Open Letter to the Community: Temperament matters
Monday, November 4, 2013
by Ellen Adnopoz, Emily Haft Bloom, Ann Styles Brochstein and Lauren Kraft-Rothberg
As you consider your options tomorrow on Election Day, we would like you to read a few thoughts we have, all of us residents who have lived here for decades, raised and educated our children here, and choose to remain here still, even as our children move on.
While the past year or so has been terribly contentious regarding the future of the former Reader’s Digest property, and the Affordable Housing issues, the last month has been beyond the pale. We are concerned that, while we are disappointed with some of the decision-making in our town government, the tone that some candidates have taken regarding the election is frankly terrifying, and we believe indicative of what kind of leadership we should expect if Team New Castle should win even one line of the ballot tomorrow.
We all believe this election is about temperament. We need leadership now that will build consensus among us, not divide us further. We need leaders who won’t belittle us when we disagree or worse, intimate that our opinions don’t matter. We need leaders who will work with others to pave the way forward for New Castle. Perhaps these are skills that come with age, and the wisdom of a few more years under one’s belt, a few more years of raising kids and managing those challenges, and a few years of getting one’s feet wet in community service work and serving on other boards.
The Team New Castle slate has stepped well beyond the boundaries of propriety and neighborly disagreement. The word bully leaps to mind in many instances; some comments in response to letters to the Editor of this website set the worst possible example for children, when bullying is a concern for many. From the safety of anonymous postings, and, we suspect, a very small handful of IP addresses, mud has been slung, personal attacks have been made, and while those of us who oppose the slate have not sat idle, we have not resorted to the sophomoric behavior this slate has relied upon to respond to any criticism. Our concern is this: if this slate feels it’s appropriate to behave this way as candidates, what might we expect from them if they are elected?
Claiming private property as their own for their signage, lawyers violating federal law to stuff flyers in mailboxes, screaming over anyone on the Town Board with whom they disagree, obfuscating when asked specific questions about plans for other projects around town, taking credit for events where no credit is due, using a dues-paying non-political organization to promote a candidacy, claiming there is not one person in favor of retail at CC when significant evidence to the contrary has come to light, lambasting a survey, and its creators, intended to help us figure out what’s next, and using sneaky verbal sleight of hand to promote themselves as endorsed by a seated Democratic official are but a few of the reasons you should think twice before voting. Handing these individuals the keys to Town Hall will make the last month seem like a cakewalk. Team New Castle has demonstrated no leadership, integrity, or even a desire to listen to opinions contrary to their own. They have not held, nor have they run for public office, they have not run any of our town’s worthy charitable causes or political organizations, and they are running on a Republican ticket but continue to distance themselves from the GOP, saying repeatedly “We’re not Republicans, we are just running on their line!”
We are clearly at a crossroads given the enormity of issues at the fore that must be resolved. We believe the way to do that is with experienced leaders who show sensitivity to the interests of others, keep an eye on potential astronomical legal expenses that may impact our taxes, and behave in a way that makes us proud, not ashamed, to be from New Castle.
We are sure the hostile, negative, accusatory comments in response to this letter will come fast and furious, and anonymously, (we dare you to take credit for your comments) but we believe that the residents of this town should be fully informed before any levers are pulled or chads are punched. Choose the candidates that you truly believe will represent your best interests and in a way worthy of your trust and faith. As Euripides wrote, “When one with honeyed words but evil mind persuades the mob, great woes befall the state.”
Ellen Adnopoz
Emily Haft Bloom
Ann Styles Brochstein
Lauren Kraft-Rothberg
I think it is hilarious that this letter comes from this group given all of the nasty comments I have seen from some of the people listed. Quite ironic, but consistent with the overall character of an angry, New Castle limousine democrat…
Yes, Penny sure showed her strong control of her temperament when she threatened the drug store owner. Is this a serious letter?
Contested elections offer voters a choice.
For far too long New Castle has been under one party rule. Too many years of no choice at the ballot box. This year voters of New Castle have a choice!
Status Quo or a New Approach.
Out town board has continually shut out the community for far too long. This has been apparent especially with the boards handling of the public discourse towards Chappaqua Crossing and Hunts Lane. It seems the democratic committee is just offering us up more of the same. Same faces and anemic leadership.
I will choose a new approach on election day. I will be voting for Team New Castle as I think they have the skill set and leadership to address all issues of the community and bring a new level of communication an spirit to Town Hall!
I appreciate your letter just happen to disagree with you.
Penny Paderewski’s rage at a hamlet merchant shows that she does not have the temperament to be our Town Supervisor.
Nice job ladies.
I cannot support Team New Castle. I kind of knew some of the members of the team before the election and I am very disappointed in their actions and behavior.
That said, it appears that they have a lot of supporters and will likely win given the frustrations with the current board. They probably think that after the election is over, everything will be forgotten. For me, I will never look at these individuals the same way again.
Emily Haft Bloom, weren’t you kicked out of the USTA because of your temperament?
The 4 authors of this letter have done NOTHING but attack Greenstein on Facebook. They also endlessly attack him, and other Chappaqua Moms, on “Escape from Chappqua Moms”.
I fully support Team New Cstle but am afraid to publicly say so on Chappaqua Moms because of their endless attacks. They throw the word bully arounf but they are the bullies!
Please take what they say with a grain of salt. They do nothing for the community but trash people who are willing to step up to the plate & help.
Shame on all of you!
