Guest Editorial: Campaign statement from the Voice of Croton candidates.

"...we are committed to encouraging a climate where divergent views are welcomed and valued. While every voice might not align, each voice will be heard, and we will do our best to amplify it."

by Gary Eisinger and Nigel Ravelo

Editor’s Note: Last week we invited all four candidates for the two open Board of Trustees seats—Len Simon and Maria Slippen for the Croton Democrats, and Gary Eisinger and Nigel Ravelo for Voice of Croton—to provide final campaign statements to the Chronicle. All have agreed. We are publishing them as we receive them.

First and foremost, thank you to the many residents who have provided us with incredible support these past few months, helping with our campaign, keeping us motivated and focused on serving you.   From the start, Voice of Croton has sought to provide transparent leadership that encourages and embraces community involvement.  We entered this election out of concern that current leadership was indifferent to opinions that diverged from their own while we consider consensus the heart of village governance. 

As trustees, we pledge to:

• Actively engage with advisory boards: Our advisory boards consist of talented, dedicated members with expertise and insight crucial to our community's success. We aim to collaborate closely with these boards and ensure that their recommendations are thoroughly considered and integrated into every decision.

• Take a data-driven, systemic approach: We commit to a holistic approach in evaluating how simultaneous projects will interact with each other, while assessing their short and long-term impacts on infrastructure, traffic, environmental health, and social resources. 

• Preserve Croton’s unique character: We will incorporate our village identity into the planning of new projects that preserve the charm and magic of Croton.

• Enhance essential services, like cellular connectivity: We will investigate solutions to improve essential cellular service in the most sensible and appealing way possible to balance the need for modern connectivity with a commitment to Croton’s landscape.

• Foster a climate of inclusivity: We know that consensus does not mean unanimous agreement. However, we are committed to encouraging a climate where divergent views are welcomed and valued. While every voice might not align, each voice will be heard, and we will do our best to amplify it.  

• Promote transparency on village agenda topics: By sharing upcoming agenda topics well in advance, we empower residents to better engage with the issues that matter.  We encourage the community to provide input as policies and projects take shape, not merely in the two days before a public hearing, creating better resident-informed decision making.  

• Commit to humility and a willingness to evolve:  We pledge never to become complacent in our positions so the torch of leadership can pass from passionate resident to passionate resident as the positions of village trustee and mayor were designed.

We thank you again for your trust, support, and belief in our vision for Croton.

Sincerely,

Nigel Ravelo & Gary Eisinger

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