Four candidates square off for pair of Somers Town Board seats

SOMERS, N.Y. - When voters head to the polls on Nov. 4, they will be tasked with filling a pair of seats on the Somers Town Board.

Seeking re-election are incumbents Anthony Cirieco and William Faulkner alongside newcomers Don Frum and Tom Lamb. Cirieco and Faulkner are running on the Republican and Conservative lines while Frum and Lamb are running on the Democratic line.

Supervisor Robert Scorrano (R, CON) will be running unopposed for another term, as will Receiver of Taxes Michele McKearney (D,R,CON).

Before Election Day, The Somers Record offered the four Town Board candidates the opportunity to address voters and explain, in their own words, their qualifications and what they see as the most important priorities if elected. (Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.)

ANTHONY CIRIECO

Please outline your career, leadership, and educational accomplishments.

I have lived in Somers since 1983 with my wife and three children. With the support of the community, I have served the town and school boards for over 18 years. I bring a tremendous amount of experience to our town board and community.

I hold a BS in Accounting from Manhattan College and an MBA in Finance from Iona College. I had a 30-year career in a corporate setting that included domestic and international responsibilities, with leadership roles in finance, IT, and business development in the telecommunications and transportation industries.

As a former CFO, I am comfortable working in challenging environments, bringing teams together to achieve shared goals, and elevating the success of those around me. Presently, I advise businesses, families, and individuals on investment management and retirement planning as part of Symmetry Wealth Advisory Group.

My community service includes assisting with the coaching of youth athletic programs, chairing the local Boy Scouts, and representing Somers in hiring senior school district staff. Today, I serve on the school’s Citizen Finance Committee, the Somers Community Council, the Utility & Telecommunications Committee, and the Partners in Prevention Substance Abuse Committee.

I volunteer and support local organizations including the Somers Lions, the Somers Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus, The Jack Devito Foundation, the Somers Historical Society, and Veterans Committee. My accomplishments have been possible thanks to the unwavering support of my wife and family.

What are the most important issues facing the Somers Town Board, and why are you the most qualified to address them?

Affordability is a central concern for our residents, as rising utility costs, expanding NYS budgets, and new unfunded mandates continue to impact our community. Managing growth while keeping taxes low, maintaining public safety, enhancing services, and improving infrastructure are all critical challenges we face. Protecting home rule remains a priority, especially as we have successfully confronted issues such as transit-oriented development, unsafe battery storage systems, and upcoming utility rate increases.

My qualifications stem from extensive community leadership experience and a professional background that has uniquely situates me to address these issues. Because of our slate’s experience and teamwork, Somers is an affordable town. We have consistently remained below the tax cap, saving millions of taxpayer dollars, have a “triple A” bond rating, and can boast being one of the lowest taxed towns in Westchester.

I have opposed onerous utility rate increases and successfully advocated for improved service quality. I work collaboratively across all levels of government, regardless of political affiliation, to achieve tangible results.

Notable accomplishments during my service include improvements to water quality, the expansion of Reis Park, construction of a larger salt shed for winter safety, installation of sidewalks and crossings in the business historic district, expanding access to sewer and water in the business district, supporting the planned reconstruction of the State Police Barracks in Somers, increasing police staffing, and expanding nutrition programs for seniors.

If re-elected, what will be your top priorities over the next year?

My top priorities are ensuring that Somers remains affordable and vibrant. I will work to keep taxes low and manage growth responsibly, safeguard public safety, maintain and enhance essential town services, invest in infrastructure, and protect home rule.

I will continue to prioritize improvements to water quality and infrastructure, park and recreation facilities, grant funding, public safety initiatives including increased police staffing, and expanding nutrition and social programs for seniors.

As part of our town board team, we will be focused on a solution for the vacant IBM property that will preserve and grow tax revenue for the entire town. Additionally, I will continue to support programs to improve mental health among residents and promote education regarding substance abuse risks.

Through collaboration and teamwork with all levels of government and community organizations, I am committed to building on our achievements and ensuring that Somers remains a desirable place to live.

WILLIAM FAULKNER

Please outline your career, leadership, and educational accomplishments.

I have been blessed to live in Somers for most of my life. And, I know how lucky I am to be in a town and a community as unique and wonderful as Somers.    

I’ve always tried to give back to our great community to demonstrate that gratitude. I’ve enjoyed coaching AYSO Soccer for twenty-nine consecutive seasons. I’ve been honored to serve as president of the Somers Lions Club. I presided over the one-millionth dollar donated to the Somers Education Foundation as president, treasurer and trustee. And, I’ve had the highest honor as serving as your councilman for the last twelve years.

