By Jann Mirchandani, Town Supervisor Candidate

When I bump into friends, they often ask me how the campaign is going. While it is a lot of hard work, by myself and others, it is gratifying. I have had the opportunity to reconnect with friends my kids went to school with, business associates I haven’t seen in awhile, and meet residents from every corner of town to share the vision for “A New Day For Yorktown.”

Recently, while out canvassing, Diana Quast and I met with an older couple in their home. They have lived in town for decades and have no plans to move. She asked me to do one thing for her, should we be successful in November: “Don’t pander to me. Don’t use seniors like a prop.” She went on to say that the new developments going up in town were not for her or seniors like her. She would never be able to sell her home and afford to move into any of these places.

We talked briefly about the difference between redevelopment and new development and why it makes more sense to update and find new uses for the blighted properties scattered around town, rather than focusing on new development in previously undeveloped land.

The conversation then turned to transportation and I shared with my new friends my idea for a trolley system connecting our five hamlets. They perked up and we talked about how it would help those who don’t drive to live more independently; seniors could get to shopping and doctor’s appointments, and teens could get from the northern side of town to the Teen Center. I recalled taking my kids on a trolley ride in Georgetown when they were young; it was a highlight of the trip!

Convenient micro-transit systems encourage people to leave their cars behind, and when paired with electric vehicles can reduce the climate impact of our transportation system.

Photo credit: Flickr/oldonliner

We talked about starting a pilot program with grant money from the county, state, or federal government available for transportation or environmental projects and growing routes and schedules over time.

They knew we were not “their party” and we knew they were not Democrats. We were just neighbors talking, sharing concerns, having a few laughs, and looking at what we can do to make a difference. As we were getting ready to leave, the couple thanked us for taking the time to speak with them, to listen to their concerns and to share our ideas for Yorktown.

I look forward to continuing our canvassing efforts and talking to more neighbors and having more conversations like this one. I also look forward to debating our opponents in October, giving our community the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about our ideas for Yorktown’s future.

Warmly,