Patch Candidate Profile: Jean Farber For Mt. Kisco Trustee

MOUNT KISCO, NY — Election season 2023 is here and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Name: Jean M. Farber

Age: 75

Hometown: Mount Kisco, N.Y

Office: Mount Kisco Village Trustee

Political experience: Served Mount Kisco as Village Trustee for 10 years and as Deputy Mayor for 3 years. Served as New York State Democratic Committee Woman for the 93rd Assembly District for 14 years.

Work Experience: Former Broadcast journalist with NBC affiliate WSM in Nashville, TN; News Reporter for WVIP TV in Mount Kisco. Associate Real Estate Broker with Houlihan Lawrence in Bedford.

Family: Son Brian, Daughter Lauren and twin grandsons Andrew and Patrick.

Campaign Website: WWW.MKFORWARD.COM

Why are you seeking this office?

Care and concern about Mount Kisco. I value making consensus by bringing opposite viewpoints to a workable compromise. I envision an inclusive, sustainable and multi generational community. I value our trails, our environment, our parks, our safety and bringing community involvement to life.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post?

I have the experience, knowledge and Common Sense. I have spent the last 20 years showing up for my community. I was a founding member of the Mount Kiso Arts Council. I am a long time member and current Treasurer of the Mount Kisco Historical Society. Vice President of Glassbury Court Homeowners Association Board of Directors since 2007. Member of the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce and the local League of Women Voters serving on the Executive Board. Former Board liaison to the Italian American Club, Memorial Day Parade Committee, Historical Society and Arts Council.

I am Currently a member of the Mount Kisco Village Board of Assessment Review and the Mount Kisco Citizen representative on the Westchester County CDAG, Community Development Advisory Group developing Block Grants.

What is the single most pressing issue facing your constituents and what do you intend to do about it?

There are many pressing issues but one issue I intend to do something about is the care and safety of our trails and park. If elected, I will form a new Mount Kisco Task force to address the concerns and challenges of keeping our trail system and green spaces clean and safe. This task force would include the county police, the Mount Kisco Trail Committee, the Conservation Advisory Council, the Drug Council, DPW, Village Government and other stake holders who would like to be involved.

How would you address the affordable housing issue in the community?

Mount Kisco is already one of the more affordable places to live in Northern Westchester. There is always a need for more. We need to accommodate our seniors, our work force and our children who would like to remain in our community. This can be done by careful and thoughtful legislation adhering to the local building codes.

How would you protect the drinking water in the community?

Mount Kisco currently has a Village wide water and sewer system. The water is continually tested and treated for quality. Many lines are old and require replacement which is being done as a current infrastructure plan.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Quality of life, managing traffic patterns, walkability, economic development. Safe infrastructure, protecting the environment, community health and mental health needs, affordability and fiscal responsibility.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Served 10 years as Mount Kisco Village Trustee and 3 years as Deputy Mayor. 2022 Woman of Distinction Award given by Assemblyman Chris Burdick in his first year of honoring local Women in the Community for their service. Italian American Club Woman of the Year in 2019. Jean Farber Day in Westchester County on 12/20/2020 declared by Legislator Kitley Covil for outstanding Public Service.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

We all want to be seen and heard and it is important to Show Up!

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I was instrumental in relocating the Mount Kisco Historical Society from the basement of Village Hall to a temporary facility on Maple Avenue and to the current permanent home at 40 Green Street. A founding member of the Mount Kisco Arts Council which provides a free Summer Concert Series for all to enjoy, art gallery openings, a fashion show with the Fox Lane High School fashion department, Winter jazz concerts in the library, multiple classes and art programs for the community.