MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to the immediate past and former Rye Mayor Josh Cohn. The conversation focuses on what the mayor of Rye actually does, how the city manager system works in practice, and the major issues that shaped Cohn’s two terms. They also revisit the most consequential challenges of his tenure, especially COVID, flooding, infrastructure, cell service, the comprehensive plan...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Lisa Dominici, executive director of the Rye Youth Council about how the Rye Youth Council supports young people across a continuum from prevention and skill-building to clinical counseling. Dominici, a certified youth and teen mental health first aid instructor, speaks about what parents should notice, how to respond, and how community programs create a net...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Nancy Pasquale, coalition coordinator and co-founder of RyeACT, about how a local coalition model can reduce youth substance use by centering youth voice, community collaboration, and data-driven prevention. The conversation covers RyeACT’s origins, the trends in its long-running student survey, and how mental health, family communication, and early preventio...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Jamie Jensen, Rye City Council member, about the issues residents bring up most often, from planning and permitting to flooding, parks, public safety, and the city’s long-range comprehensive plan. The conversation focuses on how Rye balances growth, neighborhood character, public safety, and the needs of families, seniors, and nonprofits. Jamie Jensen brings...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Matt Anderson, CEO of The Osborn, about how senior living is changing, what families should plan for now, and why community, wellness, and choice matter more than ever. The conversation also covers aging in place, memory care demand, workforce shortages, and The Osborn’s long-term reimagination plans in Rye. Matt Anderson brings decades of senior living exper...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to New York State Senator Shelley Mayer, who represents District 37 and chairs the Senate Education Committee, for a wide-ranging conversation about the issues shaping Rye, Westchester, and the Sound Shore.  They cover school funding, utility bills, housing costs, flood mitigation, nonprofit payment delays, and how local residents can get involved in state gover...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Clyde Pitts, longtime captain of the City of Rye Fire Department, about practical fire prevention, household preparedness, and how Rye’s combination department (paid and volunteer) operates. The conversation focuses on what residents can do at home to reduce risk, plus how the department uses training, technology, and mutual aid to respond quickly and effecti...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Rick McCabe, chairman of the Rye Recreation Commission, to talk through how Rye is adapting its parks, fields, and programs to meet rising demand. The conversation focuses on major recreation trends, how the city is stretching finite space, and what priorities matter most as Rye looks ahead. The conversation covers pickleball growth, senior programming, youth...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Brian Dempsey, chair of the Rye Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee. The conversation breaks down how residents can raise concerns, how the committee works with police, schools, engineering, and DPW, and what practical changes are helping make Rye streets safer. Dempsey also shares the committee’s biggest priorities right now, including school crosswalk a...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Mayor Jason Klein of Rye Brook to explore the village's key accomplishments, regional collaboration, and ongoing development initiatives. Discover how Rye Brook is tackling stormwater challenges, promoting sustainability, and fostering community engagement. This episode of MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French was produced by MyRye.com . Feedback and story...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Ryan Fitzpatrick, chair of the City of Rye Deer Management Committee to discuss one of the city’s most talked-about issues: deer management. The conversation explores how the committee is using a scientific, data-driven approach to determine whether Rye has an overabundance of deer, and what that means for the community. This episode of MyRye.com Conversation...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Marion Anderson, Rye’s first African American City Council member, as she shares her lifelong connection to Rye, groundbreaking achievements, and visions for a more inclusive, sustainable community. Explore key insights on community history, development challenges, and future initiatives shaping Rye’s character. This episode of MyRye.com Conversations with Do...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Port Chester Village Manager Stuart Rabin about Port Chester's transformative projects and regional initiatives. Rabin shares insights on upcoming developments, infrastructure upgrades, and regional collaboration efforts that are shaping the village’s future. This episode of MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French was produced by MyRye.com . Feedback and sto...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Rye City Counsel Kristen Wilson to unpack what her role actually involves and how city legal work connects to everyday life in Rye. Wilson explains the balance between advising the City Council, representing city departments and boards, and handling conflicts when different parts of the city need separate legal representation.  They also discuss the wide rang...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks to Rye City Councilmember James Ward about the city’s current sustainability initiatives, practical tips for residents, and future plans to make Rye even greener. Discover how community efforts, technology, and policy are shaping a more sustainable Rye for generations to come. This episode of MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French was produced by MyRye.com . F...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks with Caroline Gadaleta, chair of the Board of Assessment Review (BAR). Gadaleta shares insights on how assessments are conducted, fairness in the process, and future trends impacting property valuations and taxes. This episode of MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French was produced by MyRye.com . Feedback and story ideas are welcome. Recorded on June 11, 2026 S...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks with Dr. Tricia Murray, Superintendent of Rye City Schools. She discusses the district's achievements and future plans. Key topics include the use of data to enhance education, the implementation of social-emotional learning, and the introduction of IB programs. Dr. Murray also highlights facility upgrades, strategic educational goals, and efforts to balance tec...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks with Westchester County Legislator Anant Nambiar. Gain insights into flooding mitigation, county budgets, community engagement, development strategies impacting Rye and surrounding areas, and the best pizza in District 7. This episode of MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French was produced by MyRye.com . Feedback and story ideas are welcome. Recorded on May 28,...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks with Judge Joe Latwin, who shares stories, structural insights, and the challenges faced by local courts. This episode sheds light on the judicial system's impact on our community and highlights opportunities for reform and improvement. This episode of MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French was produced by MyRye.com . Feedback and story ideas are welcome. Reco...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks with Rye Boys Varsity Head Football Coach Dino Garr, the legendary high school football coach from Rye, and how his leadership has shaped not only a successful sports program but also contributed to a community built on character, tradition, and life lessons. This episode of MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French was produced by MyRye.com . Feedback and story...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks with Chief Kenny Barton of Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS to explore the operation, challenges, and technological advances of EMS services in Rye and neighboring communities. This episode of MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French was produced by MyRye.com . Feedback and story ideas are welcome. Recorded on April 30, 2026 Show notes and full transcript availabl...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks with Josh Nathan, Mayor of Rye, to explore Rye's future including strategic planning, the comprehensive plan, community engagement, development projects, and flood mitigation efforts. This episode of MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French was produced by MyRye.com . Feedback and story ideas are welcome. Recorded on April 16, 2026 Show notes and full transcript...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks with Michael Kopy, Public Safety Commissioner of Rye, to explore how technology, community collaboration, and innovative strategies are shaping modern public safety. Discover how Rye is deploying advanced tools like drones, body cameras, and real-time crime centers to protect residents and respond effectively to emergencies. This episode of MyRye.com Conversatio...

Former Rye Mayor Doug French speaks with Carolina Johnson, former Rye City Councilmember and Flood Advisory Committee chair about flooding in the City of Rye. The conversation covers the importance of real-time flow measurement on Blind Brook and the role of the sluice gate at Bowman Dam; long-term flood mitigation strategies including berms at SUNY Purchase; infrastructure improvements like the L...

Doug French speaks with Greg Usry, former City Manager for the City of Rye on the new Comprehensive Plan process. The conversation covers sustainability initiatives and regional collaboration; downtown development, density, and aesthetic considerations; expansion and improvement of recreational facilities; community involvement and land use balancing and more. This episode of MyRye.com Conversatio...