Politics & Government

Meet Port Chester's New Mayor: Neil Pagano

Republican defeats incumbent Democrat Dennis Pilla in Port Chester village election.

Port Chester has a new mayor: Neil Pagano.

After five days of advance voting and balloting on Election Day, Tuesday, the Republican candidate defeated incumbent Democratic Mayor Dennis Pilla, 1,585-1,347, according to unofficial results from the Port Chester Village Clerk's Office this morning.

So, who is Neil Pagano?

Find out what's happening in Port Chesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A native of Port Chester, Pagano is owner of C.J. Pagano Real Estate, Appraisal and Insurance Co. in Port Chester. The 83-year-old firm was founded by his father in 1930. He is a licensed real estate and insurance broker and licensed real estate appraiser.

He is the current chairman of the Port Chester Industrial Development Agency, which promotes business growth in the village. Pagano was also a member of the panel that helped develop Port Chester's new Comprehensive Plan, and official guide for future development in the village.

Find out what's happening in Port Chesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2012 by the village Board of Trustees and on Monday the board approved the necessary zoning laws to implement the Comprehensive Plan.

He is also a past-president of the Port Chester Rye Town Chamber of Commerce and he is a former member of the Westchester Community College Board of Trustees.

Pagano is married to Rosemary Pagnotta-Pagano and they have two children and four grandchildren. Pagano is also a 45-year-member of the Port Chester Fire Department's Harry Howard Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1

A veteran, Pagano served in the U.S. Army. He graduated from Westchester Community College and the College of Insurance.

What does he want to do as mayor?

"Once elected, one of my objectives will be to refocus the role of the Mayor and unify our Board by reaching across all party lines, thereby breaking the gridlock to move a number of stalled projects forward.  I believe I am uniquely suited to the task because heretofore I have not been aligned with any political party nor do I come with any political baggage.   The fact that I have been endorsed by the Republican, Independence and Conservative parties helps support that statement."

"My primary objectives will be in the area of economic development, with additional focus on our infrastructure. The main points are to:  1.) stop the lip service and empty rhetoric by really developing plans to expand our tax base; 2.) seek other revenue sources, not only from grants that always come with strings attached but real income generating opportunities; 3.) address once and for all the issues of our collapsing Bulkhead and our failing Police Headquarters facilities no matter how difficult those solutions may be; 4.) obtain Code Enforcement relief, and; 5.) provide the support facilities that our downtown requires in order that it can continue to grow."

Here are two videos in which Pagano talks about growing up in Port Chester and his vision for the village:

http://vimeopro.com/user15756747/port-chester-first#/video/60664187


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here