COMMUNITY VOICES: Colleague in Support of Ray Arroyo

To the editor:

I am pleased to have the opportunity to write in support of Ray Arroyo’s bid to become the mayor of Westwood. I know of no finer candidate for this position. I have collaborated with Ray over the past seven years on multiple projects and have seen him perform under pressure and in crisis situations. He has an excellent reputation in our industry and his skill set is very much in demand.  His ability to manage large complex projects is the same ability required to manage a town.

Ray is highly intelligent, diligent, and honest. His leadership style is one of consensus building rather than dictating. He evaluates ideas on their merits rather than their sources. He is able to creatively think outside the box to problem-solve.  

Ray, a great communicator,  listens to others and leads through persuasion and negotiation. He can distill complex issues into their distinct components and deal with these components one at a time to solve difficult problems. 

Ray has a quick and keen sense of humor which he uses adroitly to enliven conversations or to alleviate tensions in heated discussions. He does not take himself too seriously, nor is he running for mayor out of a need for power or approval. He just wants to do the right thing.  These are all qualities that an “ideal” mayor should have.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Ray has the ability and insight to perceive when he is wrong or has made an error, to acknowledge this, and to move on… a rare quality in today’s political climate. 

Even as a registered Democrat, I would vote for Ray in a heartbeat.  He is that rare individual who feels a call to service to do the right thing for the people of his town rather than for his own political gain 

I feel privileged to be able to call Ray a friend. He is someone who will “have the town’s back” in every circumstance.

Robert Trostle
Ramapo, N.Y.

Senior project manager, retired, Xhema of New York