Mt. Kisco Independent Candidate Running for Trustee’s Seat
The party that helped elect Mount Kisco Mayor Gina Picinich and Trustee Isi Albanese last year announced its support for another challenger who will vie for one of two trustee seats in this November’s election.
Gina DiLeo last Thursday was endorsed by the independent 4MK party and will face off against Democratic incumbents Jean Farber and Karen Schleimer.
“DiLeo is a first-generation Mount Kisco native with a strong work ethic focused on service to our beautiful village,” a party statement read. “Like others on the 4MK team, DiLeo is not a politician. She is a person of action, committed to rolling up her sleeves and working hard to benefit our entire community.”
She works as a realtor and a 911 dispatcher for the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services and is a volunteer firefighter, according to the 4MK statement. DiLeo also serves as a Girl Scout leader and is a member of the Italian American Club of Northern Westchester.
Attempts to reach DiLeo were unsuccessful. The Examiner was told she was out of town last week.
In response to the village’s latest independent candidacy, Farber and Schleimer said they welcomed the challenge and looked forward to speaking about and debating the issues during the campaign.
“No one is indispensable,” Farber said. “That being said, I am confident that my record of service will be recognized as deserving another term to continue serving Mount Kisco.”
She said her record includes supporting the referendum for the rehabilitation and improvement of Mount Kisco’s three firehouses; voting for the expansion and rehabilitation of the village’s DPW building; consolidating the police department with the county to save millions of dollars; working on the Comprehensive Plan update; bringing music and art to the village; and keeping the community affordable.
Asked whether she was concerned about a repeat where the 4MK challenger wins, Schleimer said last year’s election was a referendum to save Kisco Mountain and certain other issues that galvanized the electorate.
This year the board has been successfully tackling the Comprehensive Plan update, major capital expenditures and the introduction of solar legislation.
“These proposals are extremely technical. I think it would be difficult for anyone to step in in the middle of these issues,” Schleimer said.
