Democrats Ilan Gilbert and Michael Hickins will challenge Republican incumbents Sergio Esposito and Luciana Haughwout for two seats on the Yorktown Town Board. Gilbert, a former town supervisor and town judge, brings decades of public service to the race, while Hickins, an author, communications executive and youth baseball coach, is a political newcomer. Esposito and Haughwout are seeking reelection to continue their work on the Town Board. We sent each candidate written questions, and their responses are unedited except for formatting. Candidates appear in alphabetical order.
Incumbent Republican Sergio Esposito is running for reelection to the Yorktown Town Board. He serves as deputy supervisor, town councilman, and planning board liaison, with experience in roles emphasizing accountability, trust, and community service. Esposito is also a Westchester County deputy sheriff and previously served as president of the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce and secretary of the Yorktown Ethics Board. He has experience as a volunteer firefighter and youth baseball coach and is a strong advocate for small businesses and economic growth.
Why are you running for Yorktown Town Board? I was inspired to run for office during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was asked to represent the business community on behalf of the Town of Yorktown. During that time, I helped small businesses and residents navigate the PPP loan process and access stimulus programs. I launched the “100 Businesses in 100 Days” initiative to promote local businesses, appeared on town television to share vital updates, and helped create the outdoor dining law and other programs that kept our local economy alive. Running for office was a natural extension of that commitment. I wanted to continue being a voice for small businesses, families, and residents, and to help Yorktown emerge stronger, more resilient, and more united than ever.
How do infrastructure, development, green space, and affordable housing intersect, and how would you maximize benefits while avoiding costs or overdevelopment? A municipality generally makes money in one of two ways, either you increase revenue or you increase the tax burden. Understanding this is critical along with understanding that costs such as employee salaries, health care, general operations and maintenance costs like electricity, gas, oil, etc. are always on the rise. In Yorktown I have always tried to ease the tax burden by increasing the viability of our business districts and by bringing in smart development which is necessary in some cases to increase revenue to the town.
Is the town’s zoning code up to date to handle modern needs? If not, how do you fix it? I have consistently pushed to streamline local government and updating the zoning code is an important facet in doing so. The creation of tools like overlay districts has modernized the way our Planning Board looks at projects in the two existing overlay districts allowing them to seek the best possible fit while increasing revenue, preserving our history, and updating our infrastructure.
How will the town pay to update aging infrastructure that is not part of any new developments? Continued responsible financial planning, actively seeking and applying for grants with our newly hired professional grant firm, strategic public-private partnerships and a robust Capital Improvement Plan are only some of the ways we can and have achieved positive results to date.
Are you concerned about traffic? How do you propose to address it? Yes, I’m very concerned about traffic—it’s one of the biggest quality-of-life issues in Yorktown. I believe in a smart, balanced approach: improving intersections and signal timing, investing in safer roads, and requiring thorough traffic studies for new developments. I also support expanding sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike paths to improve safety and mobility. By combining better planning, infrastructure investment, and coordination with state and county agencies, we can reduce congestion and keep Yorktown moving safely.
What are your priorities for Yorktown Heights, Shrub Oak and the other hamlets? My priority is to create vibrant, walkable downtowns that attract residents, visitors, and small businesses. In Yorktown Heights, Shrub Oak, and all our hamlets, that means investing in infrastructure, improving streetscapes, and supporting smart, community-focused development. I’ll preserve each hamlet’s unique character while creating spaces where people can shop, dine, and gather—strengthening Yorktown’s economy and pride.
Are moratoria on battery farms and solar farms the way to go? Solar energy is vital to our future, but we must balance progress with protecting our environment. I support small-scale residential solar power to strengthen the grid and help homeowners reduce their own direct costs, along with more state and federal incentives to make it accessible. Solar belongs on commercial rooftops, not in our open spaces, so we can expand clean energy without destroying wildlife habitats, cutting down trees, or harming the beauty of Yorktown’s natural landscape.
How does the overlay law work, and what changes, if any, do you think are needed? This tool, which has been praised by the Business Council of Westchester, allows for smart, responsible growth and development. It has been widely praised because it gives our Planning Board the flexibility to be more dynamic and adaptive to the community’s current needs. It also helps address some of our outdated zoning laws, making it easier to attract the right kinds of projects while maintaining the character and integrity of our town.
