Mr. Thomas Cambariere

"If men were Angels, no government would be necessary" #51

Tom Cambariere was was a strong and good Mayor for Ossining. While no Angel, he believed in Ossining and he believed in American Government. His life's song has but one note: he believed in community. Tom put statemanship before politics.

It was my pleasure to work with him as a Village Administrator from 1997- 2003. 'Mayor Tom', as he like to be called, was at times eccentric. He was passionate about the

"If men were Angels, no government would be necessary" #51

Tom Cambariere was was a strong and good Mayor for Ossining. While no Angel, he believed in Ossining and he believed in American Government. His life's song has but one note: he believed in community. Tom put statemanship before politics.

It was my pleasure to work with him as a Village Administrator from 1997- 2003. 'Mayor Tom', as he like to be called, was at times eccentric. He was passionate about the Ossining community, its people, and he never exhibited a mean bone in his body. His spirit must have been that which the Founding Fathers hoped for in our elected officials.

That passion could be a fire. Tom Cambariere could scare the entire Board with his demands. his presence could clear the offices. Once, when frustrated, he threw a television across a room. At the same time he had a respect for public service and the importance it played in community. His actions were driven by a fervant belief that Ossining could be a better place.

Administrators cannot take partisan positions, and he made that easy. In serving the community he based decisions on what he believed to be best for the community. Decisions could be made on their merits.

His record reflected that behavior. The community survived three major events during those years, any one of which would have torn lesser communities apart. Ossining rallied and a better and strong community emerged from each situation. People knew that the Mayor and Board were genuine and their efforts authentic. They understood that communities breed character, and Ossining was rich in its diverse composition.

The leadership played a key role in keeping the Village steady while at the same time initiating change to improve the financial base for decades. His tenure oversaw a relocated police/court facility, initiated plans for the new Fire Headquarters; relocated the public works department; set the stage for waterfront development; and initiated plans for the natatorium in the community center. The US Post Office and Market Square were built.

If men were Angels...James Madison is now joined by an enthusiastic if not cherubic Mayor that is still rooting for Ossining. He may be wearing his deli outfie and bringing good cheer to heavenly events, along with a Vision Plan for how things might be better.

We were luck to have his acquaintence.

O. Paul Shew
Village Administrator (1997-2003)

Tom was a unique individual!

I was in the position to observe his abilities directly as an outsider and insider-since I served as Village Manager in two adjacent communities: Briarcliff Manor and Ossining. As Mayor of Ossining, he appeqred before the Briarcliff Board of Trustees to promote ideals of mutual cooperation and benefit to both communities. some of those ideas were not universally popular at the time, yet they proved to be forward-looking. He was a profound thinker who put people

Tom was a unique individual!

I was in the position to observe his abilities directly as an outsider and insider-since I served as Village Manager in two adjacent communities: Briarcliff Manor and Ossining. As Mayor of Ossining, he appeqred before the Briarcliff Board of Trustees to promote ideals of mutual cooperation and benefit to both communities. some of those ideas were not universally popular at the time, yet they proved to be forward-looking. He was a profound thinker who put people first. I was very impressed with his intellect.

He accomplished enormous improvements as Mayor as defined in another commentary by my colleague, Paul Shew, who was the Village Manager under Mayor Cambariere and his leadership. The Village is a much improved place with those infrastructure improvements and policy improvements.

Governance in Westchester is rather closely knit, so an outlook which ties nearby communities together is invaluable, and he exhibited that overview. Perhaps his deli in Millwood reinforced his 'greater community' view, but I believe it was more a selfless interest in his fellowman.

We will miss him as a visionary who never lacked the energy to push his convictions. Ossining will be indebted to him forever!

On behalf of the staff of the Forest Hills Funeral Homes and myself, I would like to extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences on the loss of your brother. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.