By Oliver Van Der Spuy
As November gets closer, the village of Irvington is getting ready for the mayoral elections since Mayor Jon Seigal’s term is ending. Running as the Democratic candidate is Arlene Burgos, running as the Independent candidate is Robert Grados, and so far the Republican party has not announced anyone to run in this race.
Some of the biggest issues candidates are talking about include reconfiguring Irvington’s fire department, public works space, police headquarters and village administrative offices, as well as expanding affordable housing, and also working to promote DEI and more inclusion across the village.
To learn more about each of the candidates, we at the Irvington Paw Print asked them three main questions:
What made you decide to run for mayor? What steps will you take to promote a sense of community in our town and schools? And last, how do you plan to engage with students and residents so that their voices are heard in the local government?
We felt these 3 questions really covered what most readers would probably want to know.
Bob Grados answered very quickly and with a lot of thought and energy. He is running for mayor because he feels the local government has grown disconnected from the people in Irvington. He explained, “I have seen a growing frustration within our community about how our local government functions.” His main goal is to change this perception and build back trust. Grados believes his long history of volunteering in Irvington gives him the tools to fix these problems directly.
He also stresses that being elected is about “service to the community.” Grados points out his 19 years in Irvington and his role in creating events that bring people together. As the former FACE Committee chairman, he helped save the annual Fourth of July fireworks and organized Rocktoberfests and concerts that raised funds for youth and senior programs. He plans to keep supporting these kinds of events so residents can connect more.
To make sure voices are heard, Grados has a plan for both students and the whole community. He suggests appointing a Student Liaison to the Village Board of Trustees so students can give input and hear updates on decisions. For the rest of the community, he says that before making decisions he “will ensure that all relevant perspectives are heard.” He also says he leads more by action than just “asking questions,” explaining that his style is about “identifying needs, making a plan and accomplishing the task.”
Arlene Burgos also responded quickly with very thoughtful answers. Her decision to run for mayor comes from a wish to make Irvington more “transparent, responsive, and inclusive.” With experience as both a Village Trustee and Deputy Mayor, she believes she is ready to lead. Burgos explains that her leadership style is collaborative and “rooted in listening, transparency, and accountability.” She has shown this already by helping to start resident led committees for facilities planning and land use. She also wants to improve the downtown area, keep budgets responsible, and explore new housing to expand the tax base and fund more public services.
Burgos says that to build community, the village and schools need to “work hand in hand to foster that spirit of unity.” Some of her past work includes the “Irvington is Everyone” art project, which put student artwork in local businesses, and the Bulldog Gallery, which gives students a place to show off their art. She also supports village events like Halloween festivities and the holiday tree lighting as ways to bring residents together while helping local businesses.
To make sure everyone’s voice is included, Burgos wants more student and resident engagement in local government. For example, she mentions moving the annual September 11th Ceremony to the evening so more students can attend. She also wants to add internships at the village level and create “Chat with the Mayor” sessions where students and residents can share ideas or concerns directly with her and the Board.
Irvington has usually voted Democratic in the past, which could help Burgos, but Grados’ many years of service, work with the school board, and role in organizing events could make this race close. Both candidates are very qualified, so no matter the result, Irvington will still benefit.
Mayoral terms in Irvington last 2 years, which means change is always coming, no matter who wins. This election gives voters a clear choice between two different approaches. Burgos brings her experience on the Village Board and focuses on collaboration, community projects, and financial responsibility. Grados brings his long history of volunteerism and promises more action to reconnect residents with their government. While both agree that listening to residents is important, their backgrounds and methods show different paths moving forward.
And for all students who will be 18 by November, every vote counts. Be sure to hit the polls!
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