Local Election Results

By Ann Marie Fallon and Susie Pender
November 9, 2007

Not unexpectedly, New Castle did not tally a high turnout for the Town Board election on Tuesday, November 6.

The three Democratic candidates running uncontested: Barbara Gerrard for town supervisor, Elise Kessler Mottel and Michael Wolfensohn for town board, were duly elected by 1676 votes, 1633 votes and 1623 votes respectively. New Castle has 11, 493 registered voters.

NewCastleNOW.org asked our newly elected and reelected town board members: When you look back at the end of your term (two years as town supervisor for Gerrard and four years as town board members for Mottel and Wolfensohn), what do you hope to have accomplished?

Hopes for the future

Town Supervisor Gerrard replied: “A few post-election thoughts . . . First of all, we are all grateful to all the residents who came out to vote. We know it was an “off” year in election terms, so we are particular appreciative of the extra effort to get out to the polls.

The Supervisor’s term is two years. I anticipate some challenging but very rewarding accomplishments during these next few years, in particular, a rebuilt bridge over the MetroNorth rail tracks, one that will be safer, cleaner and provide us with the opportunity to enhance the lighting and landscaping at the Hamlet’s entrance way. In addition, we are all enthusiastic about the design guidelines and hamlet improvements that have been discussed for several years finally coming to fruition.  Both Chappaqua and Millwood will benefit from renewed focus on beautification and design.”

Reelected town board member Kessler Mottel responded: “Looking back four years from now, I hope to have accomplished the following: Implement changes to downtown Chappaqua, including those recommended by Project for Public Spaces; work with New York State Department of Transportation to make the bridge a beautiful entry to the downtown; improve communications with residents; create alternative housing opportunities; and find ways to create linkages to the downtown and open space parcels.”

New town board member Wolfensohn stated: “I hope to look back on my four years and see a more vibrant downtown, a Readers Digest property that works for all residents and a Town and School Board that truly work hand in hand for the betterment of New Castle.”

Town Justice Elections

Douglas M. Krause and David S. Zuckerman, both Democrats, were reelected as New Castle Town Justices by 1672 and 1657 votes, respectively, out of 11, 493 registered voters.

County Legislature, District #4

Democrat Michael Kaplowitz retained his seat as county legislator from District #4, beating Republican Terrance Murphy, 6751 to 4916 votes, out of 37, 016 registered voters in the fourth district of Westchester County.