Today meet city council candidate James Ward.
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 James Ward.
Your Name: James Ward
Running for: Rye City Council
MyRye.com: Why are you running for Rye City Council?
Ward: My wife, Sawako, and I fell in love with Rye the moment we saw it on a house-hunting trip in 2011. It’s where we raised our two children and a community we feel deeply grateful to be a part of. Over the years, I made it central to my life to give back to the community. I’m running for City Council to use my skills and experience to help our extraordinary community meet the challenges we are facing now and in the future.
Why are you running for Rye City Council now?
Ward: I’m seeking reelection to the Rye City Council for the same reasons as when I ran a year ago: because my unique skill set in both science and finance will be an asset to our local government as we face our current challenges. Through my volunteer work in Rye, as a committee chair and a coach, I have developed knowledge and perspectives that can serve the City across a broader range of matters. Through my professional work in science and finance, I have the skills and the drive to focus on the most important issues facing our community.
What is your party affiliation?
Ward: Democrat.
Please summarize your public service experience and contributions.
Ward: I believe public service and volunteering strengthen our community. To that end, I have been a member and Chair of the Rye Sustainability Committee and a youth hockey coach. I was a member of the Rye Sustainability Committee for 5 years and the chair for the committee for 4 years. I was appointed to the City’s Climate Smart Task Force in 2023. Under my leadership, the Committee has followed through on the 2015 commitment to become a Certified Climate Smart Community (Bronze Status). I have been involved in the Rye Rangers Hockey Club since 2013, with 6 seasons of coaching. Most importantly, in 2024, I was elected to the City Council to fill a one-year term.
Describe your core base of electoral support.
Ward: My core supporters know that I am a sustainably-focused leader who brings balance and fiscal responsibility to the city council. We all want collaborative, forward-thinking leadership that puts neighborhoods and people first. By prioritizing comprehensive planning and sustainability, we will ensure that Rye remains a great place to raise our families and for all to enjoy for many generations to come.
Opportunities and Cost Containment
What are the three biggest opportunities / challenges facing the City of Rye over the next 3-5 years?
Ward:
- Comprehensive Planning. The single most important opportunity and challenge is to write the next version of the master plan, which was last done in 1985. The Comprehensive Plan will set forth the goals, objectives, priorities, and recommendations for investing in the infrastructure, environment, and future of the City of Rye.
- Safety. In addition to maintaining the top-knotch fire and police departments with the right training and equipment, I am a proponent of safe streets. Many of our youth commute on bicycles, and I would like the City to improve bike lanes and traffic safety, as well as promote helmet wearing for our youth.
- Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness. We are blessed with City staff who care and run the city well. Efficiency means marrying innovation with fiscal responsibility, continually seeking and implementing opportunities to deliver or improve services, save money, and hold the line on taxes.
What is new about these opportunities and challenges in the last 12 months?
Ward: Unfortunately funding has become more challenging and prices are rising. Projects that were contemplated 5 years ago now cost 30% more. We need to lean into programs that give the City access to grant money and incentivizes the community to do more in sustainability. This year we submitted requests for over $2M of Climate Smart Community funding which in previous years we wouldn’t have had access to. These grants will be used to pay for bridge replacement and planning.
What are the three biggest areas for cost containment with the City of Rye over the next 3-5 years?
Ward: Our dedicated DPW has lowered costs on countless projects here in Rye by hiring and retaining the best employees. We need to support them by planning that leads to utilizing their time most effectively.
- Investment in sustainable infrastructure which is effective and efficient is also often eligible for grants. Electric vehicles run more efficiently (cheaper), require far less maintenance all while being quiet and lacking tailpipe emissions. As mentioned above, a similar grant which the city applied for provides $2M of matching funds to replace a bridge which will abate flooding.
- Investment in a comprehensive plan for our future will help us make better budgeting and capital investment decisions in the next several decades.
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:
- A: 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.
- B: 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.
Ward: The Council is accountable to the voters and sets legislation and policy. The mayor serves as a single 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.
Ward:
| Issue | Yes or No |
| The city is generally good at succession planning | The City is very fortunate to have excellent staff across all departments and at all levels. That would seem to indicate that retention and succession planning are working. However, as a councilmember involved in the current city manager search, saying “yes” or “no” more specifically to this question could inadvertently betray the confidentiality of the search process. |
| The current city manager search has taken too long. | No. Hiring a city manager is one of the most important functions of the city council. We owe it to the community to take the necessary time to do the search right. |
| A new permanent city manager should be in place by or before the fall election. | No, not at all. They are completely different processes and are not tied together in any way. |
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?
Ward: The comprehensive plan is a long-term visionary document that will guide the City through some of its most important decisions such as land use and development over the next 10 years. It will outline the community’s goals, objectives and strategies towards growth. It is imperative that the process of building the plan has active participation from the community. The council should facilitate the process that delivers a plan for the people of Rye by the people of Rye. To this end we will hold meetings and workshops where people can share ideas about issues like flooding, housing, traffic, parks, and the environment.
