VILLAGE OF WAPPINGERS FALLS – Mayor Matt Alexander ended the speculation about his unexpected resignation on Tuesday, telling Mid Hudson Newsthat he will be taking a position with the City of Peekskill. The 14-year mayor announced his December resignation as mayor of Wappingers Falls in a statement issued on Monday evening.
The mayor is leaving public office to take the position of comptroller for the City of Peekskill.
“I’m really looking forward to a community like Wappingers Falls urban and diverse and full of opportunity,” he said. “They just got the Downtown Revitalization initiative – a very prestigious award in New York State – and I am very excited about working on that with them.”
Alexander is a graduate of Notre Dame and is a certified public accountant by trade. He and his partner are also owners of an antique shop in the village. Their first store was demolished in a major fire a few years ago that burned several businesses on Market Street.
“I’ve got some very particular experience that will be useful for a city like Peekskill,” said Alexander when talking about his ability to manage government finances. He said that his decision resulted after a lengthy pandemic that gave him time to think about what he wants to do next. “I was just ready for a new challenge,” said the 54-year-old.
Peekskill’s previous comptroller left the post in September to become treasurer for the Village of Scarsdale.
Mayor Alexander noted that Kevin Huber was recently named deputy mayor for the Village of Wappingers Falls and will assume the mayoral duties, pending approval of the trustees. The election for mayor takes place in March of 2021 with the elected mayor taking office on April 1.
Alexander plans to suggest a change in village government to the board. “What I would love to see this village board look at is the possibility of going towards a village manager style of government,” said Alexander. “It would allow the part-time manager the opportunity to hold a full-time job while also participating in local government.” The outgoing mayor noted that the general public is not necessarily aware of how much time is needed for the mayor to adequately perform the duties associated with running a village. “The paperwork alone requires an extraordinary amount of time to complete on a daily basis.”
NEWS STORY PROVIDED BY: Mid Hudson News -www.midhudsonnews.com