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Altadonna, Pinto and Jacobson make re-election bid in MPK Village
Anyone who wants to run for a seat on the board must hand in their petitions before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, according to Village Administrator Peggy Caltabiano. Altadonna is running for his fourth two-year term, and may face opposition from resident Mark Alter who ran unsuccessfully for Village Justice in 2005. "If I do run, it will be for Mayor but I am still thinking about it," said Alter, an attorney and Massapequa Park resident who says he will decide in a week or so how he is proceeding. When Alter ran for Village Justice two years ago, it was against Gerard Giannattasio who brought an unsuccessful challenge against Alter's petitions in court. After jumping that hurdle, Alter lost the election and challenged the Village results, unsuccessfully. Altadonna was first elected in 2001. He has lived in the Village for more than 12 years, and says he enjoys being the Mayor.
According to the Mayor there have been many positive changes to the Village since he took office. Under his administration a Mommy & Me, and summer camp program for children have been added, as well as additional senior citizen days at Brady Park. "Our Village is second to none in terms of its quaintness and esthetics," said Altadonna. "I am proud to say all of our borders are clearly defined by our beautification efforts, which will continue." That quaintness is due in part to the board's decision for redeveloping Sunrise Highway ensuring that businesses along that corridor add to the quality of life for residents and that certain types of businesses, such as car washes and fast food restaurants are limited. Altadonna intends to continue with infrastructure improvements within the community and looks forward to working on disaster preparedness and flood mitigation. "With global warming and living in a coastal community, it makes sense for us to be proactive and plan for problems that may be an issue someday," he explained.
"We have an open government in our community and residents are very happy about this," said Pinto, the father of three who has dedicated almost 25 years of his time to Massapequa International Little League. "We have a good team (in our current board) and have made many positive changes." Moving forward, Pinto said he'd like to see the addition of a playground on Mansfield Park, which was developed when he was on the board, and some additional protections for wetlands areas. Pinto says he is proud of being instrumental in the senior taxi service program, which has reduced the cost of transportation for seniors as they travel around the Village to doctors appointments and shopping. Harry Jacobson, a 51 year resident of the Village, is seeking his fourth, two-year term. He worked for Prudential Securities for 41 years until his retirement. "I enjoy representing the people and looking out for the residents of this village," said Jacobson, who added that he would like to see about installing a skate park. "I've wanted to add another playground for a very long time. If we could put a skate park in it, it would keep (some of) the kids off of Village streets and out of trouble." "The trustees are an integral part of the community and valuable to me as a team," said Altadonna. "If residents like how the Village is being run, then we should be reelected as a team."
The polls in Village Hall are open Tuesday, March 20 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 151 Front Street. Absentee ballots can be obtained from Village Hall at 798- 0244, ext.11.
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