The village of Pleasantville is gearing up for its first contested mayoral election in 18 years.

Current Mayor Bernard Gordon will face off against Village Trustee Peter Scherer Wednesday, March 18. Scherer, who also owns a graphic design business, says it?s time for a change.

According to Scherer, residents are concerned about high taxes, which could go up more if additional businesses are brought to the village and the tax base is broadened.

The incumbent, Gordon, has been Pleasantville?s mayor for two terms. Gordon says he?s worked hard to keep taxes stable. He would like to see a former medical laboratory building that?s been empty for 10 years back on the tax rolls.

?We?ve had the lowest tax increase in Westchester for the past five years,? says Gordon. People living in the village of Pleasantville can vote at Village Hall on Wheeler Avenue March 18 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.