The “washed-out” whiteboard is where the numbers of votes were recorded. Standing in front of the board are Mayor Susan Knudsen on the left and Deputy Mayor Michael Sedon on the right.
Once again the people have spoken.
Susan Knudsen and Michael Sedon won today by 1,000+ votes–over 59% of the vote. In descending order of number of votes, including all polling stations and absentee ballots:
Susan Knudsen: 2989
Michael Sedon: 2973
Alexandra Harwin: 2040
Janice Willett: 2025
We would not be bullied. We would not be lied to. We would not sit back and watch dedicated public servants be insulted and wrongly, shamefully accused of bizarre things.
As the challengers’ campaign went low and lower, Susan and Mike remained cordial and respectful. They could easily have replied in kind, but refused.
That’s the kind of person we want and need to lead us: a person who displays character and integrity and who tell the truth…all the time and without thinking about it.
All six grassroots groups in town endorsed the winning candidates. Our constituencies understood the falseness and manipulation behind the scenes in a council election unlike any Ridgewood has ever seen–fortunately.
Such tactics must not be plied upon us again. If it’s tried, it will fail.
Ridgewood is an old but forward-looking place. We are inclusive and we welcome debate. We reject mudslinging. Candidates must tell us what they have to offer. It’s that simple.
To the tiger in the zoo, Madeline just said, “Pooh pooh!”
To the mailers straight from Hell, voters answered, “LOL!'”
Congratulations to our reelected council members.
Endless thanks to every voter and to the large number of people who worked tirelessly to get out the vote. Mike knocked on more than 1,600 doors.
When the hate mailers began to arrive, donations began to pour in.
“That’s what Ridgewood is all about,” Mayor Knudsen said tonight. “That is why we love Ridgewood. We want to make sure the Ridgewood of future generations is the Ridgewood that we love today. As a community, we stand together.”
Like the results of the last council election two years ago, this is a historic win for Ridgewood. Outside interests will not, shall not, oversee our Master Plan. Developers will not have a “council majority” putting out the welcome mat. Development will be contained and controlled as befits the Village. The garage will not be ‘Zilla.
In all but three districts, the winning candidates had the most votes.
A district-by-district breakdown of election results, showing votes cast for each candidate, percentages, and totals, is usually posted in a table on the village website shortly after the results are in.
A small map showing the borders of each voting district can be found on the village calendar, one page in from the back cover.
Following long tradition, our reelected council members will be sworn in at noon on July 1 (a Saturday this year) in the 4th-floor courtroom at Village Hall. At that time the mayor and deputy mayor for the next two years, having been selected by the council privately, will be announced.
The public is invited to the biannual “reorg” meeting, as always. Refreshments are usually served afterward at the library, but it’s too soon to tell.
Speaking of refreshments, we are typing this at a table in a corner of a raucous and joyous victory party. Time to partake. Good night!
Swimmingly,
The Preserve Graydon Coalition, Inc., a nonprofit corporation
“It’s clear—we love Graydon!”
info@PreserveGraydon.org PreserveGraydon.org
Congrats to Knudsen and Seldon.
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However, it is shockingly sad that Harwin (especially) and Willett each got over 2000 votes.
Just goes to show what an ugly direction Ridgewood is heading.
The fact that over 2000 RW residents support the hatred, lies and vitriol of the Harwin campaign is a strong indicator of the caliber of individuals migrating to RW and it does not bode well for the future of the town.
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congrats to the winners. they worked hard and deserved it. I hope a clear message was sent to the 3 amigos campaign that Ridgewood doesn’t want their type of nasty politics.
Those 2000 Ridgewood residents who voted for Alexandra Harwin give strong credence to P. T Barnum’s theory: “There’s a sucker born every minute.” What morons.
The three amigos and friends left their protegees twisting in the wind to learn about their loss at village hall all by themselves.
@ 10:34 that is a good way to look at it. I didn’t really think of it but you are right…it shows a new side of Ridgewood that may at some time take over. Scary
Congrats Susan and michael
I’m glad Harwin and Willett lost.
But make no mistake, this was an election of choosing the “least worst”.
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Susan and Mike are both nice people, but they are still advancing the Ginormous garage. This is not sound fiscal policy for Ridgewood nor is it necessary. It will also be a magnet for crime (drugs, theft and worse).
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Mike has been the most true to his (initial campaign) rhetoric. Susan has disappointed on some counts – primarily the garage.
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That said, they are both miles ahead of candidates Harwin and Willett. Harwin has proven herself to be a misinformed interloper who, as evidenced by her campaign rhetoric, appears to be a dishonest and not very nice person.
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I totally agree with 10:34. This was not an overwhelming win as you have titled this article. This should have been a much more lopsided victory if common sense prevailed. Harwin was the worst candidate in recent memory and she received 40% of the vote. A lot of people are unhappy and there had to be a protest vote out there to account for the high percentage for the losing team. Susan and Mike….time to step it up!
6.43PM. 100% agreed on Susan and Mike. We voted the least dangerous candidates….sadly.
10.34AM. Those 2000 people do not have feelings. They’re just communist programmed robots. In their mind they are supporting a cause/a revolution. Too many idiots who do not find satisfaction in living their life for their family but for ideological causes. In the process they ruin it for everyone. I can’t forget recently I spoke to a lady who has lived here over 35 years and heard she was sad that the town does not have enough diversity. I am not surprised by the NY newcomers but I am shocked by some elderly who have lived most of their life here and were strong supporters of Harwin. What the heck?
6:43 crime??? The only thing that’ll possibly happen there is people entering unlocked cars (which happens now anyway). There are plenty of valid arguments against a garage. Crime isn’t one of them.
Alice – If you think that there will not be any crime in the Ginormous garage (situated conveniently by the railroad tracks, btw) then you are delusional.
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Remember this post the after you read about vehicle thefts, armed robberies and eventually the first rape.
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sad but true.
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There is far, far more diversity in evidence in Ridgewood now than ever. Have a pastry at Sook and look around.
12:40 is 1000 percent correct..add local and regional drug dealing …train brings them in a out and garage is a shredded enclave for oxy heroin and other starter drug dealers…rent a cops can’t deal with this longer term blight.would you send your family or wife up there one dark winter morning or evening to return to your home after work..
you would be crazy to do so.Garage is a turning point folks..a very bad and irreversible mistake.