Are tax exemptions for developers a net positive or negative, and why? The 485-b tax incentive has been widely misunderstood. It’s designed to encourage property owners to invest in and improve their properties, not to give blanket tax breaks. The 485-b does not reduce or exempt any of the original taxes, only a portion of the new increase created by the improvement. The 485-b is a smart economic development tool that encourages new investment and growth, allowing places like Trader Joe’s to come to town, while ensuring property owners continue to contribute fairly to the tax base.
Will Yorktown need to raise taxes again, and if so, would you support it? We are currently preparing the town budget for 2026, and like every household, the town faces rising costs, from health care and salaries to utilities and other essential expenses. As far as I’m concerned, raising taxes is always a last resort. That’s why I’ve consistently voted to keep taxes flat and will continue to fight for fiscal responsibility and for the best interests of Yorktown’s taxpayers.
What can you do to draw more residents into the process at Town Board meetings? Our Town Board meetings are held at night, and many residents have work, family, or sports commitments that make it hard to attend or watch live. I believe in making government more accessible, so I’d propose holding Town Board meetings in different locations throughout Yorktown, bringing local government closer to the people it serves.
Why should Yorktowners vote for you? Over the past four years, Yorktown has made real progress. I’ve worked to strengthen neighborhoods, support first responders, and champion small businesses. As a Westchester County deputy sheriff, I’m committed to public safety. I’ll continue improving infrastructure, revitalizing our hamlets, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. Our reserves are up, debt is down, and Yorktown’s future is strong. I respectfully ask for your vote in November.
Democrat Ilan Gilbert is seeking a seat on the Yorktown Town Board, bringing 43 years of public service experience to the race. He previously served as town supervisor, town judge, chair of the Conservation Board for more than 12 years, and an alternate on the Zoning Board. Gilbert also worked as a court attorney referee in Bronx Supreme Court for 35 years and currently serves as a commissioner for the New York State Bridge Authority and an administrative law judge for the Westchester County Health Department.
Why are you running for Yorktown Town Board? I was inspired since my youth by President John F. Kennedy’s call to civic duty: ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. That spirit of service—and my deep understanding of both law and governance—drives my commitment to Yorktown.
How do infrastructure, development, green space, and affordable housing intersect, and how would you maximize benefits while avoiding costs or overdevelopment? These issues are closely linked. Overdevelopment can strain infrastructure, displace green space, and increase traffic and other direct costs for residents. Increased development may require additional costs, unrelated to the town’s budget, but can add to school budgets and school taxes. We need smart development and that starts with a clear plan that connects new construction only to infrastructure capable of supporting it. Our aging water mains, sewage treatment and stormwater culverts must be addressed and not be outpaced by buildout. Smart development must also incorporate affordable housing into mixed-use projects so residents of varying incomes can live here. Additionally, affordable housing geared towards seniors who have paid their share of taxes over the years who will not put undue burden upon our schools. Smart development must preserve dedicated green spaces alongside new neighborhoods. We should use modern planning tools to create walkable communities.
What are your priorities for Yorktown Heights, Shrub Oak and the other hamlets? Without a contemporary master plan—last reviewed more than 15 years ago—it cannot meet modern business and residential needs. That master plan should incorporate affordable housing into mixed-use projects in all Yorktown’s hamlets. It should use modern planning tools to create walkable communities to limit traffic growth. Today, trips in town that used to take 10 minutes can exceed 30.
Solutions to traffic problems include: Traffic signal synchronization to improve flow, smart traffic monitoring systems to adjust signals in real time, expanding turn lanes and selective road widening where possible and encouraging mixed-use developments that reduce daily vehicle trips. Ironically, while most areas we need to focus on better traffic flow, other areas like up in Shrub Oak, Lake Osceola and the Route 6N corridor need speed-reduction measures for public safety.
Are moratoria on battery farms and solar farms the way to go? Moratoria should be temporary—and only used while establishing strong safety, environmental, and landowner-friendly regulations. But we need to preserve residential properties' character as well.
