Today meet mayoral candidate Bill Henderson.
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 mayoral candidate Bill Henderson.
Your Name: Bill Henderson
Running for: Rye City Mayor
MyRye.com: Why are you running for Mayor?
Henderson: I am running for Mayor because after serving three and a half years on the City Council, I believe I am best placed to lead as Mayor.
Why are you running for Mayor now?
Henderson: Because Rye desperately needs new, bold and independent leadership to lead it through a time of increased development and change. We need a Mayor and Council that listens to the public and acts with moderation and common sense. I am very excited to be running with three excellent running mates for City Council positions: Maria Shuck, Robin Jovanovich and James Fee. This is a non-partisan ticket of highly accomplished Rye citizens that will collectively provide new, fresh and effective leadership for our City.
What is your party affiliation?
Henderson: Republican.
Please summarize your public service experience and contributions.
Henderson:
- Current sitting Rye City Council Member: 1/1/2022 to present.
- Federal Prosecutor – U.S. Department of Justice, Fraud Section, Washington, DC: 1989-94
- Law Clerk to Federal District Judge James C. Cacheris, EDVA, Alexandria Virginia: 1985-1986.
Describe your core base of electoral support.
Henderson: People who love Rye and want to make it better.
Opportunities and Cost Containment
What are the three biggest opportunities / challenges facing the City of Rye over the next 3-5 years?
Henderson: Mitigating severe flooding on the Blind Brook is the highest long-term priority. This is a significant undertaking involving multiple identified projects. These projects are expensive, involve municipalities outside of Rye, will require federal and state funding support, and are unlikely to be completed in the next three to five years. Continued focus and vigilance on the part of present and future City Councils will be needed to make and sustain progress. Flooding from the Beaver Swamp Brook is a lesser problem overall for the City than the Blind Brook but also an important issue.
As to the next 3-5 years, I would list these:
- Regional and local land development, causing increased traffic and density. We can control what happens here in Rye, but we should also try to work better with our neighboring jurisdictions through discussion and not lawsuits;
- Improving our parks including our children’s play spaces;
- Enhancing and beautifying our downtown by repaving our neglected parking lots, getting rid of the jersey barriers, better groundskeeping and maintenance, and more engagement with our volunteer groups and the downtown business community.
- Improving cell service throughout the City of Rye – this is first and foremost a public safety issue.
- Taking control of and managing our deer population.
What is new about these opportunities and challenges in the last 12 months?
Henderson: Pressure for new development seems to have increased, we see it in Rye and more so in the towns all around us. The current City Council has done a good job of focusing on our roads, but we have neglected our downtown parking lots, which are in desperate need of repaving. The post-Covid influx of young families moving into Rye has increased discussion about our parks and children’s play spaces. Cell service seems to have been deteriorating year after year, and the deer problem seems to be accelerating.
What are the three biggest areas for cost containment with the City of Rye over the next 3-5 years?
Henderson:
- Careful and thoughtful capital planning and review of financing options for our capital infrastructure needs and executing on those plans in a timely manner;
- Intensive review of spending priorities through the annual budget process – looking at all costs and revenue sources and prioritizing our tax dollars for what is most important;
- Technology improvements, watching headcount and maximizing the productivity of our City employees.
We have a Finance Committee with smart citizen volunteers that seems to be underutilized. I would like to see if we could have them more involved in looking at the City’s finances and budget process.
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.
Henderson: A reading of the Rye City Charter will tell you that the clear answer is “a”: we are a city manager form of government. The Mayor and City Council members are unpaid elected volunteers who need to understand that their proper role and function is not to try to run the City but to oversee a professional city manager who runs the City. Our role is to listen to the voters and set policy; we should govern more like a board of directors and give our city manager the space and support that he / she needs to effectively do the job.
The Mayor’s job is more akin to being a chairman of the board, not a chief executive officer, except in times of emergency. The Mayor’s most important role is to be the leader of the City Council. A strong leader puts others before himself, and by doing so makes the entire organization stronger. As leader of the City Council, the Mayor needs to extensively interact with all Councilmembers, not just the ones he agrees with, and encourage civil, open and full discourse among the Council and the public. Getting everyone to work together will make the Council a more effective legislative and oversight body.
The City of Rye has been without a permanent city manager since the end of March. Indicate yes or no on the following statements.
Henderson:
| Issue | Yes or No |
| The city is generally good at succession planning | No |
| The current city manager search has taken too long. | Yes, way too long in my view. |
| A new permanent city manager should be in place by or before the fall election. | Yes, I hope so, but what is most important is we pick a good one. |
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?
