Patch Candidate Profile 2023: Vincent Rossillo For Dobbs Ferry Mayor

DOBBS FERRY, NY — Registered voters in Dobbs Ferry will be going to the polls Nov. 7 to make some decisions.

Besides choosing three village trustees, the mayoral race has three people from whom to choose.

Incumbent Democrat Vincent Rossillo, 63, of Dobbs Ferry, is seeking another term. He is being challenged by Edmond F. Manley III on the Dobbs Ferry United line and Justin B. Kurian who is running on the Dobbs Ferry Rivertown Party line.

Rossillo, who has held the mayor’s office since 2019, previously served as a village trustee from 2011 to 2019. He is a partner with the law firm Fine Olin & Anderman, which represents union members and their families in most types of legal matters.

He is married and the father of three daughters, all of whom attended Dobbs Ferry schools.

Campaign website: www.dfdems.org

To help the public get to know the candidates in the Dobbs Ferry mayoral race, Patch sent them the same set of questions. Here are Rossillo's responses.

Why are you seeking this office?

I think it is vital that the village continue to be led by someone who has provided steady, experienced leadership. There are still many projects that must be finished. I have the proven ability to obtain the appropriate funding to accomplish these tasks, limiting the financial hardship to residents.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The major difference is that I have a proven track record of accomplishments. Leading this village requires experience, a demonstrated interest and devotion of time. I have 12 years of local government experience. I know how to obtain funding and lead the government. The mayor's term is for two years, so there really isn't time for "on the job training."

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

Sustainability which includes infrastructure and reasonable development. The village must continue to focus on upgrading and improving our aging infrastructure, so that we not only survive in a future of ever-increasing powerful storms but also thrive and grow.

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

Continue to improve our parks, traffic and affordability.

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

I have guided this village with fiscal responsibility through the pandemic, social injustice and infrastructure issues while providing strong dependable leadership. I have obtained over $2 million in grant money, which has improved the quality of life in the village and reduced the financial burden on residents.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

One of the best pieces of advice I received is — Ask yourself "why" more often.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Being mayor not only requires commitment but also experience, empathy, good judgment and steady leadership. I believe I provided all those attributes in my service to the village.

Editor's note: The candidate's responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity.