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To the Editor:
As someone who has recently formed a new accounting firm, I am optimistic about New York’s economic recovery, but know that Lewisboro’s small business owners still need all the help they can get. That's why I was encouraged two years ago when several people stepped up to join the board of the Lewisboro Chamber of Commerce in an attempt to revitalize the organization. Local owners can benefit from the networking, pooled advertising, government advocacy and public relations of a revitalized local business association like those that exist in neighboring hamlets like Scotts Corners and Katonah.
While last year saw significant progress with new members and a great new website, it quickly became clear to me as a new member that the Lewisboro Chamber's ability to be effective continues to be hampered by its governance practices.
The concerns are out there. I heard about them as supervisor from local business owners reluctant to become openly involved in any controversy. Too bad, because right now is a time when the Chamber’s energies should be directed towards advocacy, including business-friendly regulations and increased awareness for "shopping Lewisboro." Instead, the discussions too often center on those who are reluctant to join under the present circumstances.
The current president, Dr. Leslie Simon, deserves praise for keeping the Chamber going for the past decades. But the time is long overdue for holding elections and encouraging new people with new ideas to join. The Chamber's infrequent "Citizen of the Year" ceremony is always well-received, but there is more to be done.
From what I can tell, the Chamber has not had a legitimate annual meeting of its members for years as Dr. Simon has served as its perpetual president. I was encouraged last year when he held an informational meeting and professed a willingness to open the process, even going as far as appointing a well-respected local Realtor as co-president. However, according to the organization's website, the Realtor no longer serves in that new role.
Over the past two years requests by several individuals for a copy of the organization's bylaws have been denied. Instead, Dr. Simon has chosen to provide a "redacted" set of bylaws, which fail to disclose the organization's annual meeting requirements or its election procedures. Unfortunately, when it comes to running an organization properly, “redacted” bylaws are no bylaws at all.
Lewisboro businesses deserve a vibrant Chamber of Commerce. But this goal will not be achieved unless and until we are able to come together under the umbrella of an organization all can believe in. That trust begins by adhering to open and fair governance procedures.
Charles Duffy
Lewisboro
Charles Duffy is the former supervisor for the town of Lewisboro.
Comments (9)
I just saw this letter to the editor. Mr. Duffy is being too kind about the infamous Dr. Simon. In quite a few quarters in Lewisboro the good dentist is hated not just for his questionable dentistry skills but also for his back room antics and political dirty tricks. It is time for Simon or Simple Simon to hang it up. I also find it a conflict of interest that his wife sits as a town judge.
As a newcomer to the community, I really do not know much about the internal politics of the Lewisboro Chamber. What I do know is that a chamber must promote local business as well as the positive development of business districts. The development of mixed use Commercial Districts can actually be a great thing for local businesses and the community as a whole as better shopping and a more interesting town center/hamlet centers can be created. The bones for these are already in place, proper planning will allow for the betterment of the commercial districts in this community. The infrastructure is key and with a carefully developed master plan and all the issues being carefully analyzed a vibrant shopping district can be created without impacting the reason many of us have gravitated here. This will never happen overnight, but without a strong chamber these sorts of positive developments will never happen. In the future I hope to get more involved and the chamber definitely has to conduct business in an open manner in order for it to be successful in promoting all commerce in the community. Finally, I would like to thank the town planning board for approving the apartment, which is a permitted use, above my commercial business. To the community and all the businesses in town we wish all of you a successful 2012.
-Peter Cipriano, Jr.
Please allow one edit: Photo credit to Gregory Fries, amateur photographer!
We agree with Mr. Duffy. In a March 11 post, we discussed Dr. Simon's unwillingness to hold open and fair elections and the harm it is causing to the organization, its new members and Mr. Parsons, whose campaign Dr. Simon managed.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sons-and-Daughters-of-Lewisboro/155303351171425
Mr. Duffy, you are being too kind. The only thing the Chamber has done over the past decade is to hold a "Citizens of the Year" Award ceremony, and then only sporadically. The list of honorees is on a plaque at the Town House. The dates seem to correlate with years when either Dr. Simon or his hand-picked candidates are running for office.