Rye Brook Together to Run Slate of Candidates
in 2004 Village Elections

RYE BROOK, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER December 2, 2003 - -

The Rye Brook Together, a newly formed citizens local action group, announced today that it will run a slate of candidates in next year’s March, 2004 Village election.

Heading the ticket as the Coalition’s group’s nominee for Rye Brook Mayor will be Lawrence A. Rand, a former Rye Brook Trustee. Trustee candidates will be Richard C. Buzin and Joan L. Feinstein, both former Presidents of the Blind Brook School Board of Education.

Rand, a Rye Brook resident for more than 30 years, was Chairman of the Village’s Ethics Board from its inception in 1993 until he stepped down, in 20002, to run successfully for Trustee.  He served as a member of the Village’s Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2003, when he chose not to seek re-election but, instead, took on the responsibility for chairing the Construction Committee for Rye Brook’s firehouse, now being built on King Street.

"As an active participant in Village government for more than 10 years, I demonstrated my firm belief in local government and volunteerism, a hallmark of Rye Brook since its founding.  However, it is also my view that our community wants and needs a government that is both active in terms of getting things done yet, at the same time is respectful of residents' rights.  I feel strongly that these two characteristics are not contradictory, and that we can effect positive change in Rye Brook if we work together, as a single community, to improve the quality of life," said Mr. Rand. 

Feinstein, a 22-year resident of Rye Brook, currently serves on the Rye Brook Zoning Board of Appeals. She was a member of the Blind Brook Board of Education from 1993 – 1999, serving as President for two years. She has also served on numerous committees within the Blind Brook Public Schools and was actively involved in the PTA, serving as Treasurer for two years.

"There is a need for our Village officials to work more collaboratively with all residents and to maintain an open dialogue with the various groups throughout our community," said Ms. Feinstein. "I am confident that many residents who have been dissatisfied with the status quo will be encouraged to become involved in the Village, serve on committees and become an integral part of the decision-making process."

Buzin has lived in the community for 16 years. He was a member of the Rye Hills Park Advisory Committee from 1989 – 1990 and served on the Rye Brook Recreation Committee from 1992 – 1997. He was a member of the Blind Brook Board of Education from 1997 – 2003, serving as President during the 2000 – 2001 school year.

"I would like to re-establish the kind of local government that the founders of our Village envisioned, a participatory process that will assure all residents that their concerns will be openly and fairly discussed," said Dr. Buzin.  "The Board of Education often has to make decisions that by nature are emotional and difficult. I would like to bring the same thoughtful, open-minded approach that drives those decisions to the Village board."

"I appreciate the support of Rye Brook Together and am especially delighted that Joan Feinstein and Rick Buzin will be my running mates in the 2004 election. Our team has the will and the experience to bring new energy and a fresh perspective to Village Hall" said Mr. Rand.  "Each of us has demonstrated our commitment to the well-being of our community and we have been active in virtually every aspect of Rye Brook’s social, economic and educational life. I believe that when the Rye Brook Together team is elected, we will bring great enthusiasm and energy to our Board of Trustees, and encourage other members of the community to participate in governmental activities."

Rye Brook Together is a non-political group of residents from all areas of our Village who believe in forward-thinking, fiscally responsible leadership that will build consensus and a sense of community across Rye Brook. All interested Rye Brook residents are invited to become members.

The Rye Brook Coalition is made up of residents from all sections of the village.community. It is a non-an apolitical group of citizens and socially-committed residents who seek to address mattersissues that are of concern to village residents.

Officers of the group are: Ken Berman, Chairman; George Varbero, Vice Chairman; Susan Glass, Secretary; and Tony Tempesta, Treasurer.

Rye Brook residents seeking more information about Rye Brook Together or wishing to join are encouraged to .visit the group’s website at www.ryebrooktogether.org, or e-mail the group at info@ryebrooktogether.org.

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