Bulletin December 2021 In this issue: Message from the President Voter Service Information General Election Information CNC Election Information Upcoming Events Recent Events Other Announcements

Message from the President

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family. The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale has had a very busy fall. On November 5, we hosted our annual Food for Thought Luncheon in person, where we had the opportunity to hear Professor Tom Wolf, Senior Counsel and Spitzer Fellow with the Brennan Center’s Democracy Program, share his insights on the 2020 Census and how it may affect political representation. We also worked collaboratively with the Social Studies department of Scarsdale Middle School on a Mock Election on the day before Election Day. Students were able to experience a realistic simulation of the voting process and hopefully develop an interest in voting and civic engagement. On the local level, in December and January, the League moves into Consensus Season. Our Village Election Portfolio chair is busy preparing for the Village Election Information Session and Consensus meeting on Monday, December 6. Please join us to learn about our local political process and to ask questions. Procedure Committee Chair Becky Bach will be attending the Information Session to present detailed information regarding the CNC Election. We have also added a new Information and Consensus meeting on Sunday, December 12 on the Proposed Amendments to the SBNC Resolution. Resolution Vice Chair Sarah Bell will join us to discuss the proposed amendments and to answer questions. Please join us via Zoom for these important Information and Consensus meetings. On the state level, the League was disappointed that voters rejected Proposal 3 (to eliminate the 10-day voter registration deadline) and Proposal 4 (to authorize no-excuse absentee voting) in November’s General Election. The League’s effort to expand citizens' access to voting will not be deterred. This year, the League will continue to advocate for ballot access reforms to reduce the deadline to request an absentee ballot, mandate pre-paid postage for absentee ballots, and allow for absentee ballot drop boxes, among other initiatives.  I encourage all League members to stand up, speak up, and stay informed. Thank you for your continued support of the LWVS. Upcoming Events: Monday, December 6: Village Election Information Session and Consensus Meeting, 1:00 p.m. via Zoom.  *Information Session is open to the public. Sunday, December 12: Proposed Amendments to the SBNC Resolution, Information and Consensus Meeting, 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. *Information Session is open to the public.  Friday, January 21: School Election System Information Session and Consensus Meeting, 10:00 a.m via Zoom.  *Information Session is open to the public. Join the League today and help us continue our important work! All the best, Alissa Baum

Voter Service Information

Mark Your Calendars!

School Board Nominating Committee Election Tuesday, January 11, 2022  7 - 10 a.m. and 2 - 9 p.m.  Scarsdale Middle School Auditorium Lobby

November 2 General Election Results On November 2, 2021, Scarsdale residents voted, not only on county electoral offices, but also on five New York State proposals to amend the New York State Constitution and one Westchester County proposal to amend local law. The County proposal to enact a new code of ethics was approved by voters. Following are the election results for the five State proposals.   Proposal 1: Amending the Apportionment and Redistricting Process - Rejected Proposal 2: Right to Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthful Environment - Approved Proposal 3: Eliminating Ten-Day-Advance Voter Registration Requirement - Rejected Proposal 4: Authorizing No-Excuse Absentee Ballot Voting - Rejected Proposal 5: Increasing the Jurisdiction of the New York City Civil Court - Approved   For a detailed analysis of these proposals, see The New York State League’s 2021 Voters Guide Part II. The State League also took positions on each of the five ballot proposals. The Scarsdale League shares the State League’s disappointment in the election results for Propositions 3 and 4, which would have expanded voting access.   The Scarsdale League thanks all of our sister Leagues around the State for coordinating efforts to produce this year’s Vote411 Guide, which went live and was distributed in print in October.   As always, the League thanks all those who participated in the electoral process this year and all those who exercised their very powerful right to vote!

Redistricting The New York State Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) began its public outreach this summer, which consisted of constitutionally mandated public hearings around the state. Various individuals and groups provided testimony regarding their respective communities of interest. Redistricting maps were then released to the public on September 15, and the IRC invited the public to comment on those maps via testimony at a second round of public hearings around the state.  The IRC hosted a public hearing in White Plains on November 8. Many people testified, both personally and in their professional capacities as town officials or community leaders. Both Scarsdale League President Alissa Baum and Westchester County League President Kathy Meany testified. In her testimony, Baum alerted the IRC that, in one of the proposed maps for the NY State Assembly, Scarsdale would be divided into two different districts, effectively cutting off portions of some elementary schools from the rest of Scarsdale. This is a serious error that the League hopes the IRC simply overlooked and will promptly correct.  The IRC must submit final maps to the New York State legislature by January 1, 2022, with one more opportunity for revision in February if initial maps are rejected by the legislature. For details about the IRC, visit the IRC Website.