How does the overlay law work, and what changes, if any, do you think are needed? An overlay law is a planning tool that places flexibility over an existing zoning area. It allows for special rules or incentives for certain goals, such as environmental protection, historic preservation, or guiding development in specific ways. It should be modified to specifically allow for historical benefits, as well as commercial benefits because Yorktown is unique that way.
Are tax exemptions for developers a net positive or negative, and why? Tax exemptions can be beneficial if they attract projects that deliver substantial public improvements—such as affordable housing or infrastructure investment—but can be a net negative if they primarily improve private profit margins without community benefits.
Will Yorktown need to raise taxes again, and if so, would you support it? I have a track record from when I was supervisor. I had minimal tax increases and generated revenue to avoid tax increases and was able to build up a significant fund balance that served the Town and my successor well during COVID. I would only support a tax increase if other funding sources were exhausted and the project or service was critical for safety, infrastructure, or community well-being.
What can you do to draw more residents into the process at Town Board meetings? Reimagined meetings, accessible times, and more outreach in every hamlet will bring more voices to the process. I was the supervisor who pushed for expanded televised coverage of all board meetings.
Why should Yorktowners vote for you? Because my experience matters. Integrity and thoughtful leadership matter. My perspective is rooted in Yorktown’s best traditions—progress, preservation, and respect for all who live and work here. I am prepared, proven, and driven by genuine civic desire, not ambition.
Luciana Haughwout never planned to be in politics. The incumbent councilwoman running for reelection to the Yorktown Town Board said she started as a mom who wanted safer parks, better schools and a strong sense of community. Her professional background is rooted in helping people, and she is an active PTA leader focusing on community engagement, education, and local services. Haughwout has said she draws inspiration from her children and from parents who want their children to grow up proud of their community. She ran for office to address gaps in policy and community connection, aiming to bring a perspective grounded in care, fairness, and long-term thinking to town leadership.
Why are you running for Yorktown Town Board? I ran for office because I believe leadership starts at the kitchen table. It starts when you hear your kids say there’s nowhere safe to bike, or your neighbor say they can’t afford to stay in the town they grew up in. I didn’t want to just talk about those issues — I wanted to do something. Yorktown is full of good people who love this place, but we needed leadership that listens, modernizes with balance, and honors the charm and character that make this town special. I wanted to be part of that bridge — between the Yorktown we love and the Yorktown we’re becoming.
How do infrastructure, development, green space, and affordable housing intersect, and how would you maximize benefits while avoiding costs or overdevelopment? These issues are all threads in the same fabric. You can’t talk about development without talking about infrastructure, and you can’t talk about housing without talking about the character of our neighborhoods and the green spaces that give our town its soul. The key is thoughtful, data-driven growth — development that supports families, not just fills spaces. We have to balance the housing we need for seniors and young families with infrastructure that can sustain it: updated sewer systems, safe roads, and preserved open lands that keep our town beautiful and livable. To avoid the pitfalls of overdevelopment, we must ensure every project meets real community needs — not just the developer’s goals. That means strong zoning laws, community input, and financial accountability. Growth must serve Yorktown residents first.
Is the town’s zoning code up to date to handle modern needs? If not, how do you fix it? Our zoning code hasn’t fully caught up to the Yorktown of today. It was written for a different era, and we’ve inherited layers of amendments that don’t always align. We need a comprehensive review that makes our code clearer, more consistent, and more reflective of our shared values: sustainability, accessibility, and economic vitality. I believe in bringing residents, business owners, and environmental experts together to rewrite it in a way that protects what we love while preparing for the next generation.
How will the town pay to update aging infrastructure that is not part of any new developments? Not every fix can or should come from developers. For infrastructure outside new projects, we need a mix of funding — from grants, state and federal partnerships, and smart budgeting. During my time on the Board, we’ve already begun securing outside funds for water and road projects, and I want to keep expanding that. Yorktown should never rely solely on tax increases when there are creative, fair ways to bring money home from higher levels of government.
