Cindrich, Markus, Albanese Provide Stability With New Blood
In Mount Kisco, there is a stark difference in the two slates for Village Board. Incumbent Mayor Michael Cindrich and Trustee Anthony Markus have been in their posts since 2003, usually without competition, while Trustee Peter Grunthal is in his second stint on the board, totaling more than a decade.
First-time candidates Gina Picinich and Isi Albanese have gained traction by arguing the incumbents are stale and reactive rather than bold and proactive.
For those clamoring for change in Mount Kisco, the sentiment is understandable. Residents and merchants have watched neighboring communities kick their downtown revitalization efforts into high gear as Internet commerce and changing tastes force policymakers to remake their communities.
Two schools of thought persist: choose only experience or make wholesale changes. But there’s a third option: A dose of new blood without losing valuable experience is the way to go.
That’s why Cindrich and Markus should be returned to office with Albanese giving the board its much-needed jolt of adrenaline.
Cindrich’s vast breadth of knowledge makes him the choice for mayor. Since he last ran a contested race, his tenure has been marked by some strong accomplishments. He has presided over a period of fiscal strength that allows the village to partially fund and comfortably borrow the $20 million it needs for water infrastructure projects as well as bond for the firehouse upgrades.
Adding to the financial health of the village was the entire board’s decision to consolidate police operations. Early estimates of $500,000 in annual savings have been markedly increased to at least twice that number – and with access to enhanced police services.
Cindrich, a retired law enforcement officer, also oversees a village with a large immigrant population with few major problems as a result of that, which shouldn’t go unnoticed.
And neither should the vacancies. Mount Kisco is belatedly moving on updating its Comprehensive Plan. During 2017, there has been an uptick in new businesses but responsibility for the eyesore that is South Moger Avenue lies not just with the board but Friedland Properties. The company has a long history of warehousing commercial space, holding out for top dollar to the detriment of communities.
Picinich, on leave from the chamber of commerce as its co-executive director, has valuable insight into the business community. She has a number of strong ideas to boost commercial activity, including revising the village code to strip away arcane and restrictive regulations.
She’s sharp, articulate and passionate, and was a good choice to provide a strong challenge. Her knowledge of issues in other areas lags compared to her opponent.
The business acumen of Albanese, along with his nearly 50-year history in the village, will provide a different perspective. As a businessman, he has been known for reimagining his operations along with his love of community. However, he will also need to get up to speed on a host of other issues, but it’s worth taking a chance.
Markus has a strong financial background and is a tireless trustee. As an attorney, his legal expertise comes in handy.
One of the problems with choosing new blood is losing someone of quality. In this case it is Grunthal, a dedicated public servant and a staunch environmental advocate. Whether on the board or not, we trust there will be a place for him to continue contributing to the village.
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