Today meet city council candidate Amy Kesavan.
Fall is underway, and that means elections are around the corner. The election will be on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with early voting from Saturday, October 25, 2025 through Sunday, November 2, 2025. Our local early voting center is Resurrection’s Early Childhood Education Center at 88 Milton Road. You can find your election day voting location online.
In the City of Rye, there are active races for mayor and for three city council seats. Mayor Josh Cohn is ending two terms as mayor. Keith Cunningham, Jamie Jensen and Josh Nathan remain on the council with terms expiring December 31, 2027 (Nathan is running for mayor).
Bill Henderson, Julie Souza and James Ward have council terms expiring this December 31st (Henderson is running for mayor and Ward is running for council reelection).
Running for Mayor:
Bill Henderson (GOP)
Josh Nathan (Dem)
Rick McCabe (Ind)
Running for City Council:
Marion Anderson (Dem)
James Fee (GOP)
Robin Jovanovich (GOP)
Amy Kesavan (Dem)
Maria Shuck (GOP)
James Ward (Dem)
Now here is our MyRye.com interview with city council candidate Amy Kesavan.
Your Name: Amy Kesavan
Running for: Rye City Council
MyRye.com: Why are you running for Rye City Council?
Kesavan: My husband, Vasan, and I discovered Rye 14 years ago and were instantly enamored. With waterfront access, beautiful neighborhoods, a charming downtown, and excellent schools, we wanted to call Rye home. More than a decade later, we are still so grateful to be raising our two children here. Over the years, I have given back as much as possible through various service efforts. Through the City Council, I can have a positive effect on keeping this community such a great place while shaping the direction of our future. At a time when national politics feels divided and chaotic, meaningful change still happens here at home. City Council is where I can bring my experience, advocacy, and determination to ensure Rye remains a vibrant and welcoming place for every generation.
Why are you running for Rye City Council now?
Kesavan: Rye is at a crossroads, facing real pressures from development and environmental challenges that are affecting our community and property. We are one of the most sought-after suburbs in the county and maintaining that level of excellence requires leaders who focus on solving local problems through collaboration and respect. I’m running to bring practical solutions and civil dialogue back to City Hall, so we can work together on the issues that matter to our neighborhoods.
What is your party affiliation?
Kesavan: Democrat.
Please summarize your public service experience and contributions.
Kesavan: Public service has been a constant theme for me. I spent seven years in the federal government at the Pentagon, where I learned to collaborate and turn complex issues into practical solutions. As to my local involvement in Rye, I have served on the Rye Sustainability Committee and the Rye Historical Society. Currently, at the local nonprofit Five Steps to Five, I am leading the development of a strategic plan that turns the incredible generosity of our community into a clear roadmap to help local underserved populations. As a parent and school volunteer at Rye Country Day, and through work with the Westchester County Cornell Cooperative Extension, I’ve seen how evidence-based programs and behind-the-scenes efforts keep our schools and families strong. Across government, nonprofits, and education, I’ve learned that communities thrive when people listen and build trust. I’m ready to bring that commitment to collaboration, persistence, and service to the City Council.
Describe your core base of electoral support.
Kesavan: My core supporters are residents who believe Rye deserves leaders who act with integrity, respect, vision, and purpose. Now is the time to show up and vote to ensure our voices and values determine what comes next for our homes and lives. We are families and residents who want collaborative, forward-thinking leadership that puts neighborhoods and people first. My supporters unite through the belief that elected office carries real responsibility. We are ready to build a stronger Rye together for our youngest learners to our most senior residents by listening well, working across differences, and focusing on what we share.
Opportunities and Cost Containment
What are the three biggest opportunities / challenges facing the City of Rye over the next 3-5 years?
Kesavan:
- Flooding and Climate Resilience: With increasing climate risks, Rye must prioritize infrastructure and policies that strengthen flood protection and resilience, ensuring the safety of residents and the sustainability of our environment.
- Fiscal Responsibility: As inflation and rising costs challenge citizens and city budgets, Rye must address potential tax shortfalls through smart financial management, innovation, and cost- effective solutions that maintain services while protecting taxpayers.
- Development and Planning: Rye faces immense development pressure both in and around the community. Thoughtful, comprehensive planning will be essential to balance growth with preserving the character and quality of life in our community.
What is new about these opportunities and challenges in the last 12 months?
Kesavan: Over the past 12 months, momentum has been building on several fronts. Regional development has accelerated, and Rye now requires a plan to manage the increases in visitors and traffic. Financially, the rising costs of goods and services bring additional fiscal pressures to the budget. We need steady, honest, responsive leadership at the local level that listens, clarifies, and unites.
What are the three biggest areas for cost containment with the City of Rye over the next 3-5 years?
