Eleventh and twelfth grade students in Ms. Everett and Mr. Sliter's Economics and Politics course have been studying the COVID-19 crisis as part of a unit on current events. They have analyzed international responses as well as the role of state and local governments in the pandemic. To help deepen the students' understanding of local crisis response, City of Rye Mayor Josh Cohn recently joined them on Zoom.
Touching on the School's yearlong theme of citizenship, Mayor Cohn first discussed his personal experience in local government—he was active in local issues and attended city council meetings before running for office. He noted that he doesn't see himself as a politician as much as a volunteer who is deeply committed to his serving community. He also encouraged students to think about the ways in which they could be actively involved in their communities.
Mayor Cohn then provided an overview of the city government's responsibilities, including local services such as police, garbage pick-up, and zoning regulations, among others, and how these responsibilities were influenced by the pandemic. He clarified how Rye, like other local governments, had to act quickly and nimbly to adjust and respond to the ongoing crisis. In addition to communicating and enacting state and county measures, like social distancing directives, Rye city government had to move services online and adjust local laws and regulations. For example, the city leaf blower ban was put into effect earlier this year than usual because residents were increasingly working from home and needed more quiet hours during the day to do so, and some were concerned the blowers might enhance Covid risk. The city government has also had to develop certain practices to ensure safety for those carrying out essential jobs. The garbage pick-up schedule has been adjusted so that sanitation workers are divided into different shifts, and police cars are being misted with a sanitizer in between shifts.
"We appreciate Mayor Cohn's taking the time to visit with our students during RCDS@home, and discussing how one local government is responding to the COVID pandemic. I know our students will remember this discussion for years to come, and they will call upon it when thinking about how they can serve their local communities in the future." |
In response to a student's question about working with different levels of government, Mayor Cohn noted that the Westchester County government has been particularly helpful. Another student asked about public-private collaboration, and Mayor Cohn answered that the Rye Chamber of Commerce has been working effectively with the city government and recently launched the Rye's Up campaign to support local businesses.
Elaborating on the economic aspect of the crisis, Mayor Cohn noted that the city government's most difficult task going forward will be planning the city budget amidst uncertainty. He explained how city staff, various committees, and the City Council work together to create and propose budgets, emphasizing that the process relies on collaboration and coordination.
Mayor Cohn concluded his visit with an inspiring response to a student's question about hindsight. He shared with the class that he has been so moved by putting his trust in the citizens of Rye and the city employees, because everyone has stepped up in this crisis. If he could go back in time and give himself some advice, as the student asked, it would be to take comfort in the community's strength and ability to work together for the common good during this unprecedented and challenging time.
Thank you, Mayor Cohn, for an informative and engaging visit!