Letters of Support
Friday, October 24, 2025 - Medium
Why a Vote for Burgos in Irvington Matters
Irvington has a proud history of civic engagement, with dedicated candidates from across the political spectrum stepping up to serve. Many are good people, our neighbors, who genuinely want to make our village better. In a healthy political climate, we should be open to any good candidate. And we should avoid demonizing opponents and instead focus on their ideas for our community.
But these are not normal times. We are living in an era where people feel threatened for expressing their political beliefs. We have neighbors, born in other countries, who are terrified when a police car parks on their street, fearing it could lead to deportation. We see a national government that dismisses science, ignores the existential threat of climate change, and cancels grants designed to mitigate the very flooding that endangers our homes and lives.
Some may argue that national politics don’t affect Irvington, that these are distant issues. This is simply not true. These fears and challenges are present right here, right now. When our federal checks and balances seem to be failing and our courts and Congress don’t step up to protect fundamental values, where can we turn?
The answer lies where our democracy’s strength has always been: at the local level. From the town halls of the Revolutionary War to our village meetings today, local government is the bedrock of American democracy. A distant king could not control those early meeting halls, and the forces threatening our values today cannot control us — as long as we stand together.
This election presents a clear choice. Bob Grados is a nice man who truly cares about Irvington. But in these challenging times, we need more than good intentions. We need a leader with a proven record of standing up for our community’s values, someone who doesn’t change their party affiliation every few years. Someone who has a clear platform with a track record of real progress. We need a leader we can count on.
That leader is Arlene Burgos. Arlene has a long and consistent history of standing up for her beliefs. I am confident she will ensure our local police do not collaborate with ICE. I know she will continue to fight for climate funding, just as she has already worked to secure millions of dollars in state funding for the flood mitigation that is a matter of survival for our village (after the federal government canceled those FEMA grants in early January). She is a steadfast defender of free speech who will never back down when our principles are on the line.
Supporting Arlene is not a choice between national resistance and local progress. It is a commitment to both. By electing her, we can send a powerful message that our community will be a firewall protecting our values. And at the same time, we will be electing a mayor with a real, tangible history of getting things done for Irvington. We will continue to open our parks to dogs and build a dog run, secure swimming access for residents, celebrate our LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities without fear, reform the permitting process, fix the firehouse, and make our roads and sidewalks safer.
We can, and we must, do both. Arlene Burgos has the track record and the unwavering commitment to lead us. In these difficult times, she is the only choice for mayor.
Kent Kleiman
Village of Irvington Trustee
Friday, October 24, 2025 - Rivertowns Dispatch
Burgos will preserve village's strengths, and address its needs, as mayor of Irvington
To the Editor:
Irvington is a village with a rich history and tradition of looking forward. As new families move here, they bring fresh energy, diverse perspectives, and a desire to make our community stronger. That's why we need leaders who have the judgment to preserve what is best about Irvington while moving it forward in a fiscally responsible way.
Arlene Burgos, the Democratic candidate for mayor, has a deep understanding of Irvington's strengths and needs. She has led efforts to protect the Irvington Woods by enacting policies to manage the deer population and secure grants for reforestation, including recently winning one worth $400,000.
In addition, Arlene has successfully taken action to use grant funding to pay for critical infrastructure projects while strengthening our commercial tax base. Three years ago, Arlene advocated for hiring a part-time sustainability coordinator to boost the Village's capacity to seek sustainability-related grants - a hire that has paid for itself many times over as a result of the millions of dollars in grants for climate-resilient infrastructure obtained. Arlene has also worked tirelessly to organize fun community events with local businesses, including the Bulldog Gallery, to support Irvington's businesses and strengthen our tax base.
Arlene has also led the way in addressing residents' concerns about the building department and approvals needed for home renovations. She was instrumental in creating a resident-led committee whose mission is to work with an expert from the Pace University Land Use Law Center to examine our approval processes, compare them with other municipalities and propose recommendations to streamline them. That committee is poised to share its recommendations with the village board in the coming weeks.
In short, if elected mayor, Arlene will preserve what is best about Irvington while making the changes needed to secure a vibrant future for our community.
Natalie and Erik Schreter
Irvington
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - River Journal
Letter to the Editor: Need for Upgrades for Irvington’s Future
To the Editor:
Planning for the future of the Irvington Fire Department (IFD) is not about politics—it’s about safety. Our firehouse is at the heart of our village’s emergency response, and our firefighters are dedicated community volunteers who stand ready to put themselves in harm’s way to protect us. Ensuring that our firehouse meets their needs, and those of all Irvington residents, is a matter of great responsibility.
