Candidate Profile: J. Michael Cindrich For Mt. Kisco Mayor

MOUNT KISCO, NY — Election season 2023 is here and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

NAME: J. Michael Cindrich

RESIDENCE: J. Michael Cindrich has lived in Mount Kisco for over fifty years.

RUNNING FOR WHICH OFFICE: Mayor of the Village/Town of Mount Kisco

EDUCATION: Archbishop Stepinac High School, Saint John’s Military Academy, Iona College, Iona Graduate School — Studied engineering, construction management, psychology, law and holds a BS degree and several certifications of training pertaining to municipal government.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Served as Mount Kisco Village Trustee, 3 years, Mount Kisco Deputy Mayor, 4 years, Mount Kisco Mayor, 14 years. Also served as a volunteer for several years and Member and Chairperson of the Mount Kisco Zoning Board of Appeals.

WORK EXPERIENCE: Mamaroneck Town Police Lieutenant and served as a U.S. Department of Justice, DEA Deputy Special Agent. Decorated and recognized for heroism, valor and exceptional contribution to law enforcement, by the New York State Attorney General, the US Attorney for the Southern District, the New York Drug Enforcement Administration, the American Legion, Town of Mamaroneck and Westchester County. Also served as the building Inspector for the Town of North Castle and proudly served as a United States Marine. Currently managing partner and consultant of a real estate venture located outside Westchester County.

FAMILY: Married for 55 years, father of four children and eight grandchildren. Resident of Mount Kisco for over fifty years, Wife, Linda, lifelong resident. All four children attended the Bedford Central Schools.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: mkvip.org

WHY ARE YOU SEEKING THIS OFFICE?

My education and experience in both the private and public sector makes me uniquely qualified to serve the people of Mount Kisco. As a person who has served our community for close to fifty years, I am concerned with future of our village.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOU AND THE OTHER CANDIDATE SEEKING THIS POST?

The position of mayor requires strong leadership skills, the ability to make hard decisions and negotiate. The rash of alleged ethics charges against volunteers is also a concern. I advocate the full disclosure of proprietary interests of business, investments and property within the village by those in decision making position.

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST PRESSING ISSUE FACING YOUR CONSTITUENTS AND WHAT DO YOU INTEND TO DO ABOUT IT?

Protecting our residential zoning districts and valuable parks from the intrusion of incompatible commercial uses. Keeping residents well informed on action that may affect quality of life and property values.

HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

The Village/Town of Mount Kisco currently provides more affordable housing than any other community in northeast Westchester County. The concept of rezoning residential one family zoning districts and allowing basement and attic apartments would destroy our community.

HOW WOULD YOU PROTECT THE DRINKING WATER IN THE COMMUNITY?

Byram Lake is the primary and only source of filtered water currently serving the Mount Kisco community. During my tenure as mayor, we expanded the watershed and worked with other jurisdictions to protect Byram Lake. I will advocate the use of technology to enhance both watershed and lake security.

WHAT OTHER ISSUE DO YOU INTEND TO ADDRESS DURING YOUR CAMPAIGN?

Several, reducing costs & controlling taxes; keeping Mount Kisco affordable for all residents, young adults starting out to our senior citizens. Prioritizing what is absolutely necessary before incurring debt. Encouraging community dialog and free speech.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN YOUR PAST WOULD YOU CITE AS EVIDENCE YOU CAN HANDLE THIS JOB?

I have three pages of accomplishments that enhanced the sustainability and quality of life of all Mount Kisco residents. Condensed, in no particular order.

Shepherded our community through the worst economic depression in over 70 years, with no reduction in services and displaying compassion for those in financial distress. Constructed a new, expanded library, incorporation energy efficient technology. The Henry V. Kensing Library. Worked with developers and business owners to attract several successful businesses including, HomeGoods, Tesla, Saw Mill East and Lexus of Mount Kisco.

Personally negotiated with Westchester County to bring 21st century community policing to Mount Kisco, at a cost savings of over 1 million dollars a year. Creating an open space fund and other designated funds for future projects. My fiscally conservative policies resulted in the Mount Kisco bond rating being increased three times, to the highest rating attainable by a government of Mount Kisco’s size . In addition, we increased our capital reserves by 10 million dollars.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE ANYONE EVER GAVE YOU?

Listen and do the will of the people. Remember complaints filed by the people you serve may seem trivial, but they are real in the hearts and minds of those complaining; treat them with respect.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE VOTER TO KNOW ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR POSITIONS?

Community service has always been a priority for the Cindrich Family. Between my wife, Linda and I, we have over a 100 years of community volunteer service. In addition to my political service, I served as a member of the volunteer Mount Kisco Special Police for 9 years, Mount Kisco Little League Coach for 11 years, Life Member, EMT and Volunteer of the Mount Kisco Ambulance Corps. Mount Kisco Junior Football Coach and a former member of MKESA and the Fox Lane Sports Club. I continue to volunteer with the Guiding Eyes for the Blind.