The Rye Democratic Committee has nominated three residents to run for City Council in the fall election.

By Robin Jovanovich

The Rye Democratic Committee has nominated three residents to run for City Council in the fall election. While it’s early days for the campaign, candidates Emily Proskine Hurd, Danielle Tagger-Epstein, and Jeff Taylor have a common theme: “to be a more responsive City Council and not decide important issues on a piecemeal basis.” They are united in wanting to create a better balance of preservation and development; encourage public participation in city decisions and ensuring that the community is fully involved.

“We have a slate of enthusiastic, committed residents with young families who have a history of leadership in Rye organizations. Emily, Danielle, and Jeff possess a strong desire to make Rye work now and in the future,” said Meg Cameron, who chairs the Rye Democratic Committee.

The slate has also received the endorsement of the Independence and Working Families parties.

Emily Hurd, a former Fulbright scholar and attorney with a background in international policy and corporate law, serves on the board of the Rye Nature Center and is an active member of Resurrection Church. A Milton Point resident and mother of three sons, she led a vocal campaign to reduce the size of new homes, not just in her neighborhood, but throughout the community. 

Jeff Taylor is an Assistant Professor of Arts Management at SUNY Purchase and founder and CEO of Taylor Art Advisors, which specializes in the Central European art market. Last week, he stepped down as board president of The Rye Arts Center to focus his energies on the Council race. He served in the Peace Corps before working and earning a Ph.D. in Budapest. He and his wife and son live on High Street.

Danielle Tagger-Epstein has worked in marketing and human resources. She was a first responder on 9/11. A Greenhaven resident and the mother of two, she has chaired the Health and Wellness Committee in the Rye Neck School District and participated in her neighborhood’s Deer Task Force. She serves on the Community Synagogue board. 

In making their announcement, Tagger-Epstein said she would address “deer overpopulation, miss no opportunity for flood control, energy efficiency, and infrastructure management.”

Taylor, who remarked that he has had a keen interest in public service and government all his life, said, “My background in cultural management gives me a unique perspective and has prepared me to contribute on matters ranging from the City budget to Rye Town Park.”

For Hurd, “Infrastructure and development are at a tipping point in Rye. We need a new Master Plan, and I have the legal and policy background to ensure that we develop one that represents all stakeholders, enhances the wonderful neighborhood quality of life in Rye, and successfully guides our great City in the important years ahead.”

The Rye Republicans also have a full slate: Councilman Richard Mecca, former School Board president Jim Culyer, and Leon Sculti, who currently serves as chair of the Rye Golf Club Commission. 

Three Council seats are open. Councilmembers Laura Brett and Richard Slack have chosen not to run for reelection. Councilman Mecca, who was appointed by Mayor Joe Sack in January 2014 and won election to a one-year term last fall, must run for a full four-year term.