That’s why Deputy Mayor Arlene Burgos and I strongly advocated for and obtained capital budget funding this year to address long-overdue improvements to our firehouse. The Board of Trustees’ $400,000+ allotment for these upgrades—including a proper decontamination area and relocating the building’s air compressor away from truck exhaust fumes—is not cosmetic. These changes are essential measures to safeguard our firefighters’ health and safety as they continue to protect us all. We are proud that we approved this funding to help keep them safe while staying within the tax cap.
Our work does not end there. We recognize that future upgrades are essential. We have closely studied past initiatives related to the firehouse and other village facilities, including the 2018 Comprehensive Plan and the 2023 Bond Proposal. The rejection of the 2023 Bond Proposal by 84% of voters highlights the importance of addressing the IFD’s needs while creating a process that engages firefighters and all Irvington residents. Shortly after the defeat of the bond proposal, Arlene played a key role in forming the Facilities Planning Committee (FPC), a resident-led committee co-chaired by a licensed architect and professional planner who live in the village.
The FPC has worked diligently to assess village facility needs, analyze reports, gather data, tour existing sites, and engage with key stakeholders. Outreach has included 16 project management meetings, five Steering Committee meetings, four public engagement events and surveys, three rounds of stakeholder engagement (including Department leads), and two presentations at Board of Trustees meetings (with interim updates from the Steering Committee). This extensive community engagement and collaboration exemplifies how good government should work: thoughtfully and transparently while valuing the experience and expertise of our firefighters.
Recently, the FPC concluded that additional professional expertise is required for a thorough analysis of the village’s physical facilities and financial needs, as evaluating optimal facilities locations and funding strategies exceeds the capacity of this volunteer committee. We are pleased to share that the Board of Trustees conducted a rigorous selection process and hired a professional consulting firm to help move the process forward. An essential aspect of the selection process was expertise in community and stakeholder engagement. Each phase of this process includes multiple opportunities for input — not just on the final recommendations. No decisions have been made, and we plan to respect this robust process without predetermining its outcome.
Ultimately, the goal of this process is to engage the community and build majority support for the responsible planning of our village facilities, thereby protecting our firefighters and Irvington’s taxpayers. That means weighing pros and cons and making decisions for the long-term benefit of our community—not simply responding to the loudest voices. Arlene has consistently demonstrated leadership in gathering data and input from residents, as well as the courage to act decisively to address issues that affect us all.
I live near the firehouse, and every time I hear the siren, I am reminded that help is on the way. That sound reflects the courage, readiness, and teamwork of our firefighters—and our collective responsibility to ensure they have the space and resources to continue their work safely. As we move forward with critical facility planning, Arlene Burgos is the only choice for mayor who has the experience, commitment, and steady leadership to guide us through that process with care and collaboration.
Josie Bloom
Irvington
Friday, October 31, 2025 - Rivertowns Dispatch
Burgos offers Democratic leadership
To the Editor:
Irvington voters deserve clarity about who is on the ballot for mayor this fall. The Democratic candidate for mayor is Arlene Burgos, the current deputy mayor and a lifelong Democrat. Her opponent, Robert Grados, is running as an independent mayoral candidate on the “Irvington First Party” line, but what does that mean? Let’s look at the facts.
According to the records of the Westchester County Board of Elections, Grados was registered as a Republican until September 30, 2019, when he became unaffiliated with any party. Grados remained unaffiliated until July 11, 2024, when his registration changed to Democrat. He has never participated in a Democratic primary.
Earlier this year, the Irvington Democratic Committee held an open endorsement process that culminated in a contested convention in which hundreds of Irvington Democrats voted and in which Burgos prevailed on February 25, 2025. Grados did not participate in that process as a mayoral candidate. He then declined to run for mayor in a Democratic primary, thereby leaving Burgos unchallenged as the Democratic nominee for mayor.
In April and May 2025, Republicans carried and signed Grados’ independent nominating petitions on the “Irvington First Party" line so that he could run against the Democratic candidate for mayor.
The two candidates for Irvington mayor have very different backgrounds when it comes to their respective registration histories and involvement in local party politics. On Nov. 4, let's send a clear message that Irvington voters value true Democratic leadership by electing Arlene Burgos as our next mayor.
Kay O’Keeffe
Irvington
Friday, October 17, 2025 - River Journal
Letter to the Editor: Endorsement for Arlene Burgos for Irvington Mayor
When asked about his participation on committees during the League of Women Voters debate for Irvington Mayoral candidates last night, Bob Grados said “I can’t do everything in the Village.” Of course, nobody can. The issue is that Bob is not on or participating in a single committee addressing the ills that he says he will solve. In fact, apart from serving as a second alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), he is not an active member of any current Village committees. If Bob Grados spent half as much time working with these groups as he has posting signs around the Village, my choice for Mayor might be more difficult.
