Residents being double-taxed

Jann Mirchandani was asked to present the following letter to the Yorktown Town Board and read into the record.

Dear Members of the Town Board,

Many residents of Yorktown are being double-taxed. This has been going on for many years, and has not been rectified.

Our Town bundles library taxes into its annual tax collection. The Croton and Ossining School Districts bundle library taxes with school taxes. 

As such, residents near Croton and Ossining pay library tax to both Yorktown, and to Croton and Ossining. If you look at the Town Assessor’s tax rolls, you will find many homes listed as being within the Croton or Ossining school district, but within Yorktown’s taxing jurisdiction. All of these homes have paid double taxes for decades – and nothing has been done to rectify this situation.

I have lived in my house for 20 years and the Town has yet to identify or rectify this issue. I urge the Town to take action to rectify this issue.

Sincerely,
David Rinaldi

Mirchandani Would Be a Champion for Small Businesses as Yorktown Super

Originally printed in The Examiner News,

We have an election on Nov. 7 in Yorktown and I will be supporting Jann Mirchandani for town supervisor.

As the founder of TheNetWorks Organization, a networking group based in Yorktown for entrepreneurs, small businesses and community leaders, and as an active member of the community, I have crossed paths with Jann many times. In addition to being a successful small business owner herself, Jann is a strong supporter of small business owners and a hardworking advocate for members of our community.

Jann has helped many small businesses to grow by leveraging technology to enhance their operations, deploying strategic plans to streamline or improve their internal processes and by connecting these businesses with support in the governmental or nonprofit space. I know Jann to be professional as well as deliberative and intentional with decision-making, which has been the skill set she employs to help businesses grow.

I know that, if elected, Jann will use these same skills as town supervisor, and improving Yorktown for everyone.

Local elections matter. I encourage my fellow Yorktowners to get to know Jann and support her for town supervisor.

Cheryl Sanchez
Yorktown

Shaw Has the Skills to Be Highly Effective on Yorktown Town Board

Originally printed in The Examiner News,

I am writing this letter in enthusiastic support of my friend, Steve Shaw, who is running for a seat on Yorktown’s Town Board. I have had the privilege of knowing Steve for many years, and I can confidently say that he is a dedicated, compassionate and highly capable individual who is deeply committed to the well-being and progress of our community.
Steve’s qualifications from his current role as head of product training and his background in project management are a testament to his exceptional leadership and organizational skills. In this capacity, Steve has demonstrated an innate ability to orchestrate complex projects with precision and finesse. His knack for streamlining processes, setting clear objectives and ensuring seamless transitions will translate directly to his ability to support the needs of Yorktown as a member of the board. Steve’s proficiency in project management and his track record of delivering results make him an invaluable candidate for the Yorktown Town Board.
I have no doubt that Steve Shaw will dedicate himself thoroughly to the responsibilities of a Yorktown board member and work tirelessly to ensure that Yorktown continues to prosper and thrive. His leadership, integrity and passion for the betterment of our community make him the ideal candidate for this role.
I urge you to consider Steve Shaw for a seat on the Yorktown Town Board, and I am confident that his contributions will leave a lasting, positive impact on Yorktown. I unreservedly endorse his candidacy and am excited to see the positive changes he will bring to our community.

Jon Winslow
Yorktown

Michandani’s Small Business Experience Would Be Great Fit for Yorktown

Originally printed in The Examiner News,

As a nearly 36-year Yorktown resident, I’m writing to voice my wholehearted endorsement of my good friend, Jann Mirchandani, for supervisor of the Town of Yorktown. I met Jann more than a decade ago through our volunteer work together on behalf of the membership of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce. Jann and I worked to help small businesses become more successful, work which required creative and critical thinking (and a lot of empathy).

To support any business, you need to understand their trade, the varied clientele they do business with and how they can leverage the resources they have (as well as outside resources available to them) to grow and thrive.

In our work together, Jann has always exhibited a professional, even-tempered, savvy and highly competent manner. Her comments have been thoughtful, and she is able to pick up on important nuances that otherwise might escape scrutiny. We work together to make sure that many perspectives are considered before a decision point is selected, to ensure that the businesses we help receive thoughtful, useful direction.

I know that if elected supervisor, Jann will bring her broad experience and professional temperament to revitalize Yorktown and Town Hall. Transparency, accountability and open communication are extremely important in our work together, and I know she will prioritize these in her work for the citizens of Yorktown as well.

