Village of Massapequa Park Kicks Off New Term

Mayor James Altadonna was sworn in for his seventh term as the Village of Massapequa Park held its annual Installation-Organization meeting Monday.

Altadonna and members of his staff and Board of Trustees all had their oaths of office officially administered by local politicians and dignitaries in a ceremony held at the Massapequa Park Village Hall.

In the evening’s opening speech, Deputy Mayor Jeffrey Pravato spoke about the strong relationship between the Village and the Town of Oyster Bay, which provided invaluable assistance in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

“Led by Supervisor John Venditto, the Town did an outstanding job,” he said. “For weeks after the storm, there were picking up debris after anyone put it out to the curb...we want to say thank you to the Town for a job well done.”

As the ceremony kicked off, James Altadonna was sworn in as Mayor by Nassau County Legislator Michael Venditto; the first time he has performed such a duty since being elected recently to his post. Venditto said that Altadonna has served as a mentor of sorts to him during his recent foray into the political arena.

“Mayor Altadonna is certainly someone that I have learned a lot from, both professionally and personally,” he said. “He’s got great energy to him, he’s a very upbeat guy, and he’s a good man. He’s somebody that’s been helping this Village in so many different ways, and it’s an honor to be here tonight to administer the oath of office to you.”

Altadonna said that he took pride in being able to serve the people of Massapequa Park for the past 12 years, but that a good Mayor is only as strong as the people that back him.

“Like any Mayor, we’re nothing without a wonderful staff and Board,” he said. “I really want to thank my Board...without them, we really couldn’t do what we do. The guy up top always gets all the accolades and all the grief, but there is a great board behind me, and they and do exactly what they should do for this Village, and I’m appreciative of that.”

Deputy Mayor Jeffrey Pravato was sworn in by Oyster Bay Councilman Joe Pinto, who spoke highly of the man that succeeded him in his office after he departed the Village in 2005 to serve as Town Councilman.

“I’m honored to be swearing in Jeffrey,” he said. “He’s a dear friend of mine...we go back almost 20 years now, and there’s no one better to serve this Village as Deputy Mayor.”

Village Justice Gerard E. Giannattasio had his oath of office administered by Nassau County District Court Judge Angelo Deligatti, who noted that he has had a great deal of history with the Village.

“I’m very honored to have been asked to swear Gerard in,” he said. “This isn’t the first time they’ve asked me to do this...I go way, way back with the Village of Massapequa Park.”

Legislator Michael Venditto also swore in Trustee Tina Schiaffino and Village Attorney Kevin M. Walsh. Trustee Danny Pearl was also scheduled to be sworn in for his first full term Monday night, but was detained by a family matter. He will be sworn in at the April 8 meeting, according to Altadonna.

Other positions that were made official this evening were the Village Administrative staff, the Commission staff, the Ethics board, and the Legal staff.

After the brief ceremony was concluded, Altadonna invited all present to the basement of the Village hall for refreshments.