Upcoming Events

December 12/6, Monday: 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting 10:00 a.m. Information Session and Consensus Meeting (Village Election), Zoom 12/12, Sunday: 8:00 p.m. Information Session and Consensus Meeting (Proposed Amendments to the SBNC Resolution), Zoom January 1/10, Monday: 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting 1/11, Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. SBNC Election, Scarsdale Middle School. Snow date: Wednesday, 1/12. 1/21, Friday: 10:00 a.m. Information Session and Consensus Meeting (School Election), Zoom 1/29, Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Winter Fundraiser (tentative) February 2/7, Monday: 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting

See the full LWVS Calendar here

LWVS Information Session and Consensus Meeting on the Village Election System Monday, December 6 10:00 a.m. via Zoom Please join the LWVS on Monday, December 6 at 10:00 a.m. for a general membership information session with Becky Bach regarding this year's Citizens Nominating Committee (CNC) election. All members of the public are welcome to attend the information session. Follow this link to the Information Session Agenda with Procedure Committee Written Responses. For purposes of the Zoom presentation and discussion, attendees are encouraged to review these materials in advance. The Procedure Committee is the body that solicits candidates for the CNC, proposes amendments to the Resolution, and runs the CNC election and referendum on the amendments, if any. The CNC is the body that vets applicants and nominates the proposed slate for the Village Board of Trustees, including Mayor. The Non-Partisan Resolution is the document that governs the Village's non-partisan election system. A consensus discussion will immediately follow the information session for purposes of making recommendations to the Procedure Committee. Only League members may be present for the consensus discussion.  For more information, please contact Diane Baylor, LWVS Village Election System Chair, at [email protected].

School Board Nominating Committee LWVS Information Session and Consensus Meeting on the Proposed Amendments to the SBNC Resolution Sunday, December 12 8:00 p.m. via Zoom The LWVS will hold a general membership information session regarding the proposed amendments to the School Board Nominating Committee (SBNC) Resolution. Sarah Bell, Resolution Vice Chair, will be present to answer questions. All members of the public are welcome to attend. The School Board Nominating Committee Resolution is the document that governs the School District's non-partisan election system. The SBNC Administrative Committee is the body that reviews and proposes amendments to the SBNC Resolution, solicits candidates for SBNC, and runs the SBNC election and referendum on the amendments, if any. The SBNC is the body that vets applicants and nominates the proposed slate for the Scarsdale Board of Education. A consensus discussion will immediately follow the information session for purposes of making recommendations to the Administrative Committee. Only League members may be present for the consensus discussion. The SBNC Election will take place at the Scarsdale Middle School Auditorium Lobby on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 7 - 10 a.m. and 2 - 9 p.m. For more information, please contact Jyoti Ruta, LWVS School Election System Chair, at [email protected].

School Board Nominating Committee Election Tuesday, January 11, 2022  7 - 10 a.m. and 2 - 9 p.m.  Scarsdale Middle School Auditorium Lobby  The election of School Board Nominating Committee (SBNC) members and the vote on SBNC Resolution amendments will take place on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Residents may vote in person in the auditorium lobby at the Scarsdale Middle School from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., or by mail-in ballot received by 4:00 p.m. on election day.   In the event of a snow day or run-off election, the election will be held during the same hours and in the same location on the earlier of (i) Wednesday, January 12, or (ii) the next day school is in session. See the Scarsdale SBNC website for more information.

LWVS Information Session and Consensus Meeting on the School Election System Friday, January 21, 2022  10:00 a.m. via Zoom The LWVS will hold a general membership information session regarding this year's School Board Nominating Committing (SBNC) election. Laura Liu and Laura Gelblum, SBNC Election Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, will be present to answer questions. All members of the public are welcome to attend. The SBNC Administrative Committee is the committee that solicits candidates for the School Board Nominating Committee and runs the SBNC election. Once SBNC members are elected in a given year, the SBNC nominates its proposed slate for the Scarsdale Board of Education.  A consensus discussion will immediately follow the information session for purposes of making recommendations to the Administrative Committee. Only League members may be present for the consensus discussion. For more information, please contact Jyoti Ruta, LWVS School Election System Chair, at [email protected].

Students Inside Albany Application Deadline: Friday, February 4 For the eleventh consecutive year, the LWVS will select two high school students to send to the annual Students Inside Albany conference held on May 22-25, 2022 in Albany, New York. Any Sophomore, Junior, or Senior student who attends Scarsdale High School or resides in the school district is eligible to apply.  Students Inside Albany is a four-day conference designed to increase students’ awareness of their responsibility in a representative government and provide the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility. This interactive conference will bring together high school students from across the state to learn about New York State government and the process by which citizens can participate in the policymaking arena. As part of this program, students will also tour the Capitol and observe both the Senate and Assembly in action by spending an afternoon shadowing their legislators. The cost of the conference, including hotel and meals, will be co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters New York State Education Foundation, Inc. and our Scarsdale League.  Applications will be available by December 15th on the Scarsdale LWVS website. Completed applications are due Friday, February 4. For more information, see Youth Programs under the League of Women Voters of New York State website, or contact Cindy S. Yau at [email protected].

