Podcast Recommendation: The Big Dig

Here’s my first-ever (and possibly last-ever) podcast recommendation.  The Big Dig, produced by WGBH in Boston, examines one of the most controversial and maligned projects in American history.  I know, I know, sounds really dry, but trust me: it is truly gripping.  A deeply insightful and often profound study of history, politics, engineering, and human nature that actually had me in tears at multiple points.  How hard it is to do big things, and how important it is to try!

Thank You, Westchester County Association

Photo Credit: Lynda Shenkman

I was greatly honored last night to receive the Leadership Award from the Westchester County Association.  My sincere thanks to the WCA for recognizing New Rochelle’s progress over the course of a generation from cautionary tale of economic decline to positive model of sustainable growth.  And congratulations to my fellow honorees, Chris Hillyer, Kristen Motel, and Jane Solnick.

A Big Win for Sustainable Westchester

Very proud of my future colleagues at Sustainable Westchester, who secured a highly-competitive $5.65m federal grant to lead decarbonization efforts at dozens of nonprofits across New York State.  Sustainable Westchester is one of just nine awardees nationwide and the only one in the northeast.  A real tribute to Sustainable Westchester’s outstanding team and evidence of their outsized impact on our region.  Here’s more about the program and about Sustainable Westchester’s award.

Leaders, Partners, and Friends

The mayors of Westchester’s largest cities, together with the BCW leadership

One thing I will definitely miss once I leave office is the special relationship that exists among mayors.  Westchester’s cities are helmed by outstanding leaders, and I am grateful for every opportunity to share perspectives with them and learn from their examples.  We were together earlier this week for an excellent conversation sponsored by the Business Council of Westchester.

Meet the Mayors on November 1

On November 1, I will join colleagues from Yonkers, Mount Vernon, White Plains, and Peekskill for a discussion about the challenges and opportunities confronting our cities.  Thank you to the Business Council of Westchester for organizing and hosting this conversation.  Details and reservations here.

The Flag of Israel at City Hall

It is the smallest of gestures in the face of the overwhelming, heartbreaking, and brutal horrors that have unfolded in the Middle-east, but I am proud that New Rochelle, with the full and united support of the City Council, has raised the Israeli flag at City Hall, expressing our solidarity with the people of Israel.  If you did not already read them, here are my comments from a community gathering earlier this week.