John F. Kennedy with the Peekskill Democrats

Peekskill Democratic City Committee District Leaders and President John F. Kennedy

From left to right: Norman Roskin, Robert Sterling (District 9), President Kennedy, Harold Tompkins, Edmund Cookson, James Hopskins, Joe Martin (District 7), Joe Calabrese (District 12)

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Congressman Cornelius Pugsley

North County News

Profiles Former Mayor Fred "Jay" Bianco

Fred J. Bianco Jr.

Last Democratic mayor in Peekskill praised for his efforts

Loss to Pataki still stings ex-mayor

by Henry Naccari

When Fred J. Bianco Jr. ran for a fourth mayoral term in 1980, he was surprisingly upset by a political novice, who later went on to become governor.

His loss to George Pataki began a Republican dynasty that maintains a two-decade stranglehold on the office.

The defeat still haunts Bianco Jr. who, during a phone conversation last week, credited Pataki with waging a tough campaign while blaming the media, who he maintained did not give him a fair chance, for his misfortune.

“He’s (Pataki) a hard campaigner who will do anything to win,” said Bianco Jr., who served as mayor from 1976 to 1981. “He’s a bright guy but I think he made a poor mayor.”

Since losing, Bianco Jr. made one more attempt at elected office, running for the Westchester County Legislature in 1982, a race he lost, before solely concentrating on his law practice, whose offices are located at 1200 Brown Street.

The now 73-year old lifelong Peekskill resident has maintained a low profile in the city since his days as mayor but last week chatted for 30 minutes to discuss his post political life and where he thinks the city is headed.

He is still a member of the Democratic Party, often working in the background dispensing advice to candidates and party leaders when asked.

As for why Democrats could not win a seat on the Common Council until 2001, Bianco Jr. speculated some members of his party vote Republican and that it is difficult to find candidates who can sacrifice so much of their free time.

“You can’t just say I’m a good guy and expect to win,” Bianco Jr. said. “You have to go door to door and get the vote out.”

Councilman Don Bennett, a Democrat who won in 2003, said he received excellent advice from Bianco Jr. during his campaign; however, they never had an opportunity to sit down one-on-one.

When asked if he thought Bianco Jr. was a good mayor, Bennett replied  he did not really know about his tenure except for stories he has heard.

“I’ve heard that he was a good mayor,” said Bennett.

Councilwoman Drew Claxton, who broke the Democrat’s drought in 2001, often called Bianco Jr. for advice after winning the election because he was the last Democrat with any council experience.

Claxton said when she left for military service in the 1970s the city was going through tough times but when she returned there was a drastic turnaround thanks to Bianco Jr.

“He is a very knowledgeable man and was a very good mayor,” said Claxton. “His service made Peekskill a better place.”

While dispensing advice to his party, Bianco Jr. also keeps on eye on the current administration occupying City Hall, which is dominated by the Republican Party that has the majority 5-2.

A viewer of council meetings, he said the incivility which sometimes occurs between elected officials is difficult to watch and surprising to listen to, especially since name-calling and insults were not part of his mayoral tenure.

Bianco Jr. did not pinpoint a reason for the hostilities but did say television might have played a role.

“I feel sorry for them (council members) and what they go through sometimes,” said Bianco Jr. “People have to learn to let things go, move on, and sometimes give a little to get a little.”

He also said the current administration needs to do a better job addressing quality-of-life issues, traffic, and affordable housing.

And, he maintains the recent implementation of several fees, such as dumpster collection and trash hauling, along with tax increases, are putting a financial squeeze on residents.

“I think it’s time for a change,” said Bianco Jr.

He’s also noticed some subtle changes in the city, including, at times, a palpable racial tension, and a seemingly increasing lack of respect between neighbors.

“I think it’s the climate of the world,” Bianco Jr. stated. “It should be addressed.”

Although Bianco Jr. is critical of the incumbent council members, many of them, who are also lifelong residents, praised the man.

Councilman Bill Schmidt, who began his involvement in the Republican Party during Bianco Jr.’s reign, said the former mayor always strove to improve the city.

Schmidt further said he once voted for him before joining the Republican ranks.

“I have the highest regard for him,” said Schmidt. “He made every effort to revitalize this city.”

Deputy Mayor Cathy Pisani recalled Bianco Jr. acted in the best interests of Peekskill.

“He is an absolute gentleman,” said Pisani. “He always has a smile and is quick with a hello.”

During his mayoral tenure, Bianco Jr. is credited with turning around a city that was devastated by urban renewal.

Bianco Jr.’s administration built Jan Peek Square, including the gazebo, finalized construction plans for a new firehouse, built the Field Library and Michael DiBart Neighborhood Center, along with the neighboring police headquarters and City Court, and streamlined the operations of City Hall.

He created the Department of Planning and Development, improved the Police Department, developed Riverfront Green, and obtained $1.5 million of federal grants for the relocation of Pine Grove, a Washington Street extension, and built the city garages.

Bianco Jr. also strived to build affordable housing for middle-income residents, secured the purchase of the Paramount Center for the Arts, and often discussed plans to build a hotel, which to this day is talked about but has never been realized.

“I enjoyed seeing a problem and trying to solve it,” said Bianco Jr., of his administration’s work.

Asked if he would run for office again, Bianco Jr. answered a firm no and reminisced fondly about his six-years in office.

“I worked hard,” said Bianco Jr. “I got the job done and I think I did it well.”