Grunthal Appointed to Fill Mount Kisco Village Board Vacancy
Peter Grunthal was appointed last week by Mayor Michael Cindrich to the Mount Kisco Village Board replacing the late George Griffin Jr. who died on Christmas Eve.
Grunthal, 71, who returned to the five-member board on Jan. 20, previously served from 2003 to 2010.
Cindrich said under state law, village mayors have the power to appoint trustees if there is an opening in the middle of a term. Grunthal will complete Griffin’s term, which ends on Dec. 7.
“Since leaving the village board he’s been deeply involved and committed to this community,” Cindrich explained of his choice. “Peter has always been a hard worker. What’s exceptional about Peter Grunthal is he’s continued to work hard off the village board.”
He’s volunteered for the Conservation Advisory Committee and was also former chairman of the village’s Finance Advisory Committee, helping to draft the committee’s bylaws, Cindrich said.
Grunthal, a retired actuary, is also a chairman of the Byram Lake Committee, which was formed to protect the lake and watershed, and a Mount Kisco Fire Department trustee. He had worked for two large international consulting firms and taught business and economics at Marymount College and Fordham University until retiring from teaching in 2013.
Grunthal said he was willing to return following Griffin’s death.
“It wasn’t so much my decision as the tragedy that George Griffin passed away so relatively early in his life,” he said. “The mayor invited me to come back.”
Grunthal said he had “no idea” if he would seek election to a full two-year term this fall. He declined to comment on whether he would leave the planning board where he serves as an alternate member but would continue to chair the Byram Lake Committee.
Grunthal decided not to seek re-election in 2010 after seven years of service. He took Cindrich’s seat on the board when Cindrich was first elected mayor.
“After seven years I felt a sabbatical would be appropriate,” he recalled.
Grunthal said his priorities are sound financial management, continued environmental improvements and sustainable development.
Also, at Tuesday’s meeting it was announced that Anthony Markus, who has been a trustee since 2003, was appointed the new deputy mayor.
“He’s a worker. He’s committed to the village and I believe he will do an exceptional job,’ Cindrich said.
