Letter To The Editor: Seeking Change For Ossining

To the Editor:

As homeowners and residents of Ossining for 15 years, we believe that the village is in need of new leadership and will be voting for Omar Herrera for Village of Ossining Mayor in the Democratic Primary on September 13th.

The incumbent mayor claims to champion safe housing. But our own health, well-being, and livelihood were placed at risk, when a well-connected developer cut corners, exposing us to clouds of thick dust, mold and fumes and forcing us to seek medical attention. We sought the mayor’s help with our ongoing plight but our emails went ignored. Eventually, we met with the mayor at her “open office hours” to share our concerns and even presented proof of false statements that were submitted to the zoning board and building department. The mayor’s response amounted to little more than a shrug of the shoulders. She offered no assistance, only excuses. For us, the message was clear: There is one Ossining for the well-connected members of the club, and another Ossining for the rest of us.

How many other residents, less fortunate than ourselves, are being placed at risk? How many are fearful of speaking out or taking on a political machine? How many reluctantly accept the status quo because they believe there is no other choice? Thankfully, registered Democrats have a choice this year in the upcoming Primary.

For some residents, a new restaurant opening on Main Street means that Ossining is moving forward. But for many in Ossining, life is not getting better. They feel the strain of higher taxes and housing costs, while suffering a diminished quality of life. Crowded schools, increased noise pollution and selective enforcement are a demoralizing but daily reality for too many residents whose voices are not heard.

Despite signs of progress, Ossining has a long way to go. When good things happen, they tend to happen in spite, of elected officials, not because of them. The incumbent mayor is eager to take credit for positive developments such as downtown revitalization, but this process has been in the works for many years – it is hardly a product of her own policies or decisions. Unfortunately, the mayor seems more interested in symbolic gestures and attaching her name to progressive causes, rather than actually advancing those causes or improving the lives of residents. Ossining doesn’t need more posturing or political dysfunction. We need real leadership.

In contrast to the incumbent’s commitment to the status quo, her opponent, Trustee Omar Herrera has called for a temporary moratorium on all new development projects, a welcome measure of sanity given the consensus that Ossining needs an updated plan. Trustee Herrera also exhibits a refreshing streak of independence. Although he is young, he is a life-long Ossining resident with far more experience as a community leader than the incumbent had four years ago when she herself decided to run against the then incumbent mayor.

A vote for the incumbent is a vote for politics-as-usual. It’s time for a change. Please join us in supporting Omar Herrera for Village of Ossining Mayor in the Democratic Primary on September 13th.

David Mallen

Nicole Moné