Patel, Gilbert Best Choices for Yorktown Town Board
Two seats are up for grabs on the Yorktown Town Board, and voters are fortunate to have four capable candidates to choose from.
One of the names on the ballot, Vishnu Patel, should be no stranger to residents. The retired, award-winning IBM scientist is running for a fourth four-year term and wholeheartedly deserves to be re-elected.
Patel is the kind of public servant every municipality would benefit from as a representative because he is all about helping people in any way he can. His selfless nature is infectious. Patel’s only personal agenda is trying to make other’s lives better, whether through mentoring high school students, beautifying the gazebo outside the Yorktown Community and Cultural Center and Patriot’s Garden behind Town Hall, or providing financial assistance to programs and causes.
Because of his unique style, Patel is often underestimated by his colleagues, but his appreciation and knowledge of environmental issues is second to none and he has been a stickler on trying to prevent unnecessary spending.
Residents will never be disappointed to have Patel on their side and as their watchdog.
The second choice is not as obvious, but it is strongly recommended that Ilan Gilbert be brought back into the fold.
Gilbert served admirably as town supervisor for two years before losing his bid for re-election in 2019 to current Supervisor Matt Slater, who himself has proven to be a very effective leader under some trying circumstances.
While not the most dynamic communicator, Gilbert has dedicated a good portion of his adult life to public service and has a vast knowledge of all the issues facing the town. He often speaks of the need for Yorktown to improve its infrastructure and has a sound view on how best Yorktown can grow its economic base.
As long as Gilbert can avoid acting as if he is still in charge and follow Slater’s lead, his return to the Town Board should be a smooth transition.
Yorktown Chamber of Commerce President Sergio Esposito has certainly run a spirited campaign, and would bring a business perspective to the board. As a small business owner, he understands the concerns and struggles many merchants face first-hand.
Esposito has been an active volunteer in the community and made his presence felt. He said he has a bipartisan nature. However, as a Republican candidate, it’s likely he will side most often with Slater and councilmen Tom Diana and Ed Lachterman. Any board functions best with differing opinions.
His running mate, Luciana Haughwout, is the least experienced candidate in the race and is facing a tough field.
She stated she has “a strong heart and desire to offer solutions to create positive outcomes.” Hopefully, everyone seeking public office starts off with that mindset.
Patel, Gilbert and, to some extent, Esposito are proven commodities who bring more to the table than Haughwout.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/
