Involucrarse
Calves an Excellent Town Supervisor
Calves an excellent town supervisor
To the Editor:
On a recent evening, I had the chance to accompany Bedford Town Supervisor Ellen Calves as she knocked on doors during her reelection campaign. It was an inspiring experience that reminded me of the personal qualities that make her such an excellent supervisor. We were in an economically diverse section of Bedford Hills. Some residents spoke proudly of achieving the American Dream; others, including people working multiple jobs, expressed deep concerns about the rising cost of living. It was a reminder that Bedford is not all estates and horse farms. In fact, Census Bureau estimates show that nearly 9% of the town’s residents live below the poverty line.
At most homes, the person opening the door immediately recognized Ellen, and she had already met more than a few of them. She greeted each person with warmth and optimism, then quickly turned to listening, asking how life in Bedford was going for them. She encouraged everyone to attend upcoming events in Bedford Hills and left them with a promise: her door is always open if she can help.
Being town supervisor is demanding and often thankless. Problems command attention; steady progress receives less recognition. What I saw that evening was a smart, empathetic, no-drama leader who cares about the people she serves and takes the time
to hear them. I hope Bedford voters will send Ellen a message of support and gratitude by reelecting her. I’ll be voting for her when early voting opens on Oct. 24, and I encourage my neighbors to do the same.
John S. Needham
Bedford
As printed in The Recorder October 9, 2026
Ellen Calves means steady leadership
Let’s not confuse noise with progress. The things that matter most are usually the ones you don't notice until they stop working: safe roads, dependable services, smart spending and a town government that actually keeps its promises.
That’s why Ellen Calves has earned another term as Bedford town supervisor. Ellen doesn’t chase headlines. Instead, she does the heavy lifting of real governing, listening, planning, maintaining what we have, and making sensible upgrades when and where they are needed.
Public safety is easy to take for granted when things are running smoothly. But Bedford's security doesn't just happen. It’s the result of Ellen’s hard work behind the scenes: upgrading communication systems for first responders, improving lighting, adding safer crosswalks, and building a strong relationship between the police and the community.
Ellen’s approach to sustainability keeps Bedford moving forward because it’s the right move for our future, not because it’s trendy. Expanding recycling and food-scrap programs, improving municipal energy use, adding EV chargers, and protecting our water quality take real persistence. It’s about stewardship, not showing off.
The same approach can be seen in Bedford’s business districts. Revitalization in Bedford Hills is moving forward because Ellen has worked patiently with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to turn plans into results.
While many politicians are busy chasing the next shiny object, Ellen Calves offers steady judgment and a clear commitment to Bedford. That’s exactly the kind of public service we should reward this November.
James Marcotullio
Katonah
As printed in The Recorder Sept 18, 2026
Calves has earned another term
Ellen Calves has earned another term as Bedford town supervisor based on her record of responsible leadership and results.
During her tenure, Calves has focused on strengthening Bedford’s infrastructure while protecting the town’s character and fiscal stability. She has maintained the property tax cap, helped preserve the town’s AAA bond rating and supported investments in essential services and infrastructure.
Calves also has made sustainability an important part of town government. Under her leadership, Bedford has updated its Climate Action Plan and expanded efforts to make municipal buildings fossil-fuel-free in a responsible, cost-conscious way that will improve our community.
Affordable housing is another key part of her record. Calves has supported expanding housing opportunities for working families, seniors and others who want to remain in Bedford.
Calves has demonstrated that sustainability, sound infrastructure, and housing affordability can be pursued alongside fiscal responsibility. She brings experience, steady leadership, a record of transparency and constituent responsiveness to deliver results for our community and families.
Bedford would benefit from continuing those efforts. I urge voters to reelect Ellen Calves as town supervisor.
Veronique Pittman
Katonah
As printed in The Recorder Sept 18, 2026
Calves keeps government moving forward
I have known Ellen Calves for more than 15 years, working with her at a local nonprofit organization. That experience gave me an early look at the qualities that have made her such an effective town supervisor.
