Morreale Decides Against Re-election Bid in Mt. Kisco
Republicans Likely to Pass Again on Election
First-term Mount Kisco Trustee Joseph Morreale announced last week that he has decided against running for re-election in November but it appears the five-member board of trustees will continue to be all Democratic.
Morreale, 66, a Pace University professor, e-mailed a statement from China on June 5, where he is on a trip with students from the university. He stated that it was a difficult decision because he has enjoyed working with Mayor Michael Cindrich and board colleagues for the past 18 months; however, a heavier travel schedule because of his role developing international programs would make it difficult to devote the amount of time needed to serve the village properly.
“So I find that I cannot commit the time and effort that I thought that I could when I first ran for office two years ago,” Morreale stated. “I also believe that when you take on the responsibility that voters give in their trust in you, you must be able to deliver the fullest on their behalf. I just find that at this point in my career I cannot devote the necessary time.”
Morreale, a longtime planning board member before his successful run for office in 2010, said he has always believed in giving back to his community and described the opportunity to serve as an honor.
Despite deciding to relinquish his seat when his term expires in December, Morreale said he’s confident that the Democratic Committee will find a strong candidate.
William Serratore, the chairman of the Mount Kisco Democratic Committee, is expected to release information on this year’s slate in the near future. Last week, Trustee Jean Farber, who was elected with Morreale two years ago, made clear of her intention to run for re-election in the fall.
While having an incumbent bow out would appear to be an opportunity for the Republicans to capture a board seat, the head of the village’s GOP committee said no one has stepped forward to express an interest in running. Mount Kisco Republican Chairman John Francan, when asked last week if any member of his party was looking to run, he responded “not that I know of.”
One of the challenges in recruiting Republicans to run is the difficult economy, which has been discouraging potential candidates because most people are focusing attention on their career or business, Francan said.
Another factor is the significant enrollment advantage Democrats maintain over Republicans in Mount Kisco, he said. The village consists of about 2,200 registered Democrats and about 1,100 registered Republicans. Few candidates would want to take the time to campaign facing such long odds.
“It’s an uphill battle,” Francan acknowledged.
If there are no Republican challengers, this would mark the fifth time in the past six village elections where the Democrats will face no competition.
Meanwhile, Farber praised Morreale last week.
“I will really miss him,” Farber said. “I think he’s such a fine gentleman.”
Farber said she understood Morreale’s explanation. Serving as a trustee is a demanding and time consuming job, she said.
During her first term, Farber said she has tried to acquaint herself with all of the issues and familiarize herself with the workings of the village. She had one main objective in a second term.
“I just really try to work to make the village a better place to live,” she said.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
