District 10 Update: May 22, 2025

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Congratulations to the school districts that passed their budgets and to the newly elected school board members. In New Rochelle, this year's race brought to the surface some long-standing divisions in our community. As is always the case, not everyone is pleased with the outcome or the path that led us there, but when we focus on the values and priorities we share, we can move toward progress together. This is the work that we all need to do in the weeks and months to come. Anyone who meets the requirements to run for office has the right to do so, and I commend those who step up. It takes courage, commitment, and passion. In a community as diverse as New Rochelle, the person representing us will often come from a different background or perspective. That is not a weakness; it is an opportunity. The best candidates are those who work to understand all of the communities they represent, even if they personally belong to only one of them. The more we listen to one another and work through our differences, the more likely we are to find common ground and build something stronger. My hope is that next time, the various communities can collaborate early and more openly to identify and cultivate candidates who inspire confidence that they will represent all interests. I wrote this before the horrifying events that unfolded in Washington, D.C., where a gunman shouting "Free Palestine" murdered two people attending an AJC event outside the Capital Jewish Museum. That tragedy is a stark reminder of what happens when we allow our differences to spin out of control. It underscores the urgent need to reject vilification and to stop the spread of divisive, inaccurate, and inflammatory rhetoric before it results in more senseless tragedies. Please check out my weekly update below, which includes information on the following:  Board Launches "Community Listening Sessions" on Con Edison Rate Hikes Board Celebrates Jewish Heritage Month Board Moves to Protect STEAM Education, Clean Waterways, and Youth Development Memorial Day Weekend Events & Summer Kickoff District 10 Updates Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! Sincerely, Judah Holstein Legislator, 10th District​​ Board Launches "Community Listening Sessions" on Con Edison Rate Hikes The Westchester County Board of Legislators held the first in a series of "Community Listening Sessions" on Tuesday, May 20, at Cortlandt Town Hall. The Board is hosting public forums across the County in the coming months to give residents a platform to share concerns about Con Edison's proposed rate increases. If accepted, average residential electricity bills would soar by 11.4% and gas bills by 13.3% by 2026. The next session will take place on Tuesday, June 3rd at 7 PM at the Irvington Town Hall Theatre, 85 Main Street. Join us to make your voice heard or watch live on Facebook at Facebook.com/westchesterlegislators. Board Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month   The BOL celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month on Monday night with a special ceremony honoring two remarkable groups: The Community Thanksgiving Dinner Program - an interfaith volunteer effort in Northern Westchester feeding thousands for more than 20 years.   Community Security Services (CSS) - a White Plains-based nonprofit empowering volunteers to protect Jewish institutions and communities. Read More Board Moves to Protect STEAM Education, Clean Waterways, and Youth Development  On Monday night, the Board took unanimous, bipartisan action to protect the quality of life for Westchester residents of all ages:  Approving a 20-year lease extension for Westchester Children's Museum, ensuring continued STEAM education for over 100,000 annual visitors.   Funding water treatment facility evaluations in Blind Brook, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, and Yonkers to keep our natural waterways clean.   Supporting positive youth development through arts, sports, and swimming activities for children ages 3-11 at Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow Summer Camp. Read More Memorial Day Weekend Events & Summer Kickoff A Memorial Day Service will be held on Friday, May 23 at 11 AM at Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial, located at 2610 NY-35, Katonah, NY 10536. The ceremony will also be streamed live on Facebook at Facebook.com/westchestergov.   Coaster the Dragon is ready to kick off summer as Playland opens for the 2025 season with an Opening Ceremony on Saturday, May 24 at 11 AM, followed by a full weekend of fun from May 24–26, 11 AM to 6:30 PM daily. Enjoy music, entertainment, food trucks, and more—admission and rides are free all three days; parking is $10 per car.   Celebrate the unofficial start of summer as Westchester's beaches open on a pre-season schedule Memorial Day weekend, May 24–26, weather permitting. Pools and daily beach access begin Friday, June 27, with special events and celebrations planned throughout the season—including Saxon Woods' 100th anniversary. Entry, parking fees, and residency requirements apply.  DISTRICT 10 UPDATES Travel advisory North Avenue Bridge New Rochelle beginning May 27. Read More Celebrate traditions of Muslim Holiday Eid on May 24 at the Eastchester library. Learn More Be sure to check out some great programming at our local libraries: Eastchester Public Library Tuckahoe Public Library New Rochelle Public Library