The Rye Chamber of Commerce had two special guests at its April meeting: Julie Killian (R) and Shelley Mayer (D), the two candidates vying for the vacant State Senate District 37 seat in the April 24 special election. Each was given seven minutes to share her record and what she hopes to achieve if elected.

State Assemblywoman Mayer, a Yonkers resident and mother of three, worked previously as an Assistant Attorney General for Bob Abrams, focusing on consumer issues — the lemon law, senior protection.

She shared her “history of activism — I’m not afraid and I have a record of independence and integrity.”

She said she makes sure to listen to the concerns of all and can bring together a coalition. “My goal is a government to serve everyone, so I look for a common path to get things done.”

With the Republicans holding a one-vote majority in the Assembly, Mayer says she is hopeful the Democrats win and can pass important legislation.

Killian, former Deputy Mayor of Rye, who served on the City Council for six years, believes “we need change and a new perspective.” Born in Mt. Vernon, she has lived in Rye for 27 years and raised her five children here.

She co-founded the RyeACT Coalition to reduce youth substance use, receiving federal funding in 2015. Killian holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and an MBA and worked in the financial industry for a decade.

At the top of her agenda is affordability, lowering property taxes. “I think the tax cap should be permanent. I want to create opportunity — jobs, vibrant businesses; move Medicaid from County to State funding; fight for more state aid for Westchester schools; and increased safety and security for our kids through common sense gun control.”

Killian promised to address the prohibitive labor costs, which prevent vibrant economic community, and work to repeal the many unnecessary state regulations that impact small businesses, “the backbone of the economy in Westchester.”

In her closing remarks, Mayer said, “We have to find smarter ways to consolidate services and hold the line on taxes.”

To both candidates a member of the audience, made an appeal: “Please make it easier for seniors to stay and young people, who will be the engine of the future, to move here.”

< The public is invited to a League of Women Voters candidates’ forum at The Osborn on April 19 at 3 p.m.>

Julie Killian with Denise Macdonald

Shelley Mayer with Assemblyman Steve Otis