Having worked with municipal leaders across New York State for many years, I can attest that effective local governance requires a deep understanding of the many stakeholder perspectives and bureaucratic complexities that shape every decision. For every public servant or volunteer doing the hard work in the trenches, there are always dozens of critics on the sidelines claiming they could do it faster and better.
The position of Mayor is best served by someone who has rolled up their sleeves within those committees—alongside the resident volunteers who dedicate themselves to solving our community’s toughest challenges. It should be held by someone who has already served as a trustee and understands the intricate workings of Village government. Particularly at this critical moment when we have a new Village Administrator. For these reasons and more, I offer my enthusiastic support for Arlene Burgos for Mayor.
I thought carefully before deciding to take a public stand in this race. As the Village’s Sustainability Director, my professional role grew directly out of years of volunteer service, and I continue to serve on the Irvington Green Team Steering Committee, the Irvington Woods Committee, Friends of Halsey Pond, the Streamlining Committee, and as a stakeholder on the Facilities Committee. I care deeply about this community, and my work keeps me in ongoing conversation with residents across many perspectives. While I take my professional responsibilities seriously, that role should not preclude me from speaking as a resident, taxpayer, parent, and longtime volunteer who wants the best for Irvington.
Having never met him, I asked Bob Grados to lunch with an open mind to hear his vision for Irvington and learn about his motivations. He is personable. But there is a clear distinction between the candidates when it comes to relevant experience, knowledge, and commitment to the Village. When I asked Bob if he would run for Trustee if he did not win for Mayor, he said “No,” explaining that “the mayor has the podium.”
As Irvington’s longest-serving continuing trustee and current Deputy Mayor, Arlene brings an unparalleled breadth of experience. She has served as liaison to the Irvington Green Team, DPW, Police, Water Department, Recreation and Parks department and Woods Committee, joined the DEI and Police Reform Committees and worked closely with cultural and business organizations like the Bulldog Gallery and Chamber of Commerce. She is a practicing attorney with nearly 30 years of experience who manages complex legal and business matters with significant budgets and has applied her financial expertise to Village matters, with measurable benefits to taxpayers. Educated at Yale and Harvard Law School, she consistently impresses me in Village discussions with her clarity, creativity, and ability to identify what truly matters in complex situations.
Arlene listens carefully, asks thoughtful questions, and respects diverse perspectives. She does not shy away from taking a bold stand once she has gathered the facts. She has supported environmental initiatives and, at times, pushed back when balancing the needs of the broader community required it. I may not always get the outcome I personally want, but I always respect her reasoning. This is what real leadership looks like: not settling for the status quo and moving the Village forward with integrity and courage.
Her record speaks for itself. In her first term, I witnessed her raise concerns about the already nearly complete $18 million firehouse bond proposal, despite pressure from the architects of that proposal on the Board, by pushing for a public referendum. She was the most supportive trustee on deer management, helping the Irvington Woods Committee move the issue forward after years of delay, to preserve a precious ecosystem and one of our Village’s greatest assets: the Irvington Woods. She was instrumental in addressing longstanding building department, land-use and permitting challenges, leading to the formation of the Streamlining Committee which is putting forward our recommendations this week. In each of these cases, I witnessed her persist through resistance to represent the needs of the residents.
Some critics have sought to define Arlene narrowly by her work in DEI, through which she has contributed to making Irvington welcoming and inclusive for all residents–including her service on the Police Reform Committee. In fact, that committee’s recommendations, implemented under Chief Pignatelli, have led to meaningful improvements in trust, which Irvington Green Team members can personally attest to. And her character and DEI work have been recognized with an endorsement from the Westchester Jewish Democrats. More importantly, this focus on one aspect of her service overlooks the breadth of her contributions across environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility, administrative accountability and community engagement.
By contrast, I have personally not seen Bob engage in any of the committees or processes working to solve the problems he says he will fix. For example, although he has served as a second alternate on the ZBA since December 2024, he has never attended a Streamlining Committee meeting—even though all ZBA members were invited. When we met, I told him that it was not too late to weigh in—because after more than six months of working on the issue, the PACE Land Use consultants had just delivered their recommendations and were incorporating our final feedback. His input could have had a real impact. But Bob simply shook his head—for reasons still unclear to me, he would not.
Bob points to the bond as a failure associated with Arlene (see a thorough review of the factual history here) but several of Bob’s closest supporters were the architects of the bond. Bob did not attend the Taxpayers for Irvington’s Future (TIF) meetings during which residents opposed to the bond organized to voice their opposition, nor join the Facilities committee, nor has he articulated how he would solve any of the problems the bond was designed to address. Bob points out that the Village has already hired consultants to solve this issue but there are significant differences. The first consultant did not compare multiple sites or consider how to revive the downtown or workshop their plans with the public. The current consultant, by contrast, is taking multiple sites identified by the resident led volunteer committee and costing engineering and architecture to provide expert analysis of pros and cons and site infrastructure and budget implications to the public.
