Candidate Profile: Philip Sidoti For New Rochelle City Council

NEW ROCHELLE, 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: Philip A. Sidoti

Age: 38

Hometown: Born in Mt. Vernon

Running for which office: New Rochelle City Council Member District 1

Education: Salesian High School / Lincoln Tech Institute

Political experience: Helped Lou Trangucci, during his three terms as a council member. I have been a community organizer running fundraising for St. Joseph Church and colon cancer by working together with everyone for the greater good of our community.

Work experience: I am working for the same automotive repair shop Soundview Servicenter in old Greenwich Connecticut for the last 20 years to present. I am also a part time Realtor for a local brokerage.

Family: I was raised by a single mother, the late Patricia Sidoti, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when I was 10 and passed away when I was 21. I am a proud husband and father to two beautiful children, Dominick (9) and Carmella (7).

Campaign website: @ Facebook Friends of Philip A. Sidoti

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking office b/c as a person that’s been in and around New Rochelle for over 33 years I have seen a transition in our community that will not be sustainable for the future. Also being a part-time realtor, I could see the trend of people leaving b/c of safety, congestion, high taxes and poor quality of life.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post?

I am sure we have many similarities. However, I think a major difference would be I would not support to increase the allowable units another 3400 + for a developer that is seeking abatement/pilot programs for a building that has an 80% of AMI = average median income. Westchester is approximately 120,000. Another difference would be I will personally drive around the district in the beginning of spring to check for potholes, writing them down and sending them off to our city manager. As well doing the same in the winter time for plowing.

What is the single most pressing issue facing your constituents and what do you intend to do about it?

Quality life issues - safety in our parks, our residents walking the street at night, pot holes, supporting our DPW, police, and firefighters.

How would you address the affordable housing issue in the community?

I think affordable housing is a must for us in New Rochelle. I would address this by supporting development that is seeking AMI around 50% which is true affordable housing and not allow such humongous buildings to shadow the beloved city. As well as trying to support programs that will help with down payments to allow people to achieve the American dream of homeownership, so they could build equity.

How would you protect the drinking water in the community?

By working hand and hand with the water company to give them the support they need to make sure the water is safe and drinkable.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Supporting our municipalities and giving them the training and tools they need the achieve optimal performance of their job. Pot Holes , PARKING!!!!! Try to stop the idea of 2 way traffic on Main St and Huguenot b/c it won’t work.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Fighting for our neighborhood church St. Joseph. Advocating all the way up to the highest office of the Vatican and now working with Rome to get a helping hand.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

If you don’t try, you will never know the outcome.