Letter to the Editor: Andrea Bates on Combating Divisiveness
To the Editor:
Apr. 5, 2017: In early November 2016, Michele Ruhm wrote a letter to the editor of MyhometownBronxville.com asking that, in advance of the election, "we recognize the integrity of others' decisions, even when we disagree with them" and that we not "demonize those who have made a choice differing from theirs."
Having read Rene Atayan's letter dated March 29, I can only ask if anyone read Ms. Ruhm's letter, or, more cynically, if anyone cares.
On March 21, the village held an election. The votes were counted and the incumbents won re-election. Congratulations to them all--it is apparent that they have done and will, no doubt, continue to do great work. I find it both troubling and disheartening, however, that in her letter, Ms. Atayan chose to demonize the opposition candidate as a threat to our everyday life and as "going after" the incumbents, as though it were a witch hunt. Is it really necessary to berate the already-defeated candidate? Why not let the vote speak for itself?
I believe that new ideas, proposals, and perspectives are necessary for a healthy, robust debate. In this instance, a contested election is nothing more than the introduction of a fresh and most likely different perspective.
We all have the right to accept or turn down these new ideas and proposals, but I submit that we do not, as a civilized society, have the right to be disrespectful and dismissive of those ideas and opinions that do not match our own. We can agree to disagree and remain civil and respectful in the process.
The negativity and divisiveness that have crippled this country have to stop. I can't be the only one who is tired of the persistent "us vs them" mentality. When are we, as a country and society, going to recognize and embrace the idea that we're all in this together and that we must work together, regardless of our differences, to move the country, and our communities, forward?
I'm truly scared that we'll never get there.
Andrea Bates
Bronxville, New York
Editor's note: MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements in letters to the editor, and the opinions do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff. Its objective in publishing letters to the editor is to give air to diverse thoughts and opinions of residents in the community.
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Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
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Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
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337-2024
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