To Supervisor Colavita and the councilpersons of the Town of Eastchester:

We, Eastchester residents want to hear from you.

As elected officials, you are the representation of our town’s voice and values. In the midst of our country’s collective awakening, institutions across the country are reviewing and establishing guidelines and policies to help combat racism.

Eastchester requires much needed introspection. It is time to review our policies and take necessary action to ensure an environment where all of residents feel safe, welcome and represented.

As taxpayers and residents, we ask our local government to establish and share a plan with measurable goals to help promote diversity, inclusion and combat racism in our town. Specifically, we ask for a plan including, but not limited to, the following:

• The implementation of a citizens committee to articulate a Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism charter for the Town of Eastchester.

• A review of existing policies to ensure they are compliant with the new charter.

• The setting of recruiting targets for all tax-subsidized positions in the town of Eastchester—from the police and fire department, to town hall and Lake Isle employees—to ensure a fair representation of visible minorities and gender diversity.

• The promotion of diversity in our town board and committees; As an immediate step, we ask for the appointment of a replacement for the seat left vacant by the tragic passing of Councilman Glenn Bellitto, and a special election for November 2020 to vote on this new appointment.

• The definition and implementation of fair housing policies for the low-income population.

• The implementation of an inclusive pricing model that encourages all residents to use Lake Isle.

• The enforcement of a code of standard requiring that all Eastchester government employees promote a climate of inclusion, on and off the job, in real life and online. Support this code of standard with explicit consequences for violation.

There is no better time for introspection and action.

Sincerely.

Eastchester residents