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Roefaro may consider return run for Utica Mayor, after all

By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: May 20, 2011 at 4:46 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 20, 2011 at 5:51 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - On April 6, just two weeks after announcing he'd seek re-election, Utica Mayor David Roefaro announced that he wasn't going to run after all. The mayor said he wanted to exit public life in order to concentrate on his private business, and spending more time with his family.

Now, the mayor says that fallout following his decision has been overwhelming, with members of both major political parties urging him to reconsider.

"I declined two fundraisers this past week from two national names that people would know....national leaders have called me and asked me to reconsider," says Roefaro.

The mayor says he's humbled by the encouragement and support, but that he's sticking to his second decision. That doesn't, however, mean he can completely rule out his original decision.

"Have I thought about it? I've thought about it," Roefaro said. "I've thought about it, but then I think about myself and my family and my business and I think I'm going to stick to my original decision. Now, can that change? Sure that can change."

Those who are definitely in the Utica Mayor's race: Republicans Michael Cerminaro, the current city comptroller; and party-endorsed candidate Robert Cardillo. Robert Palmieri is the Democrat-endorsed candidate.

City Democratic Party Chair Mitchell Ford says if Roefaro were to re-enter the race, it would have no bearing on the party's endorsement of Palmieri.

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