Meet the Candidates: Mayor Peter Swiderski

Hastings-on-Hudson residents will have the chance to cast their ballots in an uncontested election on March 19 for the mayoral seat and two seats on the village board of trustees.

The voting will be held on Tuesday, March 19 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the James Harmon Community Center at 44 Main St.

The Democratic incumbents are Mayor Peter Swiderski and Trustees Bruce Jennings and Meg Walker.

Learn more about the village’s mayor in our Q&A below.

• Meet the candidate: Peter Swiderski
• How long have you living in Hastings-on-Hudson? 16 years
• Age:  51
• Family/Significant Other/Pets:  Tracy Pyper, wife; Sophia, daughter, Drew, son; a cat and dog
• Job Title/Profession/Number of Years with Company:  Managing Director, Strategy and Client Project Oversight, Convergex, 6 years
• Education:  New York University, B.A. in Politics ’83; JFK School of Government at Harvard University, Master in Public Policy, ‘85
• Other activities and current/past community involvement: Trustee, six years; Treasurer, Committee for the Blind of Poland; varied volunteer activities
• Have you served in office before? Three terms as a trustee from 2003 to 2009, and two terms as mayor
• Party/Endorsements:  Democratic

Why are you running for another term on the Hastings-on-Hudson Board of Trustees?

Because we continue to push an ambitious agenda that we believe addresses resident concerns and continues to ensure the village adapts to a changing world, environment and economy.

How do you feel about the fact that the election is uncontested?

Flattered.

What makes you the best candidate for a seat on the board? What do you bring to the board as a member?

I believe that I have consistently demonstrated a sensitivity to a range of views, a strong sense of direction, an ability to deliver on promises and an ability to communicate to the public.

Explain your stance on the following issues, and how you would address these issues as a council member?

• Property taxes- We remain committed to cost control and careful budgeting. We’ve kept to the cap for two years and intend to do so as long as is reasonably possible. We are pursuing a study with Dobbs for sharing DPW resources and we are looking to share a Superintendent of Parks and Rec.
• Deer Control - If the DEC grants us a permit, I plan to pursue immuno-contraception in the village of Hastings-on-Hudson.
• Waterfront Cleanup/Redevelopment- We are working closely with all players to ensure this is moved ahead as fast as can be managed.  We have involved the public on the Infrastructure Committee and will continue to do so on other initiatives as the remedation project unfolds.
• Saw Mill River Lofts - We have passed this project onto the Planning Board for their review. We look forward to hearing their recommendation.

What are other issues facing the village you feel are important, and how would you address these issues?

Broad question. 

• Emergency resiliency is important, and mobilizing volunteers for that is the way to succeed. 
• Actually implementing the Comprehensive Plan, and we have a plan to do that by using a committee to help us structure that.
• Improving recycling rates and waste stream management

What are some of your proudest accomplishments while being on the board?

Many things, and in no particular order: 

• The progress on the waterfront, including demolition of old buildings
• Testructuring budget process, addressing a structural deficit and putting Hastings right financially, including sharing costs with other villages like road resurfacing
• Friday Night Live
• Passing architectural guidelines for the downtown, passing a comprehensive plan, and teeing up a green building code
• Improving communications out to the village, especially in times of duress
• Arriving at a potential approach to the deer issue 

What is your favorite thing about Hastings-on-Hudson?

The people. 

Anything else you would like to add?

This has been a pleasure and an honor and I have appreciated every moment.

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