Position for which you are a candidate: Sleepy Hollow Village President

I’m running for Sleepy Hollow Village President because I believe in fostering open, transparent communication and restoring trust within our community. Too often, residents have felt left in the dark, fueling misinformation and hindering constructive dialogue. I aim to change that.
My priority is accessibility. I’ll hold weekly office hours, ensuring everyone has a chance to voice concerns, whether they’re uncomfortable in public meetings or simply prefer a one-on-one conversation. I’ll also push for pre-meeting access to board agendas, empowering residents to be informed participants at Board meetings. Furthermore, I will strive for a reliable, factual social media presence to combat rumors and provide accurate information. While adhering to the Open Meetings Act and our Sleepy Hollow Code of Conduct, I’ll champion transparency. I want to bridge the gap between residents and their government, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Sleepy Hollow is my home. I grew up here, my roots run deep, and I’m invested in its future. I understand the unique character of our village, and I’m committed to guiding us through this new era with integrity and a dedication to serving every resident. My goal is simple: to ensure Sleepy Hollow remains a place where everyone feels heard, informed, and valued.

What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

Sleepy Hollow is more than just where I live; it’s where I grew up. My roots are here, from childhood bike rides to delivering the local paper. Though I explored diverse places and careers, from Chicago to Alaska, and from getting my law degree to my various restaurant work, my heart always remained in Sleepy Hollow.
This village shaped me. I learned the value of community here, and I’ve carried that lesson through every chapter of my life. My experiences, whether in legal settings or serving in restaurants, taught me the importance of listening, mediating, and finding common ground.
Returning home after my father’s passing reinforced my commitment to this community. Living through challenging times with my family deepened my understanding of resilience and the importance of supporting one another.
I’m running for Village President because I believe in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. I’m a mediator by nature, dedicated to ensuring every voice is heard and understood. I’m confident, yet open to learning, and I’m prepared to stand up for what’s right.
As Sleepy Hollow enters a new era, I aim to guide us with integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to serving every resident. I want to ensure that everyone feels informed, included, and proud to call Sleepy Hollow home.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

Infrastructure, Community Engagement, and Sustainable Solutions.
1. I will address our aging infrastructure. While water main replacements and road repairs are costly, they are essential. I pledge to pursue grants and alternative funding to minimize the financial burden on residents. We must also proactively address our sewage capacity limitations, ensuring future development aligns with our infrastructure. Additionally, I support community volunteerism to mitigate smaller projects, like repainting fire hydrants, park & road clean ups and resident green-scaping of cul-de-sacs.
2. I aim to revitalize our community spirit. I will foster open communication, encourage resident involvement, and support community events like DTPD music & movie nights. I also envision a Sleepy Hollow Market, showcasing local artisans. Finally, I will promote civic education for both residents and the board, ensuring everyone understands municipal procedures.
3. I will prioritize securing our village’s financial stability. Building on our Finance Director’s progress, I will ensure responsible spending and establish a financial safety net for future needs.
4. I propose a native rain garden initiative to combat watershed pollution and flooding. By cultivating deep-rooted native plants in our community garden, we can provide free seed packets for residents to plant in swales. This cost-effective approach will enhance natural beauty, attract pollinators, and reduce standing water, easing pressure on our infrastructure & adding to the natural beauty of Sleepy Hollow.

I will participate in the candidate meet & greet: