the renovation of the High School Auditorium and enhancements to the Varsity Softball Field in partnership with the Village. We implemented safety and security upgrades throughout all of our buildings. These are just a few examples that highlight our focus on continually finding opportunities to improve our district on behalf of our current and future students.  As a Board we also hired a new superintendent and several new administrators who are dedicated to delivering a great experience for our students throughout their K-12 education.

My tenure also taught me a great deal about governing effectively on an elected local governing body. One of the most important lessons was about communication. We all know consistency matters, but what I came to truly appreciate was the need to meet constituents where they are – using multiple channels, repeating key messages, and recognizing that most residents are busy with work, kids, and life, and simply can’t track every development the way a Board member or administrator does. What feels like over-communication from inside the Board often barely registers to someone outside it. We worked hard to improve our outreach, and I’ll carry that commitment to proactive, accessible communication directly into my role as a Village Trustee.

Why do you want to join the Scarsdale Village Board at this time?

This is a really exciting time to join the Village Board with so many exciting and impactful projects currently before the Board and on the horizon, including major projects like the pool, Freightway, and field improvements. As well as the ongoing responsibility to deliver high-quality day-to-day services that make Scarsdale such a great place to live. Equally important is finding a way to do all of this within a fiscally responsible framework that balances investment with taxes.

These are exactly the kinds of issues I’ve worked on as a volunteer with so many great people – residents, fellow board members, and professional staff. I look forward to continuing to have an opportunity to be part of delivering tangible improvements and projects to our community.

What skills and experience will you bring to enhance the Board?

I hope my track record of volunteering over the past 12 years show how I would approach the role of a Village Trustee and the qualities I would bring. Professionally, my background in finance and corporate strategy have given me deep experience with budgets, long-term planning, complex data and systems, and communicating clearly to different audiences. My experience on the School Board – while it focused on school matters – has a lot of overlap with the type of projects and work that the Village Board takes on.

I have enjoyed collaborating and building relationships with many people in Village Government. Over the years I’ve had the chance to work closely with Village Manager Alex Marshall, many of the department heads, and of course the Mayor and current Board members.

I am transparent. I believe elected officials owe the community clarity about how and why decisions are made. One of the areas I focused on when I joined the Board of Education was improving Board communication and encouraging more public input. I always strive to be open in my decision making and thought process.

I am always willing to roll up my sleeves and learn about new topics and do the work.

The Board has approved a major project to replace and enhance the Scarsdale Pool complex. Please share your thoughts on this. At the same time, the School District is close to proposing a $101 mm bond. What are your views on the proposal, the timing and how it will impact Scarsdale taxpayers?

Both projects reflect a challenge every community faces: how do we continue to deliver exceptional services and infrastructure – and invest in our future – while doing it in a fiscally responsible manner. Many of our buildings and facilities are 50 – 100 years old and either need updating because they are at the end of their useful life or do not meet the needs of life today. I appreciate both the Village and School taking on these tough decisions, listening to the community, and bringing proposals forward to enhance what our community has to offer. The reality is that a lot of this work is expensive; It also adds a lot of value for us as residents!

In the spring of 2025, the Village proposed the purchase of new police equipment including cameras, LPR’s and drones to improve surveillance and tracking. What are your views on the need for the equipment and the reaction from residents?

It’s important to find the right balance between keeping everyone in our community safe while respecting privacy rights. As with so many decisions at the local level, we need to listen to both our professional staff – in this case our police department - and our residents to find a path forward that gives our police department the tools they need while considering residents views.

The Mayor recently announced that the Village will move forward with exploration of the development of the Freightway site. Please share your thoughts on this.

I am very excited to work on a Freightway development. There is an amazing opportunity to enhance our downtown area while adding new revenue to our tax base (and avoiding the continued costs to maintain an aging parking garage). Many communities throughout Westchester have successfully developed similar transit-oriented buildings in their downtown area and I believe we can do the same in Scarsdale.

