RyeCity REVIEW THE
October 21, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 43 | www.ryecityreview.com
Latimer, Killian debate centers on Albany reform By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
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Julia Carballo, 7, and Mia Escaleira, 7, proudly display their completed painting at Rye Recreation’s annual Halloween window painting event on Purchase Street in Rye. For coverage, see page 15. Photo/Bobby Begun
Park commission extends Seaside Johnnies agreement By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer After months of uncertainty about selecting an operator to oversee and manage Rye Town Park’s restaurant, snack and concession stands, the park’s commission elected to extend its current license agreement with
Seaside Johnnies for a one-year term just two months before the property would otherwise become vacant. But it remains unclear if the owners are agreeable to the short-term deal. During the latest Rye Town Park Commission meeting on Oct. 18, commission members also voted in favor of hiring a
restaurant consultant and republishing a new request for proposals, RFP, to operate the park’s restaurant, following mounting concern from residents who were displeased with the time period of the first RFP, which was released last summer, and felt that they were not thoroughly involved in the selection process.
“I am happy that both resolutions passed,” said Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican and member of the park commission. “I think extending the license agreement for one year and having a restaurant consultant gives us the most AGREEMENT continued on page 17
Two candidates for New York state Senate in Westchester’s 37th District continue to court undecided voters in a series of scheduled debates leading up to Election Day. At the Harrison Public Library on Monday, Oct. 17, in front of residents from across the county, incumbent state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat, squared off against challenger Julie Killian, a Republican councilwoman from Rye. While Latimer, now a twoterm senator, looked to champion his blue collar Westchester roots and breadth of experience—he has spent nearly 30 years in elected office—Killian, a first-time Senate candidate, looked to pivot her newcomer status as a harbinger of Albany reform; a major theme in her campaign so far. “I decided to run for state Senate the day [Sheldon] Silver was arrested,” said Killian, referring to the former Democratic New York state speaker of the Assembly. “Then, Senate leader Dean Skelos was arrested; one Democrat; one Republican…. We deserve better.” On policy, much of the differentiation between the candidates was made in the minutia, with both candidates agreeing on substance, but not means.
A question regarding either candidate’s willingness to raise the state gas tax in order to fund infrastructure projects elicited a resounding no from both sides. Each candidate, however, outlined different approaches. While Latimer, 62, said he would entertain supporting the maintenance to the state’s infrastructure through bond issuance, Killian pointed to the elimination of New York state’s Scaffold Law—which establishes contractors’ “absolute liability” for elevation-related injuries and contributes to costly insurance rates in addition to lawsuits—as a major point for reform. Additionally, a question regarding the Women’s Agenda introduced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, in 2013 which referenced a facet that would protect women’s right to choose saw similar sentiments, but differed on specifics. Killian, 54, explained to the audience that women deserve access DEBATE continued on page 5