Change in Mt. Kisco Leadership Needed After Handling of the Homeless
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
While watching the Mount Kisco Village Board meeting on Oct. 16, I was appalled to learn that, at the start of the summer, homeless, repeat offenders, were deliberately moved from the downtown area of Mount Kisco to Leonard Park. Evidently this was done by using plainclothes police officers with the full knowledge and consent of the mayor. Deputy Mayor Lisa Abzun and Trustee Karine Patino had to be aware of the drastic measures being implemented as they are the two board intermediaries with the county police.
This reckless move created a whole host of problems in the park including increased harassment of park visitors, vandalism to park property, excessive drinking and littering, in addition to the baseball dugouts being used as bathrooms and sleeping quarters. A woman, who wished to remain anonymous, was physically accosted while sitting and reading at the tea house. Another woman, who was threatened by a group of men, had to be escorted from the park by a village employee. Both incidents occurred during broad daylight.
Moving individuals who are prone to criminal behavior, whether they are homeless or not, is inexcusable. This is especially true when you intentionally put them in an area where children and families tend to frequent and congregate. As a result, many residents no longer feel comfortable leaving their children and teenagers unaccompanied in the park.
This is just the latest example of why I have lost trust in the present administration and am now supporting the Village Inclusive Party in the upcoming election. Please join me in voting for Mike Cindrich, Theresa Mazarro-Flora and Angie Garcia-Guerra for the change that’s needed in Mount Kisco.
Tracy Kleinsmith
Mount Kisco
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