Over our lunch, Bob made a number of claims that were just not true. For example, he told me that none of the current trustees were challenged for their seats. And he wrote it again in his mailing on Sept 30th “My opponent and the other current Village Trustees have all run unopposed for their seats on the Board of Trustees.“ In fact, Josie Bloom, Larry Ogrodnek and Kent Kleiman all competed for their seats in contested local party endorsement processes open to all Irvington Democrats and engaged in rich public debates. But Bob apparently did not participate in that process either.
Finally, endorsements matter. Arlene has secured the support of numerous community leaders and longtime residents of Irvington, such as former Irvington Mayor Nikki Coddington, Emeritus President of the Irvington Education Foundation (IEF) Robert Firpo-Cappiello, Neil Maher, Jeff Glueck and others. Many local business owners also endorse Arlene, including Irvington resident and owner of Farm Eats Drew George and Kat Medina, owner of KM Aesthetics. In addition, Arlene has earned the endorsement of elected officials at all levels of government (see the full list here), including NYS Assembly Member MaryJane Shimsky, NYS Senate Majority Andrea-Stewart Cousins, and Congressman George Latimer—relationships that are instrumental in bringing grant funding and resources to Irvington. My understanding is that Bob does not have working relationships with any of those elected officials, so if elected Mayor, he would be starting from square one to build them.
I call for us to entrust our Village to a leader who has consistently invested her time, intellect, and energy into collaborative, effective governance, and to the detailed, often painstaking work of shaping policy and building consensus. Arlene Burgos has already proven her dedication and her ability to deliver results. She has the vision, the experience, and the courage to lead Irvington into the future.
Charlotte E Binns
Irvington
Friday, October 17, 2025 - Rivertowns Dispatch
Assemblymember backs slate for Irvington
To the Editor:
In a very well-attended convention last February, Irvington Democrats voted to nominate the ticket of Arlene Burgos for mayor and Larry Ogrodnek and David Zwiebel for village trustees. I proudly endorse this ticket in the Nov. 4 general election.
I have known Arlene Burgos, a lifelong Democrat, for over 30 years, since she was a young lawyer building her successful career.
The qualities that have served Arlene in her profession, and as a village trustee, will serve her very well as mayor — her strong work ethic, energy, empathy, fairness, and tenacity.
Arlene withholds judgment while digging in to reach a deep understanding of the issues, and to work toward building consensus among stakeholders, And she's very, very smart.
Arlene also knows Irvington's government and its issues. She has participated in an impressive number of Village boards and committees. She has championed pursuing grant funding, public participation in budget reviews, streamlining the permitting process, environmental sustainability, and ensuring that Irvington stays inclusive and welcoming to all.
The Citizens Budget Review Committee she champions will create the kind of village-wide conversation that is much needed in our time.
Larry and David bring their own important professional background (in tech and real estate, respectively), and have proven themselves equal to the challenges ahead. They will be worthy participants in the complex, and sometimes difficult, conversations to come.
I urge my friends in Irvington to support the entire Democratic slate in this year's election, including the outstanding Village Democratic slate of Arlene Burgos, Larry Ogrodnek, and David Zwiebel.
Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky
NEW YORK STATE DISTRICT 92
Friday, October 17, 2025 - Rivertowns Dispatch
Burgos would bring true leadership to the role of mayor
To the Editor:
I am proud to support Arlene Burgos for mayor because she shows what true leadership looks like - listening with care, working tirelessly, and bringing people together with kindness and purpose.
Across so many of the issues I care about, from sustainability and the environment to improving the building permitting process, from exploring ways to create affordable housing to events that build a sense of community and make our downtown more vibrant, Arlene is a proven leader. She is courageous, collaborative, and thoughtful, and she believes in inclusive decision-making that seeks out and values community input.
Arlene is also deeply committed to making sure that everyone feels respected and welcome in our village. Her dedication to diversity and community isn't just inspiring, it lights the way toward a brighter future.
When I listen to Arlene, I hear a leader who is not only incredibly intelligent, but who also speaks with a level of knowledge and expertise that can only come from experience. The countless hours Arlene has spent serving our community through Village committees, her support of initiatives in the community and our schools, her participation in meetings and pouring over plans and documents in her trustee and deputy mayor role, shows in her depth of insight and understanding of every detail. This is expertise and competence I admire and I can trust. For those who don't know Arlene, I urge you to find an opportunity to hear from her directly at an upcoming meet and greet or the League of Women Voters virtual candidate forum on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. (bit.ly/iromayor).
As a mother, I'm especially grateful for the example Arlene sets — she is the kind of role model I want my daughters to look up to: brilliant, strong, compassionate, and committed to making a difference.
