October 21, 2026

To My Fellow Residents of Bronxville,

As we approach the November 3rd election, I urge you to take notice of Proposal 1 and make your voice heard. Last year, this same proposal was defeated by just four votes, preserving Bronxville’s March village elections rather than moving them to November. What struck me most was not the outcome, but how closely divided our community had become over an issue that deserves thoughtful consideration. I found myself wondering: How many residents voted, and how many never knew the proposal was on the ballot? Some may see that as a reason to move our elections to November. I see it as a reason to become more engaged in the local decisions that shape our village. 

I have voted in every election because I believe voting is a privilege and a responsibility. In Bronxville in March, it is remarkably easy to participate. And one of the things I value most about our village is that our elected officials serve without party affiliations, focused instead on Bronxville and the needs of our community. 

Our Mayor, Mary Marvin, recently expressed this beautifully: “To keep Bronxville government on its current path, government service should appeal to the best and the brightest candidates who are committed to getting involved in Bronxville and Bronxville issues with no national or state political agenda beyond our one square mile.” 

She went on to remind us that this tradition of volunteer public service has served Bronxville for more than 125 years, attracting residents willing to share their time and talents for the good of our community. 

That spirit is one of the things that makes Bronxville so special. 

I grew up here and returned to raise my family. Through my own involvement in community traditions, as well as my experience working on political campaigns and having family members involved in politics, I have come to appreciate one enduring truth: meaningful progress begins with community, collaboration, and a shared commitment to something bigger than ourselves. I see that spirit throughout Bronxville. 

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of helping with the Ghosts of Bronxville, a tradition created by the Bronxville Historical Conservancy that brings our village’s fascinating history to life for our elementary school children. It is made possible by community members who generously give their time and talents to preserve and share our history. 

For the past five years, I have also been involved with the Bronxville PTA’s Memorial Day Week, a tradition I treasure from my own childhood. It brings our school community together and culminates in our beloved village parade. 

And the Bronxville Pageant, now in its 111th year, holds a special place in my heart. It brings together our village churches and community on Christmas Eve, continuing a tradition that connects generations. 

These traditions may be different, but they share something essential: they endure because people care enough to show up, give back, and work together. They preserve our history, strengthen our connections, and remind us what it means to belong to a community. Perhaps that is why so many of us return to Bronxville to raise our families, and why others choose to make it their home. 

As we consider Proposal 1, I believe we should reflect on what makes our village distinctive. For generations, Bronxville has maintained a tradition of addressing local issues through a local lens, allowing residents and elected officials to focus on what they believe is best for our one-square-mile community, apart from broader state and national political agendas. 

Moving our elections to November raises an important question: How might that change the character of our local elections and the way we engage with village issues? It is a question worth considering carefully before changing a longstanding tradition. 

Before we change something that has served Bronxville for generations, let’s understand what we stand to gain, what we might lose, and what we want to preserve for the future.

On November 3rd, I will exercise my privilege to vote. I encourage each of you to learn about Proposal 1, consider its implications, and make your own voice heard. 

Bronxville has a remarkable history of community involvement, volunteer service, and collaboration. Imagine if we could continue to nurture that spirit and serve as an example of what a community can accomplish when its residents remain engaged, work together, and put their village first. That is a legacy worth thinking about—and one worth carrying forward. 

With appreciation for the community we share, 

Maureen Carey Stapleton 

Editor's note:  MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements in letters to the editor, and the opinions do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff. Its objective in publishing letters to the editor is to give air to diverse thoughts and opinions of residents in the community.