CANANDAIGUA, NY — Back when former Canandaigua Mayor Bob Palumbo took office, he had all sorts of ideas and goals for the city where he grew up, raised a family and worked.
Two and a half months into the job, the world shut down, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
And Palumbo began fielding all sorts of phone calls, from people scared for their health and concerned for the future, from people angry about seeing people walking around outside without masks, and from people who thought the pandemic was bogus. Some even directed him to reopen stores and businesses.
Most of the callers just wanted help, and Palumbo answered the phone every time.
Welcome to the world of a small-city mayor, particularly one like Palumbo, who prided himself throughout his six years as mayor as being visible in the city.
Getting through the pandemic was an accomplishment for sure, said Palumbo, who left office Dec. 31 after losing to former Councilmember Thomas Lyon last November in the race for mayor.
Those pandemic days were trying and tragic times to say the least, but Palumbo also noted a few of the positives that emerged from that dark period, including the popular Central on Main outdoor dining area in downtown and the “amazing” people who stepped up to help with vaccination and food distribution lines and in a variety of other ways.
“Getting through that was eye-opening,” Palumbo said in December, shortly after he was recognized by Canandaigua City Council for his tenure. “The community came together.”
The mayor as face of Canandaigua
Palumbo, who had been a city councilmember when he first ran for mayor, defeated longtime Mayor Ellen Polimeni and took office in 2020.
For every trying time, such as the pandemic and historic July 2023 flood that devastated city neighborhoods, there were more positive matters requiring the attention of the mayor and City Council.
Crews are at work on stalled development projects in the city at the former Labelon and YMCA buildings. City officials are determining how state money should be used downtown as part of the successful awarding of Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds.
Not many city mayors can say they’ve had to deal with a kangaroo sighting in Canandaigua.
“That was interesting,” Palumbo said. “It wasn’t anything malicious, it just wound up, why is this kangaroo in my neighbor’s yard?’”
Palumbo relished the little things that are part of the mayor’s job. Palumbo, who at one time had not one but two sandwiches created for him by city eateries, and Kit, his wife of 44 years, made sure to visit restaurants as society began to reopen after the pandemic. Palumbo also took part in many ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new businesses.
Presenting council proclamations to centenarians was a fun part of the job for Palumbo. So was welcoming visitors to Canandaigua, including Santa Claus every year. And helping residents either personally or referring them to those who could better be of service was fulfilling.
Palumbo said he will miss working with City Council and city staff, but he may miss representing the city most of all.
“One thing with a small-town mayor is to be seen, to be the face of the community. People like to see you out, like to see that you are engaged,” Palumbo said. “Those are things that are important. That’s what a mayor of a small city does. I’ll miss that.”
Working together for Canandaigua
Palumbo was the only Republican on City Council during his six years in office, but he could only remember a handful of times when politics were in play.
When there was disagreement on an issue before City Council, both sides hashed it out. People who would be affected by their decision were brought into share perspectives.
And then, a decision was made or not made. And they went out afterward as friends, not political adversaries.
“Collectively, it was, what’s good for Canandaigua,” Palumbo said.
In recognizing Palumbo, councilmembers all thanked him for his mentorship and support. Councilmember Doug Merrill praised traits such as his humility and integrity, calling him one of his best friends. Councilmember Michael Mills said Palumbo exemplified servant leadership.
Many recounted how Palumbo met with each personally when they first came aboard. They led a standing ovation, which, if you know Palumbo, he cut short in order to move on.
Incoming Mayor Thomas Lyon said he and Palumbo have a constructive and friendly relationship, “bonded by our mutual love for Canandaigua.”
Palumbo served the city tirelessly with a warm heart and was the voice, face and heart of the community, Lyon said.
“He is a model of care and respect,” Lyon said. “He leaves big shoes to fill.”
Palumbo said he never looked at the job as political and he and other councilmembers may not always have agreed, but it was important to him that everyone get along. He encouraged Lyon and other councilmembers to continue to look at everything objectively and do what’s best for Canandaigua.
“He’s been there,” Palumbo said of Lyon. “He knows the ropes.”
What’s next for former Canandaigua mayor?
Palumbo, 69, said he’s had no shortage of people suggesting what he should do next but has no plans to run for office.
Palumbo, a former volunteer firefighter and longtime member of the Rotary Club of Canandaigua, and Kit have four children and eight grandkids.
Palumbo, who is semi-retired from the plumbing and heating business he ran, thanked his wife and family for their support, not just during his years in city government but also for having to run out unexpectedly on fire or emergency business calls.
Not only did he thank all the people of Canandaigua and those he served Canandaigua with, including late Councilmembers Nick Cutri and Robert O’Brien, but he even had words of gratitude for the people who work for Finger Lakes TV, which records and airs City Council meetings. If he had one wish, it would be for residents to attend more meetings and learn what’s going on in the city and why decisions are made the way they are.
Palumbo started working part time at HEP Sales in Canandaigua while serving as mayor, and he continues to enjoy the job because it’s basically what he does: helping people and having fun doing it.
Palumbo has often said if anyone had to be mayor of a city, Canandaigua is it. He said he will continue to work toward making the city a better place, just in a different way.
“It was an honor and pleasure to serve this city,” Palumbo said.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Ex-Canandaigua mayor reflects on pandemic, city life
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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