Democratic candidates engaged in campaign practices unfair to Republican candidates, says panel
Partisan politics have no place at the local level. I am sorry to see that you 4 feel differently.
THANK YOU ladies!!! Amazing and outstanding letter. Thank you for your courage and thoughtfulness. I agree100% with everything you said. The behavior and tactics that this Team New Castle has demonstrated is deplorable and unbecoming our community. If Greenstein Katz Brodsky behave this ay now I,aging how they will run our town government. They are parents with young children ( as they circulated pictures of their families in the countless mailings). You would think they would want to set examples for their families in regards to bullying and getting along. Unfortunately they have done just the opposit.
I oppose retail at CC as I live in close proximity. They had my vote from day one. Now I will vote for anybody but them. I must live with myself and sleep at night. I can’t sell myself out over this one issue while ignoring all the bad behavior. This used to be a great town of wonderful people. We could disagree and still get along. The 7 Bridges School debate was contentious but all the players were generally respectfull. It was never this nasty. We can be that harmonious community again but not with Team New Castle in office. Again Ladies- thank you for this wonderful letter. Now we must get out the vote.
Adnopoz, Haft Bloom, Brochstein and Kraft-Rothberg,
Have you heard the obnoxious behavior of the town board towards the citizens ?
Have you noticed that the town board completely ignored the planning board ?
Do you even know the issues facing this town ? Do you want someone leading it who rages at a local merchant, building owner and resident in her capacity as town administrator as Penny did to Phil Altman. Have we not had enough of this behavior from Susan Carpenter ? Have we ever had a worse town board ?
Yes, you will get feedback as you should because you are the epitome of what harm the democratic committee’s hold has done to this town.
I too am a longtime resident, moved here in 1972. My children are long gone but I stay because I love the town. I am also a democrat who will vote in the best interests of this town and it will not be for Ms. Paderewski.
I believe that John Buckley, Liza Katz and Rob Greenstein are the best people to lead this town.
I find this letter interesting since:
1. I have attended Town Board meetings where the current Town Board and Town Supervisor are rude and belittle residents who try to express their concerns.
2. Penny Paderewski attempted to intimidate a merchant, Phil Altman, of Healthy Choice, re a poster listing the Community Talks being held by Team New Castle
3. On Saturday, Paderewski, Buckley and Wolfensohn were found guilty of engaging in campaign practices UNFAIR to Greenstein, Katz and Brosdky by the Westchester Fair Campaign Practices Committee. See article in NewCastleNOW and Patch.
Temperament is overrated, ladies. The disrespect the town board has shown – and the candidates too, in their scare-lit – trumps any talking out of turn by those who have challenged them.
Your defense of the one-party status quo is unfortunate.
Are u serious???
“the tone that some candidates have taken regarding the election is frankly terrifying, and we believe indicative of what kind of leadership we should expect if Team New Castle should win even one line of the ballot tomorrow.” Huh?
You four don’t terrify this easily. Come on. These are scare tactics on top of scare tactics.
Of all the idiotic behavior our children witness in us, an election tangle is one to actually be proud of! Buck up, women!
Lets not forget the only episode of bullying in this campaign. When our Town Supervisor Penny Paderewski stormed into Healthy Choice Pharmacy and threatended to run them out of towm merely for displaying a community meeting sign sponsored by her opponents.
You guys are afwaid of big bad Wob Gweenstein? Really ladies. “Terrifying”? You’ve clearly bought into the Dem narrative of this contest. Doesn’t fly.
This letter is hilarious.
Team New Castle wants to get people involved. I would suggest that the 4 ladies head up the “Do Nothing but Complain” Committee. I could think of other names for the committee but I’m trying to be nice.
Clearly the democratic party is going crazy at the idea of being challenged by non-party-committee members. This doesn’t work, girls. People know y’all don’t scare that easy.
I can only imagine these 4 gleefully putting together this letter thinking their opinion would have an impact on anyone. Here’s a little secret…..you need to establish credibility before anyone will listen to you.
Great letter ladies. SPOT on PERFECT!! Expect the Team New Castle thugs to respond with their inaccuracies, misdirection, nastiness and dishonesty. It’s like the Wizatd of OZ- don’t pay attention to the little man behind the curtain.
Interestingly, Team New Castle hasn’t really said the actions mentioned in the campaign materials were wrong, just the language used. Read this and then let me know if RG and team aren’t planning to demolish public buildings? He may wish to parse the language; but ask him if the content is untrue?
Deceptive tactics—TNC wrote the book on that one.
The Democratic Committee’s decision to make this a “We’re civil, they’re barbarians” contest was misguided. You women are aiding and abetting a poor campaign strategy that shows poor judgment by the Democratic candidates and you as supporters. Every one of these scare and terror comments sends me farther and farther from my Democratic home base.
This has to be the most disingenuous and dishonest letter yet written to NCN. Too bad these people can’t be fined for each lie.
I’ll accept your dare and take credit for my comments. I disagree with your logic. While a heated election may be ugly, it is better than the alternative. I will be voting on the issues tomorrow.
To bullying 101- and Penny apologized. She has class and integrity. She was out of line with this 1 episode and quickly made a public apology. We have yet to get an apology for the many insults, bullying, nastiness demonstrated by Team New Castle – not one! Phony petitions, accusations of working for the developer, calling a resident out if his mind and drunk, their posters littering town, insults at town officials while claiming ” no one wants this”, comparing Nevada school shootings, attacking Dawn for book fair and survey, running as Republicans then denying any affiliation, and the list goes on and on. And they have NEVER made any public apology for any of this deplorable behavior – NOT ONCE.
