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City GOP to run full slate, 2 incumbents

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A full Republican slate will feature two familiar faces and two newcomers, ready to go head-to-head against city Democrats with majority control of the City Council on the line.

Complementing the top-of-the-ticket candidate, incumbent Mayor Joe Sack, will be current Councilman Terry McCartney—whose decision to run marks a reversal after publicly stating he would not be seeking re-election in a February interview—in addition to Elizabeth Parks and Susan Watson.

The ticket was finalized at the city Republican Committee’s caucus on June 6 at Dock Deli.

McCartney, 54, told the Review that his decision to change course on a re-election bid was driven by what he feels remains left to do in the city.

“I decided there’s too much business to walk away from,” said McCartney, who is finishing up his first term in elected office.

Among the items still left on McCartney’s to-do list, he said, are completing a master plan for Disbrow Park revitalization, the acquisition of a property next to Interstate 95, and seeing out a resolution to an ongoing legal battle with Crown Castle.

McCartney, who is a practicing attorney, has also taken the lead on various legal issues surrounding the city, including litigation with Travelers, the insurance carrier covering the Rye Golf Club which paid out $1.5 million to the city last year, and negotiations with Starwood Capital, the developers behind a revamp of Port Chester’s former United Hospital site.

While McCartney originally cited the demand of his job—specifically the traveling that it entails—as a reason for not running again, he said that he feels ready to meet the obligation to both his professional and civic duty.

“My job requires me to miss meetings on occasion,” he said. “The voters are going to have to decide if that’s okay with them.”

For Watson, 65, an upcoming City Council bid will mark her second attempt at seeking elected office, and a chance to help shift council focus back to the basics.

“I want to see city government focus on the things that are the duties of the city government,” she said. “While it’s important to pay attention to national issues, it’s the duty of a councilperson to work for Rye.”

According to Watson, her priorities will focus on local infrastructure, including sidewalks, parking and roads, particularly how they pertain to pedestrian safety.

Driving Watson—who was soundly defeated in a county race by incumbent Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, in 2015—aren’t specific policy issues, but rather, timing.

“I got a taste of politics two year ago, but now I have the time,” said Watson, who recently retired from her career in finance communications. “I can be committed, reliable and available.”

Considered the political newcomer of the ticket, Parks, 46, said her motivation to run came from an urge to give back.

“Rye is obviously a very special place,” she said. “My children and my family have benefitted from being a part of the community. I am inspired to run just from the aspect of being able to work collaboratively, and from a giving back standpoint.”

If elected, Park’s said priorities will include maintaining Rye Town Park and ensuring it receives the needed capital improvements as well as making sure that Rye’s interests are represented in ongoing renovations at Playland Park.

Currently, Parks, who is the executive director of sales for Fortune’s Live Media division, serves on the auxiliary board for the Rye Free Reading Room and also volunteers her time at Rye Presbyterian Church.

“We’re all looking to maintain a great sense of collaboration on the council,” she said.

Sack, who announced his decision to seek another term as mayor last month, told the Review this week, “Our success has always been the result of great teamwork; so, I am very happy about the prospect of adding two new great teammates to the council in Elizabeth and Susan. Getting the full council pulling in the same direction again will make us even more effective going forward.”

Members of the City Council, including the mayor, are elected to serve four-year terms with no compensation or benefits.


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