The campaign season is underway in Pound Ridge.
Seeking re-election on the Democratic line are incumbents Supervisor Kevin Hansan, Deputy Supervisor Diane Briggs, and Town Board member Dan Paschkes.
Rounding out that slate are current Receiver of Taxes Drifa Segal and Town Justice Renée Motola, both of whom are hoping to win their second full terms.
The Dems’ June announcement characterized the five as “a team of experienced leaders committed to responsible and transparent governance, environmental stewardship, and community-centered progress.”
Also fielding candidates in the upcoming fall elections is the Pound Ridge Party, which bills itself as “a non-partisan group that brings together Independents, Democrats, and Republicans who prioritize the good of the town over party politics.”
Reprising his 2023 bid to snag the supervisor’s spot is John D. “Jock” McCown while newcomers Peter J. Avellino and Ronald A. Asaro are aiming to fill two councilman seats.
Here’s a bit about the folks who will be on the ballot this fall.
Kevin Hansan, a 30-year resident with a background in business and technology, has been town supervisor since 2018.
He runs his own technology company.
According to the Dems’ press release, Hansan is known for “his pragmatic leadership and open communication style” and has “strengthened the town’s financial position, secured millions in state and federal grants, and advanced critical infrastructure projects," including a clean water initiative to address PFAS contamination and protect public health.
Diane Briggs, who is running for a third term, is a 28-year resident of Scotts Corners.
She has worked for 30 plus years serving "independent schools, higher education, and nonprofit organizations," as a "fundraiser" and "critical thinker," the PRDC said.
According to the Dems, she “brings a passion for fostering meaningful connections to her role on the board,” has led the Economic Development Committee's efforts to revitalize the business district – most notably the creation of the Village Green and the redeveloping of 77 Westchester Avenue - and “supports thought planning, transparent communication, and local economic vitality.”
Dan Paschkes is a practicing attorney, lifelong Pound Ridge resident, and an active volunteer with the Pound Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Corps for more than 20 years, serving as captain in 2018 and 2019.
According to the Dems, he’s “been a steady voice for fiscal responsibility and public transparency” and had “helped to implement live-streaming board meetings before the advent of Zoom” and had “played key roles in establishing Sachs Park (the Highway Department's former gravel pit) and the Eastwoods Preserve.”
Paschkes was first elected to the Town Board in 2001.
A Pound Ridger for more than a decade, Drifa Segal has a background in IT and project management.
Most recently, she worked at AT&T, where she led complex technology projects. Her experience in managing diverse IT initiatives "has been instrumental in her approach to modernizing the tax collection process," the PRDC said.
According to the release, she’s also "emphasized transparency and customer service in tax services for Pound Ridge residents” and is “dedicated to providing efficient and accountable service to all residents.”
Renée Motola, a 25-year resident and legal professional, was elected town justice in 2021.
According to the PRDC, Motola's legal career includes experience both in private practice and as in-house counsel to a Fortune 500 company.
Since 1992, she has served in the New York State Courts in various capacities, including as an Assistant Westchester County District Attorney, as principal law clerk to the Honorable Bruce Tolbert, and as Court Attorney Referee for Tax Certiorari and Eminent Domain.
In 2019, Motola received the Joseph F. Gagliardi Award for Excellence for outstanding service as a court employee.
She “brings fairness, legal acumen, and deep judicial experience to the Pound Ridge bench,” the PRDC said.
“Pound Ridge has benefited immensely from the incredible leadership we’ve had over the last several years” said Kate Jordan, co-chair of the PRDC.
“We're excited to build on that progress and help keep Pound Ridge moving forward, together” added PRDC co-chair Hailey Davis.
John D. “Jock” McCown, a registered Democrat, has more than four decades of experience in the maritime and transportation sectors, including being CEO of a publicly traded container shipping company that he cofounded and leading transport investments worldwide at a major hedge fund.
A non-resident senior fellow at the Center for Maritime Strategy, the Navy League’s think tank, McCown advises, lectures, and writes about maritime issues.
McCown, a town resident for 27 years and founding member of the Pound Ridge Party, says he is a “consistent attendee” at Town Board meetings and served on the Economic Development Committee until it was disbanded this year.
Peter Avellino, a registered Independent who works in the healthcare industry, has lived in Pound Ridge for 33 years.
Avellino is an active member of Comprehensive Plan Update, a volunteer “repair coach” for the Conservation Board’s Repair Cafe, a past member of the Housing Board, a past resident volunteer with the Pound Ridge Office of Emergency Management, and a past member of the Pound Ridge Lions Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
He spearheaded the Conservation Board’s first Environmental Steering Committee which helped create the town’s annual environmental day event. Avellino also advocated for, and is the co-author of, legislation for the Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Protection of Steep Slopes ordinances.
Ron Asaro, a registered Republican and 62-year Westchester resident, has lived in Pound Ridge for six years.
A master auto restorer who specializes in classic sports cars, he has used his engineering and craftsmanship skills while working with GE Healthcare on complex medical imaging systems at major academic medical centers in New York City.
He is a member of the Pound Ridge Historical Society and a frequent attendee at Town Board meetings.
Asaro and his wife live in the historic Lewis Lockwood House.
“The future of Pound Ridge is at stake. Residents have a right to be aware of and heard on issues that impact both the protection and the direction of our home,” McCown said of his slate’s goals.
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