What challenges do you anticipate the Village might encounter during your term?

The perennial challenge for local governments is finding the balance between providing a level of service expected by our residents with the tax burden it places on each household. As I look back over the past several years, I think the Village Board has done a fantastic job keeping a very high level of service while also expanding new services and improvements throughout our Village. Weekly recycling, field improvements, new playgrounds and new tennis courts are just some of the examples of great enhancements that have been made over the past few years. I look forward to continuing this work while doing so in a fiscally responsible manner.

What do you hope to accomplish as a Village Trustee?

I look forward to continuing to make tangible improvements to our community. In the near-term that includes the pool project, Freightway development, field improvements, sustainability initiatives, and many other important topics that are before the Board. As well as continuing to find places to add services that our residents want.

Anything else you wish to add?

Please mark your calendars to vote on March 18^th. I think it is more important than ever for people to be active participants in democracy at every level of government. It only takes a few minutes to stop at Scarsdale Library and vote. Polls are open 6am – 9pm at the Scarsdale Library (54 Olmsted Road).

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 03 March 2026

Created: 03 March 2026

Last Updated: 03 March 2026

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Former Scarsdale School Board member and longtime Scarsdale resident Scott Silberfein is on the ballot for Scarsdale Village Trustee. Find out about his experience and why he would like to serve below:

Tell us about your professional and volunteer experience to date.

My wife Joey and I have lived in Scarsdale since 2006 and are the proud parents of three daughters who graduated from Scarsdale High School.

I am an attorney and have 25+ years of substantial experience advocating for clients in a variety of high-stakes, complex litigation matters and class actions in the state and federal courts as well as before arbitration panels and mediators.

My commercial litigation experience spans many industries including consumer products, jewelry, real estate, and equipment lease financing and includes actions involving claims for fraud, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and partnership actions, employment issues (including but not limited to business torts, unfair competition, trade secret, and non-competition/solicitation covenants), bankruptcy and  reorganization issues, alleged violations of RICO and federal and state consumer protection laws. I also have extensive experience representing companies in responding to and defending against investigations and lawsuits by Attorneys General. My class action experience includes litigations in state and federal courts and proceedings before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation involving unfair competition, breach of warranty, product-related issues, data breach and privacy, and consumer protection statutes of nearly all fifty states.

After college and prior to attending law school, I worked in Washington, D.C in the legislative  offices of Congressman Gary Ackerman and in the telecommunications industry.

I am also a longtime community volunteer. I served on the Scarsdale Board of Education from 2014-2020 including 1.5 years as President. I am currently serving as a Board member of the Scarsdale Schools Education Foundation, the Scarsdale Youth Soccer Club, and Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity's Supreme Council and am a member of Scarsdale’s Judicial Qualifications Advisory Committee. Among other roles, I am a former member of the Scarsdale Bowl Committee and Scarsdale’s Board of Ethics, and a former Board member of Westchester Reform Temple, the Greenacres Neighborhood Association, and the Crohn’s Colitis Foundation of America-Westchester/Fairfield Chapter. I also proudly coached my daughters’ recreational soccer, basketball, and softball teams.

Why are you stepping up now to serve as a Scarsdale Village Trustee?

I have a passion for the job and a love for our Village.

What skills do you bring to the Board?

I am a problem solver, relationship builder, have a deep desire to learn about all sides of an issue, and possess the ability to quickly understand and synthesize complex issues along with financial and legal documents. Additionally, I am an active listener, with an open mind to all points of view and constituencies and know how to serve all of the residents of the Village without agenda or pre-conceived point of view.

What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned as a volunteer?

To assume best intentions from all colleagues, employees, and stakeholders and that it is incredibly important—essential—to serve with credibility and integrity.

What were some of your most rewarding volunteer experiences?

In addition to contributing to very productive boards, my most rewarding volunteer experiences have been the ones where after a lot of hard work, partnership, and creative problem solving, we have been able to deliver wonderful results for stakeholders. In Scarsdale, primarily in capital work, these experiences would include the installation of the permanent lights at Butler Field at Scarsdale High School, the renovations to Greenacres Elementary School, and the Learning Commons, Design Lab, and new fitness center at the High School. But, in reality, my most rewarding volunteer experiences in Scarsdale and beyond always come back to the incredibly smart, hard-working, engaging, and impressive people I have had an opportunity to meet, work with, and learn from. 

How do you think that service on the Village Board will be similar or different from your experience on the School Board?

I am used to working as a member of a board of seven dedicated resident volunteers and expect the same on the Village Board. As a member of the School Board, I was incredibly lucky to work with a dedicated group of administrators, teachers, and staff dedicated to their craft. I expect to experience the same as a member of the Village Board. I am sure there will be differences, such as budgeting and bond work which don’t require a community vote, but I expect—maybe naively—the service to be similar and feel familiar.

The Village is now embarking on an initiative to build Scarsdale’s first indoor/outdoor pool complex. Share your thoughts on this ambitious project.

My family was a long-time user and supporter of the Scarsdale Pool. I believe we should provide such an important part of the Village for the current residents and for future residents. To do that, significant investment is necessary and I generally support the current project. I trust and respect our professionals, consultants, and the current Village Board in reaching the conclusion. One item I need to learn more about is the expected operating costs and the self-sufficiency of the complex.

At the same time, the school board has proposed a $101.7 million bond for expansion and infrastructure improvements to the facilities. What are your views on the overall expansion of taxpayer debt?

Managing our ever-Increasing taxpayer debt and maintaining our high bond ratings is of paramount importance. There are limits to the amount of debt we can ask the community to support, but we also need to meet the needs and desires of our constituents in delivering a world class public education, providing the required level of services, and fixing and maintaining our aging infrastructure. If the taxing authorities take the time to thoroughly study the issues and alternatives, encourage and listen to community input, and make prudent decisions, I believe our community will support (as they usually do) the budgetary plans.

Last spring the Village Board proposed the purchase of police technology that facilitated increased surveillance through the use of cameras, license plate readers and drones. Tell us what you think.

Transparency and communication are always key. I also want to provide our Police Department with all of the tools they need and want. While we always need to be concerned with privacy including the data collected about our residents and who has the data, we live in a world in which data about our lives are always being captured—EZPass, ATM, mobile phones, traffic cameras, waze, google, and the list goes on. So, in the end, I think we already share so much data, that we need to acknowledge that while being aware of to whom we voluntarily share any data and to whom they share the same data.

What do you hope to accomplish as a Village Trustee?

I love our Village. It’s been here for 325 years and will be here for a long time after me. As Trustee, I hope to be a valuable and contributing steward of our Village’s vast resources, infrastructure, and charm while maintaining the Village as a desired place to live.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 26 February 2026

Created: 26 February 2026

Last Updated: 26 February 2026

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I was hoping the Village Board meeting on Tuesday night February 24 would wrap up before the State of the Union address at 9 pm. And the agenda was moving swiftly when Congressman George Latimer appeared at the door. What was he doing at the Scarsdale Village Board meeting on the night of the State of the Union?

Latimer came to the podium and explained that though he should be in Washington, with airports closed and Amtrak out of service, there was no way for him to return to the Capitol in time for Trump’s remarks, so he took the opportunity to visit his constituents.

He complimented the Village on doing a great job during the two day snow emergency and spoke in favor of the Village’s policy on immigration enforcement. He said that in his previous job as Westchester County Executive the County had adopted a similar policy in regard to immigration enforcement. See more here.

Latimer provided an update on Congressional matters, saying, “We (the Democrats) are not prepared to vote for a budget until we see some changes in the ways ICE operates. The shutdown will only impact homeland security, TSA, FEMA and the government will continue to operate.”

