Patch Candidate Profile 2023: Steven J. Shaw For Yorktown Town Board

YORKTOWN, NY — Registered voters in Yorktown will have choices to make on Nov. 7.

Besides picking a town supervisor, people will have to decide who will fill two Town Board positions.

Democrat Steven J. Shaw, 44, of Yorktown Heights, will appear on the ballot for Yorktown Town Board along with incumbent Republican Edward A. Lachterman, Republican Patrick J. Murphy and Democrat Thomas Marron.

Shaw, who is married with two children, is running for public office for the first time. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Siena College and is head of product learning for Consilio LLC.

Campaign website: aNewDayForYorktown.com

Why are you seeking this office?

We need new leadership who will be transparent and accountable to the people of Yorktown. There are significant challenges ahead, and we need leaders who can address these challenges with the interests of the town’s residents first and foremost in mind.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I will bring an independent voice to the Town Board, because that is what is currently missing. I will always do my homework and approach each issue with a fresh perspective to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. I will also accept the advice and counsel of all interested parties, especially those who have a different perspective.

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

The lack of transparency and accountability in the current one-party administration affects nearly every decision that is made. There is rarely any real discussion about the merits of the various proposals that come before the Town Board, and nearly all decisions are met with a unanimous vote. We need an independent voice who can challenge the status quo to ensure that all voices are heard and considered.

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

Yorktown is dealing with aging infrastructure, with several neglected projects, that has been affected by the stronger and more frequent storms that have come through this area in the past couple of years. We need to ensure that approved projects are completed on time and on budget. The garbage is also a major concern. The current Town Board awarded a contract to an irresponsible bidder, then waited nine months, and 40,000 missed pickups, before doing something. Now, we are in an emergency contract and are facing at least one lawsuit, and potentially more. In a year we’ll have to go to bid again on the same contract and those costs are sure to be considerably higher than when this all started in 2022.

This is a prime example of the current Board’s mismanagement and the consequences it has brought.

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

For the past 12 years I have been a project manager and head of product learning for the largest legal services company in the world. I have managed complex cases, across multiple departments, clients and jurisdictions. This experience has given me valuable skills in managing people and projects. As head of product learning I have also developed a keen ability to take complex concepts and turn them into clear, concise learning tools. I will take this same approach to town government where I will ensure that everyone is involved in, and understands, the decision-making process.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” As a public servant, it is so important to listen to everyone’s voice in the community. Sometimes those voices will be complimentary, and sometimes they will be critical. But regardless of how those voices present themselves, you must always show compassion, humanity and kindness.

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

Open communication, trust and fairness are my guiding values. I will bring these values with me and commit to working with an open mind alongside my colleagues on the Board, regardless of affiliation, when it comes to serving the people of Yorktown.

Editor's note: The candidate's responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity.