Today meet city council candidate Marion Anderson.
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 Marion Anderson.
Your Name: Marion Anderson
Running for: Rye City Council
MyRye.com: Why are you running for Rye City Council?
Anderson: I am Marion Anderson, a lifelong Rye resident. I am running for Rye City Council to use my business, not-for-profit, and volunteer experience to serve our community.
I graduated from Rye High School, raised my family here, and love the special character of the community we call home. I have a long history of public service in Rye and Westchester. That and my lifelong knowledge of our town will enable me to be your partner in leading Rye into the future.
Why are you running for Rye City Council now?
Anderson: I believe our nation is in crisis. We are in the midst of a great divide regarding ideologies. More than ever, we need to focus on our communities to build grass roots efforts to unify our country. On the City Council I will vote to maintain and enhance the small town, tight-knit, unique community we all value. I will be an advocate for thoughtful decision making that understands the importance of public participation, transparency, dialogue and the ability to work collaboratively with others. I will use my professional experience to support sound development that preserves the characteristics that make Rye special, meets our recreation and environmental needs, and sustains our local businesses.
What is your party affiliation?
Anderson: Democrat.
Please summarize your public service experience and contributions.
Anderson: I have a very long history of public service in Rye and the broader Westchester County community.
- Chaired successful local effort to dedicate road through train station parking lot in honor of Rye civil rights leaders M. Paul and Orial Redd – dedication September 2025.
- Advisory Board Member of Kids S.P.A.C.E. of Rye, involved for over 20 years, Program Director in 1996, Board Chair 1997 – 2001.
- Treasurer – Larchmont Rotary Club, member 11 years. Past President.
- Executive Leadership Committee, Westchester Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 3 years. Raised $1million in 2024 .
- Member, Port Chester-Rye NAACP.
- Former Member, City of Rye Human Rights Commission.
- Former Vice Chair of Board of Directors, Port Chester Carver Center.
- Former Member, Osborn School and Rye Middle School PTA, RCSD Curriculum and UPK Committees.
- Andrus Children’s Center, Executive Leadership Team, Community Services Division Director. Successfully organized Yonkers Riverfest for 4 years with 20,000+ attendees. 2004-2008 .
Describe your core base of electoral support.
Anderson: My family arrived in Rye during the 1940’s. I attended Rye Schools, worked in Rye, served on numerous boards and commissions throughout my adult life. I have collaborated with many people in various capacities for the betterment of our community. I am proud to say that my core base represents a broad cross-section of residents.
Lori Talento, Suki van Dijk, (Anderson), and Ingraham Taylor. Contributed.)
Opportunities and Cost Containment
What are the three biggest opportunities / challenges facing the City of Rye over the next 3-5 years?
Anderson:
- Comprehensive Planning – to establish a course for the City’s policy direction for the coming years. We need to create a blueprint for environmentally and fiscally sound policies as well as an equitable community.
- Flood Mitigation – continue the work on comprehensive flood mitigation plans to include measures to reduce flood risks and protect our communities’ flooding impacts.
- Fiscal Responsibility – as a council and city government we must carefully spend, earn and generate funding opportunities that protect our quality of life.
What is new about these opportunities and challenges in the last 12 months?
Anderson: The greatest challenge we are currently facing is the shrinking of Federal dollars available to states, municipalities and service organizations across the country. Inflation impacts the general populace as well as governmental entities. As we establish our common goals everyone will benefit from the growth of collaborative efforts to reach them.
What are the three biggest areas for cost containment with the City of Rye over the next 3-5 years?
Anderson:
- Investment in a Comprehensive Planning Process that will provide a blueprint of policies and goals for the community.
- Reviewing and containing operating expenses
- As a community, how can we collaborate with our neighboring communities to share resources?
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.
- 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.
Anderson: A. is the closest to our Rye City government. The City Manager’s role is defined in the City Charter which was amended in 2003. Under the guidance and policies developed by the City Council and Mayor, the City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City and its’ staff. (S)he will implement the policies established by the Council/Mayor.
The City of Rye has been without a permanent city manager since the end of March. Indicate yes or no on the following statements.
