Letter to Editor: Mehler Ready to Serve Rye Council

Dear Editor,

My name is Jason L. Mehler and I have volunteered to fill the position on the Rye City Council vacated by Suzanna Keith because I want to be part of the process to “Make Rye Better!”   

As many current council members have stated – filling the position left by Suzanna Keith will not be an easy task for anyone. I am a good listener. I am a very quick learner. I love Rye and want it to be the best in every way. I am fully committed to doing everything possible and asked of me from all members of the council.  

My background in economics - I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Accounting from SUNY at Plattsburgh and worked as a corporate controller for more than 15 years in Manhattan – will be a great addition in helping the council with its essential task of fiscal accountability. I have also worked in Public Accounting as an auditor and accountant. Additionally, I have worked privately in the employment industry, payroll industry and specialized in internal accounting and taxation and finance. 

My business experience includes management, budgeting and financial planning. I believe that my experience, coupled with my passion to keep Rye’s local government strong, will help me bring new ideas and new solutions to the Rye City Council. 

As an 11 year resident of Rye, my family and I have become active residents of our adopted hometown. My wife, Carin, is a fourth grade teacher at Osborn School; I have worked locally since 2004 as an Associate Broker at Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty and our daughters Emily and Rachel are students at Milton School.  A few of the primary reasons we were attracted to the City of Rye were the school system, community and proximity to the park and Long Island Sound.

I have already met with Mayor French and Councilman Jovanovich.  I have scheduled appointments to meet individually with all of the members of the Rye City Council this week. I want the transition to be seamless and I plan to step into my role immediately from day one and assist wherever I can be most utilized. The residents of Rye deserve no less than the very best. I am willing to make a full commitment.

I pay attention to details and will listen to everyone’s opinion.  I am committed to serving our community with everyone’s best interest.  I will be a second set of hands, fresh set of eyes and be that committed seventh member of the Rye City Council.

I have met many residents over of the last week and they all have thanked me for volunteering to fill this position.  As a parent, homeowner, resident and someone that works in this great city, I want to assist in any way possible to make Rye the best place to live, visit, work and raise a family.

There are many important issues currently before the council for the remainder of this appointed term.  They include flooding issues, rising taxes, an infrastructure bond, budget planning, Central Avenue Bridge, employment contracts, tree ordinance, garbage collections, safe roadways & bridges, new hotel, Lester's building, parking issues, local taxicab fares, public services, public landmarks, Purchase Street, Playland, Rye Town Park and many others. To make the transition as seamless as possible, I will assist where I can best be utilized.

I understand that this is an appointed position and not an elected position. My approach would be "non partisan" and I am looking forward to working with all of the members of the council. If appointed to the position on June 13th, my intention would be to run for the position in the November election. 

Do more with less. Whether you’re a business, a government or a homeowner in charge of the family budget, today’s mandate is to continue to get results in spite of tighter economic conditions. Our local government is not any different. Expenses are going up and we can’t just keep taxing people to help revenues keep pace. My mission is to think differently. I have a proven professional record of developing new ideas.

Per Mayor French, Suzanna Keith "brought a lot of insight . . . passion and community rapport. In 30 months, she accomplished more than people do in a term".  I want to continue on the path she started and make the residents of this great City of Rye my number one priority!

I would consider it a privilege to serve on the Rye City Council. Thank you for your support. 


Jason L. Mehler