As March village elections approach, Briarcliff Manor trustees Robert Mayer and Anthony Capasso have decided not to seek re-election.

Fellow board member Lori Sullivan, along with Mayor William Vescio and Deputy Mayor David Venditti, were re-elected for another two-year term last March in an uncontested election.

Mayer has served on the board for six years (three terms) and said in an email because "my business traveling has escalated quite a bit in the last 12 months," he chose not to run this year.

Capasso, who has served one term on the board, said his decision not to run was "difficult."

"We know that there are difficult economic times right now," he said, specifying he needs to devote more time to his own business. "If the economy turns around, I would like to circle back around at some time and run again."

Both trustees said they are proud of their work in bringing the village's federally-funded water supply project to life.

"That was a looming problem for several administrators and the Vescio administration got it done, at minimal cost to the taxpayer," said Mayer.

Added Capasso, "We always find grand money—Village Manager Phil Zegarelli is phenomenal at that."

Maintaining a steady tax base is also something both trustees said remained a priority over the last few years.

"Look at the taxes that have been kept in check over the years," pointed out Capasso. "Even with some crazy storms, the budget is kept in check."

Despite what Mayer called "the worst financial downturn in 80 years," he said, "All of this was done in the face of ever increasing taxes from the Town of Ossining and the two school districts."

Capasso said he would advise incoming trustees to "serve the community in an open, transparent fashion."

"If you look at the current board now, everything is out in the open and on the table," he said. "That's really how you need to handle it."

"My only advice would be to follow the mayor's lead and listen to Phil Zegarelli, who I believe is the single best village manager in the State of New York," said Mayer.

Going forward, Capasso declined to comment on what he believes the priorities for the new board should be.

Mayer said, "I firmly believe the single highest priority leading into the new fiscal year is separating the Village of Briarcliff Manor from the Town of Ossining," citing mismanagement of town finances by Catherine Borgia, the former supervisor who now serves as a county legislator.

"Briarcliff pays roughly 40 percnt of the taxes of the town and the town is not the least bit interested in financial austerity. The state legislature and county legislature will most likely insist that the Village of Briarcliff and the Village of Ossining be absorbed into one entity called the Town of Ossining," commented Mayer. "I cannot emphasize enough how important getting clear of the Town of Ossining is to the village."

The People's Caucus of Briarcliff Manor has nominated Robert Murray and Mark Pohar as trustee candidates. Check back with Patch for more from the candidates.