Gandolfo Replaced as Village Attorney in Sleepy Hollow

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May 7, 2015

| by Elaine Marranzano |

Long-time village attorney Janet A. Gandolfo was replaced by the Sleepy Hollow Board of Trustees in a unanimous vote during its annual reorganization in April.

During the recent campaign, Mayor Ken Wray, who defeated Trustee Karin Wompa in March to retain his seat, said he would look to replace Gandolfo, who served as village attorney for the past nine years. Gandolfo, chairperson of the Mount Pleasant Democratic Committee who oversaw the Democratic caucus in Sleepy Hollow, supported Wompa in the election.

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“Janet was a strong partner for a number of years, but I decided that it was time for a new village attorney,” Wray said. “I think the village will be better served by someone from outside the community, someone with no local history.”

Gandolfo is a general practice lawyer based in Sleepy Hollow who specializes in municipal and criminal law. She has a long history with the community. According to the village website, Gandolfo served as a trustee in 1981, mayor from 1987 to 1991, and village attorney from 1996 to 1999, and again since 2006.

She will be succeeded by Clinton B. Smith, a partner with McCarthy and Figar, LLP in White Plains. Smith has served as attorney for numerous towns and has extensive experience in municipal law. His appointment is for one year.

“Next year we will issue a request for proposals for all of our legal services,” said Wray. “That will give the village the opportunity to review several firms or candidates and select those who will be best for the village.”

Gandolfo declined to comment about being ousted. Wompa said that with the election behind her she was looking to move forward with issues facing the village and praised Gandolfo for her years of service.

“Janet was an excellent village attorney, and I’m sure will be successful in whatever she pursues after having served the village,” Wompa said. “I’ve worked with Clinton Smith in the past and respect his abilities.”

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