The Secret Lives of Our Town Officials

Superman had his alter-ego of Clark Kent, a journalist for the Daily Planet. Wonder Woman had her alter-ego of Diana Prince, a military intelligence officer, when not in superhero spandex. 

Our town officials also have alter-egos, working at different professions throughout the day before toiling over town board packets and functions, or other town duties into the night.

Councilman Fred Sciliano is a senior vice president for a contracting and construction management company that does work for corporations, colleges, pharmaceutical and bio-med companies.

“Our new headquarters in Armonk is the first LEED platinum certified building in New York State outside New York City, given by the US Green Building Council. There are only 86 other designations in the country,” Sciliano said.

“We enjoy an eco-friendly work place, with many energy efficiencies and run our office on solar power. Our office is used as a registered educational center for the US Green Building Council and professionals such as architects, engineers and colleges in the area,” he explained.

Sciliano gets satisfaction from the being able to oversee projects from beginning to end.

“I am in the final stages of completing a test pilot laboratory for Dannon Yogurt at their Greenburgh headquarters. They have relocated this facility from Dallas, Texas to Westchester County, which is good news for the county and New York state as it created many local construction jobs and will also create permanent jobs in the facility,” Sciliano said.

Police Chief Anthony Marriccini is also in the construction business. He owns his own firm, which does many local residential projects, so when not on duty you can find him checking construction sites around the area.

Councilman Pat Vetere has an engineering background in roads and heavy construction and is now retired. He spends his time golfing, tending to his garden and visiting his grandchildren.

Councilwoman Marlane Amelio has a BA from Mercy College and a Master's from Hofstra University. She is now a New York state licensed Speech Pathologist accredited by the American Speech and Hearing Association.

Amelio works for the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), which provides educational and clinical services to students aged 6 to 21. These students have been classified as requiring special education. In her position there, Amelio provides New York state mandated supervision to BOCES clinicians.

“I find my job gratifying, knowing that through my supervision clinical services can become more affordable for those that require this type of intervention via Medicaid reimbursement when deemed appropriate, especially in this challenging economic climate,” Amelio said.

Councilman Joseph Cannella is a partner at the law firm Eaton & Van Winkle LLP, one of New York City’s oldest law firms. Cannella’s work focuses on corporate, securities matters, mergers and acquisitions.

Prior to attending law school, Cannella earned a Masters in Business Administration and subsequently, an L.L.M. in taxation from Georgetown University. Cannella also has substantial expertise in federal income tax matters, having begun his legal career at the office of chief council, Internal Revenue Service, in Washington D.C.. Cannella has also served as general counsel to several public companies.

Cannella says that he gains pleasure from similar aspects in both his council and professional positions.

“I meet people in diverse industries who face different problems and challenges. In representing them, I learn about their businesses and the issues they face on a day-to-day basis," Cannella said. "I learn something new almost every day and enjoy both the education it provides and the opportunity to work with interesting people.” 

The only council position that is full-time is that of Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh, who has also spent decades working in various town positions including assisting past mayors as town clerk.

In day-to-day life, when we all juggle work and professional responsibilities along with social, familial and other commitments, I have great respect for anyone who decides to set aside the large amount of time and energy that public positions entail.

Each of our town officials struggles to juggle their personal and professional lives just as we do, but with the added responsibility and time commitment required by public office.

My hat is off to anyone willing to make that type of commitment, regardless of their party or politics.