Dec. 4, 2013:  The Eastchester Board of Fire Commissioners will hold its annual election on Tuesday, December 10, from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Bronxville residents will vote at Bronxville Village Hall.

Bronxville resident Peter Incledon is challenging incumbent commissioner Richard Steigelman for a five-year term on the board.

Incledon's decision to run arose from his desire to perform community service in an area of vital importance to Eastchester. "The fire district is somewhat significant," he said. "They have a budget that's about $17 million, over 70 paid firefighters, and the district covers a fairly large area. I feel it's a meaningful way I can try and serve."

Incledon holds an MBA in finance and has worked in the financial services industry for 25 years. "I feel I can bring my experiences, particularly in regards to budgeting, to the board," he stated. "Hopefully I can have a real impact."

No stranger to the importance of fire safety and the fraternity of the fire department, Incledon grew up in a household with a firefighter father. "I've always enjoyed and respected the jobs the firefighters do," he said, "so that’s why I lean toward serving in this capacity." Incledon’s father retired as a battalion chief from the New York City Fire Department.

Commissioner Steigelman did not return calls seeking comments about his candidacy.

This year's election will be the last Eastchester Board of Fire Commissioners election to be held in December.

In late September, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill to authorize a change in the date of the Eastchester Board of Fire Commissioners concurrent with the general election. The six-week window between Governor Cuomo's authorization and this year's November 5 general election did not provide adequate time to secure needed approval from the Westchester County Board of Elections and allow potential candidates time needed to file their petitions to run for office.

Beginning in 2014, the Eastchester Board of Fire Commissioners election will be held in November as part of the general election.

Pictured here:  Candidate Peter Incledon. 

Photo courtesy Susan Meany