Letters: Support David Gelfarb For County Legislature

The follwing are letters to the editor sent by Patch readers supporting county legislature hopeful David Gelfarb this week:

David Gelfarb is the best choice to fill the seat on the Westchester County Legislature that is being vacated by Martin Rogowsky, who announced earlier this year that he will not be seeking re-election.

During Mr. Gelfarb’s years of public service as a member of the Rye Town Council, and earlier as the president and treasurer of the BelleFair Homeowners’ Association, he has consistently demonstrated that he is an intelligent, honest, independent-minded, hardworking representative of the people, who is committed to the objectives of improving efficiency in government, reducing unnecessary public spending and reducing taxes. During Mr. Gelfarb’s tenure as a member of the Rye Town Council, the town has reduced taxes every year and by a total of 50 percent over a four-year period, eliminated wasteful spending, reduced Town expenditures by more than $1 million, and increased the town’s fund balance by 22 percent. In contrast, the best that supporters of Mr. Gelfarb’s opponent in the election, Dan Brakewood, have been able to say about his record on taxes is that during his tenure as a Port Chester Trustee, taxes did not go up as quickly as they had in past years.

Mr. Gelfarb has not hesitated to go beyond the call of duty during his tenure as a member of the Rye Town Council.  When the Town needed a new employee handbook and code of conduct, Mr. Gelfarb devoted numerous hours of his own time, at no cost to the Town and its taxpayers, to preparing the extensive handbook and code of conduct that the town now uses.  During his years as a member of the Rye Town Council, as the former President and Treasurer of the BelleFair Homeowners’ Association and as a practicing attorney, Mr. Gelfarb has often been successful in finding creative solutions to disputes between differing interests.  Indeed, it was as a result of his stellar record as the president and treasurer of the BelleFair Homeowners’ Association that he was originally asked to run for the Rye Town Council.

Our County needs a Legislator like David Gelfarb. That is why this longtime Democrat will be voting for David Gelfarb on November 8.

Carol Halpern, Rye Brook

I am writing to inform you that David B. Gelfarb would make a terrific County Legislator. We have been living in BelleFair since inception and David has always played an active role in the community. He did a great job when he was President of the BelleFair. He was truly an asset to the community. For example, when there was flooding in our backyard due to the hill and poor drainage he was an integral part in finding the solution to the problem. He worked hard to rectify the problem and get a drain put in the alleviate the flooding. He was a true advocate for our community.  Again, I would like to reiterate what an asset he would be as County Legislator.

Frank and Diane Palombo, Rye Brook

I had the positive experience of having served with David Gelfarb as co-directors and officers for the Bellefair Homeowners' Association in 2006 through 2008. 

In my experience, David was an outstanding volunteer for the HOA. His opinions and judgments on management, operations, controls, planning, budgeting, and relations with and on behalf of the homeowners were always considered, diligent and prudent. He examined all issues on a case-by-case basis, helping the HOA to act when appropriate and withhold action when necessary.  As President, he helped the HOA to maximize the services to the members of the HOA while simultaneously assuring that expenses were properly managed, financial reserves were established and that the HOA's rights were safeguarded. David's recall of the HOA's business history and his respect for the laws and agreements which governed the HOA were valuable assets to the board during his tenure.  

Personally, he helped me navigate the different issues that faced us as directors, and I don't remember any reasons for me to significantly disagree with any of his judgments during our joint tenures.  

I implore the people of our community to vote for him this November in order for him to continue serving us as best he can in his new role. I absolutely endorse David Gelfarb for Westchester County Legislator this election. He is a good person, and the county can only benefit from his service.

Ross Zelman, Rye Brook

David Gelfarb deserves our support in the race for County Legislator. I have known him as a neighbor for seven years, and worked with him closely on the budget committee of the Bellefair homeowner's association when he was Treasurer and later President, and appreciated his competent leadership and even demeanor in the midst of strident discussions.  I saw how he diligently helped residents, such as when we had a drainage issue on my property. Later, as Rye Town Councilman, he together with Joe Carvin did much to reduce the high cost of government. I also saw how David Gelfarb has been very responsive to issues in the community, such as recently when he helped to maintain permission for the zumba classes that my wife teaches at Crawford Park.  Please vote for David Gelfarb for County Legislator.

John Nadell

If you would like to send your letters to the editor to Patch, please e-mail them to zacho@patch.com.