Charles (Chuck) Newman

Yorktown Would Be Well-Served With Shaw on Town Board

Originally published in The Examiner News, October 3, 2023

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Steve Shaw, my neighbor, and a candidate for Yorktown councilman. I have had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand the qualities that make Steve an exceptional candidate.
From the moment I first met Steve, I was shown kindness and warmth that transcends ordinary neighborly interactions. He embodies the spirit of community that Yorktown is known for, and he does so with a sincerity that is truly heartwarming.
Steve’s love for our town of Yorktown is evident in his every action. He is dedicated to preserving our town’s identity while also striving for progress and growth that benefits all residents. Steve’s love for Yorktown is a commitment that will drive him to work tirelessly for its betterment.
Steve also cares about bringing openness and honesty to local government. He believes that talking openly and doing the right thing are important characteristics in a public servant and will bring these ideals with him to the Town Board.
In Steve Shaw, I have found not just a neighbor, but a compassionate and dedicated leader who possesses the qualities Yorktown needs in its council members. I endorse Steve Shaw for Yorktown councilman, and I encourage the residents of Yorktown to join me in supporting his candidacy.

Debbie Levy
Yorktown Heights

Quast Has Proven Her Mettle as Yorktown Town Clerk Without Fanfare

Originally published in The Examiner News, October 3, 2023

I wanted to write about Yorktown’s current town clerk, Diana Quast, because I don’t know if people realize how much she does for our residents. No one ever hears about the activities and accomplishments of our town clerk.

Ms. Quast is very active with our senior population and does so much for them,

including making in-person visits when a resident cannot come to her office in town. Ms. Quast established a mobile town clerk’s office, where she visits senior residences and brings her office to them so they don’t have to make the trip to Town Hall, which many cannot. She doesn’t ignore our seniors, she accommodates them, much different than the norm today, and she understands the struggles that the elderly have, particularly those who are disadvantaged.

Diana has presented informational sessions to link residents with other government resources and hosted hot dog lunches and pizza lunches – all for those who need a little bit of attention to make them realize that they still matter.

Diana Quast has been the impetus behind many projects in town where she has never been mentioned or received credit for them. She has helped secure more than $1 million in grant funding for many projects including the Granite Knolls Sports & Recreational Center, the inclusive playground for children of all abilities at Granite Knolls and the skateboard park, among other projects that benefitted and continue to benefit our community.

Diana is also actively involved with many veterans and has worked to give them the recognition they deserve.

The reason most of our citizens don’t know about this is because she is not your typical politician. She does not crave the attention or credit. Her work and service are truly out of care and concern for her community.

Diana Quast was born and raised in Yorktown and has always believed in giving back to the place she calls home. I believe that we are fortunate to have a person as well-versed in municipal law that has years of experience on the job, has proven to be ethical and knowledgeable and who truly cares for the place that we call home as our representative in town government.

I hope we can do the same for her by re-electing Diana Quast as our town clerk.

Kathie Offner
Yorktown

Shaw’s Love of Yorktown and Thoughtfulness Would Benefit Community

Originally published in The Examiner News, October 3, 2023

I am writing to express my unwavering support for Steve Shaw, who is running for Yorktown councilman. As his mother-in-law, I have had the privilege of getting to know Steve on a personal level for many years, and I can attest to his outstanding qualities that make him an ideal candidate.

Steve is a man of remarkable kindness and empathy. He possesses a rare ability to truly listen to others and understand their perspectives. He treats everyone with respect and compassion, and these qualities have endeared him to those who have had the pleasure of knowing him. Steve’s deep empathy is not limited to his immediate family, but extends to his love for our beloved Town of Yorktown, of which I have been a resident for the past 45 years.

One of Steve’s greatest strengths is the way he approaches issues and challenges with a thoughtful and analytical mindset. He carefully evaluates all available information, considers various viewpoints and makes well-informed decisions. Steve is not one to rush into judgment; he takes the time to ensure that his choices are based on reason and evidence, which is exactly what our town needs in a councilman.

Since Steve first came to visit me and my family 25 years ago, he has had an unwavering love for Yorktown. In this time, he has shown a desire to preserve the town’s unique character and enhance its quality of life for all residents. Steve’s love for our town is not just a campaign promise; it is a commitment he made when he moved here with my daughter and two grandchildren.

In these times, we need leaders like Steve who are willing to put the best interests of the community first. His integrity, kindness, logical approach and love for Yorktown make him the perfect choice for councilman. I wholeheartedly endorse Steve Shaw and urge my fellow residents to support him in the upcoming election. Together, we can have a new day for Yorktown under his leadership.

Christina Cervone
Yorktown Heights

Yorktown Supervisor Challenger’s Leadership, Dedication Key for Yorktown

Originally printed in The Examiner News,

I’ve been a Yorktown resident for 35 years and an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts, the Yorktown Grange and my local church.

