Letters

Francesca Hagadus Has the Connections, Perspective to Serve P’ville Well

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Francesca Hagadus-McHale is one of the candidates running for a seat on the Pleasantville Board of Trustees. Here are the reasons why village residents should vote for her on Tuesday, Mar. 19.

Francesca has the experience, the leadership skills and the relationships with our town, county, state and federal officials that we need right now in order to address pedestrian and vehicle safety at the Grant Street crossing of the Saw Mill Parkway and on Manville Road. We cannot proudly claim that Pleasantville is a walkable community – a key selling point to potential homeowners – when drivers do not obey speed limits or yield to pedestrians. They threaten the safety of all of us, especially our schoolchildren, whom we do not bus to school.

Francesca served on the Mount Pleasant Town Board. She was appointed by Westchester County Executive George Latimer to the county Commission for People with Disabilities and has worked for crisis intervention for those affected by mental health and developmental issues. She established a working relationship with Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky, who serves on the Assembly’s Committee on Transportation. She also has a working relationship with Andrea Stewart-Cousins, our state senator and Senate Majority leader, as well as Latimer.

Our village government is nonpartisan, our issues are non-partisan and so is Francesca. Last year, she ran against current trustees Paul Alvarez and Nicole Asquith. She admires their work and is eager to have the opportunity to work with them, Trustee David Vinjamuri, Mayor Peter Scherer and the Pedestrian Safety Committee. She has established relationships with our Town Board members and Town Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi. She also has a good working relationship with Margaret Cunzio, our county legislator.

Three of our trustees are parents of school-age children and understand the needs of young families. One trustee is also a small business owner and understands the needs of our local business owners. Our population also includes many empty-nesters and older citizens who intend to remain in Pleasantville. Francesca has established relationships with village citizens of all ages, from retirees to helping a Daisy Girl Scout troop.

Francesca has lived in Pleasantville for 31 years and raised two adult sons here. She was a working mom before there was full-day kindergarten. She is a retired public school teacher with more than 40 years of experience. She taught French and Spanish and is fluent in both languages. She is a member of the New York State United Teachers.

I have known Francesca for 31 years. I have seen her in action in all of her roles. She is forward-thinking, articulate, can-do and approachable. She wants to hear from everyone.
Election Day is Tuesday, Mar. 19. Contact the Westchester County Board of Elections at 914-995-5700 if you are unsure of your polling location. Make your voice heard and exercise your right to vote for Francesca!

Karen Koved
Pleasantville

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