Harrison REVIEW THE
October 20, 2023 | Vol. 10, Number 40 | www.harrisonreview.com
Harrison sees 3-way supervisor race
PLAYOFF TIME! Harrison squares off against Rye during a regular season game. The Huskies boys and girls soccer teams will kick off their postseason campaigns this weekend. For story, see page 16.
County board passes resolution supporting Israelis On Oct. 16, the Westchester Board of Legislators unanimously passed a resolution in support of the people of Israel. This resolution was drafted in response to the atrocities committed by the terrorist organization Hamas on Oct. 7, against the people of Israel. This unprecedented series of terrorist attacks was the single most horrific attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust and resulted in the massacre of over 1,400 Israelis and abduction of over 200 hostages, plus the death and abduction of over a hundred foreign nationals including Americans. Chairman Vedat Gashi said, ‘For the families lost, families torn apart, and families still to be rescued in
Gaza we condemn the terrorist organization Hamas and support the right for Israel to defend itself… we pray for a swift resolution with as few casualties as possible.’ Vice Chairwoman Nancy Barr said, ‘The invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists and the constant barrage of rocket fire against Israel cannot be tolerated. Many residents of Westchester, including many in my District, have been deeply and personally affected by these attacks. I stand firmly with Israel and the Jewish people as they defend themselves against this existential threat. As an American Jew, I particularly appreciate my non-Jewish colleagues who stand with me in solidarity at this difficult time. And I pray for the safe return
of the hostages and the healing of all who are suffering from this ongoing trauma. Legislator Erika Pierce said, ‘Hamas’ actions were so awful, so traumatizing that the word horrifying does not suffice. As a Jewish person I am in deep mourning. I mourn those lost. I mourn those traumatized. I mourn, as well, the civilians in Gaza who are paying the price for Hamas’ actions. We must bring home the hostages and find our way back towards peace.’ This resolution follows a press statement issued by the Westchester Board of Legislators on October 10th declaring its unequivocal support and solidarity with Israel and condemning the actions of the terrorist group Hamas.
Ron Belmont
The town/village of Harrison mayor-supervisor’s seat is heating up quickly as November is around the corner. This year’s election is an interesting one with a three-legged race for the position. Those candidates in the running are current Republican Harrison Mayor-Supervisor Rich Dionisio, Democrat candidate Mark Jaffe and former Harrison Mayor-Supervisor Ron Belmont, who’s running as a write-in candidate. Belmont’s campaign for election is an interesting story. As some have noted, Belmont will be a write-in candidate as the time period for endorsements has passed. Belmont served as mayor and supervisor from 2011-2020 and spent 37 years at Harrison’s Recreation Department as its Superintendent. Belmont mentioned the recreation department as one the best in New York state, providing the number of parks in Harrison and the acquisition of Harrison Meadows (formerly Willow Ridge Golf Course). Belmont said that a lot of people had come to him asking for him to run again. One of Belmont’s goals, if elected, is to bring back honesty and integrity to the town, widening the tax base to put less burden on the residents and senior housing. Jaffe is another candidate running for mayor-supervisor. Similar to Belmont, a lot of people came to Jaffe to encourage him to run. Jaffe started as executive director and is now currently the CEO of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce. Jaffe’s goals for Harrison is to have open doors with taxpayers, no secret excretive meetings, cut overspending and overdevelopment. Making sure that everyone in Harrison has a voice and increase voices in the town meetings.
Rich Dionisio
Mark Jaffe
Regardless of party affiliation, gender, economic status, Jaffe is there to serve the people full time. Jaffe believes strongly in public service and wants to make Harrison a better place. The theme for Jaffe’s campaign and goals overall is transparency to its residents and honest bipartisan leadership for Harrison. Dionisio is the current mayor up for reelection. Dionisio grew up in Harrison, he and his family went through the Harrison school system. He said he’s well invested into the town. He worked in Manhattan for 15 years and opened up a electrical contracting business. He took over Harrison Meadows, construction projects and helped veterans with tax cuts. He mentioned receiving a grant for sidewalks for Union Avenue, going from Nelson to Mamaroneck avenues, making the goal safer to walk. He introduced legislation for term limits, to help increase new voices and new ideas. If reelected, he wants to get recreation in pattern of progressing as quickly as possible, but holding down the tax cap. Goals are to continue investing in the Harrison Recreation Center, where it saves the taxpayer dollars and have the building built and be environmental friendly as well.