Are you concerned about traffic? How do you propose to address it? Yes, traffic is a real concern — especially near schools, downtown, and main arteries like Route 202 and 118. Growth without proper traffic planning is not progress. We need updated traffic studies tied directly to proposed developments, stricter enforcement of conditions of approval, and more investment in pedestrian-friendly designs. We can’t build a modern town with 1970s traffic patterns.
What are your priorities for Yorktown Heights, Shrub Oak and the other hamlets? Each hamlet has its own heartbeat. For Yorktown Heights, it’s about walkability, vibrant local business, and beautification — the kind of downtown where people want to stroll, shop, and gather.
For Shrub Oak, it’s strengthening small business while maintaining its historic character. For Jefferson Valley and Crompond, it’s smart commercial growth that complements residential neighborhoods. My dream is a Yorktown where each hamlet feels alive again — safe, inviting, and connected by shared pride.
Are moratoria on battery farms and solar farms the way to go? We must be both environmentally responsible and locally mindful. A blanket moratorium can sometimes be a pause to get things right, but it should never be a stop sign against progress.
Battery and solar energy, when properly planned and safely located, can help Yorktown conserve energy and reduce costs long-term. The key is ensuring residents benefit directly — through local energy credits, job creation, and reduced utility costs — rather than watching big companies profit while our landscape changes. Sustainability should never come at the expense of community trust.
How does the overlay law work, and what changes, if any, do you think are needed? The overlay law was created to allow flexibility in how certain parcels of land could be developed — for example, letting mixed-use housing or retail happen where traditional zoning might not allow it. In theory, it’s about revitalization. But in practice, it needs better guardrails. We must ensure overlay districts don’t become loopholes for overdevelopment. They should be used surgically — to bring life to struggling properties, not to change the face of entire neighborhoods. I support refining the law to include stronger community oversight, clearer environmental standards, and limits on density.
Are tax exemptions for developers a net positive or negative, and why? I believe tax incentives can be tools, but only when used wisely — and rarely. When a developer brings long-term community value (like public infrastructure, senior housing, or local job creation), a temporary incentive can make sense. But too often, these exemptions become giveaways that shift the burden to residents. For example, if a developer gets a break but the town has to pay for added infrastructure or traffic control, that’s not a partnership — that’s an imbalance. Yorktown deserves deals that benefit Yorktown.
Will Yorktown need to raise taxes again, and if so, would you support it? Raising taxes should always be the last resort. We can’t ignore inflation and cost increases, but we can make responsible, transparent choices. My focus has been on tightening spending, increasing grant funding, and improving efficiency — making every tax dollar work harder for residents. I believe in fiscal responsibility rooted in compassion. We can’t grow by burdening families who already give so much.
What can you do to draw more residents into the process at Town Board meetings? Government only works when people feel they belong in it. I want to see more young families, more seniors, more new residents at meetings — not just the same few voices. That means rethinking how we engage: livestreams with real-time questions, community roundtables in each hamlet, and small listening sessions at schools, senior centers, and local cafés. People participate when they feel seen and heard.
Why should Yorktowners vote for you? Because I love this town — deeply. I lead with heart, with humility, and with a commitment to every neighbor who wants Yorktown to thrive. I’ve shown up — for the parents at the ballfields, for the seniors who need safer crossings, for the small business owners who are fighting to stay open. I don’t see titles; I see people. Yorktown deserves leadership that listens, that plans thoughtfully, and that puts community before politics. I’m running not to build a résumé — but to keep building a town my children, and yours, can be proud to call home.
Democrat Michael Hickins, an author, communications executive and youth baseball coach, is running for a seat on the Yorktown Town Board. He was the founding editor of The Wall Street Journal’s CIO Journal and previously worked with the New York Public Interest Research Group on grassroots advocacy, including efforts supporting New York’s generic drug law. The son of Holocaust survivors, Hickins is the author of “The Silk Factory,” a prize-winning memoir, and several other books. He holds a BA in comparative literature and an MFA in fiction writing from Columbia University.
Why are you running for Yorktown Town Board? MH: I decided to run for office to show my 9-year-old son that if you don’t like how things are going, you find a group of like-minded people and try to change things. To show him how democracy works, hopefully to achieve the kind of change I’m hoping to accomplish, and to show him that change is possible.
