Roberts to Leave Job She Loves with Hope, Some Sadness

Lee Roberts cannot "extricate" herself from Bedford, so once her fifth and final term as town supervisor wraps up, she'll simply return to a role she knew before taking public office: volunteer.

She cites a few good reasons for stepping down now—two new grandchildren and a husband who's been retired for quite some time—but acknowledges there's never a "right time." That's partly because of projects "in the pipeline," and partly because she wakes up every morning looking forward to work.

"There are good people who want to run, and I think the town is in good shape," Roberts said, adding that she believes change is a good thing. "So I'm leaving with some modicum of sadness but also encouragement that the town will be left in good hands."

Before Bedford, the Connecticut-native was campaign manager for her mother, who was a councilwoman there. When she moved to Katonah, Roberts got involved with the Republican town committee. Still, she did not have political aspirations, and she certainly did not envision herself as supervisor.

Roberts was elected councilwoman in 1993, a position she held for a decade. She acted as deputy supervisor for five years, and was appointed supervisor in August 2003. 

These roles required Roberts to overcome a challenge: Her dislike for public speaking. But growing up with a mother—she is 93 years old today—who sent her children "off to school" with little positive affirmations, she was no stranger to pushing herself.

That persistent and positive attitude led to a job she loves. 

"The work is so satisfying, it's like problem-solving," Roberts said. "I never feel reluctant to come to work, and that makes it hard to leave."

When she does—her last day will be Dec. 31—she will be missed. Town Clerk Lisbeth 'Boo' Fumagalli has been friends with Roberts for more than 30 years. She called the outgoing supervisor an incredible leader who brings compassion, a forward-thinking mindset and intellect to the table. Not to mention a great sense of style, in Fumagalli's opinion.

"She has had to bear some immense burdens and made the tough decisions for the good of the town," the town clerk said in an email to Patch, referring to Roberts as best supervisor Bedford's ever seen. "I will miss her immensely on both a personal and professional level–her depth of knowledge and experience are irreplaceable but her job is ... We should all stand and cheer for this wonderful women who has given so much for all of us."

Roberts, an avid gardener and mother of three grown children, will miss Fumagalli too, as well as all of the other department heads and advisory board members. The first thing that came to mind when asked about her memories, these people are the "engine that makes this town go," Roberts said.

Other notable moments in her 20 years with Bedford are a mix of highs and lows. They range from a "disturbance" involving a tent set up by Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi to a conflict over religious symbols on the Town House during the holidays to pool house renovations and "fabulous intiatives" from the nonprofit Bedford 2020 Coalition. And she could never forget the Memorial Day parades she looks forward to every year.

Roberts plans to participate in all those same great events, just as a volunteer. She'll also spend time with family, and maybe "read a book or two." But she has no intention of leaving Bedford.

"I don't think people realize what a fabulous town we live in," she said. "Not only how physically beautiful but how beautiful the people are, and how generous both in spirit and with their talents, and that's what makes Bedford so wonderful."