Sidelined

Over the past few months - as my wife and I prepared to welcome our firstborn - I’ve received plenty of advice. But one piece resonated more than anything else: Parenthood changes you, but it doesn’t erase you. Hold on to what matters most.

While my list of passions is extensive, anyone familiar with me in Bedford can likely identify two standouts: lawn care and community service. Admittedly, I’ve fallen behind on the former. For the first time in years, I missed the window to apply winterizer fertilizer - a small but telling sign of how my life has changed. As for the latter however, I’m proud to say that I’ve hardly missed a beat. Volunteerism and community service remain at the core of who I am and what matters to me.

That’s why I was so disappointed to learn that the Town of Bedford decided against renewing my term on the Veterans Advisory Committee upon its expiration this month. To clarify, I had the opportunity to be renewed but only under the condition of undergoing a re-interview. But frankly, I didn’t see this as a good use of anyone’s time - not mine as a new dad to a six-week-old, nor that of Supervisor Calves or the Town Board (who I know have exponentially more important matters to address). In fact, I was already interviewed for and appointed to this position just three years ago. And in that time, I’ve only made positive contributions to the Town of Bedford through my work with the committee. So what’s changed? Is it because I was critical of this Town Board during a campaign last year?

Unless there’s an influx of people clamoring to join this committee (spoiler: there isn’t and my seat remains vacant), this decision ultimately hurts the very community it aims to serve. Over the past three years, I’ve been a consistent presence at nearly every meeting. My efforts have directly supported initiatives such as helping organize the town’s Veterans Day ceremony, creating and maintaining a slideshow honoring past and present veterans of Bedford, and compiling a critical list of local resources for veterans and their families. Removing a passionate, dedicated member doesn’t just penalize me - it’s a disservice to Bedford residents.

This isn’t the first time I’ve faced rejection from a Town of Bedford committee of course. I’ve been removed from or denied appointment to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee as well as the Comprehensive Emergency Management Planning Taskforce, all within the last three years. Contrast that with the other organizations I’m part of (none of which are commissioned by the Town of Bedford), that value and celebrate my contributions: Vice President of the Bedford Hills Lions Club, Finance Officer for Katonah American Legion Post 1575, Chairman of the Bedford Republican Town Committee, and President of the Bedford Hills Neighborhood Association.

While some recognize the value of my commitment to community service, others seem intent on sidelining it - shame on them.