To the editor,

I enthusiastically support Kristen Burke in her bid for reelection to the Pelham Town Council. Burke is intelligent, motivated, fair-minded and thorough. For many years, I have admired Burke for her ability to jump in and volunteer on top of her otherwise busy life as a lawyer for Mercy University as well as being an accomplished athlete herself, busy sports mom and helpful neighbor. With her seemingly boundless energy, she is always the first to offer to help and get community efforts moving. Over the years, I have seen her make positive impacts on our community—especially as a soccer coach and president of the Colonial PTA as well as helping get kids back to school safely as a member of the Covid Task Force in our schools, and most recently, as a member of the town council.

As councilwoman, Burke has worked with her fellow board members to advance sustainability initiatives that are important to all of our futures and especially important to me as her constituent. She has been working with the Clean Energy Communities and Sustainable Westchester groups on efforts like benchmarking the energy usage in the town buildings with an eye towards energy upgrades in the future. She has also been working toward bringing a potential EV rideshare program to Pelham to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce the need for cars in town.

As a lawyer, much of what Burke does may seem tedious and solitary to most of us and does not scream for attention, but her focus on these details protect our town and safeguard the community from liability. As such, during her tenure, Burke revised the employee handbook, constable handbook, helped review a new code of conduct for employees and helped create the sexual harassment training. Burke also finds herself as a resource, regularly advising on legal and personnel-related matters.  This is not public facing but no less critical to the safe and measured running of any business or government entity. I feel more reassured knowing Burke is there to act as a resource when laws need to be revised or legal matters considered. Her training as a lawyer helps Burke be reflective and thoughtful, considering different factors and potential consequences before rushing to judgment. Burke wants what is best for all parties. I am also proud of her efforts toward inclusiveness to advocate for a Pride flag as well for Kwanzaa and Hanukkah displays during the holidays.

I believe Burke has more to accomplish as well as the energy and tenacity to reach her goals for the good of all Pelhamites. I encourage you to vote for her reelection. Please vote for Burke on Nov. 7. 

Aimee Linn Kaplan

205 Elderwood Avenue