Ellen was able to translate the vision of the organization into tangible, effective programs still running today. She did it with patience, common sense and, most importantly, the ability to listen.
That is what I admire most about her leadership — Ellen is not a strong-arm politician who has to be the loudest voice in the room. She listens to opposing views, considers the facts and works to find common ground. She is the person you want at the helm when the waters get rough.
As supervisor, Ellen has faced her share of difficult issues and criticism. She has consistently shown that she can bring people together and keep town government moving forward.
The results speak for themselves. Bedford remains a desirable community with strong property values, a AAA bond rating, and a reputation for environmental leadership. Our hamlets are more vibrant, while the town has retained the character that makes Bedford special. And Ellen works to ensure that town government serves all its residents. Her door is always open.
We should reelect her as town supervisor.
Olivia H. Farr
Bedford
Calves has a record of progress and achievement
It’s never been more critical to ensure that we have outstanding local leaders on the front line fighting for things that matter to our lives — and that starts by reelecting Ellen Calves, Town of Bedford supervisor.
Ellen is dedicated, passionate and smart. She works tirelessly, is focused on all residents and importantly, is a master of GST — getting stuff done.
After 4½ years in office, her record speaks for itself. With an emphasis on vitality, Ellen has managed the challenges of three unique hamlets, making sure that each thrives while keeping a watchful eye on fiscal responsibility.
Under her leadership, Ellen balances the need for housing and development while holding true to our community’s values and character. From infrastructure improvements to quality of life measures, Ellen consistently delivers.
Tip O’Neill is credited with having coined the phrase “all politics is local …” I would argue that should be true at all levels of government but in reality, we feel less seen and heard as the distance between our lives and politicians increases geographically — especially these days, when “working for the people” seems to take a back seat in Washington.
Ellen sees us, she hears us. She is everywhere in the community — from Food Truck Fridays to the launching of our new community center to visiting seniors, she is the best version of showing up for the people.
I urge you to reelect Ellen Calves as Bedford’s town supervisor so she can continue the great progress that has been achieved under her leadership.
Lisa Schwartz
Bedford Hills
Town Supervisor Calves makes Bedford 'a safer place'
My family and I live near the Harris/Babbitt Road intersection, which was incredibly dangerous for many years. I spoke with Town Supervisor Ellen Calves, who listened and cared about my concerns. Soon after speaking with her, she shared that plans were in the works to make the intersection safer and explained the timeline.
True to her word, this summer the intersection was fixed: an island was removed, the road was leveled to improve visibility, and stop signs were added. The improvements were very quick once begun — and it is better and safer than my family and I could have ever imagined! This is one example of how Ellen listens, communicates, and gets things done to make our town a safer place.
Sallie Sills
Bedford Hills
Bedford needs Ellen Calves’ tireless problem-solving skills
I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse the reelection of Ellen Calves as Bedford town supervisor. Additionally, I strongly encourage our community to vote for Bobbi Bittker and Thomas Catoliato for Bedford Town Board. These individuals have each demonstrated a profound commitment to the best interests of our town’s residents.
Ellen Calves has a tireless work ethic and takes time to understand the complexities of town issues and find effective solutions. We need Ellen’s exceptional problem-solving skills for the collective benefit of our community.
Among other achievements, Ellen has proven herself an advocate for sustainability, environmental preservation and the conservation of Bedford’s distinctive character. Ellen has championed environmental protection and the preservation of open spaces, serving all of Bedford. Ellen supported soliciting input from our hamlets and the subsequent adoption of an updated Climate Action Plan to serve as a framework for efforts to enhance our air quality and overall environment.
Further, the successful partnership between the town and Bedford 2030 has resulted in Bedford achieving certification as a Silver Climate Smart Community, a remarkable accomplishment shared by only 10 municipalities across New York. Also, working with Ellen to become a top-ranked Clean Energy Community, the Town of Bedford secured grants exceeding $100,000 for charging stations, bike racks, bus shelters, and other valuable community enhancements.
