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Janis Castaldi Running For Mayor Of Ossining

OSSINING, N.Y. -- The Ossining mayoral race is officially a three-way-dance.

Janet Castaldi announced her candidacy for mayor of Ossining.

Janet Castaldi announced her candidacy for mayor of Ossining.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

Janis Castaldi, former deputy mayor and village trustee, announced her candidacy Monday morning, May 5, flanked by supporters. Castaldi is the third candidate to declare her candidacy.

Mayor William Hanauer and Trustee Victoria Gearrity will be in a primary for the Democratic Party nomination. Castaldi said she is running on the newly formed Common Sense Party.

"I am excited to be part of the change that our village so desperately needs," Castaldi, who runs two businesses on Main Street, said. 

Castaldi said the current government has neglected to create conditions to allow for businesses to grow and generate tax revenue.

"I want to see a village that supports a thriving downtown and waterfront," Castaldi said. "Instead of Ossining residents going over to Tarrytown and Croton to shop and dine, I want to attract residents from neighboring towns to the Village of Ossining."

If elected, Castaldi said her first act would be to establish a community council to serve as an advisory body and liaison between village government and civic organizations and businesses.

"The kind of positive leadership our village needs requires a change of direction," Castaldi said. 

At the event, Castaldi was endorsed by former village Trustee Marlene Cheatham.

While Hanauer has said Ossining is in the midst of a renaissance, Castaldi said she doesn't see it.

"We have vacant buildings and empty space," Castaldi said.

Hanauer said he doesn't believe Castaldi is competent enough to serve as mayor.

"While she was on the board, she missed a large number of meetings prior to her resignation," Hanauer said. "I don't understand why she missed all those meetings. This is a very complicated village and it requires constant attention. That was not something she showed during her time on the board."

Gearity said she was looking forward to talking to Castaldi about her vision for Ossining.

"It's always exciting when you have people at the table talking about Ossining," Gearity said. "It's important for Ossining to have a vibrant downtown and sustainable development that honors our history and character."

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