Rob Kearns running unopposed for Carmel supervisor 

Carmel Town Councilman Rob Kearns is running unopposed for town supervisor in the Nov. 3 general election, seeking to bring his experience in military service, private-sector project management and local government to the town's top elected position. 

Kearns said his priorities as supervisor will include advancing long-delayed infrastructure projects, improving government efficiency and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. 

Originally from Hague, N.Y., Kearns has lived in Carmel for the past six years. He earned his degrees from John Jay and served in the U.S. Navy, including deployments to the Middle East and Africa. During his military career, he received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and was named Sailor of the Year in 2019. 

He currently works as a senior project manager at Pierotti Corp., where his responsibilities include planning, budgeting, problem-solving, and overseeing projects. 

Kearns said his military and professional backgrounds have helped shape his approach to public service, particularly the importance of leadership, accountability and following through on commitments. 

His community and professional recognition includes being named a Young Republicans Rising Star in 2023, Irishman of the Year in 2024 and one of the Irish Echo's 40 Under 40 in 2025. 

Kearns said he entered public service because he wanted to make a difference in his community and ensure that town government was responsive to residents. 

"I believe residents deserve a government that listens, asks tough questions, and makes decisions based on what is best for the community, not simply because something has always been done a certain way," he said. 

One of the most important lessons he has learned as a councilman, he said, is that responsible leadership sometimes requires challenging the majority. 

He pointed to his opposition to an initial $28 million proposal for improvements to Carmel Water District 2 as one of his proudest accomplishments on the board. 

Kearns said he was the only councilman to oppose moving forward with the project as presented, arguing that alternatives should be explored before committing taxpayers to such a substantial expenditure. 

He credited that effort with producing an alternative approach that he said saved taxpayers about $22 million. 

"Taxpayers work hard for their money, and I believe it's our responsibility to treat every dollar as if it were our own," he said. 

As supervisor, Kearns said one of his primary goals will be to move forward with projects that have been delayed or discussed for years without significant progress. 

He cited the Swan Cove improvement project in downtown Mahopac as an example of an initiative that is beginning to advance. He said he wants to build on that momentum. 

That would involve identifying obstacles, establishing realistic timelines and working with town departments and other agencies to bring projects to completion. 

"We need to focus not just on discussing plans, but on delivering results," he said. 

Kearns said his project management experience would help him establish clearer priorities, monitor spending and hold those responsible for implementing town initiatives accountable for their progress. 

Fiscal responsibility would remain central to his administration, he said, with an emphasis on exploring alternatives before committing public funds to major expenditures. 

He also wants to pursue new initiatives that improve municipal services, increase efficiency, and preserve Carmel's community character without placing unnecessary financial burdens on homeowners and businesses. 

Kearns said he hopes his administration will be judged by its ability to complete projects, respond to residents' concerns, and make responsible financial decisions. 

"My goal is to build on the work already underway, bring fresh energy to projects that need attention, and ensure that the Town of Carmel continues moving forward in a thoughtful and fiscally responsible way," he said.