Former GOP councilman makes case for split-ticket voting

Somers voters have an opportunity this election to look beyond party labels and consider each local race on its own merits.

Experience matters, and Somers has it in abundance. We need look no further than Town Clerk Patty Kalba, Receiver of Taxes Michelle McKearney and Highway Superintendent Nick Devito, all of whom are seasoned professionals and second to none in their current positions. All have served for multiple years in the departments they now run and run very well. All three will hopefully remain in these positions for years to come.

Somers is also lucky to have people like Rich Clinchy, current councilman on the Town Board. In my 18 years on the Town Board, Richard was my closest colleague. You will not find any other councilmember with more experience, engagement and empathy. Richard was always my sounding board on issues, and I always knew that I would get an honest response to any issue I raised. Did we agree all the time? No. But we debated, compromised and collaborated for a solution that would best serve the town. My hope is that Richard will run again in the next election cycle. The Town of Somers is better with him on the Town Board.

Town government is different from Washington or Albany. The issues closest to home, including taxes, public safety, responsible development, recreation and offered services, demand practical leadership, sound judgment and a willingness to work with others.

That is why voters should evaluate the candidates for Town Supervisor and Town Council separately. A voter may conclude that a Republican is the strongest choice to lead the town while also believing that a Democrat would bring valuable experience, oversight or a needed perspective to the Town Board. Those choices are not contradictory. They reflect thoughtful voting.

Split-ticket voting can strengthen local government. It reminds elected officials that they are accountable to the entire community, not only to members of their own party. It can also encourage stronger debate, closer review of major decisions and greater cooperation around shared priorities.

I have always measured the person over the party. I have done this while voting for multiple positions on multiple boards. I have always found Rob Scorrano to be hardworking, engaged and willing to listen. Since Rob became supervisor, he has jumped in with both feet, getting his hands around all the important issues in town and being as transparent as possible. Important decisions need to be made in the next few years, be it concerning quality of life, health and safety and the residential/commercial development happening in town. Rob is up to the task. Running a town is not easy, especially in the day of social media posts, where people often have complaints without offering solutions.

Under Rob’s guidance, Somers remains one of the lowest taxed municipalities in Westchester County while services remain high. From a salary standpoint, both the council positions and supervisor position remain low or comparable when compared to many surrounding municipalities (i.e. Yorktown, Bedford, Carmel).

The Town Board position remains near and dear to my heart since this is the final year of what would have been my fifth term. I was proud of my time on the Town Board, and I do not consider the position of councilmember to be a consolation prize to be dealt away. One member’s vote is equal to any other board member and whoever wins this position should be focused solely on the Town of Somers and its citizens, not county or state politics.

Candidates should not be beholden to anyone, but should instead do what is best for the town even if that means going against “party politics.”

While I am not overly familiar with Dr. Rita Romeu, her resume and past municipal leadership certainly deserve more than a cursory glance.

Party affiliation should not be the litmus test to determine for whom you vote. Instead, we should be looking to move forward the debate, bringing new and different ideas into how to solve problems. A vote for the council position deserves careful consideration based on prior experience and willingness to work as part of a team.

Tom Garrity served as a member of the Somers Town Board from 2008 to 2025.