 Scarpitti was appointed mayor from 1992 to 1994 following the death of Tony Roman but was defeated by Don Cousens in the 1994 municipal election.He subsequently worked as a broadcaster with CFMT in Toronto during his absence from politics from 1994 to 1997.Scarpitti has served various roles in municipal politics as York Region Councillor (1985–1994), Budget Chief (2003–2006) and Deputy Mayor (1991–1992, 1997–2006).