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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- The Daily White Plains has put together a guide for voters interested in learning more about the Common Council and county legislator candidates before the Nov. 8 elections. Each candidate was asked the same questions.
Richard Cirulli, 59, a business consultant and professor, is competing for a Common Council seat. He's endorsed by the Republican Party. In his own words, here's how Cirulli describes his campaign:
Why did you decide to move to White Plains?
Ive lived in White Plains a little over two years. I have a lot of friends and family here, so its been a part of my life. I was teaching at Mercy College on and off for 10 years. I was always a part of the community. It was a place Id been three to four times a year. I was born in Riverside, CA, lived in Port Chester for 30 years, and moved to Dutchess County for a few years. I still teach economics and business at Mercy and College and at St. Thomas Aquinas College.
Why would you be a good representative in the coming term?
I acquired a lot of knowledge as a professor and I have a wealth of experience and economic knowledge. I basically want to contribute and give back. We have economic problems and I think, with my background, I can help. As an economist and business consultant and a business leader, I can make very analytical, objective and nonpartisan decisions. I have good management skills and I can take a good view of what has to be done.
If elected, what are the three biggest goals you'd work to accomplish?
Im really focused on cutting healthcare benefits for former Common Council members. Even when you leave office, the city still pays for your health insurance. And I think thats an unfair use of taxpayers money.
We have to make the city more business and citizen friendly. The parking here is anti-business. The equation doesnt balance. Its an unfair practice and it's used to make revenues.
Another goal of mine is to preserve jobs for city workers. Im an advocate for no layoffs. I think we should entertain other solutions.
Has the local government made any mistakes or had any oversights that you'd try to avoid?
The White Plains system is a monopoly of one party and you need an opposing view to balance the equation. Theres not enough debate and counter-debate.
What's the best part of White Plains?
Everything -- it has a city environment, restaurants. Its eclectic, and it has a great public safety department.
Other related experience:
- Twenty years of experiences as a college professor- Former business executive at Merrill Lynch, NBC, and New York Presbyterian Hospitals
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