text: The grandson of a notorious New York mobster has become the mayor of a sleepy village. Philip Gigante, 41, whose grandfather Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante was the head of the Genovese crime family, was elected into the positions by residents of Airmont, which has a population of around 9,000. The Republican real-estate lawyer, who will get $25,000 a year for the part time job, hopes his 'achievements and accomplishments' are what constituents notice, and not his heritage. Crime family ties: Philip Gigante, 41, whose grandfather Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante was the head of the Genovese crime family, was elected into the positions by residents of Airmont, New York . He told the New York Post: 'People are free to believe what they wish.' But people living in the area who know his background disagree. One person who wished to remain anonymous said: 'It’s frightening for not just me but all village residents aware of his background.' Vincent Gigante, who had nicknames such as 'The Oddfather' and 'The Robe', started out as a boxer but then rose in the ranks and became in Genovese-family captain in the 1960s and '70s. In 1981 he became head of the family, and in 1992 became one the most influential gangsters in the United States - following the death of members of the Gambino family including their leader John Gotti. However Vincent was forced to step down because of poor health. He maintained a distinctive appearance, wearing a bathrobe and slippers around the streets of New York in a bid to look insane, so he could avoid prosecution - a scheme he later admitted to. 'The Oddfather' Vincent maintained a distinctive appearance, wearing a bathrobe and slippers around the streets of New York in a bid to look insane, so he could avoid prosecution - a scheme he later admitted to . He was indicted on federal racketeering charges in 1990, but was deemed unfit to stand trial. But in 1997 he was finally convicted and given a 12-year sentence. He died in a Missouri federal prison at the age of 77. An article in the Rockland County Times, published before the election, they said it was the area's 'worst kept secret'. The candidate's background may have been an easy route into negative campaigning from his opponents, but they both avoided it and paid tribute to Gigante's character. Thomas Gulla, 54, said: 'He has the interests of the village at heart. Whatever his grandfather did for a living is not a reflection on him.' Gigante also runs a freight business set up by his father Salvatore, The Chin's son, but insists it is legitimate and has no financial links to the crime gang. He told the Post: 'Their hard work and years of sacrifice has made it what it is today. I am saddened that people will try and trivialize their efforts and associate our business with anything but lawful and ethical beginnings.' The Republican real-estate lawyer, who will get $25,000 a year for the part time job, hopes his 'achievements and accomplishments' are what people notice, and not his heritage. His grandfather is pictured being taken to prison following his sentencing in 1997 .
target: Philip Gigante was elected into the position by residents of Airmont .
  His grandfather was Vinny 'The Chin' Gigante, head of the Genovese gang .
  The mobster walked around in a bathrobe and slippers to look insane .
  That way he felt like he would avoid prosecution, and did in 1990 .
  He was jailed in 1997 for federal racketeering and died in prison aged 77 .
  Philip hopes his 'achievements' will be what his constituents .