Henderson: This is a 1 ½ to 2 year project designed to provide guidance (not law) for future City Councils so they can prioritize and act on issues of long-term importance to the City, e.g., future land use and development, public safety, flood mitigation and resiliency, conservation, preserving our environment, parks and green spaces, traffic and pedestrian safety considerations, etc. The process involves hiring a consultant, setting up a committee of citizen volunteers with varied expertise to shepherd the process, engaging with the consultant and perhaps other experts and, most importantly, obtaining significant input from our citizens. The theoretical goal is to create a “blueprint” or planning document for the future.
One additional thing that should be mentioned, the Comprehensive Planning process should not be used as an excuse to not address the pressing issues of today.
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?
Henderson: Transparency in government is always a good thing. Our Planning Commission, Board of Architectural Review (BAR) and Zoning Board of Appeals are set up to be non-political and are staffed with people with relevant expertise that provide a great public service. Their hearings and agendas are noticed in advance and their proceedings are open to the public. There may be opportunities to further increase transparency, which is something we should continually look at.
In general, I think there should be more interaction between our voluntary citizen boards and commissions and the City Council, and if elected Mayor, I will recommend that the Council publicly meet at least annually with each board and commission to discuss how things are going and what collectively we can do better. I also think the Council could do more to recognize our great citizen volunteers.
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?
Henderson: The City’s zoning laws are published with maps and other information. The Board of Appeals, Planning Commission and BAR agendas are published in advance of the meetings as well as minutes with actions taken published afterward.
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?
Henderson: The City is in the process of settling a lawsuit with Port Chester over its zoning laws. I prefer an approach that involves our City working with our neighbors rather than suing them. Traffic is going to be a big issue with the United Hospital site. The City will have an opportunity for input on New York State’s DOT study of the traffic impact on the Post Road, including the 287 and 95 on / off ramps. We are, of course, concerned about traffic on the Post Road and the impact on the adjacent Rye neighborhoods.
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?
Henderson: The RAC is a great institution deserving of public support. My principal concerns are about parking, increased traffic and the effect on nearby residents, particularly at the Blind Brook Lodge. If we create a new zoning district, we also need to understand the implications in other parts of the City where such zoning might also be applicable. The City Council is waiting on an advisory report from the planning commission on how to proceed on the zoning issue. Since the City owns the land where some of the construction will occur, the City Council will be involved further as the project proceeds.
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?
Henderson: The Osborn has been with us since 1908. It is the City’s biggest taxpayer and an extraordinarily important Rye institution. I want the Osborn to stay in Rye and continue to thrive. I have seen the new plans which involve development away from the neighborhood on Osborn Road. The plans seem to be consistent with the new zoning law passed a couple years ago. I will continue to follow this, but for now, I would leave the future development in the capable hands of the Planning Commission and BAR.
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?
Henderson: Rye Country Day is another great Rye institution. We are currently just learning of these plans. The size and scope seem to be quite significant. There is some question of how the former Thruway property’s deed language requiring 29% public use of the fields east of the Boston Post Road will be realized by the development. Perhaps the permitting process might provide a good opportunity for more clarity around this issue.
In addition to the current Nursery Field turf project, should Rye have more turf athletic fields, yes or no?
Henderson: We all should be passionate about increasing play time and spaces for our children. If Rye is about anything – it is about families and being a place where our children can grow and flourish. So if we believe that more turf fields would be in the public interest, that we can afford to build and maintain them, and that they do not pose an unreasonable risk of harm to the environment, then I don’t see why not. Potential locations include any areas where the City currently has recreational fields.
Flooding
What are the three flood mitigation measures the City should undertake with the greatest cost/benefit?
Henderson:
- On the Blind Brook, the upstream SUNY Berms project appears to be the most promising project to decrease / slow the flow of water downstream during significant weather events;
- Also on the Blind Brook, expanding the Upper and Lower Bowman Ponds appears to be the second most promising project that also has the potential of holding back water during significant weather events;
- Focus on resiliency projects and emergency response. These are things we can do ourselves here in Rye to mitigate the effects of extreme flooding and corresponding danger to human life, both along the brooks and in other areas.
What are some of the ways the City can realistically expect to pay for some of the more expensive flood mitigation projects (including infrastructure)?
Henderson:
- Federal Funding – through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRICS) program and perhaps other federal programs;
- NY State Funding – through the NY State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and perhaps other NY State programs;
- Capital planning for smaller local projects we can pay for and do ourselves.
What are a few of the most effective but least expensive measures the City can take in regards to flood mitigation?
Henderson:
- Get the algorithms exercise finished and install computer programming of the Sluice Gate at the Upper Bowman Pond;
- Local resilience and storm system improvement projects;
- Local Flood emergency response planning.
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.
Henderson:
| Issue | Yes or no |
| We have a serious deer overpopulation problem | Yes |
| 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, but no guns involved. I believe New York law only permits the use of bows and arrows, not sharp shooters with rifles, near human populated areas. |
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?