This is a great letter by 4 moms that raised their kids here and are concerned for the direction we are heading and what example it sets should this group of aggressive and compatible group get elected. Heaven help us all.
Listen, you can be the loyal Democrat that you want to be. However, the problem is that the party that is branded the Democrat Party is this time the party that is going to change New Castle forever.
They do not realize it, but their decisions are going to bring a lot of financial pain to the merchants, business owners, and landlords of Chappaqua. The Democrats are on the wrong side of practically all the issues that are and have been impacting all of New Castle. I think that this election is about ideas, direction, and restoring confidence in town hall. Greenstein and his team represent the best chance to keep Chappaqua the way we like it, without giving people like “Vinny” a hard time in getting his ROOF TOP GENERATOR APPROVED, or living in fear of having Town Hall contact you as seen with the Healthy Choice Drug Store matter. [Would you like being visited by a person that can tell the Bldg Dept. to bust chops after the Election?]
If you think that town hall is a nice place, well then, you don’t know how destructive both town hall and the outside powerbrokers can be. This is why we need Greenstein (hopefully New Castles new ‘Eliot Ness’) to get into office. Really think about it, not for yourself, but for the future of New Castle. Thanks!
Ironically – the quote in the last line perfectly sums up PENNY! She uses soft words and manners and feigned cooperation to mask her underlying agenda of protecting the status quo and Gerard/Carpenter legacy. Voting on the basis of “temperament” is shortsighted and irresponsible when there are serious issues facing this town. I would rather know where I stand with Rob Greenstein even if the delivery can be a little obnoxious than to constantly guess what deals Penny is making behind the backs of the residents.
What a mean-spirited letter. What lack of self-awareness. These women state, “while those of us who oppose the slate have not sat idle, we have not resorted to the sophomoric behavior this slate has relied upon.”
Emily Haft Bloom called the postal inspector because she was so “outraged” at these “lawbreakers” distributing campaign material, and she then made a big stink about it on Facebook. Emily, that’s not sophomoric, it’s junior high kinda stuff.
The town bd/dem committee made the first disrespectful move, by starting with the decision, then working backwards to hold fake public hearings. Bd members haven’t thought through either conifer or CC. Democracy matters. I don’t give a hoot about temperament. What scares me is the tactics of the Democratic committee and its supporters, not the temperament of a citizen who dares to speak back to them.
“Emily Haft Bloom called the postal inspector because she was so “outraged” at these “lawbreakers” distributing campaign material.”
This woman, whoever she is, is hilarious.
Ladies, your snide and hurtful continuous remarks on CM are disgusting. I never respond out of fear of being bullied by the four of you. I can only imagine that feels….Only in this NC Now forum can I have the stregnth to say something…..
You should be embarassed, you are all the bullies.
Is this a last, desperate measure by Let-them-eat-cake Democratic clique to keep the stranglehold they have had on this town for too long?
Ellen, Emily, Ann and Lauren,
Thank you for speaking out and putting yourselves in the line of fire. As usual the “bullies” are hiding behind anonymous posts which I surmise are actually generated by the same one or two people. If obeying the law and actually expecting others to also do so is “junior high kind of stuff” then maybe we are not teaching our high schoolers and beyond their civic duty.
can’t wait for all of this insanity to be over. There are other real issues that need addressing. For instance, if you cook or heat your home with natural gas, the levels of radon in your home have now increased by 20-80% as of Friday November 1st.
This is because the Spectra Pipeline in NYC was switched on. We are now burning fracked gas from the Marcellus Shale in PA which is extremely high in Radon. I strongly recommend if you use natural gas in your home, get a Radon test ASAP. Your pets and children are at great risk. Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer.
Neither candidate seems to give a hoot about health and environmental issues. Have you noticed?
Would any of you ladies like to comment on this bit of ugly anti-Semitism posted by one of Penny’s supporters?
“Even if I am half right, it is still not worth the chance to let such an unwholesome element run our genteel town.”
To Do Nothing Committee: While you hide behind your anonymity, these four women have stepped up to voice their concerns about Team New Castle and the negative implications for our town if they are elected. While I don’t know all four of the authors, I have gotten to know Emily Haft Bloom during the course of this campaign, and I can tell you that far from “doing nothing,” she has been an active and involved member of the community, including serving as a past board member of the League of Women Voters, the Junior League and the Historical Society. Emily is currently a volunteer firefighter. What have YOU done for the town?
To You are the bullies!: Criticizing a political campaign is not bullying. Personal attacks against those doing the criticizing is bullying. Perhaps you shouldn’t be throwing stones in such close proximity to the glass house you live in.
So, ladies, you want good little girls and boys, like Penny, who are polite (most of the time unless she loses it and shows her real temperament as she did at the Pharmacy)but who are sneaky.
Penny never answered one question at candidates night. Either she doesn’t know or is extremely evasive. (You decide which is worse.) But she was a good little girl and minded her manners.
For the first time, suddenly, the TB is allowing people to speak without an egg timer and pretending to listen in order to help their compatriots win the election. In fact, they have gone to the other extreme, and have no limit at all in their effort to pretend they are listening to the people of this town. It’s worse than before when they were open about their disdain for taxpaying residents. Now they are dishonest and manipulative. That’s what you get when you have one party in office for so long. It is not good government. That’s why we have a two-party system. Vote for whom you want, but vote smart and let’s have some opposition within the board as a check and balance.