Kesavan:
- Grants and External Resources: Get laser-focused on opportunities to lock in outside dollars from grants from state and federal resources.
- Strategic capital expenditures: We will continue to review our capital expenditures to reduce long-term costs and strengthen our competitiveness for grants.
- Lawsuits: Our non-routine litigation load has seemed excessive and avoidable at times. Some cases are necessary to protect our city’s interests, but we should ask why and evaluate if there are better paths to resolution.
City Management
Describe how you see the role of Rye’s city manager and her or his relationship with the city council. Pick a. or b. and add any further explanation on the roles and responsibilities of the mayor, council members, city manager and how they interact.
Pick one:
- The city manager form of government: the council acts as a legislative body, responsible for setting policies, passing laws, and approving the budget. One member of the council often serves as mayor and the mayor’s role is usually ceremonial or limited in executive power. The city manager serves as the chief executive officer of the city.
- The mayor-council form of government: power is divided between an elected mayor and an elected city council. The mayor serves as the chief executive officer of the city.
Kesavan: Rye’s city manager form of government most resembles option A and works well because it emphasizes partnership. The council is accountable to the voters and sets legislation and policy. The mayor serves as a council member with ceremonial duties and one vote. The council selects a professional city manager, who is accountable to the council, and acts as chief administrative officer, implementing policy, overseeing daily operations, and preparing the budget as outlined in the city charter.
The City of Rye has been without a permanent city manager since the end of March. Indicate yes or no on the following statements.
Kesavan:
| Issue | Yes or No |
| The city is generally good at succession planning | As a candidate I have not been a part of the succession planning. However, I have been extremely impressed with my interactions with City staff. |
| The current city manager search has taken too long. | No, this is a critical position, we need to take the time to get it right. |
| A new permanent city manager should be in place by or before the fall election. | No, this timing should not be conflated with the political calendar. Elections choose leaders, managers are found through professional job searches. |
Comprehensive Planning and Land Use
The city is finally taking steps to update its comprehensive (fka master) plan that dates back to 1985 and is in the process of selecting an external consultant to help develop the plan. How would you explain what this process is and why it is important to a fifth grader?
Kesavan: The comprehensive plan is a roadmap that will guide how Rye grows and invests in its future. The last plan was written before many residents were even born, when our town was very different. Today we face needs that did not exist then, including increased recreational demand, climate challenges, rising development pressure, and new economic opportunities. Over the next couple of years, Rye will utilize expert help to update the plan. Still, the real focus will be on giving citizens a voice in shaping the vision for our community. We will hold meetings and workshops where people can share ideas about issues like flooding, housing, traffic, parks, and the environment. This process is vital because it ensures Rye makes thoughtful, long-term decisions to preserve what we value while preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Electing a council that values the voice of the community will be crucial over the next couple of years.
Land use and the control of development has been raised as an issue in Rye, fueled by a variety of concerns including flood control, rock chipping and the development of flag lots. Should more be done to bring transparency and control to land use decisions in Rye? If so, what are three of the top recommendations you would make?
Kesavan: Yes, more can be done to bring transparency and accountability to land use decisions in Rye, as most citizens I have spoken with are not aware of how these decisions are made. My recommendations are:
- Comprehensive Plan: Finalize and adopt a modern, community-driven plan that guides land use, balances growth with environmental protection, and reflects resident priorities. The final product will be user-friendly, written in clear, straightforward language that’s easy to understand and accessible to everyone.
- Citizen Engagement: Demystify the process and equip residents to participate early and effectively through clear how-to guides, workshops, and easy feedback channels.
- Public Access to Information: Publish regular reporting and built-in opportunities for public comment.
What benchmarks and data could the City publish on a routine, ongoing basis that could help residents understand the state of land use in the City?
Kesavan: Data is available, but it is nonintuitive and may not be as user-friendly, presentable, or relatable as it could be. A modern website interface or database will help residents see trends in development more clearly. But more importantly, data and benchmarks need to be anchored against something to give them context, and this is what we will be able to provide once the comprehensive plan is in place.
Larger Development Plans
What are your current views on the development plan for the former United Hospital site just over the Rye City line in Port Chester? And what should the City be doing to represent its interests?
Kesavan: The redevelopment of the former United Hospital site will bring significant new traffic and activity right at Rye’s border, and we must be proactive in protecting our interests. That means addressing traffic through Rye Park, Purchase Street, and along Boston Post Road, ensuring vehicle and pedestrian safety while monitoring infrastructure, parking, and neighborhood impacts. The project reflects development pressures surrounding Rye, but it has great potential to support our local economy if handled responsibly.
What are your current views on the development plan for the Rye Art Center on Milton Road? And what should the City be doing to represent its interests?
