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Engaged. Experienced. Effective. 

Ellen Swearing In.jpeg

June 13, 2026 

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Proven Leader

 

Ellen has served as the Bedford Town Supervisor since 2022. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Government and International Relations from the University of Notre Dame and graduated with a JD and high honors from Emory University School of Law. 

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Dedicated to Community & Quality Services​

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From her early years as a community organizer and environmental attorney, to working at Bedford 2030 to organize neighbors, government, and organizations around healthy, clean, and resilient initiatives, Ellen has been deeply involved with community members to drive progress.   

​​​She collaborates with businesses and launched the Bedford Hills Business Association; she gathers non-profit leaders to support and encourage cross-efforts, and she works to lift up volunteerism and service to promote an engaged community. 

As Supervisor, Ellen has: 

  • Updated 20 year-old Comprehensive Plan, with robust public input,

  • Held the line on taxes despite rising costs

  • Maintained AAA bond rating with responsible budgeting and good management

  • Enhanced protection of historic homes and historic districts with improved systems and homeowner engagement.

  • Expanded programming  including summer basketball league, open mic night, teen events, youth triathlon, and more.

  • Purchased a new senior bus with a grant from NY State.

  • Established program to provide fishing boat rentals on Muscoot Reservoir

  • Beautified Bedford with gateway signage, banners, improvements to overhead wires and facades, paving and plantings

  • Digitized building department permit process with online property portal

 

Bringing Vitality & Resilience​

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​Through prudent financial management, Ellen directed efforts to maintain the Town’s AAA bond rating and keep taxes under cap despite rising costs. Ellen works with stakeholders, the Chamber, Business Associations and civic groups, on long-term smart growth initiatives to seize opportunities to make our hamlets hubs of community, cultural, and economic activity. 

 

  • Adopted enhanced low income senior exemption

  • Supported affordable homes on Valley Road and McLain and Doyle House renovation

  • Formed Housing Working Group to examine existing conditions and propose updates to policies for affordable housing in appropriate conditions.

 

Realizing Sustainable Development​

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Ellen has helped make Bedford an environmental leader in the state while improving the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of our residents. Ellen enhances community engagement with our First Responders to promote volunteerism. She has led countless community campaigns to reduce energy waste, increase recycling and reuse, improve air and water quality, increase clean energy, promote sustainable food, and protect natural resources.

 

  • Assisted residents with access to funding for septic upgrades, sewer connections, and well water testing.

  • Promote volunteerism including First Responder Volunteer Recruitment night and outreach efforts.

  • Reduced emissions by increasing town’s electric fleet with state grant funding

  • Expanded food scrap drop off locations through state grant program

  • Brought six new fast charging stations to Katonah through state program

  • Enabled farmers market in Katonah and community market in Bedford Hills

  • Enhance community engagement and belonging by sponsoring community events including Rev Up 250

  • Passed moratorium on battery energy storage systems as stakeholders work on ordinance to ensure safety and appropriateness.

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Improving Safety & Quality of Life​

 

Preserving town safety is about building a well-maintained system that prevents accidents before they occur. Ellen improved public safety with a new town-wide police radio communications system. She also enhanced walkability and recreation, led the final acquisition of Buxton Gorge, Reyburn Preserve, and the improvement and expansion of sidewalks in the hamlets. 

 

  • Improved pedestrian safety with sidewalks, flashing beacons, improved crosswalks, and enhanced street lights

  • Enabled expanded wireless coverage 

  • Increased police-community engagement, training, and reporting

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