I am not in favor of uncontested elections. But merely offering a choice does not make Team New Castle the right choice. I am having a very hard time picking the lesser evil in this contest and I don’t think I’m alone.
@Jane Silverman,
They’ve embarrassed themselves enough. No need to add to their humiliation.
re: Tennis anyone
Emily Bloom’s temperament doesn’t matter because she is not the one running for office!
I think it took a lot of courage for these 4 women to state what so many of us have been thinking. What is really sad to me is that we had to be thinking it in the first place and more than that is that we felt uncomfortable to speak up. I asked Rob Greenstein a question once. It was clear he did not like my question. He half answered it and I knew I would never get an answer. He turned around and started with his usual spiel. Did you ever notice that the three of them always repeat the same script. As I listened to them more and more, the same speech keeps getting repeated “We are smart…we have smart citizens, etc., etc. the new approach—I have learned nothing from them except they want to do the master plan before anything else. I am not impressed. They only started mentioning sewers today because the Democrats wanted to remind people that are involved that they are still taking care of our needs. Not one word about sewers before that. I don’t think these guys even knew about the problems with the sewers. I think experience does matter!
For you to give us your opinion and pass it off as sage council is arrogant beyond belief. Especially when many of us have witnessed the behavior you claim to abhor that you yourselves have perpetrated on Facebook. One of you even had the nerve to mock someone’s grammar in your response to his post just this morning and you presume to lecture us about “temperament” and tell us that you have not resorted to “sophomoric behavior” with a straight face? This letter is not helping your candidates and if I were Penny, I would beg you to take it down. Neither side is immune from the temperament or legality issues as recent events have shown and for you to try to spin these incidents to your advantage and pass yourselves off as a wise group of tribal elders epitomizes Euripides’ quote – you are the ones with the honeyed words trying to persuade the mob.
I vote for civility experience and kindness,
As I understand it Penny did not apologize to Altman in person. Her lame letter of apology in NCNow was all she did. Anyone reading it and Altman’s account shows that she said a little as possible and left out much of what actually happened. Do not forget, she wrote her letter before seeing Altman’s. She has not had the decency to speak to him directly. What is civil or responsible about that ?
Gals, You rock. I wish I could have done what you did and many of my friends agree. You did the right thing. We are so proud of you!!!!!
Another emptynester-although I am not one, I agree with you 100%!
This is a hotly contested election and the issues are important to our town. I can’t say that any of the candidates have behaved in the most neighborly fashion. However, I strongly believe that the most neighborly way to act is to take action or a position that takes all of our neighbors into account. Penny and the current town board, in supporting Conifer and retail at Chappaqua Crossing, are NOT supporting a huge portion of our community. Whether this segment of our community is a majority or the most vocal is not relevant in my opinion. The fact that such such a sizable group (and they do NOT all live right at Chappaqua Crossing) has voiced valid concerns and objections to these projects, and yet have been ignored (or shot down is more like it) tells me that this town board does NOT care about its neighbors and, instead, is acting in its own interest or in the interests of some developers who similarly do not care about our community.
I will happily take the slate of candidates who have the guts to stand up for their neighbors over Penny and the current town board who will sell their neighbors down the river.
Ladies,
I am not quite sure what to make of your inclusion of the Euripides quote.
Is it your intention that your readers associate the opposing candidates as being “evil minded”?
Thanks to the four of you for having the courage to write this letter. I appreciate your thoughts and agree with you.
I am hopeful that there will be peace and healing in the Town of New Castle in the days to come.
“Emily Bloom’s temperament doesn’t matter because she is not the one running for office!”
But she’s the one running at the mouth.
Emily Bloom served “as a past board member of the League of Women Voters,” Zellig, I mean Zuch, tells us.
So that’s why the LWV has become so ineffectual! Wait. I thought the LWV was supposed to be unbiased and nonpartisan. Guess not.
“One of you even had the nerve to mock someone’s grammar in your response to his post.”
Oh, bring on the grammar lady. Please.
Running at the mouth? Because she expressed her opinion and signed her name unlike you who hurls nastiness yet hides behind a pseudonym?
@Tennis anyone,
You write: “I fully support Team New Cstle but am afraid to publicly say so on Chappaqua Moms because of their endless attacks.”
It’s a shame these bullies intimidated you and scared you from expressing an opinion. Everyone is fond of (over)praising this community, but there is poison beneath the surface.
I pasre what has been written:
“The Team New Castle slate has stepped well beyond the boundaries of propriety and neighborly disagreement. The word bully leaps to mind in many instances; some comments in response to letters to the Editor of this website set the worst possible example for children, when bullying is a concern for many. From the safety of anonymous postings, and, we suspect, a very small handful of IP addresses, mud has been slung, personal attacks have been made, and while those of us who oppose the slate have not sat idle, we have not resorted to the sophomoric behavior this slate has relied upon to respond to any criticism. Our concern is this: if this slate feels it’s appropriate to behave this way as candidates, what might we expect from them if they are elected?”
I see you make very strong allegations, lumping the anonymous posters in there, and all sorts of allegations about the candidates. Example for children, really? But no substance. For all these words, there is absolutely nothing here.
(continued)
I am concerned about the fabrications that people continue to create in this town, especially in this letter.
“We need leadership now that will build consensus among us, not divide us further.”
The women claim they want to “build consensus among us”, yet what are they trying to achieve with this letter? The fact of the matter is, these women want everyone to adapt their views. It is impossible for our whole community to hold the same views, and I’d argue that letters like these have no purpose but to antagonize those who do not agree with the letter.