How do infrastructure, development, green space and affordable housing intersect, and how would you maximize benefits while avoiding costs or overdevelopment? MH: Done properly, with the long-term needs of the community in mind, development leads to a bigger tax base, allowing the community to grow while providing new tax revenues to support needed infrastructure. The mistake is to make exceptions to zoning and other building regulations just to suit a particular set of developers whose plans may not coincide with Yorktown’s best interests. Creating overly dense developments in areas that were zoned for sparser density robs the town of its character—and erodes green spaces and natural habitats for the wildlife that we cherish.
Is the town’s zoning code up to date to handle modern needs? If not, how do you fix it? MH: The issue isn’t whether the zoning code is up to date, but rather whether it’s respected.
How will the town pay to update aging infrastructure that is not part of any new developments? MH: The town has a $24 million fund balance, and in percentage terms is far in excess of the norms for this county and state. Our auditor gave Yorktown a clean audit, which means the books are kept accurately—but also noted that a fund balance of 15 percent is more in line with usual practices, not the 65 percent we currently have.
Are you concerned about traffic? How do you propose to address it? MH: The surest way to reduce the traffic congestion plaguing our town is to make it more walkable and to provide other options, such as shuttle vans. As it stands, the Underhill Farms project is failing to provide the sidewalks and crosswalks that were initially promised, and which were part of the initial justification for creating the overlay district—to make Yorktown more walkable. These sorts of agreements need to be better negotiated so that requirements on developers are ironclad, and so that developers foot the entire bill for infrastructure improvements.
What are your priorities for Yorktown Heights, Shrub Oak and the other hamlets? MH: In addition to ensuring that these hamlets have proper sidewalks strategically located to encourage foot traffic, I would propose that on spring and summer Saturdays, we close certain streets, such as Commerce Street in Yorktown Heights, to encourage pedestrian traffic, while also giving local merchants and farm stand owners incentives to install pop-up stands and tables so that people have more reasons to walk around. This would reduce automobile congestion and greenhouse gas emissions while providing more opportunities for retailers and food sellers to expose their wares to the public.
Are moratoria on battery farms and solar farms the way to go? MH: We should begin by installing solar on the roofs of municipal buildings, installing efficient electric heat pumps and converting municipal fleets, including police vehicles, to electric cars. This would reduce energy costs while helping the environment.
How does the overlay law work, and what changes, if any, do you think are needed? MH: The overlay law is being used by the current board as a way of getting around zoning regulations by laying a different set of zoning rules over the existing zoning—for instance, by converting a parcel of land on Underhill Avenue into a higher-density mixed-use zone. The overlay law should be used sparingly, as a way of incentivizing development that truly benefits the residents of Yorktown, not just to suit the needs of a particular developer.
Are tax exemptions for developers a net positive or negative, and why? MH: Tax exemptions are unnecessary to attract development to Yorktown and reduce revenue to the town that has to be compensated for by our residents.
Will Yorktown need to raise taxes again, and if so, would you support it? MH: What I and my team will not do is lie to Yorktown residents about the state of our town’s finances, kicking the can down the road for future generations to deal with.
What can you do to draw more residents into the process at Town Board meetings? MH: The current situation is intolerable and anti-democratic. Board meetings should start earlier in the day to make attendance easier. The board should actively solicit input from individuals and civic groups such as volunteer associations and labor unions, on a rotating basis, so they can propose ways in which our town’s quality of life can be improved or problems solved. Also, we should limit the time available to council members to harangue residents after they speak at courtesy of the floor so that people aren’t discouraged from speaking their minds.
Why should Yorktowners vote for you? MH: I have never before run for public office—I’m one of us. I’ve been a small-business owner, I’ve been a journalist, I’ve lived abroad and I have experience working with a great variety of people. I’m not a career politician. I’m going to listen to Yorktown residents and represent those who don’t have the time or inclination to speak at board meetings but need their interests represented. I come to the board not as an expert in zoning or sewer issues but as someone who wants our children to enjoy the same quality of life as we did when my wife and I first moved here 11 years ago.
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