Recent Events

Fall Food for Thought On Friday, November 5, LWVS was honored to have Professor Tom Wolf, Senior Counsel and Spitzer Fellow with the Brennan Center's Democracy Program and leader of the Center's census project, speak at the annual LWVS Food for Thought Luncheon. Wolf shared an overview of the 2020 Census results and their implications in a talk titled, "How the 2020 Census and Redistricting Will Shape Political Representation." Wolf noted that despite political concerns and the onset of the pandemic, the ultimate 2020 census count was relatively normal and consistent with census estimates. However, he observed that racial and ethnic undercounts still occurred which will cost those communities funding and political representation. Wolf concluded his discussion with an explanation of the redistricting process and the hope that the new, independent redistricting commissions as well as reforms in Congress (if passed) can prevent partisan and racial gerrymandering. Despite the chilly weather, the League and community members who attended were deeply engrossed in his thought-provoking presentation.

Another Successful Fall for Youth Outreach at Scarsdale Middle School Masked & vaxxed, this November, League members spent some time at Scarsdale Middle School supporting the Social Studies Department in several ways. The online Civics Trivia game designed by the League was played in almost every 8th grade social studies classroom. And volunteers were back in the Great Hall (with a sticker and a “patriotic” mint to keep it fun) to help oversee the Mock Election, making it as realistic as possible and instilling the importance of voting in every election. The ultimate goal of the Youth Outreach Program being the creation of a generation of civically engaged & informed voters.

The famous and coveted mints given away at the Mock Election

During this fall’s Mock Election, turnout was spectacular with very few issues, though poll lines were long at times. Almost 1100 votes were cast. Students voted on the exact ballot that a person residing at the middle school address would see at their polling location. The voting results supported all of the ballot proposals; including the 3 proposals voted down in the actual election that would have amended the redistricting process, eliminated the 10-day voter registration requirement, and authorized no-excuse absentee voting.  The League greatly appreciates the support of its volunteer members as well as the SMS administration, teachers, and staff in making these events successful. If you are interested in volunteering for future Youth Outreach Programs, please email [email protected].

Other Announcements

2022 County Budget Update Westchester County Budget Director, Larry Soule, presented the 2022 Westchester County Operating Budget Proposal to League members and the public on November 17, 2021. After the presentation, Mr. Soule addressed all questions posed by the audience. At the completion of that segment, a League member consensus meeting was held to review the content presented, recognize accomplishments, share concerns, and offer recommendations to include in a League statement to be shared publicly prior to legislative adoption. This meeting was hosted by the County Government Committee of the League of Women Voters of Westchester. The consensus statement will be presented at the Westchester hearing later this month.

View Proposed County Budget Meeting

Membership Announcements

LWVS Nominating Committee   The 2021-22 LWVS Nominating Committee is calling for nominations to fill League Board Officer and Director positions for the 2022-23 year, as well as off-board member positions on the 2022-23 Nominating Committee.   The following is a list of our 2021-22 Nominating Committee members, all of whom are able to receive nominations for discussion and consideration: Janice Starr* (Chair) Heedan Chung Kerry Hayes* Dalya Khan* Elissa Ruback If you would like to nominate yourself or someone you know to be considered for the 2022-23 League Board or Nominating Committee, kindly contact 2021-22 Nominating Committee Chair Janice Starr at [email protected].   *Off-Board members were approved at our annual meeting in May, 2021.

Membership Renewal Reminder 2021 is the Centennial Anniversary of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale! The League thrives with your support -- join the League today!   If you have any questions, please contact LWVS Membership Co-chairs, Heedan Chung and Lauren Tetenbaum Dorman, at [email protected].

Join the LWVS!

Stay Connected! The LWVS Bulletin is published monthly. To ensure that you receive our news directly, please provide your preferred email and physical mailing address when you renew your membership or join for the first time. Bulletins will be sent via eblast and posted on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed. Contact us at [email protected] with any questions about your membership status or to change/update your contact information.

