Gross to Not Seek Reelection for Leg. 6 Seat
After five years on the Putnam County Legislature, Southeast resident Roger Gross is not seeking reelection this year for his District 6 seat.
In a press release, Gross, a popular Republican, announced he would not run again because he wants to spend more time with his wife, Ginger, and other family members. Planning on residing seasonally in Charlotte, where his two sons, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter live, and New Hampshire, Gross said it wasn’t possible to do that and continue to serve.
“If my children lived in Mount Kisco, let’s say,” Gross said. “I’d probably run again.”
Mild mannered in his approach and with one of the most independent voting records on the legislature, Gross finally confirmed speculation that he would step aside after never losing an election.
Gross, who previously served as a school board member for eight years and Southeast town board member for a short time, said when a person takes on elected official position, “you have to be available day and night.”
Even on the county Legislature, Gross stressed he tried to stay involved with town events to remain connected with constituents, noting it’s easy to go to meetings in Carmel at the county office building and lose touch with the community.
As a legislator, Gross said he enjoyed serving on the Protective Committee, including as chairman, for several years, learning more about law enforcement and its fight against drugs in the county. Gross also noted his support for the necessary funds that resulted in a rebirth of the Putnam County Golf Course. Also supporting the overhaul at Tilly Foster Farm, he believes the Southeast property is on the same path and will be “jewel of our county once it’s competed.”
Other issues Gross has been involved in is fighting to maintain retiree health insurance at an affordable rate, traffic on county roads and helping local municipalities with electronic waste.
“It’s been very exciting and very rewarding,” Gross said.
Gross was appointed to the legislature in Jan. 2012 and then earned a full-term starting in 2013. For the past three years, Gross was nominated to be either chairman or vice-chairman of the legislature, but fell short to Carl Albano and Ginny Nacerino, respectively in 2014 and then to Nacerino and Joe Castellano this year.
After the organizational meeting this past January, Gross bluntly said he believed the legislature was becoming an extension of the executive branch that lacked independence. Last week, Gross said he hopes his colleagues judge future legislation and projects more on their merit and importance in the community.
“It’s no secret most critical votes come down to 5-4, 5-4, 5-4. That deadlock has not been good for all involved,” Gross said. “I wish there was more compromise and working together.”
Gross believes any of the three GOP town board members in Southeast would be worthy replacements, though there was no word as to who may throw their name in for the seat before press time Monday.
A member of the Southeast Republican Committee since 1994, Gross expressed gratitude to Putnam County Republican chairman Tony Scannapieco, former GOP chairman Jim DiBella, and county Conservative Committee figures Jim Maxwell and Compton Spain.
Gross, a Brewster school system teacher for 32 years, described his political career as one he’d never imagine.
“I’m very appreciative and thankful to the residents of Southeast and the school district for all their support,” he said. “It’s been much appreciated and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to serve the community.”
