Gina Arena appointed to vacant seat on Somers Town Board

SOMERS, N.Y. - Starting next week, Somers will see a new – yet very familiar – face on the Town Board.

Folks will recognize Gina Arena from her participation both in community service and in county and state level political campaigns.

Arena, a Republican/Conservative, was appointed by the board on Thursday, Nov. 6, to fill the open seat created when Tom Garrity stepped down in September after 18 years as councilman.

There were two years left in Garrity’s term. He is a Republican but had been also endorsed in past races by Democrats, Independents, and Conservatives.

Because of a new state law – currently being challenged in court – that moves many county and town elections from odd- to even-numbered years so they can sync up with federal and statewide contests, Arena will have to run again in November 2026, for the remaining year.

Arena is expected to be officially sworn in at a later date.

Voting to approve the appointment were Supervisor Robert Scorrano and Councilmen Anthony Cirieco and William Faulkner, all Republicans/Conservatives. Councilman Richard Clinchy, the sole Democrat on the board, abstained from the vote.

“I’ve known Gina for a long time, since she was a student at John Jay High School and I was a teacher. I consider her a friend, so I don’t want it to be construed (the abstention) as anything personal against her,” Cinchy said.

“It was more about the process that we went through than the result at the end,” he said, explaining that not every hopeful had been told about the decision as of that night and he would have preferred that the board wait a week in order to update them.

There were seven candidates originally – both Republican and Democratic. The field was narrowed down to three.

Clinchy said he supported Republicans as well as Democrats among the final contestants.

He added he was looking forward to working with Arena on the board and that he thought “a women’s perspective would be valuable and overdue.”

There hasn’t a woman on the board since 2007. That was Lynette Burns, who was, by the way, a Republican.

Scorrano said Thursday that after much discussion between its members and the pool of hopefuls, the board had finally narrowed things down to one.

Faulkner explained that the number and quality of candidates the board interviewed “made this a very, very difficult decision.”

“I think all the folks who raised their hands and offered to serve should be commended, each and every one of them,” he said.

In a statement released to Halston Media on Friday, Nov. 7, Scorrano said:

“The Town Board and I are proud to appoint Gina Arena to fill the open seat on our Town Board. Gina is a lifelong member of this community who truly cares about Somers and its residents. She’s dedicated, thoughtful, and brings both experience and heart to the table. I’m confident she’ll serve our town with the same integrity and commitment that have defined her years of community involvement.”

Arena had twice run for county legislator in District 2 and twice for the state Senate in the 40th District, against incumbent Democratic state Sen. Peter Harckham.

Even when not on the ballot herself, she actively campaigned for Republican candidates.

“I raised my children here. I believe in this town. Lots has happened and the town was there for us,” Arena said.

In a post on Facebook, the new councilwoman said:

“I can't wait to represent the people of my beautiful, caring, and giving town! Somers has been so very good to my family, and I am looking forward to serving the people and giving back to our community.

I have always wanted to bring my knowledge of the many real-life issues I have encountered by helping others navigate the many local issues we face. Now I have the opportunity to listen, advocate, and make logical decisions for the incredible people of Somers.

Thank you for this opportunity to work for the people. This is such a great honor! Thank you to the Somers Town Board for your faith in me to get the job done! I look forward to working with you.”

TJ McCormack, head of the Somers Republican Town Committee, sent Halston Media the following:

“Capping off a great week for Somers, the Town Board showed solid judgement by appointing Gina Arena to the vacant board seat. It's been far too long since a woman served on the board. Gina is a beloved Somers lifer who knows all the issues facing Somers families inside and out. With relationships at the county, state and federal levels, she will be ready to contribute and lead from day one."

Raised in a working-class family -- first in Bedford, then in Pound Ridge, and Lewisboro -- Arena has lived in Somers since 1988. She and her husband, Jim, a volunteer firefighter, have eight children.

The Arenas’ daughter Victoria was an Army sergeant who served in Afghanistan.

According to her website, Arena’s own community activism started early with Girl Scouts, and continued throughout her life.

​When her autistic daughter Jesse wasn’t getting the education she needed, Arena researched cutting edge educational programs and developed a program for her. She helped create the Foundation for Educating Children with Autism and the Devereux Millwood Learning Center.

After their son Jimmy passed away at age 6 after battling brain cancer, the Arenas established the Just Imagine Making Miracles Yours (JIMMY) Foundation in his memory. This organization helps children suffering from life-threatening diseases and/or injuries with financial assistance.

“I’m honored that I was the choice,” Arena said Friday, adding that she believes she “can be a positive influence toward the future of Somers.”

Her goal? “To keep moving things forward,” she said.