Meet the Candidates for VOM Trustee: Gregory Sullivan

Among the new candidates seeking a seat on the Village of Mamaroneck Board of Trustees in November is Gregory Sullivan.

Upon his graduation from Fordham University, Sullivan went on to become a New York City police officer. While working in the NYPD's Emergency Services Unit, he was subsequently promoted to sergeant, and decided to enroll in New York Law School at night. While attending law school, Sullivan was transferred to the NYPD's Legal Bureau, representing them in civil cases before the New York Supreme Court.

After graduating and being admitted to the New York and Connecticut bars, Sullivan started a part-time private law practice; upon his retirement from the NYPD in 2008, he began operating a full time practice, recently opening an office here on Mamaroneck Avenue.

Sullivan is a member of the NYPD Honor Legion, NYS Fraternal Order of Police, Knights of Columbus and NYPD Emerald Society. Locally, he is a member of the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce, Mamaroneck Harrison Larchmont Bar Association, the Elks Club and the Lions Club. He has been a coach and manager of teams in the Mamaroneck Junior Soccer League, Little League, St. Vito's CYO Basketball and Mamaroneck Youth Hockey.

Sullivan is also currently serving his final year in a five-year term on the Village of Mamaroneck Zoning Board of Appeals. Patch sat down with him to find out what his next move will be and why.

Q. Why run for village trustee?

A: I found being involved on the Zoning Board to be a very interesting and challenging experience. With my term up in December, this seemed like a natural segway in order to stay involved in the community. Coming from Brooklyn nine years ago with my wife Theresa (they have four children), this is like small town America to us, so by getting involved here you really feel like you can make a real difference.

I am very opinionated, but I don't like to give my opinion without being willing to step up and get involved. It is easy to stand on the sidelines and criticize, but I want to have a say in what's going on.

Patch: What is your party affiliation? Do you think partisanship of the board has been a problem? If so, how do you hope to rectify that?

A: I'm a registered Republican.

When I first registered to vote in high school, I registered as a Democrat; being an Irish-Catholic residing in Brooklyn, that's what you did. But when I moved here I changed because I felt, locally, the Republican party was more in line with what I believe. But I don't know that bipartisanship in local politics is as big an issue as it is on the state and national levels. I lean toward less government for everybody, and I think the Democrats have been more inclined to be partisan. But I am not going to be weighing my decisions based on party, but on what I think is best for the Village.

Patch: What are your connections to the community?

A: I own a home in Mamaroneck, my kids go to school here and I recently made a condo unit purchase for this office, so I am heavily invested in this community. I have a pretty big stake here, so I want things to be done correctly. I have to be willing to stand by what I say and do and still be able to walk down the street and face my friends and neighbors.

Patch: What are the most pressing issues facing the village today and in the near future? Where do you stand on these issues?

A: Flooding is among the most important issues. I think it is important that while the Army Corps of Engineers does its study, the Village has to be proactive in clearing the rivers with the least amount of obstruction possible. Whatever we can afford to do now on our own to get the water through the rivers and quickly enough to the Sound is important, as it affects property values. I've seen what has happened to friends and neighbors, and it has been devastating.

We also need to be on top of what development is taking place in neighboring municipalities. I think the people of the village need to be able to express their opinions on how [new development] is going to affect us. I would be willing to attend these meetings in other communities on behalf of the village.

Patch: If elected, what would your priorities be?

A: The Village has a less than 0.5 percent tax increase, which is a positive thing, and I think it is important to hold fast on any increases in taxation. We need to do more with less – I am not looking to come in here and start letting people go, but the village needs to find ways to get things accomplished with what they have and not expand government.

Patch: What special skill sets/ideas would you bring to the table?

A: A lot of the issues we addressed on the zoning board, as well as the flooding issue, can be very emotional; it's a sensitive issue and people can get angry. As a police officer, I've had a lot of experience in highly stressful and dangerous situations, and with my personality I've been able to respond in a very even-keeled manner. I think that will allow me to strike a balance when emotions run high while following the law and being able to articulate that to people.

During all my time in the NYPD, I prided myself on being as respectful and professional as possible, and I try to do that as an attorney as well. I think people on the board need to do that, too. The BOT oversees the Police Department, so I would be able to give my insight and experience with matters pertaining to personnel, etc.

Patch: What do you think you would be able to accomplish that your predecessors weren't able to achieve?

A: I think when Kathy Savolt was elected mayor, a big issue in that campaign were all the lawsuits that needed to be settled. People thought they could sue just to receive a settlement, and that set an unhealthy tone for the Village. Any claim has to be looked at closely and individually. There is a time to stand up and fight, which costs money, and a time to cut your losses. As an attorney, I will bring an understanding of when to fight and when not to, and how the process works.

My office is right here – I'm not going anywhere, and I'm a straight shooter. As an attorney, if people have questions, they can come here and talk; if elected, I would have that same policy.

Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of profiles that ran this summer. We are featuring them again one week before Election Day in case you missed them. If you have questions for the candidates, ask them in our comments section.