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MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. Democrat Karen B. Schleimer, a Mount Kisco attorney, is running on Nov. 6 for the seat on the Mount Kisco Board of Trustees being vacated by Trustee Joseph Morreale (D). Trustee Jean Farber, a Democrat, has completed her first term and is running for re-election. This year's trustee race is uncontested, as Mount Kisco Republicans did not put forth a candidate. Currently, the village's four trustees who govern the town along with Mayor Michael Cindrich are Farber, Morreale, Anthony Markus and Deputy Mayor George Griffin. A trustee's term lasts two years.
Name: Karen B. Schleimer
Age: 64
Family: One daughter
Occupation: Attorney
How long have you lived in town: Since 1978
Party Affiliation and ballot lines held: Democrat
Appearing on Democratic and Independence Party Lines
Years in office: None
Other elected positions held: None
Civic organizations: NYS Brain Injury Association, League of Women Voters, Mount Kisco Library Foundation, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Westchester Municipal Planning Federation, Livable Communities and various Village committees.
1) What are the three biggest issues facing your district or town?
Even at the local level, the economy is one of the most critical issues. We have a duty to be mindful of our taxpayers' ability to continue to pay for services while maintaining those services, and must be vigilant in our constant examination and re-examination of our expenditures.
Quality of life: We need to maintain and improve the quality of life in Mount Kisco. That means working with business owners to re-energize and improve the business environment in Mount Kisco. We need to maintain and enhance the beauty and charm of our village. We need to support the special needs of our residents and our libraries and arts and cultural institutions because they all contribute to our quality of life, our high standard of living, and act as supplemental resources to our educational facilities. We need to ensure the safety of our housing stock for all residents.
2) How would you address those issues?
There's no better way to address them than to talk to our constituents and find out what they think is working well, and candidly, ask them where we're in need of improvement and ask for their suggestions. We don't know until we ask, and going directly to the voters is the best way.
3) If you are a challenger or running for an open seat, what would you do differently than the previous office holder?
The previous office holder did a tremendous job. I can only hope that I can fulfill the job of this office with as much dedication, thoroughness and thoughtfulness as my predecessor.
4) Westchester is among the highest-taxed counties in the nation. What would you do to lower the tax burden? Be specific.
In these difficult economic times, public officials have the responsibility to maintain the quality of life while understanding the struggles facing our taxpayers. I will join with the mayor and the current village board in limiting spending while maintaining our quality of life.
5) Why should people vote for you?
I bring a new perspective to elected office. I have a long and steady history with working in the village on numerous boards and committees. I know I can represent our mission fairly and with a fresh eye toward our community. I have been actively working with multiple organizations whose mission is to serve seniors and the disabled, and with my experience in the private sector, merging my professional life with public life should provide an invaluable perspective.
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