Kesavan: The Rye Arts Center is a cultural cornerstone and expanding it could create extraordinary new opportunities for residents of all ages, while infusing energy and business into our economy. However, the council must take the Milton Road neighborhood’s concerns seriously and ensure it integrates well with existing structures. Progress should never come at the expense of the community or clash with its character.
What are your current views on the plan to redevelop The Osborn retirement community on the Boston Post Road? And what should the City be doing to represent its interests?
Kesavan: Development is always a delicate balance. Therefore, we must ensure this project balances senior care and housing needs with strong environmental protections, including management of stormwater and sewage systems, transportation alternatives, and respect for neighborhood character and safety.
What are your current views on the plan to develop the Thruway property along the Boston Post Road purchased by Rye Country Day School? And what should the City be doing to represent its interests?
Kesavan: The nine-acre parcel acquired by Rye Country Day in 2022 is a community opportunity with the field, track, and ice rink devoted to 29% shared use. Plans were recently presented to the Planning Commission, and the City will need to work closely with the school to work through the details, especially around traffic, student, and pedestrian safety.
In addition to the current Nursery Field turf project, should Rye have more turf athletic fields, yes or no?
Kesavan: As a parent of two middle school boys, I can attest to the critical importance of youth sports and athletic fields. After many years, we are embarking on updating the comprehensive plan, which will help us identify additional areas for recreational use. Whether it is turf fields specifically or not will depend on the site and intended use for the community.
Flooding
What are the three flood mitigation measures the City should undertake with the greatest cost/benefit?
Kesavan:
- Bridge Replacements and Upgrades: The Ramboll Study of Blind Brook included recommendations being acted upon to improve stormwater flow
- Natural Flood Mitigation: Protect and restore wetlands, manage floodplains, and open spaces that absorb floodwaters, where feasible.
- Resilience and Emergency Planning: Put more emergency planning mechanisms in place so residents can respond rapidly to extreme weather.
What are some of the ways the City can realistically expect to pay for some of the more expensive flood mitigation projects (including infrastructure)?
Kesavan: To make this fiscally realistic, we must aggressively pursue grants and matches, ensuring residents benefit from these improvements without carrying the full cost.
What are a few of the most effective but least expensive measures the City can take in regards to flood mitigation?
Kesavan:
- All hands-on deck approach: Mobilize our existing outstanding volunteer cadre serving on city commissions, committees, and boards to educate the public in their respective capacity on personal/neighborhood level flood mitigation strategies.
- Prepare, prepare, prepare: Address measures for hardest-hit blocks, harness technology, improve text/alert protocols, and mark temporary “no-park” flood zones with signed overflow areas on higher ground. Readiness benefits all of us by protecting people, property, and lowering insurance claims citywide.
Deer Management
The City is assembling its first deer management committee, realizing that the massive overpopulation of deer has decimated our parks, our native plants and gardens and has been one of the factors contributing to the spread of invasive species.
Yes or no:
Kesavan:
| Issue | Yes or no |
| We have a serious deer overpopulation problem | We need a survey to determine the scope of the problem and look forward to supporting the deer management committee. |
| I support a scientifically informed deer management process, including an ongoing culling program if recommended by experts | Yes |
| If indicated, I would support a culling program utilizing trained and licensed sharp shooters if recommended by experts. | Yes |
City code allows for a maximum fence height of six (6) feet on most private property – this is ineffective at deterring deer.
Proper deer fencing in a high deer pressure area should be eight feet (8) feet or higher. Would you support a change in City code that raises the max fence height to eight (8) feet or higher where six feet is currently indicated so residents can protect their private property from deer browse?
Yes or no?
Kesavan: Yes. I support raising the maximum fence height to eight feet, but this is an individual fix, not a systemic one. We do not want to see eight-foot fences go up as our deer solution. We should prioritize community-wide management.