Anderson:
| Issue | Yes or No |
| The city is generally good at succession planning | YES – I have followed Rye City government my entire adult life and feel we have been generally good at planning in regard to succession |
| The current city manager’s search has taken too long. | NO – finding the “right fit” is of utmost importance and should not be rushed. |
| A new permanent city manager should be in place by or before the fall election. | NO – the position should not be tied to whomever is in office . |
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? (Include the process, timeline, stakeholders and a few of the issues and policies that might be addressed in this work. Please answer with 2-6 sentences.)
Anderson: Stakeholders: the entire community. It should take 18 to 24 months to develop a plan that gives us a 10+ year vision for the community. Comprehensive Planning is an ordered process to determine community vision and goals:
- Embark on a robust public engagement campaign to gauge and inventory our most critical needs and solicit specific suggestions for change.
- Develop a draft plan that uses information gathered to start defining goals, policies and actions.
- Gather more input and refine the plan.
Importance to a 5th grader – will help define the community when they are adults.
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? (Answer overall in 1-3 sentences and then add 1-2 sentences for each bullet.)
Anderson: Yes, we must have community engagement and a robust process in place to define our vision and goals. Comprehensive Planning must involve a broad and collaborative look at the many moving parts; flooding issues, environmental and sustainability concerns, economics, esthetic and quality of life issues. This will require everyone working together.
- Review and update Zoning ordinances (part of comprehensive planning with our long-term vision in mind)
- Engage with the developers on creating common goals
- Making sure the community and all stakeholders have a voice in the process
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?
Anderson: I think the bigger question is how we can engage more of the community? As we develop a Comprehensive Plan, baselines and benchmarks will be established and routine check-ins against those benchmarks will get updated. (A community report card)
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?
Anderson: United Hospital closed in 2004 and has been an eye sore for more than 2 decades. It is time that this property is finally developed. With that in mind, the current plans will have a large impact on Rye City – traffic, parking, public transportation, downtown business, and adjacent Rye City neighborhoods. We must keep pathways of communication open between Rye City, Port Chester and Westchester County to discuss overlapping concerns.
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?
Anderson: Rye Arts Center has been a part of the community for more than 65 years. As a high school student (1970’s), I benefitted from a scholarship to attend classes when the center was located upstairs on Purchase Street. The center has provided services to many children and families, and I fully support their ability to expand. It is important that we work together to balance the expansion with the neighborhood concerns of added traffic, parking and community ambiance.
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?
Anderson: It is important to address the needs of our senior population. Rye City must collaborate with the Osborn to address safety, traffic, community character, environmental as well as affordability concerns.
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?
Anderson: The plan is ambitious and will carry extra concerns due to the United Hospital project. Added field space is always an ongoing concern and shared use of the added fields with Rye City is a desirable outcome. Careful scrutiny and maintaining open lines of communication with Rye City Planning Commission and all stakeholders will be required.
In addition to the current Nursery Field turf project, should Rye have more turf athletic fields, yes or no?
Anderson: The general consensus is that more field space is needed. The best practice to use turf or more natural surfaces is still evolving.
Flooding
What are the three flood mitigation measures the City should undertake with the greatest cost/benefit?
Anderson:
- Replacement of Oakland Beach & Playland Parkway bridges to expand water flow capacity. (effort with Westchester County)
- Natural flood mitigation efforts – wetland protection & restoration, management of floodplains, protect and conserve our diminishing open spaces.
- Flood and disaster planning – too many residents have been adversely affected by the increased community flooding.
What are some of the ways the City can realistically expect to pay for some of the more expensive flood mitigation projects (including infrastructure)?
Anderson:
- Finding sources of funding – state & federal grants
- Continue to collaborate with other municipalities and Westchester County
- Prioritize projects; cost vs. benefits
What are a few of the most effective but least expensive measures the City can take in regards to flood mitigation?
Anderson:
- Comprehensive Planning will naturally involve developing strategies to mitigate flooding.
- Collaboration with other communities – flooding does not start and end in Rye City. Real results will happen if we can work across artificial boundaries.
- Education – what are things our citizens can do to help mitigate.
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:
Anderson: Please note: Rye City had a deer commission in 2017, and the current mayor dismantled the group.
| Issue | Yes or no |
| We have a serious deer overpopulation problem | We need to collect data to ascertain the deer populations |
| 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?
