What achievements you are most proud of since taking office?
EC: Since taking office as Town Supervisor in 2022, I am proud of working with the town board to push forward the serious public emergency issue of cell service, enhance public-private partnerships which led to Katonah’s 125th celebration and the first annual Bedford Music Festival, and take actions to continue Bedford’s status as a top environmental leader in the state.
JK: Since taking the bench I am most proud of including protections against technological abuse (ie: “revenge porn”, accessing social media accounts) in the orders of protection issued by the Bedford Justice Court. This is very new and not yet standard practice, so I am excited to bring it to Bedford. Additionally, I am proud of making resource materials available in the courthouse for victims of domestic violence.
EP: I entered office with a wish list of achievements. Just today, a piece of environmental legislation that I have worked on since last January was just signed into law. This new legislation will reduce waste in Westchester, particularly plastic waste, while also saving our local restaurants and food businesses money. In addition, I’ve really taken the approach that the office, my office, is there to help. Since my term started, we’ve worked to help many of our residents sort out their difficulties with NYSEG, connect them with supporting programs like the Home Energy Assistance Program, found ways to make a difference on mental health and addiction issues in our community, plus many other issues. And while that work may be less exciting than crafting legislation, it is the important meat and bones of serving our community which makes me most proud.
SM: Like Ellen, I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to move forward significant improvements in cell service for the benefit of residents and first responders as well as the work we are doing to help improve economic vitality and community engagement.
What have been some of the greatest challenges in your roles and what are some of things that have surprised you?
EC: The greatest challenge in my role is articulating a vision and moving things forward while continuing to meet current needs of residents - which often include an expectation to maintain the status quo. It is (somewhat) surprising when the same people who want a vibrant and sustainable town also don’t want any change. Planning for the future is the best way to maintain what we love about Bedford.
JK: The greatest challenge for me was educating myself in the areas of the law with which I do not have a lot of experience. I love learning new things, and it has been fun as well as challenging. The thing that surprised me most is how comfortable I am in my robe. As a litigator appearing before a judge I used to get extremely nervous, but I feel so comfortable as a judge, it comes naturally - which is great since I’ve always wanted to be a judge!
EP: I knew from the outside that the job of legislator for district 2 was a big one. It is the biggest district by far, including six municipalities, and trying to serve the needs of six separate town boards is a lot. Knowing that fact and living it, however, are two different things. Finding some kind of life balance while making a difference in a district this large can be hard. My husband would argue that I am not doing a great job at the balance part, but I am at least really loving the work.
SM: As is often the case in life, time has been the greatest challenge for me. Shaving to juggle my day job and town responsibilities is a master class in executive functioning. The biggest surprise is how much the board has been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time.
What excites you most about being in your position and the future of our community?
EC: We have the most beautiful town with incredible art, history, and nature resources, unique hamlets, and dedicated people who are engaged and involved. I am excited to be a leader and connector to help all of those things come together and thrive in ways that improve quality of life for all who live here, enhance community life, set us up for a more sustainable future, and to bring people together to tackle the challenges of our time.
JK: The prospect of staying at the forefront of the law and its evolution - like with the protections against technological abuse - excites me most.
EP: All of us really love our community and the experience of giving back and encouraging the many wonderful parts of our community excites me the most. It also gives me incredible hope. Just last week, for example, I celebrated with the
Boys and Girls Club in Mount Kisco as they announced their Youth of the Year. The work they do and the community they serve are both so important. It was tremendous to celebrate those young people, and I am so lucky to be in a position to help that organization do such important work. I also get super excited about the work I do to support the county parks up here, and we have a lot of them!
SM: It’s incredible to be able to give back to my hometown in ways that will hopefully not only enhance life for current residents but impact future generations as well.
Ellen wrote an article while campaigning for her role for Town Supervisor about managing the forces of change in our area. How do you see change as both being a positive and a challenge in your official positions and how you manage that tension?
SM: The change that we want to bring to the town is really about adapting and evolving so that this community can thrive in the future. That to me is really exciting and vital. If we don’t embrace new people, ideas, and ways of doing things it will be difficult to maintain a strong community or sustain a prosperous economy going forward. Balancing the historic character, charm, and customs of a town like Bedford with the needs and expectations dictated by an ever and rapidly changing world is what keeps the Town Board work interesting. I think having clear communication and an open dialog will help ease the inevitable tension that will come along with moving outside of our comfort zones.
Jodi, you are the first woman elected to the position of Bedford Town Justice, are you surprised that it has taken this long for the community to elect a woman? How and why did you decide to run after years of serving as litigator and then in private practice? Is there something unique about this particular moment in time?
JK: I am not surprised. For a long time in this town (approx 340 years), there has been a certain type of person in the role of judge which became self-perpetuating. As my campaign manager, Sherri Owles says, women are still fighting the battle of “wow, a woman won”, until that is no longer a thing, we have work to do. I have always wanted to be a judge. Judges, especially in my practice area - family law - and especially at a Town level have such an impact on people’s lives, and I wanted to be part of a positive impact on individuals and my community as a whole. As for why this moment in time, I felt after 20 years of practicing I had something to give back to the bench. A judgeship for some is a power move, for me it is a chance to make a difference.
