Herman Geist, the first Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, passed away today at age 100. I first interacted with Herman when I was a teenager. The way he treated me left me with a positive feeling about government and probably influenced my decision to seek a career in elective office.
I first met Chairman Geist when I was a High School student. I served as a member of former County Executive Ed Michaelian’s Youth Advisory Council in the early 1970s and chaired a task force that encouraged the county to fund the first bikeway in Westchester- along the Bronx River Parkway.
Herman Geist’s treatment of me made me feel good about government. Although I was not even a voter when I first met him, he made me feel important. Other Legislators and politicians didn’t even bother to speak to me. Herman was different. He would always take my calls, speak or meet with me. He invited me to attend and even speak at committee meetings of the Board of Legislators. It was a thrill that I still remember. Chairman Geist gave me advice -telling me what he thought I was doing right and wrong and made me feel good about government.
Today, when teens contact me with their thoughts about government, I think of Herman Geist. Had Herman slammed the door and refused to meet with me when I was a student, I might have been turned off to politics. Every lawmaker should know that the reaction teens receive when they approach a lawmaker could leave a lasting impression. Just talking to a teen activist, spending a little time mentoring them could motivate one to eventually do what I decided to do and eventually run for office. Belittling their ideas, ignoring them, not treating them with respect could be a big turnoff and encourage a teen to give up on politics.
If every elected official would treat constituents like Herman Geist did when he was a Legislator – people would feel much better about government.
I will never forget Herman Geist and will always be appreciative for the way he treated me over 50 years ago.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
