Mayor, Trustees and Village Justice sworn in; appointees take oath of offices in MPK Village

Former MPK Village Mayor Robert Thompson, center, is shown accepting his plaque from MPK officials at the Village's installation night. Left to right are Trustees Jeffrey Pravato, and Joe Pinto, Thompson, Massapequa Park Village Mayor James Altadonna and Trustees Harry Jacobson and Therese Spinosa. Photo by Ed Cox

by Tiffany Elliott

Families and friends gathered at Massapequa Park Village Hall April 4 to witness the Village’s public officials and appointees being sworn into their new posts. The Village used the opportunity to also recognize former Massapequa Park Village Mayor Robert Thompson for his years of service. Thompson is retiring from the Village Zoning Board of Appeals, a post he has held for several years.

"He was one of my mentors when I first took office," said Mayor James Altadonna, Jr. about former Mayor Bob Thompson, to whom he gave a citation. "Tonight Bob wants to retire from the zoning board, and we want him to know how much we appreciate all he’s done."

Thompson was Mayor of the Village for ten years from 1975 to 1985, a longtime trustee and zoning board member.

"Thompson was a great mayor who was instrumental in developing the railroad and giving us the great elevated station we have today," said newly appointed zoning board member John O’Brien. "He was mayor when the Southgate condos and shopping center were developed, which revived that area. He was a senior advocate and even started the Village’s newsletter. He did many things for this community."

"It’s truly rewarding to be standing here again in front of you," said Altadonna after he was sworn in to serve his third two-year term by Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto.

"This job is about maintaining and creating what’s best for our Village. Our overwhelming support came from many different people and groups in our community and we are grateful for that," continued Altadonna.

The Mayor also lauded the Town of Oyster Bay for being so responsive to the Village’s needs. "You’ve gone above and beyond for us and we are greatly appreciative of your help."

"It’s a two-way street," responded Venditto. "Its always a pleasure to work with village officials who always do the right thing."

Trustee Harry Jacobson, who won reelection in March, was sworn in by Venditto, and Councilman Angelo Delligatti swore in Trustee and Deputy Mayor Joseph Pinto, who also won reelection in March.

Nassau County Legislator Peter Schmitt swore in Village Justice Gerard Giannattasio, and the Village Attorney, Kevin Walsh.

The Village’s administrative staff was sworn in by the Town Supervisor. Peggy Caltabiano was reappointed Village Clerk; JoAnn Aiello was sworn in as Village Treasurer, Tara Spafford was named Deputy Village Clerk and Therese Wolf was named Clerk to the Village Justice.

Schmitt swore zoning board members: Martin Schwartz, five-year term as Zoning Board Chairman; John O’Brien two-year term Zoning Board member; Vicky Ophals, one-year term zoning board alternate; Walter Noonan and William Van Wagne, Planning Commission Members with three-year terms.

The Oath of Office was administered by Schmitt to John Carlsen, William Colfer, Kevin Herbst, John LaMarca, Pat Pogan and Steve Zimmerman who now sit for a one-year term on the Village’s Emergency Management Committee.

Mary Lagano, Florence Robinson and Debra Gerner were sworen in by Altadonna for one-year terms on the Village’s Ethics Board.

Last but not least, Councilman Delligatti swore in Nancy Bernheim as Village Prosecuting Attorney, Kevin Walsh as Zoning Board Attorney and Rand Schwartz as Planning Commission Attorney, all on one-year terms.

The next Village Board meeting will be held Monday, May 9, 8 p.m., Village Hall.