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?
Ward: The key is comprehensive planning which will lead to a broader discussion of what is important for the city in the context of long-term planning. The discussion about land use such as flag lots, rockchipping and even tree laws are often looked at in isolation. Many citizens are surprised by the outcomes of planning and zoning decisions because they don’t understand how different types of approvals work together. We could start planning by having a series of public discussions on our current land-use laws by reviewing them holistically in terms of what they set out to accomplish and how effective they have been. By performing a gap analysis, the community could bring about more effective ordinances that accomplish the developmental goals for the city. Finally, we could enhance oversight by tracking outcomes to our comprehensive plan.
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?
Ward: As data analysis and AI become more readily accessible, we will see it more routinely used to help the city and its citizens make decisions. For example, remote satellite technology and sensing could be used to better understand how flooding impacts the city on a micro-scale (e.g., neighborhood, streets) and this would allow the City to better react to storms based on size which would save money and potentially limit property damage. This data may be available today but we are just not using it to its fullest advantage.
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?
Ward: The United Hospital Redevelopment Project aims to create a mixed-use community comprising multi-family buildings, a hotel, and age-restricted housing units. It’s a concern that neighboring developments may have an impact on Rye and we must proactively protect our interest. For example, the completion of this project has the potential to increase congestion as traffic leaving the premises will need to exit through Rye to get onto I-287 and I-95 North. The city should analyze the impact of the project on Rye’s congestion, as well as the impact on downtown restaurants and parking, and work to have a plan to minimize the inconvenience to Rye residents.
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?
Ward: The Rye Arts Center is a unique aspect of Rye. As with many residents, my children had their first music lessons. Expanding the Rye Arts Center could be a great opportunity for residents of all ages to enjoy the arts. However, we need to balance the potential expansion with the concerns over traffic and character of the neighborhood and get to a solution that works for everyone.
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?
Ward: With an aging population, development of senior facilities is important but it needs to strike a delicate balance. Therefore, we must ensure this project meets the community’s senior housing needs while addressing the concerns we have of all development in the city: safety, character, traffic and sustainability.
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?
Ward: Rye Country Day School is an important part of the community. Thruway property offers an opportunity to expand open spaces that are currently under-utilized , but we must plan traffic and safety wisely and make sure solutions work for the community at large.
In addition to the current Nursery Field turf project, should Rye have more turf athletic fields, yes or no?
Ward: I am very much a proponent of youth sports and feel it is critical to our community. I would like to ensure that playing field utilization is maximized by proper management strategies and every field should be analyzed on its use and needs.
Flooding
What are the three flood mitigation measures the City should undertake with the greatest cost/benefit?
Ward: We must continue to follow up on the measures that were outlined in the Ramboll study of Blind Brook (1) replacement or re-engineering of bridges that were deemed undersized, (2) mitigation strategies like protection and establishment of wetlands, floodplains, forests, berms and open spaces, (3) increase resilience through contingency and disaster planning. However, we want to achieve these measures while being fiscally responsible and not just pass costs to the residents. That is why I would work tirelessly to ensure the grant money is available.
What are some of the ways the City can realistically expect to pay for some of the more expensive flood mitigation projects (including infrastructure)?
Ward:
- Find sources of money: grant money through climate initiatives gives the City of Rye the best chance at reducing the cost of flood mitigation projects
- Be smart with our money: make sure we analyze delivery on the projects that give the greatest return on the margin.
What are a few of the most effective but least expensive measures the City can take in regards to flood mitigation?
Ward:
- Repair and preserve our riparian buffer zones. Plant trees, keep them healthy and clear. Work more with the county to ensure their properties are also clear and healthy.
- Open dialogs with upstream sources. Conversations are the beginning and they are free.
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:
Ward:
| Issue | Yes or no |
| We have a serious deer overpopulation problem | We need to find out. We are lacking in data that could help us inform our opinion. |
| 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?
Ward: I would be worried this would have unintended consequences. It could drastically change the look and feel of Rye while only having a limited impact on the problem as a whole.