Turning to tariffs, he said, “We are facing an ambiguity right now. The President has some authority.” He discussed a roundtable for small business owners to be held on Friday February 27 in the Little Theater at Westchester County Center. RSVP by emailing Rich.Orsillo@mail.house.gov.

He invited the Village to propose projects for federal funding for the 2026-27 budget year. He said, “We are opening a portal for projects that you feel are a priority…. It is a difficult process. If there is a project or two that you would like to see federal funding for -- we will try to help you get the request in and go to bat for it.”

Pool News

The Trustees then reviewed a resolution to revise the Village’s agreement with Lothrop Associates Architects who are designing the pool complex. Deputy Mayor Gruenberg read the amendment and explained that the scope of the original agreement had expanded when the Village decided to move forward with the larger indoor/outdoor pool complex. The new agreement calls for a lump sum fee of 6.75% of the construction costs, not to exceed $900,959.48.

Furthermore, Gruenberg explained that the Pool Committee is considering adding some of the features that the community supported, “including a separate outdoor diving pool, a separate indoor leisure pool with a warmer temperature distinct from the lap and diving pools, and expanded gathering space for families and neighbors.”

She said though those enhancements would bring the budget of $80 million, they would refine the plans and do value engineering to pursue cost savings and efficiencies. Furthermore she said, “If appropriate, we may recommend phasing or deferring certain elements that do not affect the core operation of the indoor and outdoor facilities in order to keep the project aligned with our financial framework. Finally, I want to be clear that the Village Board does not intend to authorize or issue bonds above the $70.4 million that was previously presented to the community.”

The resolution was supported by six of the trustees. However, Trustee Jerry Wise objected saying, “The contract with Lothrop was only received after 2 pm today. It is a million dollar contract. I didn’t get the resolution until 20 minutes before the meeting and there was no cover memo from the Village Manager explaining what Dara said. I am told that this is an emergency but that does not warrant this change from our procedures. I don’t’ feel the public has had the opportunity to speak or comment.”

Trustee Jason Kofman defended the resolution, saying, “The construction budget has gone up… the architects fees are going up. Trustee David Goldschmidt said, “Given that we have voted to move forward on it – I am comfortable moving forward.”

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 19 February 2026

Created: 19 February 2026

Last Updated: 19 February 2026

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Rose Ann Sofia, 86, of Scarsdale, New York, passed away peacefully at home on February 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on February 13, 1940, in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. Rose Ann was the beloved daughter of Elizabeth Taber. She was raised with strong family values; kindness, resilience, faith, and unwavering devotion to those she loved, which guided her throughout her life.

Rose Ann shared 51 devoted years of marriage with her beloved husband, John. Together they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and enduring love. She was a proud and loving mother to Cara Mildé (Toby) and Amy Sofia Biondi (Mike), and a cherished grandmother to Fletcher, Quinn, Elizabeth, Brooke, and Johnny. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and her greatest joy. Rose Ann is also survived by her treasured cousins of the Clements family.

Known for her quick wit, generous heart, and steadfast loyalty, Rose Ann was a source of strength and encouragement to family and friends. She worked for many years as a trader at Bond House, R.W. Pressprich & Co., where she earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Leaving Wall Street to raise her daughters, she and John moved to Scarsdale, NY where they built a life for more than forty-five years. Rose Ann devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and her parish community at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. She volunteered tirelessly at Edgewood Elementary School, the Girl Scouts of America, and served on numerous community committees, always giving her time with cheerful smiles and enthusiasm.

Rose Ann loved nothing more than gathering friends and family around a table overflowing with food and laughter. An exceptional cook, she had a remarkable gift for bringing people together, and her gregarious laugh, accompanied by the unmistakable twinkle in her hazel eyes, will be fondly remembered. Rose Ann’s love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 23rd from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Tuesday, February 24th, at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate her beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rose Ann’s memory to Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps https://www.scarsdalevac.com/donate SVAC P.O. Box 92 Scarsdale, NY 10583 (914) 722-2288.