An Open Letter to Ossining Village Residents

Letter to the Editor: An open letter to the residents of the Village of Ossining from Trustee Candidate Luke Carbonaro

There are three words that should be on your mind on Election Day; Community, Commitment, Carbonaro.

On Tuesday November 3rd we have a chance to do something that hasn’t been done in over a decade in the Village of Ossining; we have an opportunity tohave a bipartisan government. The Village of Ossining has been under a one party rule since 2005 and in that time period there has been no attempt of working with the minority party despite multiple opportunities to (most recently in early September and early October 2015). I am not saying that those in power do not care about the full Ossining community, but they do not view the issues and possible solutions with the same lens as many in the community do. It’s time to change “business as usual” and have a long-time active community member represent ALL residents and their interests and concerns.

My name is Luke Carbonaro and I am the best option for Ossining to have our community represented in a fairer, more diverse, and equitable manner. I encourage everyone to go to my website, www.OssiningLuke.com to read up about my past and what I envision for the future of Ossining .

The “Reader’s Digest” version of who I am is that I was raised by a single mother, went through the Ossining school system and graduated with high honors from OHS. I then graduated SUNY Oswego with two Bachelor degrees with honors, and currently hold a 4.0 at American Military University pursuing two Master degrees; I have been volunteering with the Ossining Fire Department for nearly a decade where I am presently a 1st Lieutenant and writing this letter shortly after responding to an early morning fire. I’ve previously taught college courses primarily in history and economics at an international academy. I have volunteered for the Baker-Collyer Christmas Cheer fund for nearly a decade, worked for the Ossining Recreation Department as the Health Director for its summer camp programs, served as a Youth Court Judge and have worked for Ossining’s Communities that Care as a researcher.

My opponent has stated that the reason why she is the best qualified for the position is based on her educational background and career record; you can read about what she has done for herself on her literature and website, but there is nothing written nor stated elsewhere about what she has done for Ossining or how she is affiliated with Ossining beyond her address. The only connection that I can see is that her husband is the Town’s prosecutor and currently running for Town justice. Interestingly, I see no attempts to articulate a vision and plan for Ossining. My opponent has admitted that my educational background compares well to her own but because she has a career managing departmental budgets she sees herself as best qualified. Please note that I too have helped to manage 6 & 7 figure budgets in my various leadership positions.

Being a Trustee is much more than having an understanding of budgetary issues - it is about knowing the wants and needs of the community, knowing a wide range of residents from all different backgrounds and age ranges, and being connected to the community in multiple ways that makes it your home. It sounds more like my opponent is campaigning to be the Village Treasurer rather than trying to be elected as a Village Trustee. People skills, the ability tobe relatable and approachable by all of our neighbors, as well as the demonstrated ability to work in a flexible bi-partisan fashion are equally needed and skills of which I have demonstrated.

We live in a representative democracy, which at its most basic level means the people have the ability to select a person that they believe represents themselves and their interests in government. Who is better to represent the community and their interests than somebody who was raised in thecommunity, educated in the community, worked for the community, volunteers for the community, puts his life on the line on a daily basis for the community, and who has a plan and vision for our community? I have recognize quality of life issues as well as financial issues and have proposed potential solutions, not just a list of “we have to find a way to fix be more like the other river-towns”. I am happy that one of my campaign issues that I have championed of “Unsafe Housing” has now been brought to the attention of all the candidates running.

I have been an active community member. I have been committed to Ossining and all its residents. I ask you for your vote on November 3rd.

Sincerely,

Luke Carbonaro