Reps Go Door to Door

(March 6, 2003) Larchmont Village Trustee candidates Mike Wiener and Phil Johanson have taken door to door campaigning to a new level this election season. Committed to hearing from all of our residents, they have battled 15 degree temperatures, the Blizzard of ’03 and driving rain to be out there taking the pulse of our village and discussing the issues. Mike, a sitting Trustee on the Board, commented, “Our dedication to our neighbors and to this election doesn’t turn on and off with the weather.” Bringing a bit of levity to a long afternoon of walking through the Blizzard, Phil recalled watching Mike plow through 20+ inches of snow just to get to a front door to leave their campaign materials. “Luckily, Mike drew the short straw on that one.”

As for the many conversations they have had in front halls and doorways, several issues are popping up over and over. Chief among these are the budget and taxes. Phil summarized the feelings out there. “Residents are aware of the large increases they already face from their school and county taxes, and they are looking for leadership from the Village Board to keep our share in check. There’s been widespread agreement that a financial professional on the board will be a tremendous benefit to the village.”

Another area of great interest are issues surrounding emergency preparedness. Mike takes great pride, as he should, in addressing these concerns as he serves as current Board expert in these matters. Mike has served as a volunteer firefighter for over twenty years and was Fire Chief from ’98 – ’00. Mike commented, “ So much has been done this past year for emergency prep such as the emergency training exercise we held in the fall. However, we must remain diligent in our efforts going forward, particularly working with the Town and Village of Mamaroneck on coordinated responses.” Phil added, “It’s amazing the knowledge Mike has on this issue, and the number of homes he has been to in the village responding to fire or emergency calls.”