Carolina Heller
IRVINGTON
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - River Journal
Letter to the Editor: in Support of Arlene Burgos for Irvington Mayor
As a young American, I feel that I’ve grown into a country I wasn’t raised to know. At a time when we have a president whose outrageous overreaches of power seem limitless—and with very few checks remaining—it is our local communities, counties, towns, and villages that form the last line of defense against this rising tide of authoritarianism, xenophobia, and tyranny.
Many of us feel very powerless right now. As Democrats, it feels very much like David versus Goliath—but without the sling. Sometimes, I want to put my head in the sand, tune out the noise, and hope that someone will emerge to save the day. Maybe if we wait, it will be too late.
We have the opportunity to start building a national force of resistance right here in our little village—by electing for mayor, not just a good problem solver, but a generational leader.
And in a time when voting has often felt like choosing between the lesser of two bad choices, in this mayoral election, Arlene Burgos is the only real choice.
As a member of several village committees, I know Arlene Burgos is the leader we need. As Deputy Mayor, and a principal at her law firm, Arlene knows our villages, knows hard work, knows how to negotiate, and knows how to win. More importantly, Arlene knows how to fight for what’s right—and in a time when the specter of masked ICE agents walking down Main Street, harassing and detaining community members, is a very real possibility, I know Arlene will do everything possible to protect us.
In Solidarity
Dylan Douglas
Irvington, NY
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - The Hudson Independent
Why I’m Voting For Arlene Burgos
To the Editor:
Arlene Burgos is a Good Government official whose highly successful efforts to make Irvington’s village government more responsive have unfortunately provoked a backlash. I can’t imagine there are many residents who are nostalgic for a time when the park was empty and the stores were shuttered, when nearly every public concern was ignored or stonewalled, and when our electeds allowed the village staff to manage us (we, the people!) rather than the other way around. And yet, that’s the sentiment I hear reflected in the posts of those who say that the current slate of trustees have “gone too far.” While I’m grateful to past generations of trustees for their commitment to the priorities of their respective eras, I feel strongly that Arlene Burgos is the only current candidate who is committed and able to deliver the responsive, accountable government that our times demand and that our village deserves. If you feel the same way, please cast your vote for Arlene Burgos for Irvington Mayor.
Kathy Kaufman
Irvington
Friday, October 3, 2025 - Rivertowns Dispatch
Burgos has a track record of delivering results for Irvington
To the Editor:
I am writing to express my support for Arlene Burgos in her candidacy for mayor of Irvington.
There's a good reason why Burgos has received overwhelming support from current New York State, Westchester County, and Irvington leaders - experience matters.
Burgos track record as a village trustee speaks for itself. She has truly delivered for Irvington, including:
Bringing clarity and transparency to the budget, ensuring taxpayers understand how their dollars are spent.
Seeking out and implementing best practices from neighboring villages, helping us plan responsibly for capital repairs and replacements.
Playing a key role in reforming policies in the Irvington Police Department and Building Department.
Helping to secure more than $7 million in grants for village infrastructure, flood mitigation, electric vehicle charging sta-tions, and more - significantly reducing the need to rely solely on local tax revenue.
As deputy mayor, appointed by Mayor Jonathan Siegel, Burgos has fostered collaboration and open dialogue on the board, ensuring that our local government moves forward with unity and purpose (one of the many reasons she has received the unanimous endorsement of her three fellow village trustees).
Burgos has also built powerful working relationships with leaders at every level of state and local government, ensuring that Irvington's priorities are being heard and acted upon.
I'm proud to join Congressman George Latimer, former Congressman Mondaire Jones, New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, New York State Assembly Member MaryJane Shimsky, County Executive Ken Jenkins, County Legislator David Imamura, and Irvington Trustees Mitchell Bard, Josie Bloom, and Kent Kleiman in endorsing Deputy Mayor Arlene Burgos for mayor of Irvington.
Robert Firpo-Cappiello
PRESIDENT EMERITUS, IRVINGTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Friday, October 3, 2025 - Rivertowns Dispatch
Burgos will fulfill a vibrant vision
To the Editor:
I am writing to express my strong support for Arlene Burgos for mayor in this upcoming election.
As a lifelong resident of Irvington and a recent high school graduate, I am deeply concerned about the future of our village. Young people like me want to see Irvington grow into a place where we can afford to live, work, and thrive - and I believe Arlene Burgos is the leader who can make that vision real.
Arlene has worked tirelessly to make Irvington a more inclusive and welcoming community. From initiatives like the Bulldog Gallery, which supports local businesses and brings public art to our Main Street, to Irvington is Everyone — a children's art program celebrating diversity — to championing Pride displays she has demonstrated her deep cure for every resident, regardless of age or background.
