Lucas brings people to the same table

Dear Editor,

I was saddened when the League of Women Voters of North East Westchester disbanded last year. I had the privilege of being actively involved with the League for several years, particularly in voter services, candidate forums and civic education.

For decades, the League served North Salem, Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco and Pound Ridge and provided something I believe we need more of today — a place where people with different political views could come together, talk about their communities and participate in civic life.

I remember our gatherings well. They were lively, informative and brought together people from across our communities. The League held candidate forums, registered voters, educated the public and encouraged people to become active participants in their local government.

One gathering in particular has stayed with me. In May 2023, the League invited North Salem Supervisor Warren Lucas to be the guest speaker at our annual luncheon. I remember Warren being praised for something that those of us in North Salem have seen for years: his bipartisanship and his willingness to work with people regardless of political party. I especially remember people in the room asking Warren, “How do you do it?”

That exchange has stayed with me. At a time when we hear so much about political division, there was our North Salem supervisor talking about how people with different viewpoints can respectfully work together and still get things done for the community they serve.

Civic life should be about people with different perspectives sitting around the same table and figuring out what is best for the community they all represent.

I have watched Warren do that in North Salem. He has served with Town Board members of different political parties and has worked with county, state and federal officials regardless of the letter next to their names. When there is a grant available, a project that needs funding or a problem North Salem needs help solving, what matters is getting the job done for our residents.

Three years ago, Warren was not speaking before a partisan organization. He was the invited guest speaker at the annual luncheon of the League of Women Voters of North East Westchester, a nonpartisan civic organization. I remember being proud that our North Salem supervisor was being recognized in that setting for his ability to work with others.

I miss those lively gatherings. I miss what THAT League represented locally. But the values we promoted- civility, participation, informed citizenship and the ability to work with people who may not always agree with you, are just as important today.

I was there three years ago when Warren’s bipartisan approach to governing was recognized, and I continue to see those same qualities in the way he leads North Salem today.

That is one of the many reasons I support Warren Lucas for re-election as our town supervisor.

-Nzingha Milanes, North Salem