Two Republicans Vying for Larchmont Mayor

Trustee Liz Feld Will Take on Incumbent Mayor Ken Bialo

by Judy Silberstein

(January 13, 2006) Mayor Ken Bialo is running for a third term to lead the Larchmont Village Board and, unlike two years ago, he has an opponent, Trustee Liz Feld, his deputy mayor and fellow-Republican. Rather than run for a third term as trustee, she’s going for the top spot. This sets the stage for an unprecedented (at least in the past 30 years) contested nominating process to be decided at the Republican Party caucus later this month. Furthermore, in another unusual move, Trustee Feld appears to be seeking – and possibly attaining - backing from the Democratic Party.

“I’ve been encouraged by many people from all the parties and I’m very enthusiastic about it,” she said. “I’d like the support of all the parties, but I’ll start with my own base” at the Republican caucus. Further, she added later, “I will seek the Independence line and would accept the support of the Democrats – absolutely."

The response from the Democrats? “I’m a big supporter of the ideas Liz has for the Village; I think she’ll be a terrific candidate,” said Carol Miller, chair of the Larchmont Democratic Party. “I’ve worked with Liz the past 4 years, and I’ve come to know her – we share many views in common on village government,” said Trustee Marlene Kolbert, who also announced she will be running for a third term.

Marian White, chair of the Republican Party, was more circumspect. “This is democracy in action, where people may express differing views,” she said. “The party will be sure that this is handled fairly.” Mayor Bialo noted, “I have been elected seven times in a community which has by far a majority of Democrats. The only way one can be elected in circumstances such as that is to have some substantial cross-over appeal, perhaps. I’m comfortable with that.”

LIZ FELD , age 45, grew up in Larchmont moving back in 2000, after working in the White House and on presidential campaigns for Pete Dupont and Ross Perot. She’s married to Joel Feld and has three children. Since last summer, she’s been volunteering as “an advisor-at-large” to Jeanine Pirro, first on her bid for the US Senate, and now as she tries for NY Attorney General. “I will continue to support her any way I can – but the Village of Larchmont is my top priority,” said Trustee Feld.

KEN BIALO , age 59, moved to Larchmont in 1975 and has served on the Village Board for 15 years, 11 as trustee, 4 as mayor. He is an attorney, currently a partner in the law firm of Emmet, Marvin & Martin, LLP, in New York City. He’s married to Kate Bialo and has five children. “I’ve devoted a lot of time and energy into improving every aspect of the Village, and the challenge now is to preserve the character of the Village and its physical beauty,” he said.

So what’s motivating this unusual political dust-up after four years with no contested elections for any position on the Village Board? Mayor Bialo and Trustee Feld have not always seen eye-to-eye, and their relationship was particularly tense last year during contract negotiations with Larchmont’s police. (See: Board Agrees on Camp Changes, Disagrees on Police Contract)

That was only one of many factors, said Trustee Feld. She said she’s running to bring a very different vision to the board, which she believes should be focused on policy, not administration. To allow this, she proposes hiring a professional administrator, like those in almost every other municipality in Westchester. “We have a $14 million budget and if we have to spend 1% on a Village administrator, it would be well worth it,” she said. She has found it “enormously frustrating” that it “took years to pick the color of the cement and the kinds of street lights” for the streetscape renovation that is still underway. A professional administrator “would be much more efficient and effective.”

“The mayor has worked very hard for a long time on behalf of the Village – and he’s made a very valuable contribution, but it’s time for new leadership,” she said.

Mayor Bialo declined to comment on Trustee Feld’s motivation, saying “We’ve probably voted together 95% of the time – I’m puzzled to say the least.” He added, “My reaction is I’m running on my record – it’s been one of great achievement [he mentioned the streetscape, railroad station renovations, Flint Park expansion plans, revision of the zoning code, among others] and there’s more to do ” -- such as working on the volume and quality of storm water, and completing work on the parks.

He was surprised to learn about the proposal for an administrator, which he said had its advantages and disadvantages. “I’ve said for a long time, when you have an administrative official, the board is more removed from what’s going on – there are no doubts about it.” He said he had not noticed any deficiencies in the way the Village has operated. “It’s my impression that people are very well satisfied – and the costs of an administrative official are substantial.”

So, Larchmont voters will definitely have a choice this year. And there’s a possibility of additional contested races for two trustee positions, those now held by Trustees Kolbert and Feld. The complete field will probably not be revealed until after both parties have caucused, which must be before January 31.