Alison Boldyrev – Tarrytown – Trustee

Alison Boldyrev has lived in Tarrytown for the last ten years with her family and currently resides on High Street on the south end of town. She is a graduate of Marymount College, earning a bachelor of science majoring in biology.  She worked for Genzyme Genetics as a cytogenetic technologist.  She is a mother of four and now works with her family full-time. She takes pride in the fact that she is not a "typical politician." 

1) Can you name some of your accomplishments or experiences that highlight your ability to function as a trustee? 

I raised a family and I've worked in the field of cytogenetics and have done OSHA training. I help manage my husband's business.

I have a strong sense of justice and I have a lot of energy to go out and make sure things are being done. I don't want to hear the facts, I want to find them out for myself. Being new, I am not a typical politician, I don't have the connections. That allows me to bring a new perspective, a new angle. 

2) What is something that incumbents have accomplished that you approve of?

I think they are very environmentally active and I appreciate that and I feel strongly about that also. 

3) Some people have advocated for the removal or village staff and members of the fire department, or, that these individuals should step down. What is your position on this? 

As far as comments on that, I'm not in a position where I have full information and don't want to make comments. I would have to be on a position on the board. If people are doing their job and doing it correctly, then I have no problem with that. 

4) Do you approve of using long-term debt to finance capital projects? How do you feel about the current debt burden?

The bonds that are already taken out, they have to be paid off. Once that happens, that's not more money to spend just because you've paid off the bond. I think its time to start saving. We're too much in debt. To keep borrowing and spending is not the way to go. It's got to be paid off somehow and I don't want it to be done through the taxpayers. 

5) How do you feel about the tone of discourse at Village Hall trustee meetings? 

I think there is a big disconnect between the current administration and the people that come in with concerns and complaints. I dont' think their questions are met with answers, if at all. They always have the same questions without a resolution. I feel a defensiveness. If I were elected my job is to serve the people. I'm to serve them, I am not above them. You have to listen and take that seriously and not blow them off. I want people to leave knowing they were heard and satisfied, even if they don't get what they want. 

6) What are the biggest problems to overcome in Tarrytown over the next two years? 

The biggest obstacle is working with the division being felt in the village, to bring the village back together. I see the village as an extension of my family, and it's not healthy for division within any structure. I want a positive, healthy atmosphere and have people that are proud to be here and working on the same thing. 

I think the next biggest challenge is the massive debt that has occurred. That is not something easily rectified. It takes a lot of thought, work and planning. I don't want to cut any services residents have.

7) Have you been, or are you currently, involved in any government committees, civic organizations or volunteer efforts?

I'm a member of the Recreation Advisory Council. I also attend Immaculate Conception in Sleepy Hollow, I go to the Latin mass. I taught CCD (religious education) for my oldest at Irvington Immaculate Conception. 

8) Are you in favor of re-starting a lawsuit with Sleepy Hollow over traffic mitigation plans pertaining to the GM development? 

 I don't have enough information to comment really. It's difficult because it's Sleepy Hollow and that is their project. I definitely think Tarrytown should do all they can so the traffic situation doesn't become a nightmare. 

9) How do you feel about shared services? Do you approve of the proposed plan to consolidate the Parks and Recreation departments of the two villages and the school district under the leadership of TUFSD? 

We don't have all the information, but we want to do better. Shared services are very important and I think that definitely has to play a part in our village, as long as we gain in the sharing.

As far as the proposal as it stands, I'm not sure the village has much to gain. I think we should work more with the Town of Greenburgh and looking into Greenburgh and its villages for recreation and in general. I don't want to look for one piece, I am looking at the whole picture. 

10) Are there any final comments or issues you think are important that you would like to share with our readers? 

I would like to state that every vote is critical and every vote counts and in order to be heard you need to go out and vote – especially running for an election for the first time, and knowing the low voting numbers. I would like to get the village more involved in local government – It's where our lives are affected most and where you have the possibility of being heard the most.