“From the safety of anonymous postings, and, we suspect, a very small handful of IP addresses … we have not resorted to the sophomoric behavior this slate has relied upon to respond to any criticism.”
I am shocked by the logic used in this statement. The women are refusing to vote for Mr. Greenstein because his supporters are passionate, in what they deem to be an overly aggressive way, about the election. The women then go on to state that they believe all the comments stem from only a few people. So in summary, the women are refusing to vote for the change they so supported when less than one term Senator Barack Obama was running for president, because “a few” of his supporters are nasty on internet message boards.
Continued…
“They have not held, nor have they run for public office, they have not run any of our town’s worthy charitable causes or political organizations, and they are running on a Republican ticket but continue to distance themselves from the GOP”
This is another fabrication. Mr. Greenstein ran for supervisor on his own ticket two years ago. Stating that y’all know Team New Castle’s charitable contributions is blasphemy. I am going to assume the four of you voted for President Obama four years ago, based on your cynical attitudes towards the Republican Party. I would like use him as an example. Did Barack Obama have any political experience compared to his candidates both in and out of the Democratic Party? And, does the President’s job in office reflect his lack of experience?
What really angers me about letters like these are the repetitive contradictions. They hate partisanship, but at the same time hate the candidate who is endorsed by two parties, and holds views constant with the Democratic Party. They despise the the pugnacious attitude of a few posters on a message board, and then write a letter calling them out and antagonizing them. They accuse Team New Castle of lying and being combative, when the other ticket actually lied twice on an official handout and blackmailed a town merchant. The list goes on, and I am worried people will be swayed by this lefy propaganda.
“Claiming private property as their own for their signage,” – ok all do this
“lawyers violating federal law to stuff flyers in mailboxes,” – let’s arrest all the cleaning services and landscaping companies
“screaming over anyone on the Town Board with whom they disagree, obfuscating when asked specific questions about plans for other projects around town, taking credit for events where no credit is due,” – specifically when?
“using a dues-paying non-political organization to promote a candidacy,” – seen much allegation of this, anything more?
“claiming there is not one person in favor of retail at CC when significant evidence to the contrary has come to light,” – where?
“lambasting a survey, and its creators, intended to help us figure out what’s next,” – asked questions about the survey, but very valid questions, this is lambasting?
“and using sneaky verbal sleight of hand to promote themselves as endorsed by a seated Democratic official” – must have missed the determination of unfair campaign practices against TNC
So what do I see above, they put some campaign material in mail boxes and some signs on lawns. The outrage! But then I see the support from your friends, which is admirable. But help me out here ladies, what in the world is being supported? I think the community has gotten so accustomed to calling rob a bully, that people just take it as fact. Let’s discuss issues folks. It’s not about temperment. If you want a friend, get a dog.
Although I disagree with the point of view I respect the intent. To those of you who remain nameless I have no respect for your views.
The Ellen Adnopoz, Emily Haft Bloom, Ann Styles Brochstein and Lauren Kraft-Rothberg group are the most sinister commenters on Chappaqua Moms. About a year ago I made a comment and one of the above considered me to be inept; since then I have been afraid to comment on Chappaqua Moms because I do not like being bullied. I read the Facebook comments every day and when criticism is handed out, it is always by the same sinister women. As a Chappaqua Mom, I am put off by these women who act like witches (or maybe the same word starting with a B would have been a better description). And by the way, Greenstein or Paderewski on election day, “may the best man win.”
I just finished reading the above letter and comments. I almost never read NewCastleNow.org because it depresses me. I find today’s readings leaves me feeling no different. If I was looking for a house in New Castle and went on this website I would buy in Armonk.
I know most of the women who wrote this letter-I have volunteered with them over the last twenty years in the LWV, the PTA and the Junior League-They have always worked hard for this community. I think if you have something substantive to say about what they wrote-say it, but these petty nameless attacks are pointless and make us all look bad.
By the way-Emily is no longer on the Board of the LWV so she can say what she likes.
Personally I am very worried about the level of discourse in our community—this lack of civility and anger makes us look like Congress. I truly don’t believe that high taxes are the only thing hurting our property values.
Ann, Ellen, Emily, and Lauren,
Thank you for your well-considered letter. I admit that early during this election cycle, I was attracted to some things Team New Castle said – and just the idea of shaking things up a little seemed like it might be good for the town – and this comes from someone who heavily participated – at one time – in New Castle’s Democratic party. I want life in New Castle to improve – for our sidewalks to be smooth, for someone to try to revitalize the downtown area (look at how lively Armonk seems now), but I yearned for elected officials who could do the former without ignoring the possibility that Chappaqua Crossing might offer something good for the community. I was looking for leaders who could be innovative, engaging, and could inspire. I was initially impressed with the vim and vigor that Team New Castle seemed to possess and leaned a little their way (while at the same time longing for Trader Joes).
Lately though I have been disturbed by some of the rhetoric (and mailings – especially the one from Team New Castle this morning—how did they get my email address anyway?) and have thought more about character, the need for consensus building, and working nicely with others. I wondered how I would feel if I went to a board meeting and they treated me the way that they have upbraided the current Town Board. I started to squirm just a little.
I even toyed with voting with part of each ticket, just to encourage change and signal that new ideas and approaches to old problems can be good – and invigorating- for us as a town.
However, given the abusive and bullying language on this board – primarily by anonymous Team New Castle supporters – which seems to reflect some of the attitudes, values, and approaches to civil discourse that Team New Castle demonstrates in town meetings, social boards, and their own missives sent to community members, I will be casting my vote tomorrow for the Democratic slate.