As deputy mayor, she has consistently listened to residents, responded directly to their concerns, and presented thoughtful solutions.
From supporting sustainability and programs that advocate for affordable living, Arlene is committed to making Irvington a place where recent graduates like me can build their future.
I urge my neighbors to join me in voting for Arlene Burgos for mayor on Nov. 4.
Gabriela Villavicencio
IRVINGTON
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 - River Journal
Let’s Get the Facts Straight in Irvington
Arlene Burgos was critical in helping TIF defeat the Bond. I was there and experienced her help.
At the time, Arlene was a brand new Trustee, one of the two most junior and then newly-elected on the Board. As the Mayor and Village Administrator forged ahead, starting to spend $1.4 million on buying property quietly and hiring a design firm, Arlene grew concerned. She pushed for the Board NOT to pass the $32.5M bond on its own, as proposed, but instead to require a Village ballot referendum. (That referendum was ultimately defeated 84% to 16%.) It is that vote – to require a referendum so that the voters would have a voice in whether to approve the Bond – that some are misleadingly describing as voting “for” the Bond.
In the months leading up to the ballot referendum on the Bond proposal, Arlene helped TIF understand some of its particularly outrageous components, such as the police firing range across from the MSS school and the seizing of a historic home by eminent domain. When TIF needed help, Arlene showed up. For instance, she demanded the end to the illegal (under NY state law) promotion of the Bond on government buildings. Only she spoke up as a Trustee to cite the specific state law being violated. As an Irvington resident and voter, Arlene has stated that she personally voted against the Bond in the referendum, which is consistent with what she told me at the time.
...
Arlene was critical in making the Streamlining Committee a reality, a concept that came out of TIF’s post-Bond recommendations to make it easier for residents and local businesses to get a building permit. That Committee has been working now for over eight months and is very close to major recommendations that will make the lives of homeowners in Irvington better. Arlene was the one who pushed the Trustees to move the timing forward when it wasn’t being prioritized due to bandwidth constraints.
Irvington residents all know how byzantine, arbitrary, and maddening it can be to try to get a building permit in our village. The Building Department has been notoriously unfriendly (except to a few chums), and one faces a cumbersome “bounce around” among three different approval boards that each meet a month apart.
In the lead-up to the Streamlining Committee’s formation by the Trustees, Arlene and I spoke often, and she dug into how the Streamlining Committee process should be designed to avoid capture by the status quo. Without Arlene, it might have been administered under the current village employee who oversees the Building Permit process. Instead, Arlene pushed through a budget (which almost did not pass) that Committee members had requested to bring in outside experts from Pace Land Use Law Center and to conduct a confidential citizen survey.
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Arlene has also spurred a major effort to secure state, county, and federal grants. Irvington has secured $7 million in grants from 2022-2025 while Arlene has been on the Board of Trustees, in contrast to just $1.2 million in grants secured 2018-21 before she joined. This saves every Irvington citizen money and avoids even more growth in our high taxes. Arlene has built close relationships with county, state, and congressional leaders, and those relationships will be critical to leverage on day one as the new Mayor faces millions of dollars in needed infrastructure investment, including on our flood culverts which are undersized for the new storm intensities we face.
In Arlene, we have a candidate who has served as our Deputy Mayor this last term (post-Bond), has built relationships from White Plains to Albany to Washington, DC that we need to continue to bring in more grants and save taxpayers money, and has proven she will do the work.
Jeffrey Glueck
Irvington, NY
Friday, September 19, 2025 - Rivertowns Dispatch
Fellow village trustee backs Burgos' bid to be elected mayor of Irvington
To the Editor:
After nearly four years of serving on the Irvington Board of Trustees with Arlene Burgos, I have numerous reasons to support her for mayor. She is dedicated, smart, competent, collaborative, fiscally smart, and engaged. If you don't know Arlene personally, I urge you to speak with her before deciding for whom to vote.
I want to highlight two of the most important reasons you should vote for Arlene.
1) Competence. Being mayor is not an entry-level position. There is a learning curve to serving on the village board, learning the intricacies of village governance, like budgeting, employment issues, grants, and other day-to-day responsibilities. Arlene possesses this knowledge and expertise.
Her knowledge of the individual departments and ability to work effectively with the department heads is exceptional. She is a meticulous analyst of the budget each year. Her input and advice on labor issues has been immensely important. With Larry Schopfer retiring as village administrator, Irvington cannot afford to have a mayor and administrator learning on the job. Arlene will be prepared on day one.
2) Arlene is a Democrat. We live in a terrifying time with authoritarianism in the federal government. As Irvington residents, we can control what happens in our village. We need a true Democrat as mayor, not someone who was a Republican until 2019 (well into the first Trump administration), registered as a Democrat in 2024, and did not take part in the Democratic nominating process for mayor. Arlene is pragmatic enough to work with the federal government when it suits Irvington, but she also will stand against the authoritarianism that most Irvington residents do not support.