During those many years so much has been accomplished, too numerous to list them all. But, some of my favorite highlights are:

• Earning and maintaining a Triple A credit rating

• Creating the Somers Veterans Committee to aid and assist America’s bravest

• Passing budgets below the Tax Cap (several years with a 0% increase)

• Starting and co-chairing the Somers Telecommunications Task Force

• Elevating our Litter Task Force to be the First Town in Westchester to join the Keep America Beautiful campaign

• Extending Reis Park to include a second entrance/exit

• Keeping Somers the lowest taxed town in Westchester

• Adding sidewalks to Town Center (especially the Thelma Barlow crosswalk)

I feel most fortunate that my professional and educational careers have prepared me exceptionally well to serve as your councilman. From the classrooms of Purdue, Fordham and Harvard to the board rooms of GE, IBM and PepsiCo I have learned the value of diplomatic leadership and the benefits of finding win/win solutions.

What are the most important issues facing the Somers Town Board, and why are you the most qualified to address them?

There’s more to be done. Maintaining the hometown feel that we all enjoy. Fighting for Somers in Albany to get our fair share of state roads rebuilt. Completing construction at Reis Park. And most importantly, supporting you, our citizens. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, student or neighbor, I’ll always remember: if you live in Somers, I work for you.

And that’s my favorite aspect of holding this office, providing assistance to our friends and neighbors. Whether it’s the permit process, securing field space, block party road closings or special services, please reach out any time, as many of you have. Because the only problem I can’t fix is the one I don’t know about.

If re-elected, what will be your top priorities over the next year?

My goal for the coming years can best be summarized as "continuing the common sense." And continuing with my one and only campaign promise: "To Do the Right Thing Because it’s the Right Thing." If you agree, please support myself, Councilman Cirieco, Supervisor Scorrano and Receiver of Taxes Michele McKearney on November 4.

DON FRUM

Please outline your career, leadership, and educational accomplishments.

I have been a trial attorney for 48 years, now retired. During that time I was the attorney of record for the Home Insurance company (12 years), Selective Insurance Co. (over 25 years), as well as having my own firm (9 years) and working for other trial orientated firms. For over ten years I represented the Town of Somers and other local municipalities in all liability claims and suits. In my career I have tried over 100 cases to verdict and authored and argued over twenty-five appeals.

I have been a district leader in Somers for over 30 years.

My educational background includes a B.A. in English Language and Literature from Boston University, and a Juris Doctor from New York Law School.

In my retirement, I have authored and published a thriller novel, Instant Karma, and I am working on a second one.

What are the most important issues facing the Somers Town Board, and why are you the most qualified to address them?

Managing town growth, the environmental impact of that growth, while at the same time encouraging development that will add to our tax base to keep local taxes down, are the most important issues facing the Town Board. Encouraging and taking advantage of available grants will also be important so that the town can improve without having to raise taxes. As a 40-year Somers resident, I believe I have the perspective to make the right judgements.

If elected, what will be your top priorities over the next year?

To pass term limits for the Town Board, take advantage of all available grants, and preserve open spaces and promote a “greener” Somers.

TOM LAMB

Please outline your career, leadership, and educational accomplishments.

I graduated from Union College in 2010, where I earned my BA in Political Science. Following my undergraduate studies, I graduated from Albany Law School of Union University, where I was a judicial extern clerk for the Honorable United States Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider and New York State Supreme Court Justice Michael Lynch; Senior Editor for a Albany Government Law Review; and an assistant to the General Electric Company's Global Operations Benefits' Counsel.

Upon graduation from Albany Law School, I focused my practice on civil litigation in New York and New Jersey, and I have over a decade of experience evaluating and defending complex medical malpractice claims, admiralty and maritime claims, employment disputes, corporate compliance commercial litigation, personal injury lawsuits, shareholder derivative suits, and civil rights claims. I have also successfully handled appellate cases in State and Federal Courts.

I’m admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York and New Jersey, as well as before the United States District Courts for New Jersey, Connecticut, and the Southern, Eastern, and Northern Districts of New York. I’m also admitted to practice before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States.

What are the most important issues facing the Somers Town Board, and why are you the most qualified to address them?

In my practice as an attorney, I’ve been fortunate enough to have developed an analytical approach to complex problems. I think my experience investigating matters, analyzing evidence, and identifying the best path forward for clients will allow me to offer valuable skills to the Town of Somers.

I’m also a father and a husband with two young kids and another on the way, and like so many families in Somers, I care deeply about the future of our town. I’m running because I believe every family—whether you’ve lived here for generations or just moved in—deserves a voice in the decisions that shape our community.
We’re facing important choices, like what to do with the IBM site near Route 100 and development near Route 6. That kind of development impacts our schools, our roads, and our town services. These decisions shouldn’t be made in a vacuum—they should reflect the needs and priorities of the families who live here.

With my personal experience as a parent and my professional background, I bring a practical, family-focused perspective to the table. I want to help make sure the Town Board reflects the full range of voices in Somers.

If elected, what will be your top priorities over the next year?

If I were elected, I would focus on understanding the development goals of the town and their implications on the town’s resources, aesthetic, and community. I would then focus my efforts on determining what financial resources are available to the town and how to increase the town’s access to resources, whether those are in the form of grants or other State or Federal opportunities. I would then focus on working collaboratively with local, State, or Federal entities to ensure the Board is undertaking every effort to maintain or improve the quality of life for the residents of the Town of Somers.