To the hostile opponents of this lettter (Part I),
Before you respond to this comment with nothing more than a strike at me for having bias in favor of my own mother, look back on your previous comments. This letter presents a clear, concise explanation of why Team New Castle is such a poor choice for our town’s leadership. It certainly provides a refreshing amount of candor relative to most of the pieces written about this election. The letter states, “Choose the candidates that you truly believe will represent your best interests and in a way worthy of your trust and faith.” To me, this sounds like an effort to promote educated voting, and nothing more. If anyone thinks citizens should vote without being educated on the platforms of their candidates, please, explain to me why you feel that way. You may feel strongly that temperament is unimportant when considering a new leadership for our town, especially when placed against the backdrop of issues that have haunted us for years already. No, temperament is not the most important issue in this election, nor should it be the most important issue in any election, but when a candidate’s demeanor and self-composure are so poor that they could foreseeably be worthy of regional attention as a true example of a dysfunctional local government official, temperament begins to matter significantly more. Let’s think about other political figures, granted ones in much higher positions, whose poor temperament has granted them an eternally scarred public image. Carl Paladino is probably the most familiar example to this site’s readership, but he wasn’t even elected. Do some research on a man named Paul R. LePage, the governor of Maine, and you’ll see what a poorly tempered elected official looks like. The State of Maine has received national attention for its disgraceful and unprofessional governor.
(continued in Part II)
(Part II)
Do we want New Castle to be the laughing stock of Westchester or the Tri-State Area because we have a leader who can’t compose himself in a post that leaves him responsible for a small town in suburban New York? I don’t think we want that. I realize this town has issues to resolve, but if you can’t keep your composure running for supervisor of a town of fewer than 20,000 people, you ought to re-evaluate whether you’d even be able to handle actually holding the job.
If any additional cowards would like to provide their delightful responses to this article under a veil of anonymity, masked by an expectedly useless display name, please consider whether you’re truly living up to your own standards of composure. We won’t get anywhere if every ounce of feedback these articles receive is faceless. If you can’t attach your name to your words, it shows that you aren’t confident in conveying them, and are therefore not really in any position to be attempting to contribute to an argument. Folks, that’s one of the ground rules of public speaking and writing. It’s a rule so basic that it’s not even iterated in most educational settings. It should be a given that you can confidently stand by your words before you present them to the public. One of the first things you learn to do in elementary school is write your name on your work.
(continued in Part III)
(Part III)
So please, if you are going to continue to attack my mother, have some confidence and put your name down with your comment. This way, you may even learn to choose your words more wisely so that we may have an insightful public discussion that leads to solutions, rather than hostile mudslinging forums that are the exact motivation for the writing of this letter, which so appropriately addresses the issue of temperament. If you want to disagree with this letter, perhaps you may construct your comments more civilly. That way, nobody will have any need to address temperament in our community. Realize that you are fueling the very fire that this letter is attempting to put out.
Charles A. Bloom
Carleton College
Northfield, Minn.
Like many have said, zero credibility. A bully ranting about bullying. It does matter what the author has done over the years and it isn’t pretty. Sounds like this behavior continues on Facebook from some of the other posts. Maybe some fessing up and atonement would have been appropriate. The letter is trying to deflect from the lack of substance in the Democrats’ campaign. Focus on the issues and, even if you do not particularly like Rob Greenstein’s style, you will vote for him and his team.
Ellen Adnopoz, Emily Haft Bloom, Ann Styles Brochstein and Lauren Kraft-Rothberg now you see what your disregard for other peoples feelings has wrought. Now maybe you know how you made me feel. Of course I cannot put my name on this. Shame on all of you that your children have to read this.
@ Maud Bailey: And I find the lack of civility and anger in the joint letter these four women wrote to be extremely distressing. Calling people who disagree with sitting board members and run for office to oppose them “terrifying”?
And how generous of the women to offer analysis! Maybe “one” will be ready to hold office if “one” gets:
“a few more years under one’s belt”
“a few years of getting one’s feet wet in community service work and serving on other boards”
Your description of the four women (and their history of organizational activities) certainly explains their (and your) sanctimonious thinking that candidates for office should be JUST … LIKE … THEM!
The authors of this letter are pompous and supercilious, and so are you in your support of them.
Be careful, Emily Haft Bloom may not be able to resist correcting your grammar either. Her excuse is she has no filter but truth is, she has a false sense of self-importance.
I totally agree. I certainly do not want Rob Greenstein representing my town after seeing him rant, rave and insult people at Town Board meetings.
I don’t want him to represent the town, either! I want him to represent the residents of New Castle. A Democratic Committee too long in power is consumed with representing what IT thinks is in the best interest of “the town” and, in the process, of understanding too well its own missteps and covering for them. Mind you, Republicans that long in power would do the same thing. The Democrats of New Castle are no worse than anyone else, but no better either. They are not immune to insular groupthink.
You said “we dare you to take credit for your comments”. Ladies, that is the definition of bullying………use influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants.
Greenstein stands up for the residents. You bully them. Shame on all of you.
Ladies, thank you for reminding how angry women think. The thought of having Penny Paderewski as Town Supervisor is frightening. She already publicly displayed some of that anger in Healthy Choice. In case you’re wondeirng who is the 6th angry woman, it’s Dawn Greenberg.