Arlene is the most competent candidate for mayor, and I hope that you will vote for her. Her election would certainly be in the best interests of the village.
Trustee Mitchell Bard
IRVINGTON
Friday, September 19, 2025 - Rivertowns Dispatch
Burgos poised to oversee streamlining of approval process
To the Editor:
As residents of the Village of Irvington, we know that our building department and land use boards, including the planning board, the architectural review roard, and the zoning board of appeals, play important roles in our community. That's why we're grateful that Deputy Mayor Arlene Burgos and the village board of trustees created a citizen-led Streamlining Committee earlier this year to recommend improvements for Irvington residents following an in-depth look at residents' experiences with the building department and the various boards.
Over the last six months, the Streamlining Committee has worked closely with an expert from the Pace University Land Use Law Center to compare Irvington's land-use processes with other Westchester municipalities and make recommendations to simplify the approval processes for home renovations.
In addition, the Streamlining Committee engaged a professional data analyst to design a confidential survey of Irvington residents to study their experiences with those processes and inform the committee's recommenda-tions, and we were happy to be among the hundreds who participated in the survey.
As our community looks forward to learning what regulatory and other changes the Streamlining Committee proposes to improve the functioning of the building department and land use boards — and residents' experiences in obtaining permits for home renovations - we are supporting Arlene Burgos for mayor. We are confident that Arlene, as an architect of the Streamlining Committee's rigorous review of the building department and land use board, and who is immersed in the details of the committee's work, is the best candidate to see its work to a successful conclusion and deliver changes that are fair and efficient for Irvington taxpayers.
James Peiser and Leia LeFay
IRVINGTON
Friday, September 19, 2025 - Rivertowns Dispatch
Burgos has been a ‘true champion’ for sustainability efforts in Irvington
To the Editor:
One year ago, Irvington achieved a remarkable recognition: a NYS Silver Certification as a Climate Smart Community. This coveted recognition has been obtained by fewer than two dozen communities. This climate work, along with Irvington’s Clean Energy Community program and flood study, unlocked millions of dollars in grants for flood mitigation, EV charging stations, building upgrades and other projects.
As we celebrate this achievement—which reflects the work of numerous volunteers—we write to recognize one who plays a key role: Deputy Mayor Arlene Burgos. Over the last four years as a Trustee and now Arlene has been a true champion for sustainability. For over a decade, local environmentalists—including Irvington’s original Climate Task Force—called for the hire of a sustainability director. It was Arlene’s leadership in 2023 that finally made this position a reality—one that has paid for itself many times over.
Arlene has also demonstrated the courage to act on proposals that may inspire strong opposition from a few. When the Irvington Woods Committee made deer management recommendations to save our 250-acre forest, Arlene listened, weighed the evidence, and offered support—ultimately guiding the Village toward a decision that earned overwhelming community approval.
Her commitment to sustainability extends beyond policy. Arlene has personally rallied her neighbors around climate resilience and joined local clean-ups and stewardship programs to remove trash from parks, pull invasive species, and plant natives.
When it comes to our environment, Arlene shows up—at climate talks, festivals, workshops, and more. Through her consistent support for sustainability, she has established deep connections with local and state officials critical to Irvington’s ongoing success as a climate-smart community.
Arlene combines vision with action and principle with courage. Under her leadership, Irvington is well positioned to safeguard our environment, strengthen our resilience, and build a sustainable future.
Sincerely,
Committee members, speaking as residents (this is important and was removed from the opinion piece, we do not represent the views of village committees or departments).
Warwick Norton: Irvington Green Team, Tree Commission Chair, Friends of Halsey Pond
Zoe Hamilton-vom Baurr: Irvington Woods Committee Chair, Friends of Halsey Pond
David Zwiebel: Irvington Woods Committee, Irvington Housing Committee, Irvington Facilities Planning and Streamlining committees, Friends of Halsey Pond
Lisa Acharekar: Irvington Green Team Steering Committee, Friends of Halsey
Leola Specht: Irvington Green Team Steering Committee
Bruce Bell: Irvington Green Team Steering Committee, Irvington Woods Committee
Jasi Sara : Irvington Green Team Steering Committee
Bill Estes: Irvington Green Team, Friends of Halsey Pond
Todd Wilson: Irvington Green Team
Charlotte Binns: Irvington Sustainability Director, Irvington Woods Committee, Streamlining Committee, Friends of Halsey Pond
Friday, September 19, 2025 - Rivertowns Dispatch
Burgos, Ogrodnek, and Zwiebel offer an inspiring vision for Irvington
Democracy, as the UN General Assembly recognized in its resolution adopting September 15 as the International Day of Democracy, is "a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people." While democratic institutions are currently under attack by Republicans nationwide, democracy thrives here in Irvington.
