Congratulations to Karen, David, Darcey, and Carol!
The final, certified vote tallies were:
#4 Karen Suss Wolfson 793
#5 David Pearson 529
#2 Darcey Gerstein 498
#3 Carol Anastasio 465
#1 Arnold Sandler 421
#6 Norma Ramirez 408
#7 Stanley Friedland 394
ABSTAIN 2
Based on these numbers, at least 878 shareholders cast votes.
Thanks also go out to outgoing Board members Norma Ramirez and Harold Aranoff for their service to the co-op.
This year’s Seward Spark endorsements come from Micah Arbisser, who publishes the Seward Spark, and Kate Nammacher, who recently served on the Board as a director, president, and treasurer.
After reviewing the candidates’ biographies, hearing their presentations at Meet the Candidates, and reviewing the records of those who have already served, we believe the following four candidates stand out for their high levels of engagement, knowledge, optimism, and professionalism.
#2 Darcey Gerstein – A prolific and transparent Boardroom communicator, Darcey has worked hard to keep us informed, while putting in countless hours behind the scenes on almost every major issue the Board has tackled in the last three years. Her candidate statements convey a long list of impressive achievements. We will all benefit if she is given a chance to double that list’s length with a second term.
#3 Carol Anastasio – With more than two decades managing NYC parks, Carol’s stated priority if elected is to cost-effectively improve our grounds. In her previous term on the Board she proved her enthusiasm and capability with respect to all kinds of issues, and she has a list of achievements on par with Darcey’s. And she has volunteered to help with almost every community event since the day she moved here.
#4 Karen Suss Wolfson – A lifelong resident and a Board member whose service is measured not in years but in decades, Karen is our institutional memory. We have tremendous respect for her business acumen, her ability to sense the desires of a broad spectrum of our community, and her dedication to her work as a Board member. Karen is screening committee chair and a past president.
#5 David Pearson – A first-time candidate, Dave has the most relevant professional experience of any candidate in recent memory. A Senior Vice President of Affordable Development at the Related Companies, he has years of experience analyzing and negotiating operating budgets, contracts, and financing, all with the goal of preserving affordability while upgrading quality-of-life. And he wants to do the same for us.
Whether or not you agree that these candidates are the best, please exercise your shareholder right to vote!
Your neighbors,
Micah Arbisser
Seward Spark Publisher
Kate Nammacher
Former SPC Director, President and Treasurer
This year seven candidates are vying for four open seats on the Seward Park Cooperative Board of Directors. The candidates are:
#1 – Arnold Sandler
#2 – Darcey Gerstein
#3 – Carol Anastasio
#4 – Karen Suss Wolfson
#5 – David Pearson
#6 – Norma Ramirez
#7 – Stanley Friedland
Darcey, Karen, and Norma are all incumbents seeking reelection. The fourth seat is being vacated by Harold Aranoff, who served for six years. Of the other candidates, both Carol and Stanley previously served on the Board. Arnold ran last year, and David is brand new to Seward Park elections.
The election will be held on June 14, 2017.