Letter: Bedford Democratic Slate Shares Commitment to Outreach, Responsiveness, Service

Though we are still a number of months away from town elections, it was heartening to learn that the recently endorsed Democratic slate of candidates would be undertaking a door-to-door outreach program to hear directly from residents about the problems and issues that affect them.

It was exactly this sort of commitment to listening, undertaken in 2007 when David Gabrielson and now incumbent candidate Chris Burdick first ran for the Town Board, that ensured they were focused on key issues. Their commitment to finding innovative and sensible solutions to pressing town issues has resulted in a proven record of leadership and impressive results.

While in office, Mr. Burdick and Mr. Gabrielson have been instrumental in the Board passing five budgets that have preserved a high level of town services with tax increases averaging only 2.4 percent, and which saw only one job cut.  Responding to voters’ significant concerns, since Mr. Burdick and Mr. Gabrielson joined the Board, protecting our drinking water has been of primary concern, and their work on the Board has been key in bringing a new water filtration plant that will ensure clean water for Bedford Hills and Katonah. And recognizing the economic challenges facing homeowners, Mr. Burdick proposed that the Climate Action Plan developed by Bedford 2020 be a part of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. The Climate Action Plan and accompanying energy conservation programs that the Board adopted will help residents make their homes more energy efficient, will lower energy costs, and will help protect the environment.

I’m heartened that the candidates who join Mr. Burdick on the Democratic slate for the fall elections share his commitment to outreach, responsiveness, and service to our town. Julie Vulspecu, Meredith Black, Simone Shapiro, and Judy Aydelott all have the strong resumes, solid experience, and the fresh ideas Bedford needs in 2013.

Sincerely,

Dan Cullen