Thank You The Scarsdale League moves forward through the energy and dedication of our volunteers. I would like to extend thanks to the League volunteers for all of their hard work this fall. Thanks to Elissa Ruback for organizing Civics Jeopardy and the Mock Election at Scarsdale Middle School. Thanks to Diane Baylor for her meticulous preparation for the Village Election System Information and Consensus meeting on December 6. Thanks to Jyoti Ruta for her diligent work of analyzing the proposed amendments to the SBNC resolution and for planning the Information and Consensus Meeting on December 12. Thanks to Suzie Hahn for her work chairing the School Budget Portfolio. Thanks to Lauren Hertzog Fields, Beatrice Sevcik, and Jessica Zellner for all of their work on Voter Service. Thanks to Joan Bowen for her amazing work publicizing our fall events on social media. Thanks to Heedan Chung, Erika Rublin, and Lauren Tetenbaum Dorman for organizing our fall membership renewal and new member outreach. Thanks to our statistician, Jenny Tabak, for her accuracy in keeping track of our membership. Thanks to Dana Matsushita for her precise and detailed work editing the LWVS Bulletin as well as managing our numerous eblast communications. Thanks to Anne Lyons for masterfully coordinating the details of our Food for Thought Luncheon and to Erika Rublin for keeping track of the luncheon financials. Thanks to Diane Baylor for her analytical skill in interpreting the NY Independent Redistricting Committee’s first drafts of legislative maps. Thanks to Cindy Yau and Sara Pinto for their dedicated work as Programming Chairs. Thanks to Lauren Tetenbaum Dorman and Cindy Yau for organizing the early stages of Students Inside Albany. Thanks to Renée Baylor, Debbie Miller, and Kitt Rosenthal for being exceptional Board members and for all of their advice throughout the fall. Thanks to Diane Baylor, May Cowan, Beth Cukier, Leah Dembitzer, Dana Matsushita, Yingying Na, Jeannie Rosenthal, Shirley She, Rachana Singh, Sharon Stern, Chyi Sun, Sunny Wang, Maggie Yu, Amber Yusuf, and Jennifer Zola for manning the polls at our Mock Election at SMS.   Thanks to Janice Starr for chairing our Nominating Committee and for all of the committee members: Heedan Chung, Kerry Hayes, Dalya Khan, and Elissa Ruback. Thanks to Tom Wolf for his engaging, inspiring, and thought-provoking talk at our luncheon. Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, and safe holiday season. All my best, Alissa Baum

They Represent You

Village of Scarsdale As of November 30, 2021

Board of Trustees Jane Veron, Mayor   Term ends April 2023 Justin Arest, Deputy Mayor   2nd term ends April 2022 Sameer Ahuja 1st term ends April 2023 Karen Brew 1st term ends April 2023 Lena Crandall   2nd term ends April 2022 Jonathan Lewis   2nd term ends April 2023 Randall Whitestone 1st term ends April 2022

Board of Education Karen Ceske, President   1st term ends June 2022 Amber Yusuf, Vice President   1st term ends June 2023 Jim Dugan 1st term ends June 2024 Carl Finger   1st term ends June 2022 Robert Klein   1st term ends June 2023 Jessica Resnick-Ault 1st term ends June 2024 Ronald Schulhof   1st term ends June 2022

League of Women Voters of Scarsdale 2021-22 Officers President: Alissa Baum [email protected] First Vice President: Elissa Ruback Second Vice President: Anne Lyons Recording Secretary: Diane Baylor [email protected] Corresponding Secretary: Dana Matsushita [email protected] Treasurer: Erika Rublin [email protected]

2021-2022 Elected Board Members Joan Bowen Heedan Chung Lauren Tetenbaum Dorman Lauren Hertzog Fields Suzie Hahn Debbie Miller Jyoti Ruta Beatrice Sevcik Jessica Zellner

Appointed Board Members Renée Baylor Sara Pinto Kitt Rosenthal Jenny Simon Tabak Cindy Yau

Committee Chairs

Advocacy: Alissa Baum [email protected] Audit: Amber Yusuf and Susan Lee Foley [email protected] Book Group: Jessica Zellner Budget: Nancy Michaels (Off-Board) [email protected] Bulletin Editor: Dana Matsushita [email protected] Development/Finance Drive: Anne Lyons Eblast/Publicity: Dana Matsushita [email protected]  Environment/Sustainability: TBD Hospitality: Kitt Rosenthal Luncheons: Anne Lyons LWVW Liaison: Renée Baylor Membership: Heedan Chung and Lauren Tetenbaum Dorman [email protected] Membership Statistician: Jenny Simon Tabak [email protected] Nominating Chair: Janice Starr (Off-Board) [email protected]

Program/Education: Sara Pinto and Cindy Yau School Budget: Suzie Hahn [email protected] School Election: Jyoti Ruta [email protected] Social Media: Joan Bowen [email protected] Voter Service: Lauren Hertzog Fields, Beatrice Sevcik, and Jessica Zellner [email protected] Students Inside Albany: Lauren Tetenbaum Dorman and Cindy Yau [email protected] Village Budget: Tracy Tang [email protected] Village Election: Diane Baylor [email protected] Website: Diane Baylor [email protected] Youth Engagement: Elissa Ruback [email protected]

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The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale (LWVS) is a volunteer nonpartisan political organization which promotes political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League is nonpartisan in that it does not support or oppose any candidate for public office; it is political in that it takes positions on selected governmental issues after serious member study and consensus.