Ellen, Emily, Ann and Lauren,
Did you ever stop & think about how members of Team New Castle would feel after reading your letter? They are putting themselves out there for the betterment of our community. They are standing up for us. They have withstood months of attacks from many of you, including Michael Zuch. The restraint they showed was admirable.
You obviously don’t like. You obviously don’t support them. But you are doing exactly what you’re accusing them of doing. It is the four of you who have stepped well beyond the boundaries of propriety and neighborly disagreement. They have not.
Your letter has solidified my suport for them. Others feel my duisgust. I don’t think you did Penny a service by writing your letter. For Penny’s sake, I hope she distances herself from the four of you before the polls close.
I have been reading NCNOW for years and this is by far the most divisive letter I have ever read. I agree with Mike
Charles, it’s nice that you defend your mom. We all know your mom has a temperment problem. Take a step back, pretend that your mom is running, and this letter was addressed to her. You could write your exact same comment.
Charles,
Yes, I am the author of that anonymous rant above. I’ll remain anonymous, so perhaps you’ll discredit this, but I’m sure you will read it. The fact is that your mother made numerous very serious allegations. All of this in relation to a man and a group that are members of our community. All with children in our schools much younger than you. One would hope that anyone would think long and hard before making such allegations, particularly on the eve of an important election. But like I said earlier, there is nothing to support any of this. That, young man, is true cowardice. But now you have taken things up a notch. You have made analogies to a number of discredited politicians. Sure those would be horrible outcomes. But please show us one shred of support that any of those analogies are at all relevant. Show me a video. Anything. In the absence of such, that is what they call irresponsible and reckless. When you go public, question the character of others, and mess with people’s lives, then you better be ready. This is serious business Charles.
What we have seen is a total domination by one campaign over the other. They beat them on messaging, the issues & social media. It was total domination on the campaign trail. We have never seen such an organized & effective campaign in New Castle.
The status quo supporters are left talking about temperament. They have nothing else. Unfortunately, the only candidate who threatened someone during the campaign is Penny Paderewski. This election is absolutely about temperament.
While I agree with the sentiment of this letter, I found it hilarious that Emily Bloom is one of its authors. After asking me my opinion on a political issue, she decided that if I disagreed I had to be an evil person. She proceeded to yell at me, harangue me and try to humiliate me. This was in a public place with an audience.
I will not be adding my name to this post. I am tired of being yelled at. I am tired of literally being chased by someone screaming at me during the national elections. And if I do publicly state my opinion, there will be more of the same.
No wonder no Republicans will run. Have you gals ever wondered about that?
Maybe you should consider your own behavior before throwing those stones.
Thanks to all of you that had the courage to sign your name to your comments!!
Response to “What’s Here?”
Correct, I will discredit your comment. I’m not going to attempt to argue with a set of words that can’t be associated with a person. Perhaps you don’t feel like you have a strong argument against what I said, and that is why you remain anonymous. That, old man, is laughable. I could certainly provide examples of why the temperance issue at hand is comparable to those of the politicians I listed, but I will refrain from doing so until I feel like I am actually addressing a person. If you have any knowledge of those two individuals, you know that they have temperance issues. If you don’t know anything about them, you shouldn’t be trying to disprove my point. Don’t argue about something with which you have no familiarity. This is serious business.
Can you please explain what’s so important to you that names be signed? Is it because you believe it keeps people polite? Is being truthful “impolite”? Do you know the women who wrote this letter? They clearly meant it to be, let’s say, “cutting.” Are the sentiments expressed about them or their letter off the mark or no?
Just want to give a shout out to Emily for raising such a bright, courageous son. Charlie’s post is spot on.
Why is Mr. Bloom referring to a letter written by someone by calling him “old man”. that is completely disrespectful. also saying he is “laughable”. This is part of why these posts are so haunting and nasty.
Editor’s Note: Nope. Try again.
I think your letter will actually hurt Penny, not help.
Ok, we’ll leave it at that, my empty name up against an empty arguement. Familiarity with LePage, or whoever has nothing to do with it. I’m sure when they move to New Castle and run for supervisor, your insights will be much appreciated. Until then, I can’t debate an empty arguement. I see nothing to indicate that those analogies are even remotely relevant. To be honest, I feel a bit self conscious being the “old man” debating with a college student who has done the honorable thing and come to his mother’s defense. But we are talking about strong unsubstantiated allegations that defame the character of someone that cares very much about our town. This should not be tolerated.
Master Bloom,
In his comment, “What’s Here?” respectfully referred to you as “young man.” You retaliate by disrespectfully referring to him as “old man.” I’m sure you did not learn that kind of disrespect from your mother. Try to resist the kind of anger that only results in the birth of a bully.
Charles,
“Choose the candidates that you truly believe will represent your best interests and in a way worthy of your trust and faith.” I couldn’t agree more.
We are in 100 % accord that Carl Paladino and Paul R. LePage have displayed unsatisfactory demeanor and self-composure. Some of Governor LePage’s action have indeed been disgraceful and unprofessional.
Like you, I also do not want New Castle to be the laughing stock of Westchester.
What I am having trouble with is the connection of the above sentiments to the opposing candidates. If you could provide a specific example of a specific action by a specific candidate to help me make that connection it would be helpful.
Thank you.
Charles, calling someone an “old man” is not very mature. You are right, this is serious business. We have serious issues facing our town. It’s nice that you came to your mom’s defense but stick to your college studies. You are no longer helping her.
