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Ardsley Mayor Peter Porcino, a Democrat, will run unopposed for his second two-year term after having previously served as Deputy Mayor and Trustee.
The Daily Voice asked Mayor Porcino about his approach to the job and expectations for his next term.
How do you balance family, your profession and your office? My children are grown and my wife is understanding, so the family part is not too hard. You make time for work and government, and I find I can balance the two through scheduling. The hardest part is trying to attend Village functions and other government meetings in Westchester, since I work in the City. If people are flexible, I will often schedule breakfast, weekend or evening meetings. Otherwise, I rely on other Village officials or volunteers to cover some functions.
What are you main goals for the next term? Dealing with traffic and parking are always on the top of the agenda. We have the Route 9A widening project about to begin, and we hope to add parking through some initiatives we are working on. Second would be environmental initiatives, both in government and in leading our residents toward improving their own practices.
Finally, looking for ways to balance the need to provide services with the pressures of higher pension, health care and other employee costs, not to mention inflation from other costs. What would you ask of residents to help you as a leader? Two things: First, volunteer in any way you can, and second, communicate your concerns, tell us how we can save money and serve you better.
What do you enjoy most about your job? Observing the professionalism and efforts of our staff; having the opportunity to thank our volunteers; meeting with constituents; dealing with fellow mayors to discuss common concerns and try to find ways to work together; participating in Village festivities.
What are the toughest things about being in office? Two things: First, the frustrations of dealing with problems with limited resources and too many cost pressures. Second, dealing with other government entities who make decisions impacting our Village without taking into account our problems and concerns.
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