Russo Has a Change of Heart, Announces He'll Stay as Port Chester's Manager

Port Chester won't have to look for a new village manager – at least until the end of the year.

On a night when trustees were expected to hammer out the search for a new manager, Mayor Dennis Pilla announced Christopher Russo would remain in Port Chester's top non-elected post.

"He advised the board today that he intends to rescind his letter of resignation, that is to say at least until year end," the mayor said.

Next up? Renegotiations. The board will meet in executive session – which is closed to the public – on Oct. 12, when they'll talk to Russo about keeping his $194,000-a-year job past the new year.

Russo's resignation in early September threw the board into upheaval, with a round of finger-pointing over who was to blame. Russo himself remained mostly mum, saying only that he was dissatisfied with the pace of progress in the village.

Residents and former trustees blamed the board after Russo found himself on the receiving end of what observers called "childish" verbal abuse. Trustee Sam Terenzi was blamed for berating professional staff – including Recreation Superintendent Thomas Hroncich and Treasurer Leonie Douglas – at meetings, but four board members backed Terenzi and shifted the blame to Pilla.

That group of trustees – which includes Terenzi, Joseph Kenner, Bart Didden, John Branca and Luis Marino – was "looking forward to replacing Mr. Russo as soon as possible," according to a statement attributed to Didden.

Now they'll have to live with him until at least 2011.

With Russo back on board, Port Chester avoids a change in command and turbulence during already hectic times. Officials are trying to find millions to pay for a new sea wall to replace the crumbling bulkhead, and at least a million more for sewer repairs. In the meantime, police are investigating mass theft from the village's parking meters and allegations of bribery in the building department, and both department heads in those cases have resigned in disgrace.

Calling off the search for a new manager – at least in the short term – is one less thing Port Chester's elected officials have to worry about, and for that they seemed grateful.

"I think what's in the best interest of the village at this point is stability," Trustee Daniel Brakewood said. "I want to appreciate you and say how much I'm glad you have agreed to stay on, at least through the year."

CORRECTION:  Village Manager Christopher Russo will meet with the board on Oct. 12 to discuss his contract. An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the wrong month.