Earlier this year, the Irvington Democratic Committee hosted a convention, open to all Irvington Democrats, to endorse one candidate for Irvington Village Mayor and two for Irvington Village Trustees. The field was contested, with two mayoral candidates and three trustee candidates on voters’ ballots. Hundreds of Irvington Democrats participated in this democratic process, organized by numerous volunteers (including myself), through early voting and voting on convention night. Strong majorities backed Arlene Burgos for Mayor, Larry Ogrodnek, and David Zwiebel for Trustees.
Subsequently, as allowed by the committee's bylaws to challenge the results, no candidates submitted Democratic petitions challenging the candidates after their convention victory. As a result, Arlene, Larry, and David are the official Democratic nominees for Mayor and Trustees.
In addition to receiving the endorsement of the Irvington Democrats Committee, Arlene, Larry, and David have been endorsed by numerous elected officials at all levels of government. These include all current Irvington Village Trustees, County Legislator David Imamura, NYS Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky, NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Congressman George Latimer. Former Irvington Mayor Nikki Coddington and former Congressman Mondaire Jones also endorse them.
Now, the broader Irvington voting population gets to know these qualified candidates as they attend meet-and-greets, local events, and canvass neighborhoods to talk with Irvington voters face-to-face. I will vote for these exemplary leaders—Arlene, Larry, and David—whose inspiring vision deeply resonates with our community's voters.
I urge all Irvington voters to vote on November 4 to uphold the values of democracy.
Juliette Hartel
IRVINGTON
Friday, September 12, 2025 - Rivertowns Dispatch
Burgos has delivered for Irvington and made it a more welcoming community
To the Editor:
I am proud to support Democrat Arlene Burgos for mayor of Irvington this November.
Having lived in Irvington for over 20 years - and now representing our community in the Westchester County Legislature - I can say that no one brings more drive, determination, and practical know-how than Arlene Burgos. She is exactly the kind of leader Irvington needs. As deputy mayor, a partner at a Manhattan law firm, and a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School, Arlene has the experience and skillset to move our village forward. But it's not just her résumé, it's what she's done that matters.
Now is the time to elect Democratic candidates with Democratic values and Arlene has shown courage and leadership in making Irvington a more welcoming community. She helped organize Irvington's Pride celebrations and the placement of Pride flags all along Main Street, sending a clear message of support for our LGBTQ+ neighbors. When antisemitism surfaced across the country, she led the village board in passing a resolution to condemn hate and stand with the Jewish community. Arlene also led the effort to open Matthiessen Park to all, a victory I am reminded of whenever I take my kids to the playground and see children from all backgrounds playing together.
Arlene delivers results. I am proud to have partnered with Arlene in securing $7 million in grant funding for Irvington, including for flood mitigation and EV charging.
Under her leadership, the Village earned a Silver Certification from New York's Climate Smart Communities program, expanding opportunities for sustainable growth.
Ask any elected official who has worked with her - from Washington to Albany to Westchester - and they will tell you: Arlene Burgos is smart, capable, and ready to lead.
I urge you to join me in voting for Arlene Burgos for mayor of Irvington.
David Imamura
WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR
DISTRICT 12
Friday, August 29, 2025 - Rivertowns Dispatch
Burgos will be the mayor Irvington needs
To the Editor:
As we mark Women's Equality Day [Tuesday, Aug. 26], we should celebrate the extraordinary women leaders in our community. We now have the opportunity to elect one such leader as mayor of Irvington: Arlene Burgos, an accomplished lawyer, Yale University and Harvard Law School graduate, and our current deputy mayor. As a lawyer myself and former acting Irvington village justice, I have witnessed Arlene's legal acumen and dedicated service to our community. I can say without hesitation that she is the leader Irvington needs at this pivotal moment.
When women hold public office, they bring perspectives and priorities that have too often been overlooked but which strengthen their communities. Studies consistently show that women are especially collaborative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
Over the last four years as a trustee and now deputy mayor, Arlene has consistently demonstrated all of these qualities, along with integrity, vision, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Irvington. During that time, she has worked tirelessly to serve our residents and address their most pressing concerns, including, for example, by helping create a resident-led committee currently working to make the building permitting process simpler and more user-friendly for residents. At the same time, Arlene and the Village Board have taken concrete steps to empower local women leaders, including by hiring women to serve as police officers, village treasurer, and superintendent of parks and recreation.
Let's recognize Women's Equality Day by supporting Arlene — the Democratic candidate for Irvington mayor — and moving Irvington forward with a collaborative leader who is ready to serve on day one. When women lead, everyone benefits.
ALAYNE KATZ, Irvington