Four Jockey for Two Seats on Carmel Town Board

Carmel Supervisor Michael Cazzari is running unopposed for a second term on Nov. 7, having secured his reelection with a Republican primary win in June.

However, voters will be weighing-in on a hotly contested highway superintendent race between Michael Stern and Gerard Ahler, and a Town Board race where four candidates are running for two available seats.

In the Town Board contest, Incumbent Councilman Frank Lombardi and Robert Kearns will appear on the Republican and Conservative lines, while Jerome Mitchell and Kathleen Valletta are mounting a challenge on the Democratic line.

Robert Kearns

Kearns is a U.S. Navy veteran and a finance project manager. The married father of two young children, he has lived in Carmel for four years. He is also a football and baseball coach.

“Carmel is not just our home; it’s the heart of our aspirations and the canvas upon which we plan to paint a rich and fulfilling life,” he said. “It was a combination of my military service, professional expertise, and a desire to make a positive impact on the Town of Carmel that ultimately led me to run for office. I believe that by working together and implementing sound fiscal controls, we can create a government that truly serves the best interests of our residents.”

Kearns said he was also motivated to run by “the lack of transparency and limited community engagement within our town.”

“My goal is to serve the community to the best of my ability and promote open communication,” he said. “Another driving force behind my decision to run for the town board is the underrepresentation of young parents like me who are striving to raise their children in a fast-paced world. I believe that the future of our town relies on the active involvement of this demographic. My commitment to this cause is unwavering.”

Kearns said Carmel needs revitalization, particularly with its infrastructure, noting he is confident of being able to secure grants for the improvements.

“I bring combat-tested leadership to the table, backed by my experience in making critical decisions in high-pressure and stressful environments,” he said. “My background equips me with the skills to handle tough challenges effectively.”

Frank Lombardi

Lombardi, a civil litigation and trial attorney, has lived in Carmel more than 20 years and has served a total of 12 years on the Town Board.

“I am seeking re-election as I believe I greatly contribute to the Board based on my experience, educational background, experience in government, and the relationship I have fostered with other elected officials in local, state and federal government, which benefit the residents of Carmel. I have a passion for the Town of Carmel and enjoy being the voice of the residents,” Lombardi said. “I believe that I have the judgment and experience to continue to serve the residents of town.”

During his tenure, Lombardi said he drafted legislation which required all town employees to be fingerprinted to protect the residents, especially children, and wrote legislation banning the sale of synthetic marijuana.

“I am proud of many things during my tenure, involving guiding the town through a recession, multiple storms and difficult budgets,” he said. “I am proud to say that during my tenure, the town’s General Fund Equity, which is the town’s saving account, rose from $5.7 million in 2015 to $12.2 million in 2022. Because of tough decisions made, the town enjoys a AA1 Bond rating which allows the town to borrow money at a very low rate of interest, if needed. Also, we have upgraded and added multiple parks to our Recreation System, which are enjoyed with our families and seniors.”

Lombardi said Carmel has many challenges in the future, including many infrastructure projects and the current recession, which he maintained has been been a burden to many families.

“I believe that I have the experience and judgment in making the right decisions on our budgets to help reduce the burden on our families during the next four years and I am excited to be a voice of reason for our resident for the next four years,” he said.

Jerome Mitchell

Mitchell is an attorney with 20 years of experience in corporate and intellectual property law. He is an MSA soccer coach who is seeking elected office for the first time.

“I am running for office because I believe in serving my community,” he said. “As a parent, community member and attorney, I am committed to advocating for policies that are fiscally responsible while still improving infrastructure, ensuring public safety, keeping our town clean and promoting local businesses.”

If elected, Mitchell said he will “breathe new life” into the “long-stagnant” Comprehensive Plan in Carmel and examine all new bids on town contracts.

“I will review to make certain the terms are favorable to the residents of Carmel and that we receive commensurate value for our expenditures,” he said. “For town contracts, I will promote fairness and transparency through the open bidding processes, thus ensuring that our financial resources are utilized judiciously, effectively, and with transparency at the forefront.”

Mitchell said he will also advocate for “enhanced community engagement by establishing a platform for public input and creating an inclusive space for Carmel residents to voice their opinions.”

Kathleen Valletta

Valletta, a longtime Putnam County attorney, ran unsuccessfully last year for the State Assembly against Matt Slater.

“I am running for the town board because last year in my travels around the town I really listened to people and they told me they don’t feel like they are heard by their local government,” she said. “They don’t get to speak enough, aren’t included in the decision-making processes, and don’t get a piece of the pie. I also believe the board needs new, independent voices and unbiased perspectives. Most important is that this board needs people who ask the tough questions that people in our community are asking about where the money is going and why money is too often squandered.”

“Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” Valletta remarked. “This town needs checks and balances, someone to ask tough questions and force everyone to sit up and work harder for the people. This isn’t about partnership as much as it is about good government that represents all the people.”

Valletta said the most pressing issue facing the town is having an open, responsive and transparent local government.

“Every politician around here talks about the need to shore up infrastructure, support our veterans, care for seniors and increase the tax base by attracting new business. This is all great, and none of it is quick or easy,” she said. “But instead of doing this work, mostly what they deliver is photo ops and talking points, and instead we have parades and flags, but senior housing that is isolated and unaffordable (which is shameful), we don’t support new businesses, and our recreational facilities are so limited. We must think more clearly.”