Moving Harrison Forward Slate Endorsed By Democratic Committee

From the Harrison Democratic Committee

The Moving Harrison Forward slate of candidates — Frank Gordon for Mayor, and Lauren Leader and Michael Romita for Town Board – has been endorsed by the Harrison Democratic Committee, according to Frank Corvino, the Committee’s Chairman.

With deep local roots and backgrounds in business, law and public policy, the Moving Harrison Forward team represents a refreshing change from Harrison’s entrenched leadership, Corvino said. They bring diverse experience to the tasks of government and a willingness to work with other government officials in a nonpartisan way to make the smart decisions that Harrison deserves.

“They are determined to listen and respond to the concerns of frustrated residents, stand against scandal and corruption, and deliver municipal services as efficiently as possible,” Corvino added.

The Moving Harrison Forward team will run on the Democratic line and will also seek third-party endorsements.

In a joint statement, Gordon, Leader and Romita said, “Harrison is our home and we cherish its longstanding history and traditions. The Town faces many challenges, from our high tax burden, to neighborhood revitalization, to the safety of our children. We believe these issues should be faced with integrity and transparency by leaders who respect the views and input of town residents.”

Corvino said, “We are fortunate to have such highly-qualified people willing to serve in our local government. Most importantly, they are committed to restoring respectful and responsive town leadership.”

The Committee also endorsed Patricia O’Callaghan for Town Justice. Corvino said, “Tricia O’Callaghan has had a long and distinguished legal career. We are proud to propose her as the first woman ever to serve as a Justice in the Harrison Town Court.”

Jacqueline Greer received the Committee’s endorsement for reelection as Town Clerk. Corvino said, “Jackie Greer has proven to be an excellent Clerk over the years and justly deserves all the praise she receives from residents. We are pleased to support her reelection.”

A brief biography of each candidate:

Frank Gordon – Mr. Gordon, who had a 25-year career in accounting, law and finance, currently serves on the Harrison Town Board full-time. He applies the same principles of outstanding customer service that he learned in business to resident service. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and recipient of JD and MBA degrees from the University of Chicago, he also volunteers at the Harrison Food Pantry.

Lauren Leader – Ms. Leader is Co-Founder and CEO of All In Together, a nonpartisan non-profit that trains women in civics and civic leadership. She is a sought-after adviser to major corporations on issues ranging from diversity to corporate social responsibility. Author of 'Crossing the Thinnest Line,' she frequently appears as a commentator on MSNBC and other media outlets. She has two daughters, and her oldest attends Harrison public schools. She was a 2018 Presidential Leadership Scholar and is a graduate of Barnard College.

Michael Romita – Mr. Romita is a partner at Mercury Strategies, a public policy firm, and Ranger Asset Management, a real-estate investment firm. He previously ran Harrison-based and family-owned Castle Oil Corp. as Executive VP of strategy and operations. After law school, he served as an environmental litigator at the U.S. Department of Justice. He recently co-chaired the County Executive’s Transition Committee on Economic Development and enjoys strong ties to the local business community. He holds degrees from Tufts University, Michigan Law School and the London School of Economics.

Patricia O’Callaghan – As Acting Commissioner of the Westchester County Solid Waste Commission, Ms. O’Callaghan leads efforts to eliminate the influence of organized crime in the garbage and recycling industry. She served in the County Attorney’s office for 11 years, most recently as Deputy County Attorney in its Family Court Bureau. As a consultant, she helped the County Department of Social Services establish a child fatality review team and advocated for child welfare and safety. She holds a BA in government from Sweet Briar College, an MS in Criminal Justice from Long Island University and a JD from Pace University School of Law.

Jackie Greer – Ms. Greer is currently the Town Clerk of Harrison. With more than 37 years of administrative experience in corporations and organizations, she is a lifelong Harrison resident who attended the Harrison public schools and the Simmons Business School. She has a daughter who also attended the Harrison public schools. She is the current President of the Westchester/Putnam Town/City Clerks Association.