by Kristina Gabalski
Brockport Mayor Connie Castaneda pleaded not guilty for a second time to 14 counts of official misconduct and two counts of falsifying business records – all misdemeanors – during an appearance in Ogden Town Court May 8.
Castaneda was originally arraigned in Sweden Town Court March 26, but the case was transferred to Ogden when all three Sweden justices recused themselves.
Ogden Town Justice David A. Murante released Mayor Castaneda on her own recognizance.
Norman Giancursio also pleaded not guilty to second degree reckless endangerment charges on May 8. He was released on his own recognizance.
Both Castaneda and Giancursio are scheduled to be back in Ogden Town Court June 12.
The two were arrested March 9 by Brockport Police. Mayor Castaneda is accused of illegally renting out rooms in her home to college students. Giancursio allegedly told a tenant in Castaneda’s home not to leave the house during a fire in March of 2011 allegedly to keep authorities from finding out about the rental set-up.
Attorneys for the mayor and Giancurscio have stated that the charges are politically motivated and were brought by the police chief in retaliation against the mayor.
Police Chief Daniel Varrenti has stated that the charges will speak for themselves.
During the regular meeting of the Brockport Village Board, also held on May 8, two residents continued their call for the mayor to resign during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Linda Ketchum said the mayor should “do the right thing and step down now.”
John Cohen of Utica Street said the charges are evidence that the mayor has violated her oath of office.
“I hope maybe she will see what the right thing to do is and resign,” Cohen said.
The mayor has stated she will not step down and that the village attorney advised her the charges would not affect her ability to carry out her duties in her position as mayor.
