Meet the Briarcliff Mayoral Candidate: Laura S. Morris

Laura S. Morris is one of two candidates vying for the position of mayor in Briarcliff Manor in the Tuesday, March 19 village election.

View her responses to Patch's Q&A below.

Click here to read more about Tuesday's election.

Background

Full Name: Laura S. Morris

Party Affiliation: Briarcliff (I went independent because my mother just passed away and I wanted to make sure I could honestly dedicate myself to serving Briarcliff as Mayor. As a result, I missed all the People's Caucus deadlines.)

Number of year living in village: Whole life, I was born and raised here.  I am a life long resident. My family came to Briarcliff 100 years ago.

Occupation: Marketing Director for Sterling Global Technologies and President of Pace Alumni of Westchester (PANet)

Examples of community involvement: Board member of the Salvation Army in New York city for 11 years. Served on the board and finance committee of a Briarcliff church. Researcher at Ossining Historical Society. Over 25 years, member of the NISS (National Institute of Social Sciences) and World Affairs Forum. Member of Riverkeeper.

Why are you running and why should residents vote for you? Briarcliff is at a cross roads in our history and have financial decisions to make that will effect future generations (i.e. Briarcliff becoming independent and annexation). My family has been in Briarcliff for a 100 years. I have a great passion and love for Briarcliff. I believe with my extensive corporate and community background, I can bring a lot to the table.

Issues

Would you be in favor of the potential annexation of Ossining Election Districts 17 and 20? Why or why not? Like any important decision of this magnitude, it is a decision for the whole town. It is not a decision for one person. Nor a decision for a few. It is a decision for all. All Briarcliff residents jointly decide Briarcliff's future. But before anyone can make a decision, we need to know the basics. What is the cost/effect on taxes?  What impact does it have on schools (I graduate from Briarcliff High school of a class of 100 students). What is the impact on the resources of Briarcliff's Police, fire/ambulance. Like in business, we need to know best and worst case scenario. In business, I work as a team. I would speak with the police and fire to hear their critical input. Same with the school leaders. Afterwards, the information would be distributed to all of Briarcliff. Then hold town meetings to hear the residents input. Also speak with the high school seniors for their input, for they are the future of Briarcliff. 

Are there any other major issues you hope to address as trustee if elected?

— increase community involvement in decision process for key issues.

— term limits on village officials—this will ensure a strong government with continual infusion of new ideas and expertise

—a designated warming center

—making our buildings self sufficient

—cost containment

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Editor's Note: Any questions not answered by the candidate were omitted from this article.