Inauguration Ceremony: January 1st at 1:00pm

City Judge-elect Susan Kettner and Council Member-elect Jared Rice will take their oaths of office at a public ceremony at 1:00pm on New Year’s Day. The inauguration for these two officials, both of whom were elected this past November, will take place in the Main Council Chamber of New Rochelle City Hall at 515 North Avenue. The event is open to the public and you are invited to attend.

You are cordially invited to

The Inauguration of

Susan I. Kettner — City Court Judge

Jared R. Rice — City Councilman

Council Chambers
City Hall
515 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY

Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 1 p.m.

Reception to follow ceremony in City Hall Rotunda

Election Results: GOP Sweeps Nation, Democrats Strong Locally

Republicans scored a huge victory in yesterday’s nation-wide elections, capturing more than sixty seats in the House — the largest shift in more than sixty years. While the will of the people must always be respected, I can’t conceal my concern. Many of the newly elected representatives and senators have expressed views on the extreme right fringe of American politics — more akin to the John Birch Society than to Ronald Reagan — and they will now exercise unprecedented influence over national policy. I hope that the responsibilities that come with public office and the interplay between the Congress and the President will have a moderating effect, and that the conclusion of this election season will permit a renewed focus on the common good. Time will tell.

Locally, the picture was quite different, with Democrats more than holding their own. Congresswoman Nita Lowey, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and Assemblyman George Latimer were all re-elected by wide margins. Of New Rochelle’s four State legislators, only Suzi Oppenheimer is locked in a tight contest, with the outcome of her race against Republican Bob Cohen still unsettled. Interestingly, it is possible that this election will determine control of the entire New York State Senate.

Finally, I extend sincere congratulations to Susan Kettner and Jared Rice, who prevailed in their local contests for New Rochelle City Judge and for the New Rochelle City Council. Both Susan and Jared campaigned with exceptional energy and determination, and prevailed by substantial margins. I was proud to support both, and have every confidence that Susan will prove an able jurist and Jared an effective partner on the City Council.

Endorsements for New Rochelle Elections

The ballot on Tuesday, November 2nd will be jam-packed with federal, state, and judicial contests. Rather than offer endorsements in each of these elections, I am focusing only on the two local races here in New Rochelle. If you would like my thoughts about any other election, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I respect every voter’s right to make his or her own judgment, and I present these recommendations in this spirit.

Jared Rice for City Council — District Three

The residents of Council District Three will select a new Council representative to replace the late Jim Stowe, who passed away tragically on August 4th.

I strongly support Jared Rice, a bright and energetic attorney with extensive roots in New Rochelle and a real passion for public service. Jared grasps the challenges confronting the diverse neighborhoods of the Third District and will be a strong and responsive advocate for his constituents’ interests and priorities. At the same time, Jared will be an effective partner and teammate in advancing broad city objectives. It is very important to me that he prevail in this contest.

To learn more about Jared, please call him directly on his cell phone at 914-469-4313. If you are interested and available to volunteer on Jared’s behalf, please contact his campaign manager Eli Valentin at elivalentin78@gmail.com.

Lastly, feel free to share these comments with District Three residents, if you think they might value my input.

Susan Kettner for City Court

Voters throughout New Rochelle will choose a new City Court Judge to replace the retiring Sandy Scher. The newly elected judge will serve for ten years, preside over countless proceedings, and play an essential role in determining the quality of justice available to our residents.

I am pleased to endorse Susan Kettner. Susan boasts broad and deep experience in the law and in government. She currently chairs the Zoning Board of Appeals and was the first woman to be elected president of the New Rochelle Bar Association, where she worked to build a diverse bar committed to public service. In addition, Susan has volunteered as a Small Claims Court Arbitrator and served as a W.I.S.E. mentor at New Rochelle High School. Susan’s legal experience and commitment to our community would be real assets to the City Court. For more information about Susan, please see www.susankettner.org.