Lightning Round
Please Answer the following questions Yes or No:
Ward:
| Issue | Yes or No | One sentence explanation. |
| Rye is prepared for the next “100 year” flood. | No | The 100 year flood is now every decade. |
| Rye should update its Comprehensive / Master Plan. | Yes | It is overdue. The master plan is the visionary roadmap for the city. |
| Rye should have additional restrictions on residential development. | Yes | It should be in our comprehensive plan. If done right we will all benefit. |
| Rye should have additional restrictions on commercial development. | Yes | It should be in our comprehensive plan. If done right we will all benefit. |
| Rye should take steps to preserve the character of its downtown / central business district. | Yes | The City Council has already taken steps but we should continue this effort. |
| The City does a good job supporting its local merchants. | Yes | The downtown area and the merchants contribute so much to Rye and we should continue to support it. |
| Rye should be more pedestrian and bike friendly. | Yes | Safe streets for pedestrians and bicyclists are important. It appears to me that more people are riding to the station and we should make it easier for them. |
| I voted for (or would have voted for) the City’s tree law. | Yes | We need to continue to protect the trees while being respectful of home owners rights. Trees provide valuable shade, flood mitigation and are beautiful. |
| Rye should either find a way to enforce the leaf blower law or eliminate it. | Yes | Enforce it. Peace and quiet to the neighborhoods. |
| Rye should aim to completely ban gas leaf blowers within 2-3 years. | Yes | The technology is there but for all but the most powerful leaf blowers. We should work with stakeholders to bring about transition. |
| Landscapers should be registered with Rye so practices such as leaf blowers can be more closely controlled. | No | Registration doesn’t seem to accomplish anything and creates a burden on landscapers. |
| I voted for (or would have voted for) in favor of the artificial turf installation at Nursery Field. | Yes | I think the process was too drawn out but in the end it was approved 7-0. |
| Sustainable Westchester’s Westchester Power program should be the default electricity provider for residents. | Yes | More choice is better than less. Westchester Power is easy to opt out of and provides meaningful choice to residents who are sustainably minded. |
| Rye Playland will be in good hands with Westchester County. | Yes | |
| The Pride flag should be raised each year on City flagpoles. | Yes | This is a simple gesture that hurts no one. |
| The current road conditions in Rye are acceptable. | Yes | |
| Rye needs to reduce its deer population by active management that might include sharp shooters. | Yes | It is not as simple as bringing in sharp shooters but I am hopeful the deer committee will make meaningful progress. |
| Rye should have its own designated, year-round off-leash dog park (similar to what Port Chester has). | Yes | I would be in favor of having such an area. |
Tell us about you:
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Ward: Caring.
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
Ward: I am a big believer in paying kindness forward: if someone does something kind for you, pass it on and be kind for someone else. I had so many great mentors, but my favorite was my college advisor and mentor Dr. John Engleke. He took so much of his personal time to help me explore my passion for science. I try to pass that on to the youth that I come into contact with.
What is your day job?
Ward: I am a Head of Valuation at a hedge fund with a specialty in valuing illiquid assets. For non-financial people, that means assets like private equity, hard-to-value derivatives, private or distressed loans among other investments. Prior to that I worked as a chemist. In fact, I worked my way through college as a bench chemist for the EPA and then as research scientist in a startup biotech company before transitioning to finance. In both fields, working with diverse audiences has been part and parcel of my career. Financial analysis, scientific reasoning and the ability to practically apply these disciplines to a broad range of matters are talents that I can bring to the city council.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why, and who would you take with you?
Ward: My family took a bucket-list-fulfilling trip to South Africa this year. Being on safari with my grown kids made it extra special for my wife and me.
What is your current favorite streaming / TV series?
Ward: Recently Your Friends and Neighbors! More old school: The Wire (2002 – 2008) – I went to graduate school in Baltimore, and I am a big fan of David Simon, who wrote and directed both Homicide: Life on the Streets and The Wire.
What is your favorite movie?
Ward: The Sting (1973) starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman. The acting duet is perhaps most famous for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), but The Sting is a must-see classic.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Ward: Rye Gardens (Reymond Ave) since 2012. We moved to Rye 14 years ago in the Summer of 2011 from Tokyo, Japan.
What affiliations do you have with organizations in Rye?
Ward:
- Rye Rangers Hockey Coach – I have been involved in this wonderful program since 2013. Over those years, I have coached 5 or so seasons and love it. Coaching/mentoring is a great way to give back to the community
- Rye Sustainability Committee – We are charged with delivering sustainability to the community. I am the current chair.
- City of Rye Climate Smart Community Task Force – A four-member team including the assistant city manager that is tasked with moving the City towards the goals of Climate Smart Communities.
- Rye100 – A founding member of the Rye100 Chapter of CURE100 (Communities United to Reduce Emissions 100%).
- Rye Oak250 – A founding member grassroots effort to plant 250 Oak tree saplings sewn from acorns from Rye’s “bicentennial trees”.
What are three of your favorite food takeout / delivery restaurants in or around Rye?
Ward: There are so many great places to eat in Rye, it’s near impossible to pick 3.
- Jerry’s Market. Nothing better than their bacon, egg and cheese sandwich in my opinion.
- Sunrise Pizza – sometimes you just need a slice, and they have plenty to choose from. Now that my kids are away in college, less of a chance to run into them there and embarrass them.
- While not take-out, there are many excellent fine dining choices in Rye that my wife and I enjoy.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Ward: There are two activities that I haven’t mentioned that factor into my “free time”. The first is the Rye YMCA which is just great. Lately I have gotten into swimming, and I just love jumping in their pool for a few laps there. Finally, we are members of the American Yacht Club. The sound is a very special part of Rye and sailing is a great way to experience it.
Thanks, James!
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