Candidate Profile: Karen Brown For Tarrytown Mayor

TARRYTOWN, NY — In the upcoming general election, residents of Westchester will be voting for county and local officials.

Patch is asking candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns.

There is a three-way race for mayor of the village of Tarrytown.

Trustee Karen Brown is running on the Democratic and Tarrytown United lines for mayor against Douglas Zollo for the Village Alliance party and Paul Janos for Preserve Our Village.

Brown, 58, has been a village trustee since 2016. Prior to that she served on the Zoning Board of Appeals from 2006 to 2016.

She is married to Kevin Brown, and they have 24-year-old twins who were educated in the Tarrytown school system.

Brown received a bachelor of arts degree from SUNY Albany and a master of business administration from Baruch Zicklin School of Business.

Campaign website

tarrytown2020.com

Here are the answers to a series of questions as submitted by Karen Smith. They were lightly edited for style and clarity — not content.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Economic Development. I will support the needs of Tarrytown residents by diversifying and expanding revenue sources so that homeowners do not carry the entire tax burden. We will encourage investment in the Village, always making sure that projects respect the character and infrastructure of the Village.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My in-depth knowledge of the issues, collaborative style and open mind make me the leader for the times. I am trusted and respected by residents, village staff and leaders from all levels of NYS government. I truly believe in and honor diversity, not just with lip service. In every position I stand for, from improving critical infrastructure and protecting our environment, to strengthening our local economy and expanding fair and affordable housing, I am committed to creating an equitable and just village so that all thrive and prosper.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Tarrytown's Village Administration was front and center in providing information on local COVID-19 statistics and resources. The Village also helped coordinate a vaccination center delivering vaccines to over 700 people (mostly seniors.) We developed a Dining Al Fresco in 2020 and re-instated the program in the 2021 season. Working with a local non-profit we helped establish a fund for Tarrytown residents whose ability to pay rent was affected by the quarantine. We worked with TASH to create a drive-through farmers market, the only one in the county. I always believed that local government is most important to people's lives. The pandemic underscored the importance of pro-active communication between local leaders and residents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Investing in our Downtown: Main Street and downtown are among the most beautiful and vibrant in the nation, attracting talented and creative restauranteurs and entrepreneurs. Working with them we will improve the upkeep of the streets and continue innovative programs to encourage business. Protecting our environment: As a waterfront community, we must make our village more resilient so that it better withstands the effects of climate change and reduces our impact on the environment. Keeping Tarrytown Affordable: I am committed to keeping housing accessible in Tarrytown and will advocate for workforce and affordable homes that preserve the historic character of our village. Easing Travel in the Village: I will engage in region-wide efforts to enhance mobility and expand sustainable travel modes while reducing traffic congestion throughout our village. Increasing Transparency: Your say matters. I pledge to keep Tarrytown residents connected with local government through increased transparency and access to village planning and affairs.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been a Trustee for the past six years, stewarding Tarrytown through prosperous as well as tumultuous times. Since I have been Trustee, the village has opened a public pool; instituted positive changes regarding diversity in our Police Department; taken actions to reduce our environmental impact; upgraded the Village's water systems; and greatly improved our communications with residents. As an entrepreneur, I built a unique network of businesses that has served close to 1000 members. A long career in sales and customer service has sharpened my negotiation and problem-solving skills. As a business owner, I am adept at managing budgets which will be of the utmost importance in the next few years.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Have confidence in what you know and surround yourself with smart people who can support you in their areas of expertise.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have a long history of community service in Tarrytown, its schools, non-profit organizations and on Village boards. I have a track record of fighting to limit development that threatens the character and open spaces in the village and of delivering results for Tarrytown. It has been my pleasure working with engaged residents who, like me believe in the power of community to improve the quality of life for everyone. This Village and its community enabled me to provide a wonderful childhood for my children. As my way of giving back, I am dedicated to preserving the natural beauty, diverse community, history, and shared values for future generations.