Today meet mayoral candidate Rick McCabe.
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 Rick McCabe.
Your Name: Rick McCabe
Running for: Mayor
MyRye.com: Why are you running for Mayor?
McCabe: I believe this great city I love is at a crossroads. We can continue with the same old “business as usual” of personality conflict and party tribalism. Or, we can choose a fresh start, a new path – one that embraces the challenges and opportunities of this moment and tomorrow’s, with innovation, optimism and non-partisanship. That’s why I’m running as an independent challenger for mayor.
Why are you running for Mayor now?
McCabe: I want to be mayor to help create a more positive, collaborative future for the Rye we all love.
What is your party affiliation?
McCabe: Independent running for mayor on the Rye Now ballot line.
Please summarize your public service experience and contributions.
McCabe: I have been Chair of the Rye Recreation Commission for the past two years and a commission member since 2018. For the past 10 seasons, I’ve been a Rye Little League volunteer manager and coach.
Describe your core base of electoral support.
McCabe: Rye voters from all parties or no party who want to see our city council work more collaboratively – without the conflict of the past few years and with only the needs of all residents top of mind.
Opportunities and Cost Containment
What are the three biggest opportunities / challenges facing the City of Rye over the next 3-5 years?
McCabe:
- With this election of a new mayor and three council members, we should embrace the opportunity to take party politics and factional squabbles out of the debate and decision making at the council, focusing first and only on the needs of everyone in Rye.
- Being ready for the next major weather event is and will be a challenge in Rye. Even with all the work that’s been done by the mayor, council, professional staff and citizen commissions, preparation and mitigation have to remain a top priority.
- The other “downstream” effect Rye will face is direct and indirect impact of cuts to federal budgets and programs. The state and county will be under this pressure so it’s something we need to account for moving forward.
What is new about these opportunities and challenges in the last 12 months?
McCabe:
- Flood preparedness and mitigation is never new but always changing. Recommitting to important solutions outside Rye that we’ve attempted to implement in the past should also be revisited.
- States and municipalities across the country are being affected by the cuts of the past eight months and Rye will not be immune to them. It’s important we keep a sharp eye on how it can impact us.
What are the three biggest areas for cost containment with the City of Rye over the next 3-5 years?
McCabe:
- Our cost containment and fiscal discipline has been solid over the past several years and nobody wants higher taxes. Financing for many critical infrastructure and “livability” projects (e.g., parks) will need to be supplemented by grants, public-private partnerships and other areas.
- The work by our City Engineer and Public Works team to transform several of our maintenance and parks/athletic facilities without extensive outside contractors has been outstanding. Their capacity is obviously finite, but their work is excellent. The City should capitalize on their creativity and efficiency whenever possible.
- We all see that the costs of completing a project are getting higher every day – at your business, around your home and for the City. We need to prioritize what’s going to do the most good for the most people in Rye and get to work. It will only cost more tomorrow.
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.
McCabe:
- The city manager form of government continues to be an effective form of government for Rye. It should ensure that a dedicated, full-time professional with the right experience and expertise is executing the laws, plans and directions laid out by the volunteer mayor and council.
The City of Rye has been without a permanent city manager since the end of March. Indicate yes or no on the following statements.
McCabe:
| Issue | Yes or No |
| The city is generally good at succession planning | No |
| The current city manager search has taken too long. | Yes |
| A new permanent city manager should be in place by or before the fall election. | No. At this point considering the four-year terms of our mayor and council members, the people’s newly seated representatives should make that decision. |
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?
McCabe: Would you make improvements to your house without sketches, a budget and a schedule to get things done? Of course not. Rye needs those things as we plan for the city’s future. It won’t dictate every detail of the renovations of your home, but you’ll have a better idea of what it could feel like and look like when you’re doing the work.
To make that plan a reality in the coming year or two, we’ll need the leadership of the mayor and council; input from people, businesses and other organizations in the city; and the actual plan development and implementation by professional leaders such as the City Manager, City Planner and many others.
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?
McCabe: Yes, there should be as much transparency in private and commercial development as possible before any work begins. What happens in one neighborhood, on one street and on one parcel can affect the entire city. As mayor, I would work with the council, professional staff and our valuable commission members to be as forward-looking as we can be on these issues.
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?
McCabe: It’s obviously a huge project that will affect Rye residents and the city overall. The mayor, council and professional staff should stay deeply engaged with leadership in Port Chester and other municipalities to monitor and react to the impact of the project throughout its development.
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?
McCabe: The Rye Arts Center is a unique and valuable institution in Rye and has a tremendous opportunity to transform its facilities and programs. Neighbors and residents across the city have raised legitimate concerns about the development with respect to traffic and safety in an already busy area, the aesthetics in a historic part of town, the wetland area on the property and other topics – all of which should be closely considered as the planning and review process proceed.
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?
McCabe: The City (elected officials, commissions and professional staff) and neighbors and residents should remain engaged in all phases of the development project at The Osborn. It will impact several adjacent neighborhoods, Osborn School and Rye overall for years to come.
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?
McCabe: I’m happy that this property will become a dedicated sports complex and I trust the City’s process for review and approval. The true benefit to all of Rye will only be realized in the amount of usable time we can secure for our community sports programs. The mayor, council and professional staff should stay deeply engaged with Rye Country Day School through all phases of this process.
In addition to the current Nursery Field turf project, should Rye have more turf athletic fields, yes or no?
McCabe: Yes, but on a field-by-field basis. Not every location or field should be turf, but it should be an option to consider when appropriate. Existing codes and laws, the surrounding ecosystem, park neighbors, cost and other factors should always be considered.
Flooding
What are the three flood mitigation measures the City should undertake with the greatest cost/benefit?
