Not So Fast, Now 3 People Interested in Keith Seat. Killian, Neary and Mehler

And then there were 3...

At the last Rye City Council meeting, two people stepped forward to announce their interest in completing the term of Suzanna Keith: Julia Killian and Charmian Neary. And yesterday a third person came forward, Jason Mehler. 

Mayor Doug French said the issue of filling the vacancy and consideration of the residents who have expressed an interest in service will take place at the June 13 council meeting.

Rye Patch has asked all three to answer a questionnaire about their interest in Keith's interim seat. Check Rye Patch to find out their responses and read more about the developments surrounding the interim seat.

In the meantime, here are excerpted portions of the statements Killian, Neary, and Mehler submitted to the Council. 

What would you like to know about the trio? Send Rye Patch your questions and comments. 

Julia Killian:

There are four things that I can bring to the Council. First and most important, I love Rye, its people and its institutions. I want to keep Rye the jewel that it is while still moving forward to meet the challenges ahead. Second, my long tenure in Rye and involvement in a variety of causes and issues has helped me to develop a strong network of relationships that I hope would be helpful to the City. I provide a bridge not only to the citizens of Rye but also to the school board, the County and the State. Third, my background in Finance and my interest in public policy have helped me to better understand the challenges facing our city. Lastly, I want to continue to educate the residents of Rye on mandate relief and why it is so important to Rye, our schools and municipalities across the State.

Although Rye is in good financial shape relative to these municipalities, we do have our challenges. I would like to be a member of the Council to help Rye face those and other challenges ahead.

Charmian Neary:

I find time to make a significant and ongoing contribution to the Rye Caring Committee. It's not all cocktail parties and fundraisers - it's mostly behind the scenes - but it's reality... I can start tomorrow, and as I'm sure you've seen from my time at the lectern, I will contribute substantively from day 1. Whether the issue is informing the voters as to the scope of a bond and its value to the community, weighing the relative advantages of public works employees versus private carters, negotiating a uniformed services contract, or traffic mitigation and pedestrian safety, I have direct experience in my background which will benefit the council.

Jason Mehler: 

As an 11 year resident of Rye, my family and I have become active residents of our adopted hometown...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. 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 understand we must do more with less. Expenses continue to rise and we must think differently to balance our budget. I have a proven professional record of developing new ideas. In addition, my extensive real estate background would be beneficial to understanding many current issues before the council.