In a dramatic 11th hour announcement, Larchmont’s Democratic Mayor Sarah Bauer officially endorsed challenger Melissa Manice for the office of Mamaroneck Town Supervisor. The incumbent, Jaine Elkind Eney, is the official Democratic nominee.  

The Village of Larchmont lies entirely within the Town and the two governments work together on several levels. All three women are Village of Larchmont and Mamaroneck Town residents.  The rumors relate an alleged whisper campaign regarding public-private fundraising initiatives Manice helped direct.  

Mayor Bauer sent the following statement the The Loop Thursday evening (Oct 30):

“In my role as a District Leader, I had originally endorsed Jaine Elkind Eney for Town Supervisor out of a desire to support the party’s nominee. Unfortunately, this fall it came to my attention that Jaine was spreading reckless rumors that she knew to be false about Melissa Manice and Flint Park Conservancy. As a result, I made the decision to revoke my endorsement of Jaine immediately. I chose to withdraw my support, as I could not in good conscience endorse someone whose conduct showed a troubling lack of honesty and judgment. I informed Jaine that I was revoking my endorsement and that her actions had crossed a line that no responsible community leader should ever cross. It has unfortunately come to my attention that Jaine is once again spreading malicious misinformation about Melissa with respect to One Larchmont.

This conduct and dirty campaigning has no place in our community. We are all neighbors, and we should treat one another with respect and decency – even when competing for the same position in local government. While we may not always agree on the issues, I truly believe that we all simply want what is best for our community.

I know that Melissa and Tina are committed to listening to everyone’s views and trying to find the best path forward and in the face of such negativity have responded with nothing but integrity and dignity. True leadership is tested in the face of adversity. Therefore, I am proud to announce my endorsement of Melissa Manice and Tina Sadarangani.”

Elkind Eney at recent local “No Kings” rally

Supervisor Eney’s campaign responded Friday (Oct 31) with the following statement from Campaign Manager Harry Brussel:

“This is a desperate last minute attempt by our opponents to mislead voters. Our campaign from the outset has run on a positive message that emphasizes Mamaroneck Democrats record of results. 

Our campaign has been endorsed by the leaders that Mamaroneck residents across our community trust, including Congressman George Latimer, County Executive Jenkins, State Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblyman Steve Otis, and County Legislator Catherine Parker, (Village of Mamaroneck) Mayor Sharon Torres, and the majority of the Larchmont Village Board.

Eleventh-hour negative attacks are no substitute for a demonstrated track record of success.”

On Saturday (Nov 1) The Loop heard from the four members of the Village of Larchmont’s Board of Trustees:

As Trustees for the Village of Larchmont, we are disappointed by the Mayor’s unexpected statement issued yesterday attacking Jaine Eney. The Mayor’s comments were not known to us previously and they certainly do not reflect the opinion of any of us individually.  
Town of Mamaroneck Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney has served the residents of Mamaroneck with distinction for 14 years, guiding the Town through national disasters and local demands with a steady hand. Jaine also previously served on the Village of Larchmont Board of Trustees.

Unproven and vague personal statements, raised on the eve of an election, are not only unfair to the candidate but also to the voters. We… reject this type of politics and continue our support for Jaine as the best qualified individual to lead the Town.
     -Village of Larchmont Deputy Mayor Dana Post, Trustees Peter Fanelli, Brigid Brennan, & Terence Paré

The complete statement including the names of various co-signers appears below in comments.

Early voting has been underway since Saturday (Oct. 25).  Election Day is Tuesday, Nov 4.