On paper, the ill-timed summer special election next Tuesday to fill a vacant seat on the Yorktown Town Board appears to be a mismatch.
Democrat Susan Siegel, a former one-term supervisor and councilwoman, has been a familiar face at town meetings for years, normally seated near the front of the room with her knitting materials and a wealth of knowledge, never hesitating to challenge town officials.
Republican Donna Diana is the recent widow of the town’s late supervisor Thomas Diana. She is seeking elected office for the first time to continue her husband’s legacy.
It’s unfortunate that an expected debate between the two candidates, who are vying for a lengthy unexpired three-and-a-half-year term, never materialized since it’s likely Siegel would have been able to demonstrate her superior grasp of the origin of town issues and the intricacies of local government.
While Siegel can often come across as someone with a glass-half-empty outlook, she views her frequent appearances at the microphone as constructive criticism. She also never slings any arrows emptyhanded as she does her homework and research like no other board watcher.
The current Town Board is comprised of four Republicans. Diana has insisted she would not be a rubber stamp and would be a dissenting voice if she disagreed with the majority. Siegel has already shown she would hold the board’s feet to the fire and would strive for full transparency.
It’s also important to point out that just a few months ago, Supervisor Ed Lachterman stressed one of the main qualities that separated him from his opponent, Jann Mirchandani, in April’s special election for supervisor, was his government experience. Lachterman, a close friend of Thomas Diana, is predictably supporting Donna Diana, but by his own criteria for being in office, it would seem obvious that Siegel checks more boxes.
It’s laudable that Donna Diana is trying to do something positive for the community from the pain of the shocking death of her husband, who was well-liked and well-respected. Her motivation should not be questioned.
However, what voters in Yorktown should question is who is best qualified to make a difference and provide a sorely needed different point of view on the Town Board?
It seems clear the answer is Siegel.
July 16, 2024
The Examiner News