It is imperative that we reelect Ellen Calves as town supervisor to continue her unwavering commitment to putting the needs of our entire community at the forefront of all her actions. Her dedication to understanding what is most needed for Bedford’s future and her track record of positive accomplishments make her the ideal supervisor.
Let’s join together in supporting Ellen Calves, Bobbi Bittker and Thomas Catoliato to ensure a bright and prosperous future for our beloved town.
Karen Sabath
Katonah
Bedford incumbents have delivered impressive results
Per the coverage of the candidates for local Bedford elections (“Four candidates for Bedford Town Board share hopes and views,” Oct.13), it’s clear that Supervisor Ellen Calves and town board members Bobbi Bittker and Tom Catoliato have delivered impressive results for their constituents. Bedford has benefitted from improved water, sewer, highway and cellular infrastructure, along with a variety of successful clean energy initiatives. They’ve supported public safety with new police training and community engagement programs, along with tax incentives for our first responders. They will continue to work transparently for a revitalized community with affordable public programs and economic development efforts, all while holding the line on taxes and maintaining the town’s superior AAA bond rating.
In addition, County Legislator Erika Pierce has supported Bedford through landmark single-use plastics reduction, investing millions in area parks and supporting common sense public safety initiatives.
Conversely, their opponents offer little more than criticisms and unfounded grievances. There’s much to do in 2024, so next month let’s reelect these hardworking public servants to keep Bedford moving forward.
Lloyd Trufelman
Katonah
As printed in the Record Review Oct 28, 2023
Sustained success in Bedford reflects candidate choices
We moved from New York City over 30 years ago. We were very lucky to discover a town so rich in its beauty, its vitality and its commitment to community — and with change happening so rapidly, not all for the best — Bedford remains as special as ever.
I believe this sustained success is a reflection of its residents and their choices for town officials. Regardless of Party, they all share a love for the community and respect for its residents. Washington could learn a lot about cooperation, common-good and common sense from our town.
As we enter another election cycle, I’m excited to hear new ideas and meet new people who are hopeful of moving Bedford forward. I was concerned that the current all-Democratic town board might not have the balance needed to advance the initiatives of all our residents.
Here are a few accomplishments over the last two years. Determine for yourself if they are personally motivated, serve party over progress or demonstrate a diversity of ideas designed to build a better Bedford:
Open space protection and access; acquired 80 pristine acres at Buxton Gorge, adding public trails for all to enjoy for generations.
Expanded services, like adding a full-time senior advocate, while staying under the tax cap (which help ease all our taxes) and improving seniors quality-of-life.
Increased transparency, public discussion and accountability through fewer consent agenda items at board meetings — the more we know the better they govern.
Bedford ranked No. 1 in New York state as a Clean Energy Community.
Alan Cohen
Bedford Hills
As printed in the Record Review Oct 28, 2023
Bedford leaders have expanded town services and programs
Another election season is upon us and another opportunity to let our voices be heard through our democratic process. While some focus on the high-profile national elections, these days local elections couldn’t be more important. In this election I am happy to be able to support Ellen Calves for reelection as Bedford town supervisor, along with Bobbi Bittker and Thomas Catoliato for Bedford Town Board. Ellen, Bobbi and Thomas are a strong team with diverse backgrounds, and they are good for Bedford.
Bedford is a more vibrant community today than it has been in a long time. There is so much to do for all ages and this is a credit to the efforts of the town board, which has expanded services and programs in the recreation and parks department, as well as partnering with local businesses and nonprofits to enable initiatives like the Katonah Art Walk, robust library programing, and the upcoming Bedford Music Festival. The music festival is an exciting new event (last year was the first) thanks to Destination 39.3, an organization that Ellen was instrumental in creating.
Ellen, Bobbi and Thomas work hard every day to find innovative solutions and to make Bedford the best it can be. I look forward to seeing them reelected and continuing the good work they have been doing.
Sally Casey
Katonah
As printed in the Record Review Oct 14, 2023