Henderson: No – I don’t think we want Rye to look like Greenwich with high walls around everyone’s property. The answer is to have a robust deer culling and management program.
Lightning Round
Please Answer the following questions Yes or No:
Henderson:
| Issue | Yes or No | One sentence explanation. |
| Rye is prepared for the next “100 year” flood. | No | There is a lot of work to do and it will take a long time. |
| Rye should update its Comprehensive / Master Plan. | Yes | This was a question when I ran for Council 4 years ago. Let’s get on with it. |
| Rye should have additional restrictions on residential development. | We should always be careful in imposing restrictions so I would say it depends on what the specific restrictions are and what we are trying to accomplish. | |
| Rye should have additional restrictions on commercial development. | Same answer as directly above. | |
| Rye should take steps to preserve the character of its downtown / central business district. | Yes | Of course, and we are working on passing a new zoning restriction limiting building height to 35 feet and promulgating additional architectural guidelines. |
| The City does a good job supporting its local merchants. | Yes | We should look at re-paving our downtown parking lots. |
| Rye should be more pedestrian and bike friendly. | Yes | But the proliferation of electric bikes and scooters is a potential safety problem. |
| I voted for (or would have voted for) the City’s tree law. | No | The law requires private property owners to get a permit to cut down a tree located anywhere on their own property. I believe this was a significant and unnecessary overreach. |
| Rye should either find a way to enforce the leaf blower law or eliminate it. | Yes | Enforcement is increasing. |
| Rye should aim to completely ban gas leaf blowers within 2-3 years. | Yes | Sure, let’s aim for that but it should only happen when the time is right meaning the technology, including battery technology, is there. |
| Landscapers should be registered with Rye so practices such as leaf blowers can be more closely controlled. | No | These are not wealthy business owners and they are already registered with the County. Their business is hard enough. Why burden them more and to what end? |
| I voted for (or would have voted for) in favor of the artificial turf installation at Nursery Field. | Yes | After making sure we carefully considered the environmental and neighborhood issues, I voted in favor of the artificial turf project. I also helped broker the final deal with the donor group. |
| Sustainable Westchester’s Westchester Power program should be the default electricity provider for residents. | No | Absolutely not – they have a documented track record of providing electricity supply at a materially more expensive price than the Con Ed spot market with no measurable environmental benefit to Rye, and because it’s a default program billed through Con Ed, many Rye consumers do not even know they are paying more. The Rye City Council has no business getting involved with Rye consumers’ electricity bills. |
| Rye Playland will be in good hands with Westchester County. | No | Does anyone really believe this? |
| The Pride flag should be raised each year on City flagpoles. | It will be raised during Pride Month. This is already a city policy. | |
| The current road conditions in Rye are acceptable. | No | They are improved, but could still be more improved, especially our downtown parking lots. |
| Rye needs to reduce its deer population by active management that might include sharp shooters. | Yes | But no guns – use bows and arrows. |
| Rye should have its own designated, year-round off-leash dog park (similar to what Port Chester has). | I am very pro-dog – I have two – but I think using Rye Town Park is fine. If someone wants to add an additional off-leash area, I’m happy to look at it. |
Tell us about you:
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Henderson: That’s a lot of people with lots of opinions – I have no idea.
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
Henderson: My wife Beth married me.
What is your day job?
Henderson: I am retired from Ernst & Young, the global accounting and consulting firm. I was a partner in their Forensic practice. I am a CPA and an attorney. I previously was a federal prosecutor. Since I am retired, I have plenty of time to commit to the job of Mayor, something my opponents may not have.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why, and who would you take with you?
Henderson: The last part is easy, I’d go with Beth. We have been to many places. I don’t have a particular favorite place in mind, but it would likely involve good food and wine.
What is your current favorite streaming / TV series?
Henderson: Don’t have one.
What is your favorite movie?
Henderson: A Bridge Too Far.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Henderson: We live on Grace Church Street between Kelly’s and Downtown. We have been here 25 years and lived on Apawamis Avenue for six years before that.
What affiliations do you have with organizations in Rye?
Henderson: I’m a current member, past Governor and President of the Apawamis Club. I am currently a board member of the Apawamis Foundation, a charitable foundation that awards college scholarship moneys, a member of the Church of the Resurrection parish, Meals on Wheels Driver, and a current Rye City Council Member. I previously served on the RCSD audit committee, and coached 4-5 years in the Rye Little League.
What are three of your favorite food takeout / delivery restaurants in or around Rye?
Henderson:
- Piazza Pizzeria
- Aurora
- Fogama
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Henderson: Playing golf, traveling, being with friends and family, drinking good wine.
Thanks, Bill!
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