Republicans Tap Greer as Town Clerk Candidate

The new Republican candidate for town clerk openly admits she would rather not be the one seeking the position for her party this fall.

It's not that Jackie Greer doesn't want the position, or isn't excited for the opportunity, it's that she would rather the late Joseph Acocella still be here to seek a third term in office.

"When Joey was alive (running) wasn't even a consideration because he as doing such a wonderful job and (was) such a wonderful person," Greer, 48, said. 

But Acocella died suddenly last week at the age of 30. The former clerk had accepted the GOP nomination before his passing, but instead it will be Greer who will represent the Republican party against Democrat candidate Frank Corvino, 24.

"It was hard, I was so sad for Joey because I've been there too," said Greer, who's husband passed away four years ago. "I was feeling really sad for Joey and his family, but excited for the opportunity to take on what he's started and continue all the great things he has done."

Greer said it was while talking with friends about Acocella's passing that she first thought of running for the position. Friends recommended that she throw her hat in the ring when the topic of who will run in his place came up last week.

Born and raised in Harrison, Greer said her family has a history of public service. Her father worked for the police department for 20 years and her mother had a career working for the school district. Her uncle was the court clerk for 30 years as well. Greer herself is currently a district leader for the Republican party and has served as PTA president at Parsons Elementary School.

Greer said she doesn't plan any drastic changes right away within the clerk's office. She credits the current staff there for keeping the department running under these difficult circumstances and says once in office she hopes to keep things moving in the same positive direction.

"Joey had a really good system, a really good staff—an amazing staff there," Greer said.

Greer said she has the maturity and skills the town should be looking for in a town clerk. She worked as an executive assistant for Coca-Cola and Alamo Rent-a-Car before moving to Resurrection Church in Rye, where she has spent the last 15 years. She says that having deep roots in the community will help in a position where interaction with people is a critical part of the job description.

"I can pretty much walk down the street and know half the people in town," Greer said. "I know how important that office is to the people of Harrison."

Greer also said she hopes to spend time updating the town code, making it more efficient and easier to use.

"I can see that there's a lot of things outdated," she said. "The town clerk being the keeper of the code I would work with the different department heads and legal office to maybe update and streamline the code book."

This fall Greer will join a headlined by mayoral candidate Ron Belmont, incumbent Trustee Fred Sciliano and trustee candidate and former supervisor Steve Malfitano.

Greer said she started her involvement with local politics during the Malfitano administration and is excited to support Belmont as he looks to unseat current Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh this fall.

She is also excited to have a chance to serve a community that means so much to her.

"I really, really, love Harrison," she said. "I really, truly, believe it's great to live in Harrison."