I have had the sincere pleasure of knowing Jann Mirchandani for over eight years. I have been impressed by her work ethic, dedication and commitment to Scouting and making a positive impact on our community.

Jann and I serve together on the board of directors of the Westchester-Putnam Council of the Boy Scouts of America. In 2017, we worked together on a challenging membership initiative inviting girls to join Cub Scouting. Jann was integral to the months-long process of meeting with volunteers, families and chartering organizations to field questions, address concerns and secure buy-in. She worked with a pack here in Yorktown to pilot the Family Pack program, ultimately rolling it out more widely and resulting in multiple packs and troops open to girls in the Scouts BSA program.

In 2020, I worked with her once more on the Merger Taskforce. This team of volunteers conducted a feasibility study and successfully merged the Westchester-Putnam Council and the Hudson Valley Council into the Greater Hudson Valley Council, serving seven counties in the lower Hudson Valley. That process is now the national model for other such mergers between councils.

Jann was instrumental in the success of both projects. Her ability to actively listen to the concerns and ideas of all stakeholders created an inclusive and dynamic committee. This not only fostered collaboration but also ensured that every voice was heard and genuinely valued. She was proactive in identifying and addressing potential challenges ensuring things progressed smoothly.

I know Jann will bring the same leadership skills, dedication and passion for her community to the position of Yorktown supervisor

Josh Davies, Shrub Oak

Marron Prepared and Ready for Yorktown Town Board

Originally printed in The Examiner News,

I am writing to underscore the exceptional qualifications and commitment that Tom Marron brings to the table as a candidate for the Town Council. With a deep-rooted connection to Yorktown and an impressive record of service, Tom is the kind of leader we need to ensure the continued growth and well-being of our community.

Tom and his wife Marni have lived in Yorktown for 20 years. They moved here because of Yorktown’s schools, safety, and beautiful suburban setting along with their love of the outdoors.

Tom is an accomplished High School English Special Education teacher. His dedication to his students and his role in supporting their educational growth underscores his investment in the future of our youth. Notably, Tom’s role as a Building Representative for the Graham School Federation of Teachers and his position on the Union’s Executive Committee underscore his unwavering commitment to advocating for labor.

Tom’s contributions to the local Scouting community are equally remarkable. Having served as a Scoutmaster and currently as an Assistant Scoutmaster, he has shown his commitment to mentoring and guiding our youth, instilling in them the values of leadership and community service. His frequent presence on our local trails reflects his genuine appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us.

With a deep-rooted connection to Yorktown and an impressive record of service, Tom is the kind of leader we need to ensure the continued growth and well-being of our community. As a passionate advocate for community engagement, Tom has continually demonstrated his commitment to making Yorktown a better place for everyone.

Tom is very knowledgeable, personable, and compassionate which truly sets him apart. His approachability and genuine care for his community are evident in his actions. Tom is a member of Grange which combines his care for community with his care for nature.

As we face challenges and opportunities, Tom’s proven track record and passion for Yorktown make him an exceptional choice for Town Council. I wholeheartedly support Tom Marron’s candidacy for the Town Council and encourage you to vote for him on Tuesday, November 7th.

Phil Corrao
Yorktown

Canvassing and Making Connections

By Jann Mirchandani, Candidate for Yorktown Town Supervisor

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this campaign has been the opportunity to reconnect with friends and associates I haven’t seen in quite some time. Whether it’s talking to the parent of one of my daughter Nisha’s softball teammates, a friend and fellow volunteer from my son Arjay’s science research days, or a business associate from the Chamber of Commerce, it reminds me of the strong bonds that tie us together. 

We all want our children to have a good education and an opportunity to thrive. We all want to find engaging work that allows us to sustain ourselves spiritually and financially.

In conversation after conversation Yorktowners say they moved here – or stayed here – because Yorktown is a beautiful place to live and is a wonderful community. And we could not agree more!

The New Day For Yorktown slate believes in Yorktown and sees a bright future for our residents. We need to flip our one-party Town Board to make this possible; to ensure that decisions that impact residents are made in full public view.

And we are not alone! You are not alone. Neighbors all across Yorktown feel the same way. They are ready for change. We are getting a lot of encouragement from people in every District in town.

But we cannot afford to take anything for granted. Yorktown is going to be potentially the most competitive race in Westchester this year. Our opponents are well-funded and have the advantage of being incumbents.

In spite of this, we are undeterred. Our slate continues to work hard; canvassing daily, and making daily calls to raise much-needed funds. Our focus at this point is to get our message out and remind folks how important every single vote is.

Read about our first 100 day plan here.

As we keep moving towards our campaign goals, I am inspired by the support and camaraderie that surrounds us. I truly believe that together, we can make a positive impact on our town’s future.

Thank you for your ongoing support.