Anderson:
I would rather wait to develop my opinion after the reports are completed by the deer management committee.
Lightning Round
Please Answer the following questions Yes or No:
Anderson:
| Issue | Yes or No | One sentence explanation. |
| Rye is prepared for the next “100 year” flood. | No | Happens too often |
| Rye should update its Comprehensive / Master Plan. | Yes | Let’s develop a vision for the city |
| Rye should have additional restrictions on residential development. | Solutions will be a part of comprehensive planning | |
| Rye should have additional restrictions on commercial development. | Solutions will be part of comprehensive planning | |
| Rye should take steps to preserve the character of its downtown / central business district. | Let’s maintain the unique character of our community. | |
| The City does a good job supporting its local merchants. | We need to support our local businesses | |
| Rye should be more pedestrian and bike friendly. | Yes | We need to make it safe for walkers and those on bicycles. |
| I voted for (or would have voted for) the City’s tree law. | Trees are integral to a healthy environment, and we need to revisit through comprehensive planning | |
| Rye should either find a way to enforce the leaf blower law or eliminate it. | Gas blowers emit a lot of gases and make a lot of noise. I would engage landscapers and homeowners in the benefits of mulching + more native lawns and gardens. The technology of the electric blowers does not meet the current demands. As technology evolves, we can adapt our strategies. | |
| Rye should aim to completely ban gas leaf blowers within 2-3 years. | Yes | As the technology evolves |
| Landscapers should be registered with Rye so practices such as leaf blowers can be more closely controlled. | No | It would be really hard to manage. |
| I voted for (or would have voted for) in favor of the artificial turf installation at Nursery Field. | The long-term effects of the installation on the environment, taxpayer costs and health effects have yet to be determined | |
| Sustainable Westchester’s Westchester Power program should be the default electricity provider for residents. | Yes | The way the program is set up requires this default. However, residents can always opt out. Education is needed |
| Rye Playland will be in good hands with Westchester County. | Yes | The County has done a great job of restoring the park and maintaining the safety of the users. |
| The Pride flag should be raised each year on City flagpoles. | Yes | Everyone deserves to feel they have a place in the community. We have a resolution in place. |
| The current road conditions in Rye are acceptable. | No | But working towards it |
| Rye needs to reduce its deer population by active management that might include sharp shooters. | Let’s wait for the reports of the deer management committee | |
| Rye should have its own designated, year-round off-leash dog park (similar to what Port Chester has). | Yes | As a dog owner, a safe and social environment for dog owners and their fur babies. This must be explored. |
Tell us about you:
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Anderson: Tireless.
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
Anderson: Too many kind things to determine what was best.
What is your day job?
Anderson: Executive Director, Heartsong, Inc., non-profit organization serving Westchester that provides creative arts therapies for individuals with disabilities. Owner and Director, Cornerstone Children’s Center; 29-year career as a leader and innovator in childcare not-for-profit business.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why, and who would you take with you?
Anderson: I am truly a homebody but would love to visit Portugal for climate, economics and great people.
What is your current favorite streaming / TV series?
Anderson: The Wire.
What is your favorite movie?
Anderson: Dirty Dancing.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Anderson: All of my life – born at United Hospital, grew up in the Glen Oaks section and currently live downtown.
What affiliations do you have with organizations in Rye?
Anderson:
- Kids’ S.P.A.C.E. of Rye, Inc. – Advisory Board for over 20 years. Past Board Chair, Past Program Director
- Port Chester-Rye NAACP – member
- Co-chaired successful local effort to dedicate road through our train station parking lot in honor of Rye civil rights leaders M. Paul & Orial Redd – dedication September 2025
- Former member, City of Rye Human Rights Commission
- Former Vice-Chair Port Chester Carver Center
What are three of your favorite food takeout / delivery restaurants in or around Rye?
Anderson:
- Jerry’s Post Road Market
- Kelly’s
- Sunrise Pizza
All three are staples of Rye and I have been a patron of each for many, many years. But, there are an exceedingly large number of fantastic places to visit in Rye.
Dan) with other Black Belt level students at Rye Recreation Center.)
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Anderson: Tae Kwon Do – 1st degree black belt (practice at Rye Recreation), going to the gym, taking dog for long walks and dog parks.
Thanks, Marion!
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