Meet the Candidate: Q&A with Kirstin Bucci

With three in the race for mayor and six competing to fill three city council seats, this year’s election is a big one for Rye. No matter what the outcome, at least two new faces will be seated at the city council dais and Rye will have a new mayor. Outgoing Mayor Douglas French is not running for re-election. 

Patch asked all of the candidates to answer a series of questions about their experience, their platforms and proposals for the City of Rye. Over the next week we will post all of the candidates’ responses. This is the third of the city council candidate Q&As. Find others here. 

The candidates running for city council are: Jason Mehler, Julie Killian, Terry McCartney, Meg Cameron, Shari Punyon and Kirstin Bucci

The candidates running for mayor are Peter Jovanovich, Nancy Silberkleit and Joseph Sack. 

Bucci is a registered Democrat running on the Rye United ticket with a slate nominated by the Rye City Republican Committee. Bucci, 41, is a mother of three young children who all attend Rye public schools. She and her husband live in Rye Gardens and are 10 year residents of Rye. This is her first time running for an elected position in the city government. Read more on Bucci’s background here.

Why are you running for Rye City Council?

I would like to put my financial and analytical experience to work for the City of Rye. 

What do you feel are the top three issues facing the city of Rye right now?

1. Limiting property tax increases so we can keep Rye affordable for all of its residents.

2. A long-term strategic plan that returns Rye Golf Club to profitability.

3. Investing in our infrastructure (sidewalks, train station).  

What is your position on the Sustainable Playland deal? Do you want SPI to take over management of Playland? If so, why? If not, then what should be the future for Playland?

I support the concept of upgrading Playland and adding field space.  I would like there to be a more detailed analysis of the traffic, noise and environmental impacts of the current plan.  

You can’t make everyone happy all the time -  How do you plan to balance the needs of different neighborhoods, community groups, businesses, city employees and special interest groups?

I will listen, do my own research and ask questions in making these tough decisions with my future colleagues.

What should the future of Rye Golf Club look like in terms of management and its relationship with the city?

I think the primary issue facing Rye Golf Club is the restaurant.  I would like the City/RGC to issue an RFP for the restaurant because I believe that information is good.  

Name two decisions the current city council made over the last four years that you think were the right choices for Rye.

1. Limiting property tax increases during the recession years.

2. Infrastructure improvements (sidewalks, bike lanes)

Name two issues with which you think the current city council could have done a better job over the last four years.

1. Rye Golf Club

2. Rebuilding the Central Avenue bridge (a 6.5 year wait was too long)

How would you have managed those situations differently?

1.  More rigorous internal controls could have prevented the mismanagement at Rye Golf Club.

2.  More attention and focus on the Central Avenue bridge probably would have expedited its construction.

Tell us one thing that you learned about Rye, or the people of Rye, on the campaign trail that surprised you.

A lot of people watch the City Council meetings.

What in your experience and background prepares you for this job?

I was an equity research analyst on Wall Street for a decade before having children.  

What differentiates you from the other candidates?

I am comfortable reading and analyzing financial statements.