Candidate Profile: Richard Dionisio For Harrison Mayor

HARRISON, NY — In 2021's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Richard Dionisio is seeking election as Harrison Mayor in November. The longtime Harrison resident is running as a Republican.

Learn more about Dionisio on harrisonunited.com

Check out Patch's full Q&A with Richard Dionisio:

I have two children, and four grandchildren who are currently attending the Harrison Central School District.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Hughes College: Electrical Engineering/ Business Administration
Attended Harrison Central School District

Occupation

Elected official, business owner and real estate investor

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Deputy Mayor / Supervisor, Town Councilman & Trustee for the Town of Harrison

Why are you seeking elective office?

My decision to run for Supervisor-Mayor is based on the many people who have encouraged me to lead our community, because of my service, knowledge, independent principles, devotion, and respect to ALL Harrison residents.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The recent increase in burglary and theft in Harrison is of utmost importance to me. I am committed and supportive of our police and the safety of our residents is second to none. I will continue to fully fund our police and continue to 100% oppose bail reform laws that put criminals back on the street after being arrested and continue to lobby against it to keep Harrison residents, especially children, safe.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Since first running for public office in 2016, I have received the nominations of not only the Republican Party, but also been nominated by the Democratic Party, the Independent Party, and the Reform Party.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

There’s nothing more important than the wonderful quality of life we enjoy in our community. Together, we will work to continue growing our tax base. I will continue to hold the line on taxes and spending and continue protecting property taxpayers and preserving our town’s precious open space.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As Town Councilman and Deputy Mayor, I partnered with Ron Belmont to hold the line on taxes and spending. Through our leadership, Harrison is protecting taxpayers and investing in our future.

- Fully supported and voted for the acquisition of the Harrison Meadows Country Club (The former Willow Ridge Country Club).
- Proposed the purchase of 13.6 acres of undeveloped property off Pinehurst Drive to keep as open green space.
- Continues to support public safety and has spoken out against the “Bail Reform.”
- Supported this year’s 0% tax increase.
- During his tenure on the Board, Moody’s has rated Harrison Triple “A” for 6 consecutive years.
- Publicly promoted and supported the revitalization of the Westchester Avenue
Corridor. This assisted with keeping residential taxes low and grew the Reserve Fund to approximately $28,000,000.

Community Service:
- Member of the Harrison Town Board
- Deputy Mayor
- Harrison Little League
- Harrison Junior Football
- Parishioner of St Gregory the Great

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do more listening and less talking.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Being a lifelong Harrison resident, I have made so many personal and generational connections with other Harrison residents. One of the most unique parts of this generational bond is now watching my friends grandchildren going through the Harrison schools with my grandchildren. Living in Harrison has been a dream. A dream that I hope continues for generations to come. I hope the future of Harrison knows what it feels like to have this kind of personal connection to the town if they choose to settle down here. The way myself, my family and many of the other families here in Harrison have done.

It’s great to live in Harrison!

Find information about absentee and early voting here: Election 2021: New Systems For Early Voting In Westchester. To find all your candidates, as well as statewide, county and local propositions, follow the links offered by the Board of Elections:

• View the 2021 General Election Candidates List.
• View the 2021 General Election State Propositions.
• View the 2021 General Election County and Local Propositions.