As women leaders in our community what do you see as your superpowers? Do you think that being female leaders, and leading as a team of women bring inherent advantages to your jobs?
SM: I’m pretty sure my superpower is humor. The stakes are undoubtedly high and it is imperative that we take our roles and responsibilities quite seriously but there’s always room for a good chuckle or belly laugh. A little levity can go a long way in building relationships and working together. It’s always a wonderful feeling to work with smart, motivated, and empowered women. However, I think our real strength is in our diversity. While we certainly have overlapping values, personal histories, characteristics, and/or career paths, we also have significant differences and varied life experiences that give us each unique and different perspectives and skill sets - and that’s where the magic lies.
JK: My two daughters are my superpowers - or rather being their mom is. All that goes into being a mother today combined with their support for me makes me feel like I should have a cape. My older daughter’s Instagram post on the first day I was on the bench made me cry and confirmed all the hard work it took to get here was worth it.
EP: Another strong vote for humor. Although Stephanie is funnier than I am. Being willing and able to sit down with people to talk through things, to understand the other side and find common ground, THAT truly is a superpower. I’m not certain I always have it, but I certainly know that’s the superhero I want to be.
You each led distinguished careers prior to your appointments as community organizers, litigators, environmental attorneys, working in school admissions, leading nonprofit organizations and private companies. What experiences prepared you most for your current roles?
SM: All of them, really. But that said, I think pragmatically, my experiences as the Director of Admissions at Purchase College, SUNY often helps inform my understanding of some of the issues facing the board like managing a significant budget, the impact of statutory rules and regulations on daily operations, working with and managing unions, as well as how to approach complex problems, and the art of consensus-building. I also think having been in leadership for a state institution gives me a certain insight into some of the challenges that our town department heads face.
JK: Being a family law attorney requires patience, compassion, empathy, and a knowledge of a wide range of legal issues - all necessary for a judge.
EP: As a working mother, my career has taken more of a wandering path. I’ve run a printing business for over a decade, managed a nonprofit arts organization, worked in foreign publishing, education and with veterans, and volunteered with many local organizations. Plus I’ve raised two kids and worked for the county. This variety of experience has been a real gift, and one that together has given me the foundation for dealing with the many issues which matter to our families, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities.
What inspired you to run for public office and are there any specific moments you can point to that led you to the decision to run for local government?
SM: Prior to being approached about filling the board vacancy a year ago, I’d never given serving on the Town Board any consideration. I immediately recognized that being on the board would put me in the best position to help foster greater community engagement, broader representation, and improved livelihood for all of the kinds of people who reside here. So once I had a seat at the table it was never a consideration to not try to keep it. Undoubtedly my lifelong connection to Bedford played a significant role in my decision but more than that I know that I have to be the change I want to see in the world.
JK: For me it was a series of little moments that strung together to make an “aha” moment. While gaining more legal experience from simply practicing longer and taking on more local cases, I also became very involved in the town so I understood what the community valued and wanted to see in its elected officials.
EP: I have been lucky to have women in my family and in the rest of my life who have always pointed in the way of service. Many were social workers, nurses or people who served in government. Locally, I was very lucky to come to know Kitley Covill, and to work alongside her. She is definitely a big part of why I ran for county office.
Part of your official responsibilities are to liaise with and support local businesses. What advice do you have for those who are thinking about opening or are currently running a local business?
SM: For sure there’s plenty to say about this but for today I would say “mind the gap”. Consider what or who is missing or not being served. Fill the gap.
EP: To build on Stephanie, in addition to those who are not being served, what needs aren’t already being filled here. Another type of important gap.
Stephanie, you’re a third generation resident of Katonah. What do you think your grandparents would be most proud of about the area today? What do you think have been the most positive changes since growing up here?
SM: Aside from me? The people who voted for me, I guess. Seriously, though I do think that the receding barriers, increased opportunities, and inclusive mindset would truly make their hearts swell. I think that our current town board is the greatest and most positive change I’ve seen here in my lifetime. I am so grateful to be a part of it.
Lightning Round:
If you could wave a magic wand and legislate one change in our area what would it be?
SM: Zoning for more affordable housing.I know that’s scary but I don’t think people need to be afraid of seniors who want to age in place, recent grads who want to return to their roots, or single people who just want to live here and have community.
EP: I agree on affordable housing, especially for our seniors. (A year later, still the same magic wand wish!)
Favorite Spot in Northern Westchester:
SM: The Harvey School at sunset - not that the workday isn’t amazing… but the sunsets are SPECTACULAR!
JK: My reading chair (judges are not permitted to recommend or review anything!)
EP: Ward Pound Ridge
Business you’d most like to see open in our area:
SM: A space for teens to gather and socialize - like a really cool record shop with coffee and light refreshments, please!
EP: I am seriously looking forward to the opening of the bakery in Katonah. I would also love a tapas or falafel place.
One thing you’d spend more time doing if you had an extra hour each day:
SM: Playing piano.
JK: Spending time with my daughters where I’m not reminding them to do their homework or clean their rooms.
EP: Being outside! Or at least being outside when the weather is a little bit better.
