A first-generation American, Castellano’s parents immigrated to the U.S. in the 1960s and became citizens in 1994. He and his wife of 30 years, Elizabeth, purchased their home in Southeast in 1998, raising their two daughters in the Brewster Central School District.

Castellano, Eckardt Face Off for Southeast Supervisor

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Joseph F. Castellano earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Pace University. He is married.

He began his career in 1996 with the Westchester County Clerk’s Office in the Legal Division. In 2010, he became program coordinator, overseeing the daily operations of the Legal Division with up to 30 employees.

Joseph has previously worked for Westchester County a program coordinator for their legal division.

Joseph Castellano
Southeast Town Supervisor Joseph Castellano was appointed by the Town Board in February to serve in an interim role, after the former supervisor resigned. Prior to that, he served on the Zoning Board from 2004 to 2012 before being elected Putnam County legislator for District 7 in 2012. He served four terms, from 2013 to 2024 – including two years in which he was unanimously elected chairman by his peers.

Southeast Town Supervisor Joseph Castellano was appointed by the Town Board in February to serve in an interim role, after the former supervisor resigned. Prior to that, he served on the Zoning Board from 2004 to 2012 before being elected Putnam County legislator for District 7 in 2012. He served four terms, from 2013 to 2024 – including two years in which he was unanimously elected chairman by his peers.

Joseph was appointed town supervisor in 2026.

2026 New York General Election

When it comes to supporting local businesses, the supervisor said he will work to create an environment where they can grow, invest, and succeed while also protecting the interests of taxpayers.

“When appropriate, I will support targeted tax incentives through the Putnam County Industrial Development Agency’s PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) program to encourage responsible business investment and job creation,” he said.

P: Are you in favor of the 2-percent property tax cap?

JC: Absolutely. Anything that would keep taxes down and look at the ways we're spending money, I'm all for. I don't believe that there should be 2-percent tax growth every year, but at least we have a cap, and that's a good starting point.

Meet the Candidate: Joseph Castellano

P: What's your take on sharing county sales tax revenue with towns and villages?

JC: I haven't really decided completely. I know what my town's opinion is ... but there's got to be a reason that, maybe I'm not aware of at the moment, as to why the county holds onto it. Being a government employee, I think I'm in a strange scenario, and being a conservative Republican, also. But I do believe that consolidation of services is huge, and certainly the future. I understand why the county wants to hold onto it, and I understand the town's [position], and I've got to make a decision as to where I stand.

As of October 28, 2026, Joseph F. Castellano did not have a website or any information online.

Economy

Public Services

To make sure residents can still afford to live in Southeast, he said the town should allow a broader range of housing types in appropriate areas while maintaining responsible zoning and protecting neighborhood character.

“The town can also work with builders, property owners, and community partners to rehabilitate older homes and apartments and encourage the reuse of vacant or deteriorated properties,” said the supervisor. “By making better use of existing properties, we can create more housing opportunities without unnecessary expansion into undeveloped areas.”

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

To encourage development that respects the town’s environment and character, he said Southeast must continue to have a clear and comprehensive plan for the future.

“Growth should be directed to appropriate areas of town while protecting our neighborhoods, open spaces, and the environment,” said Castellano. “I will support sensible development that follows clear standards for building design, setbacks, landscaping, signage, and overall site appearance.”

Energy & the Environment

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Joseph F. Castellano

As of October 28, 2026, Joseph F. Castellano’s website did not contain information on this issue.