Larchmont Democrats in High Spirits

(March 5, 2003) Larchmont Village voters are spirited, sophisticated, and eager for information about their community, if last weekend's turnout to meet Trustee candidates Anne McAndrews and Geoff Young is any indication. The elegant evening party hosted by Lisa and Billy Marr with Maria and Greg Stanton showcased not only the candidates but the concerns of the voters.

The convivial atmosphere at the Marr home, enhanced considerably by the presence of several offspring, was the ideal setting for a one-on-one exchange of ideas between assembled guests and the two candidates. Late evening saw a wide-ranging group discussion with Democratic Trustee Marlene Kolbert, McAndrews, Young, and a roomful of interested residents.

Among the highlights was an impromptu and succinct lesson in civics given by Anne McAndrews. This led to a lively discussion concerning the process of local government. Young observed that a more open process promoting the free flow of information would have involved residents early in the planning stage of the Flint Park renovation project. He noted that the focus in the present plan on playing fields does not do justice to the Park's waterfront location. Referring to the growing trend toward mediation in the resolution of legal disputes, he drew the parallel to the need for more consensus building at the community level. Several residents concurred. Learning more about what's going on in governing the Village, they said, would lead to more participation.

Talk of constituent involvement led to the issue of the budget. Trustee Kolbert explained that cuts at the federal, state and county levels result in stresses on our local budget. She discussed the pressures arising out of the increased costs to the Village of the state-mandated retirement contribution, liability insurance, and health insurance. Emphasizing the delicate balance to be struck between the desire to maintain current service levels and fiscal responsibility, she urged residents to participate in the process. “Ultimately, of course, it's the community's budget,” she said.

Kolbert further emphasized the importance of the depth and breadth of experience McAndrews and Young can offer in these difficult times. Hand-in-hand with openness in government, she said, is having a balance of views on the Board of Trustees. One guest summed it up neatly, observing that the election of Anne McAndrews, a registered Democrat, and Geoff Young, an independent, would perfectly balance the Board.