McCabe:
- The continued funding for collecting data from the gauges in Blind Brook is key for maximizing the effectiveness of the Bowman Dam Sluice Gate.
- It’s clear that enhanced mitigation upstream closer to the airport would benefit Rye and the other downstream communities. We need to stay focused on those efforts with Westchester County.
- Remain laser focused on securing grants from all available sources including county, state and federal/Army Corps of Engineers.
What are some of the ways the City can realistically expect to pay for some of the more expensive flood mitigation projects (including infrastructure)?
McCabe:
- We’re not going to be able to do all of this work alone. Our ongoing partnership with county, state and federal agencies will remain central to our success mitigating risk. Funding such as the state dollars dedicated to the Oakland Beach Avenue and Playland Parkway bridges are good examples as a starting point.
What are a few of the most effective but least expensive measures the City can take in regards to flood mitigation?
McCabe: Our partnership and influence with other affected communities, the county and state is the most cost-effective effort. Dollars may have to follow to implement solutions, but cooperation is 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:
McCabe:
| 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 | No. |
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?
McCabe: Yes, in concert with other active mitigation measures and with very strict interpretation of “high deer pressure” areas.
Lightning Round
Please Answer the following questions Yes or No:
McCabe:
| Issue | Yes or No | One sentence explanation. |
| Rye is prepared for the next “100 year” flood. | No | We have taken many important steps, but need to continue to improve. |
| Rye should update its Comprehensive / Master Plan. | Yes | It’s not a silver bullet for all issues in town, but a city like Rye should have a guiding document for its future that’s more recent than 1985. |
| Rye should have additional restrictions on residential development. | No | We should ensure every project aligns with the city’s goals as well as the homeowner’s under current code. |
| Rye should have additional restrictions on commercial development. | Yes | We need business development, but not at the cost of Rye’s inherent and historic charm – especially downtown. |
| Rye should take steps to preserve the character of its downtown / central business district. | Yes | Full stop. |
| The City does a good job supporting its local merchants. | Yes | Small businesses have always been and should absolutely remain part of the vibrant fabric of Rye. |
| Rye should be more pedestrian and bike friendly. | Yes | Where safe and appropriate, absolutely. |
| I voted for (or would have voted for) the City’s tree law. | Yes | It’s an important law giving the city the opportunity to review significant tree removals. |
| Rye should either find a way to enforce the leaf blower law or eliminate it. | No | Enforcement is difficult but we should have the law on the books. |
| Rye should aim to completely ban gas leaf blowers within 2-3 years. | Yes | Aim, yes, but the development of electric blowers could make it a moving target. |
| Landscapers should be registered with Rye so practices such as leaf blowers can be more closely controlled. | Yes | Sure, we ask many small businesses to be registered with the city in one way or another. |
| I voted for (or would have voted for) in favor of the artificial turf installation at Nursery Field. | Yes | Given the extensive review, information provided by those pro and con and our kids’ need for playable fields almost all year long, it was the right decision to move forward. |
| Sustainable Westchester’s Westchester Power program should be the default electricity provider for residents. | Yes | As long as residents have the right to opt out of the program, yes. |
| Rye Playland will be in good hands with Westchester County. | No | Nothing against the county specifically, but I’ve lived here for 46 years and the park (which my family and I love) has never been managed effectively from Rye’s perspective. |
| The Pride flag should be raised each year on City flagpoles. | Yes | |
| The current road conditions in Rye are acceptable. | No | They’ve improved greatly over the past few years but we can always do better – it isn’t easy in a 365-year old town. |
| Rye needs to reduce its deer population by active management that might include sharp shooters. | No | Management, yes…sharpshooters no. |
| Rye should have its own designated, year-round off-leash dog park (similar to what Port Chester has). | Yes | 100%, it’s been a topic of need the Recreation has tried to address for years. |
Tell us about you:
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
McCabe: Optimistic.
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
McCabe: My parents moving our family to Rye from the Bronx in 1979. (Shout out to the BX!) Dad became a police officer here in 1974 and he and Mom immediately saw Rye was where they wanted to try to raise my sister, Kate, and me.
What is your day job?
McCabe: My career is in corporate communications and public relations in the media, tech, sports and entertainment industries. Most recently, I was senior vice president, corporate communications for CBS. During my three-decade career, I’ve also worked in-house and at agencies for brands such as Sports Illustrated, American Express, Johnson & Johnson and New York Road Runners.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why, and who would you take with you?
McCabe: Ireland with Beth and our two sons. It’s high on our list for many reasons: the people, culture, natural beauty and our family lineage to name a few.
What is your current favorite streaming / TV series?
McCabe: The Bear on Hulu.
What is your favorite movie?
McCabe: Tie: Goodfellas/Coming to America.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
McCabe: Beth and I both grew up in Rye so more decades in town than we care to admit to…suffice to say since the 70s. We’re now lucky to own her childhood home in Hix Park.
What affiliations do you have with organizations in Rye?
McCabe:
- Grew up as a parishioner at Resurrection Church in Rye
- Chair, Rye Recreation Commission
- Volunteer Coach – Rye Little League, YMCA youth basketball, Rye Town Flag Football League
What are three of your favorite food takeout / delivery restaurants in or around Rye?
McCabe:
- Rye Roadhouse is one of our favorite places anywhere and tops our takeout favorites.
- The Milton Road row of Oakland Beach Deli, Piazza Pizza, Milton Point Provisions and now Antonio’s is as good as it gets!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
McCabe: My hobby and sports schedule mostly revolves around my son’s games and practices, but I try to reserve time to walk every day and we’re big trail hikers when we get away. I’ve always been an avid reader of history and biographies, military and spy thrillers.
Thanks, Rick!
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