I am withholding my name because I am, in fact a strong supporter of Team New Castle, although I feel that Charles made a fantastic point. It’s true, certain individuals within Team New Castle do need to address their temperance, but I do feel that they are the best leadership for our town. Ordinarily I do sign my name with my comments on here, but Charles, you are right. People do need to stand by their words and put their name on them when they attempt to make an argument. I hope you will forgive me for withholding my name in this case. At least I’m not trying to make a serious argument, I’m just expressing my support.
And I might add, to the critics of his comment, you should watch your step. I am familiar with Carleton College, and that school trains some serious intellectuals. Best of luck winning an argument with someone who is being educated there.
At least these women were mature enough to sign their names as opposed to other people who write nasty, mean things and then don’t sign their name. What has happened to this town? I have lived her for 20 years and have never seen such mean, cold hearted things written about our own community members before. I am making a statement about who I am voting for but rather a comment about this horrible, nasty campaign!
This paragraphg sums it up………..“they have not held, nor have they run for public office, they have not run any of our town’s worthy charitable causes or political organizations”.
These angry ladies are upset because we have citizen legislators who have not followed the traditional route to public office.
Good! The traditional route is not working!
Charles Bloom. The lesson to be learned here is this. If you attack someone, you need to understand that you have opened yourself for counter attack; it is naive to think otherwise. The mean spirited letter written by your mother and her co-writers should never have been written nor should have similar mean spirited comments been made against me on Chappaqua Moms by one of these writers.
Going to college is one of the best times of your life, go back to your studies and your friends and leave this disgrace in the past. I think your mother and her co-writers have learned a good lesson here about do unto others as you would have done to you.
Sorry, but I cannot sign my name, I live in Chappaqua and I do not want to make enemies with the writers of the unfortunate Open Letter.
Temperament NOT temperance people!
“I am withholding my name because I am, in fact a strong supporter of Team New Castle.”
Th sad fact is that one must fear retaliation if one is not in lock step with the town’s political machine and its bullies.
Early in this campaign there was a suggestion to do away with anonymous comments. The candidates for Supervisor voiced their poistions, as did many posters. The consensus was for anonymous comments. The editor of NewCastleNOW listened to her readers. This is what was asked for.
Penny, what say you, can we agree to do away with anonymous posts in response to letters written by our respective slates?
By Rob Greenstein on 08/09/2013 at 12:13 pm
Rob, I stated my position at the onset. However, it is not our decision to make. This is Christine’s publication and her decision to make. What I will add is that I don’t think that exceptions should be made. As much as I think the comments about you and me (and our running mates and family) have been pretty horrible at times (and in most cases uncalled for and irrelevant), if Christine decides to keep the anonymouse comments in, then they should be there in all cases. Sorry I cannot go along with you on this Rob. Penny
By Penny Paderewski on 08/09/2013 at 1:04 pm
Charles Bloom,
It is admirable of you to come to the defense of your mother. Your mother, however, accuses many people of bullying but can’t see that she has been mean too, as witnessed by the testimony of other moms she has bullied on Facebook and who are afraid to even comment on that venue. Still, you can love and support your parent no matter how misguided that parent’s actions may be.
A comment (above) to the authors of the letter says: “One of you even had the nerve to mock someone’s grammar in your response to his post.”
Charles Bloom,
Avoid using “like” as a conjunction, as in “I feel like I am actually addressing a person.” Make it: “I feel as if I am actually addressing a person.”
Also, see above “temperament” does not have the same meaning as “temperance”!
May the best man win,
I love your optimism !!! My sense is that these 6 angry women will never learn or change.
I am disgusted by the fact that some of you would attack Emily Bloom’s son. That is a new low for all involved in this election, you should all be ashamed. Emily you raised an incredibly articulate and courageous son, and I’m sorry you are having to deal with adults who are willing to bully a kid!
Although, I do not fully agree with your mother’s letter, I admire your loyalty to your mother and your exceptional writing ability, Charles.
His word usage is correct. Temperance can mean controlling one’s passions as well as abstaining from alcohol.
This letter was probably worth more than a hundred votes to the people you were trying to hurt. Even more bizarre was why the Dem slate tried to post it on the Team New Castle slate again today. That move certainly got me to forward this link a number of my friends and make sure they voted. Strange behavior at the end of this race turned it into a blowout. This letter should be a case study for the high school on elections or bullying. I hope this was the final blast of nastiness that ends the cycle. The four of you are now strangely silent.
Well, women, you ended up doing good! All three Republican candidates for town board won.
Thank you, ladies. You exposed the town’s true bullies.
Would it be possible, time permitting, for you ladies to offer the community another lecture?
We are in need of hearing you all pontificate on sore losers and their pathology.
Glad that the bully’s lost and the people won.
In the end this letter was a worthless attempt to silence the majority in town. If anything it helped elect the better candidates.
As I understand it, these women are arrogant bullies in their own right and I hope this defeat gives anyone who has been the recipient of their arrogance solace and confidence to counter this arrogance going forward.
Ladies, do yourselves a favor, whoever suggested that you write this letter, do not listen to that person again. It showed very poor judgment.
Charles Bloom uses “old man” after an anonymous letter writer discredits his articulate letter by calling him “young man,” and he is attacked.
Some of you people are idiots. It’s that simple.
Congratulations on a fine election. You’re all so protective of your little community, of saving the property values you so cherish, and none of you has the intelligence to see that a community’s reputation for lack of civility will demolish the allure of the neighborhood way faster than declining schools or increased traffic near Chappaqua Crossing.
Good luck to all of you.
