Ellen
Calves
Experienced.
Engaged. Effective.
MEET ELLEN
Ellen Calves is running to be re-elected as Town Supervisor because she has a vision for Bedford and the skills and experience to bring this vision to life.
Ellen has always been about community-building and her vision for Bedford is rooted in a strong belief that communities are better when people come together and make decisions that are good for everyone.
Realizing Sustainability
As the former Program Director at Bedford 2030, Ellen has helped make Bedford an environmental leader in the state while improving the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of our residents. 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.
As a community leader Ellen helped pass the town’s reusable bag legislation and she chairs the town’s Climate Smart Communities team, and brought food scrap recycling to town.
As a former environmental attorney and sustainable fund manager, Ellen understands the complexities as well as the cost benefits of sustainable infrastructure and initiatives and brings this insight and experience to her work in Bedford.
Improving Quality of Life
As part of the Unitarian Universalist Energy Justice Team, Ellen facilitated a program that brought free LED lightbulbs to the residents of Fellowship Hall in Bedford Hills, and energy savings for low to moderate income residents in our area.
On the Katonah Village Improvement Society Board, Ellen worked to improve the quality of life in the hamlet of Katonah through community events and. On the Board of Katonah-Lewisboro School District Arts Alive, Ellen supported and promoteed art and culture in the schools.
As a Town Board member Ellen supported the acquisition of Buxton Gorge, the expansion of the sewers, and the renovation of the Bedford Hills Community house. Through prudent financial management, she has helped the Town of Bedford maintain its AAA bond rating and keep taxes under the tax cap.
Dedicated to Community
From her early years as a community organizer and environmental attorney, to her working at Bedford 2030 to organize neighbors, government, and organizations around healthy, clean, and resilient initiatives, to serving on the Bedford Town Board, and as Supervisor Ellen has been deeply involved with community members to drive progress.
As the current Bedford Town Supervisor, Ellen has collaborated with businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers to bring forth opportunities to enhance our quality of life, led the COVID-19 volunteer response and mask distribution efforts during the lockdown, chaired the Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Committee, revised the guide to nonprofits in town, and partners with civic groups on beautification. She works tirelessly on a daily basis as Supervisor to collaborate with and serve the residents of our town - and loves doing it!
Bringing Vitality
Ellen collaborates with the Chamber, Business Associations and civic groups to seize opportunities to make our hamlets hubs of community, cultural, and economic activity. Ellen worked to help create solutions to get our businesses back open and outdoor dining expanded during COVID and is now driving efforts to bring economic vitality and beautification through partnerships with Economic Development entities, nonprofit organizations, business groups, and Bedford's business promoter. Ellen is working with stakeholders on long term smart growth initiatives.
Ellen communicates clearly and regularly with residents. Her weekly newsletters as Supervisor keep the community informed and engaged. Ellen is currently working on a plan to improve the town's communications via the website, social media, and signage around town.
Welcoming and Inclusive
Ellen led the effort to re-certify the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Westchester as a Welcoming Congregation by facilitating workshops, providing education, and conducting an audit of congregational practices to ensure inclusion, diversity and a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ members, friends and visitors.
Ellen is committed to undoing racism in our community and works to ensure that everyone regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, or socioeconomic status feels heard, welcome, and included in town government and throughout our town.
Legislative Leader
Ellen is a District Leader for the Bedford Democratic Committee and enjoys helping Democrats get into office and going door-to-door to hear from people in our community.
Ellen graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Government and International Relations from the University of Notre Dame and graduated with high honors from Emory University School of Law with a JD. She lives in Katonah with her husband, Heberto. They have three children and a crazy dog.
A qualified, dedicated, and effective community leader, with a proven track record of success, Ellen is doing a great job as our Town Supervisor. Let's get her re-elected!
If you would like more information, to speak to Ellen about issues important to you and collaborate with our engaged team of volunteers, click the buttons below to get started. Remember to vote on Election Day, November 7.