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Julie Killian, Local State Senate Candidate, Talks Issues Surrounding April 24 Special Election

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By Carol P. Bartold, Senior Reporter


Apr. 18, 2018:  On Tuesday, April 24, Westchester County voters in State Senate District 37 will choose a senator to fill the seat vacated by George Latimer when he won the election for Westchester County executive in November of 2017. Bronxville, Tuckahoe, and Eastchester are among the communities within District 37.

Rye Councilwoman Julie Killian, Republican, is running against current Democratic New York State Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer for the State Senate seat. The outcome of this special election has the potential to determine whether Democrats or Republicans will control the 63-seat New York State Senate.

Killian hosted an informal coffee and conversation on Saturday, April 14, at Ernie’s Wine Bar + EATS in Bronxville to discuss her candidacy and the issues she feels are most important for the long-term quality of life in Westchester County.

“I think I can truly make a difference for Westchester,” Killian said. “That’s the biggest reason I’m running.” She added that her background in local government and community work have given her a practical perspective that New York State government needs.

Killian has served on the Rye City Council for six years, the last two as deputy mayor. She also founded a community coalition to educate and protect local young people from the dangers of drug abuse and heroin addiction. She ran against Latimer in 2016 for State Senate.

A vital part of Killian’s campaign has been walking district neighborhoods to talk with business people as well as residents. She noted that she has knocked on over 10,000 doors to learn about the issues most important to people and to discuss how she plans to work in Albany to address those concerns.

“Affordability and opportunities are what people want most to talk about,” Killian said. “People are scared. They have worked all their lives, can’t pay their property taxes, and they don’t know what to do. It’s truly heartbreaking.” The loss of the property tax deduction for federal income taxes, she said, is causing people to feel even more economic pressure.

Killian noted that a vibrant business community and the tax base it brings to the district are important foundations in helping establish the affordability and opportunities that residents need. “Companies are moving out of the area,” she said. “I hear the constant drumbeat of higher taxes and increasing regulation driving businesses away from the area.” While the state and county want that tax base, she commented, the state lures new businesses with tax incentives and ignores the burden of higher taxes placed on established businesses.

“We do not receive our fair share of state aid for schools in Westchester,” Killian stated. “We get the lowest per-student amount in the state.” Part of the reason, she feels, comes from the perception that Westchester County is a wealthy area. One of her goals is to examine county income patterns and determine how many Westchester students receive free lunches. She then intends to use that data to gain an equitable share for local schools by rewriting the formula used to calculate state aid.

“I am all about the practical issues that affect people’s everyday lives,” Killian said. She noted that this special election, with its short timeline, has called for a concentrated effort to effectively communicate her message.

Note: A call to candidate Shelley Mayer’s office seeking information on a possible campaign event in Bronxville has not been returned.

Pictured here: Julie Killian.

Photo by Carol P. Bartold

Government & History Directory

Bronxville Overview

Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.

While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.

Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.

The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.

Bronxville Village "One Square Mile" Newsletter and Government Directory

Link to Village of Bronxville One Square Mile Monthly Newsletter

December 2024


Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
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Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
Open 24 hours


Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
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Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400

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