Lightning Round
Please Answer the following questions Yes or No:
Kesavan:
| Issue | Yes or No | One sentence explanation. |
| Rye is prepared for the next “100 year” flood. | No | We struggle with frequent heavy rains; we must prepare for a “100 year” flood. |
| Rye should update its Comprehensive/ Master Plan. | Yes | A city should create a master plan to provide a long-term, coordinated vision that guides growth, development, and resource use in ways that meet community needs and priorities. |
| Rye should have additional restrictions on residential development. | Yes | This should be addressed in the comprehensive plan to balance protecting community character, property rights and housing needs. |
| Rye should have additional restrictions on commercialdevelopment. | Yes | We want to encourage commercial development to support the needs of the community. |
| Rye should take steps to preserve the character of its downtown / central business district. | Yes | I applaud the initiation of the Central Business District Review Committee. I agree with the proposal of the 35-foot height restriction and support the use of a design expert for further guidelines. |
| The City does a good job supporting its local merchants. | Yes | However, this is and ongoing effort. I have been speaking with merchants and support further efforts to improve their experience. |
| Rye should be more pedestrian and bike friendly. | Yes | Absolutely. |
| I voted for (or would have voted for) the City’s tree law. | Yes | Trees are critical for both mitigating flooding and sustaining a healthy suburban canopy. |
| Rye should either find a way toenforce the leaf blower law or eliminate it. | Yes | Enforce it. |
| Rye should aim to completely ban gas leaf blowers within 2-3 years. | Yes | Gas-powered leaf blowers cause significant noise pollution. New technologies are both quieter and healthier. |
| Landscapers should be registered with Rye so practices such as leaf blowerscan be more closely controlled. | No | This is an unnecessary burden on homeowners and administration. |
| I voted for (or would have voted for) in favor of the artificial turfinstallation at Nursery Field. | Yes | Field space in Rye was needed and the council’s careful deliberations yielded a good result. |
| Sustainable Westchester’s Westchester Power program should be the default electricity provider forresidents. | Yes | The opt-out is easy, and I believe people should have a choice to align their money with their values. |
| Rye Playland will be in good hands with Westchester County. | Yes | If everybody works together, I hope Playland’s best days are ahead. |
| The Pride flag should be raised each year on City flagpoles. | Yes | This is a simple gesture to signal every person belongs. |
| The current road conditions in Rye are acceptable. | Yes | Infrastructure is an ongoing project, continued investment will ensure it remains safe and reliable for the future. |
| Rye needs to reduce its deer population by active management that might include sharp shooters. | Yes | Deer are the primary host for ticks that spread Lyme disease, and they cause property damage. |
| Rye should have its own designated, year-round off-leash dog park (similar to what Port Chester has). | Yes | Dog parks are social, healthy, happy places for both owners and dogs. |
Tell us about you:
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Kesavan: Principled.
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
Kesavan: I’ve been blessed with incredible kindness ranging from mentors who changed my life to friends who cheered me on. But the most steadfast kindness, year after year, has come from my husband.
What is your day job?
Kesavan: I began my career at the Department of Defense (DoD) in Air Force International Affairs, where I built strategic research, development, and acquisition partnerships with allied air forces. By forging these relationships, we were able to share costs, meet joint requirements, and strengthen interoperability. In these roles, I led international engagement strategies, negotiated high-value agreements, and represented the DoD at the United Nations on space policy. After starting a family, I shifted my focus to community and family-centered work. I had long held curiosity in the medical field and pursued a master’s in nursing degree from Columbia University. I worked for a year as a nurse in our most excellent Rye City School District and am now serving families at Greenwich Hospital and Village Pediatrics in Westport.
Across both careers, I’ve come to believe in the power of building strong partnerships and relationships with people. I will strengthen Rye by working together, listening, and delivering real solutions for our community. I am your advocate!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why, and who would you take with you?
Kesavan: My dream trip would be to travel to Scandinavia to soak up the natural beauty, chase the Northern Lights, and kayak through the fjords. I’d bring my entire family, including parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews, and rent a big cabin together. I’d encourage my siblings to handle the cooking, since they indisputably inherited the gourmet cooking gene, while my prowess is more in eating, relaxing, and selecting take-out.
What is your current favorite streaming / TV series?
Kesavan: Although not current, The Office never gets old and always entertains me, so it is my go-to.
What is your favorite movie?
Kesavan: Forrest Gump, timeless.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Kesavan: I live on Chamberlain Street in Hix Park, and we have been here for 13 awesome years. We have seen how neighborhoods transform, and taken full advantage of the sled hills, Halloween parades, and proximity to Disbrow Park.
What affiliations do you have with organizations in Rye?
Kesavan: I am currently involved with Rye City Democrats and Rye Country Day School, and I attend Resurrection Catholic Church. I was formerly affiliated with the Rye Sustainability Committee, Rye Historical Society, and various regional organizations. I am now ready to focus more on what truly matters to me, which is why I am running for City Council. It would be an incredible honor to serve my community.
What are three of your favorite food takeout / delivery restaurants in or around Rye?
Kesavan:
- Jerry’s Post Road Market
- Milton Point Provisions
- Piazza Pizza
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Kesavan: I enjoy beekeeping and gardening, as there’s something deeply satisfying about tending to and watching things grow. This year, I learned to play pickleball and play as often as I can. I also make sure my dog gets plenty of fresh air on lots of walks, and I enjoy kayaking with my children. In the fall and winter, I love watching college sports.
Thanks, Amy!
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