Candidate Profile: Stacy Colamussi For TOH Receiver Of Taxes

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON, NY — Voters in the Town of Huntington will head to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots for receiver of taxes, where they will choose from Republican challenger Stacy Colamussi and Democrat incumbent Jillian Guthman.

Patch reached out to all candidates to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

Here are the responses for those who participated. The answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Stacy Colamussi

• Age (as of Sept. 1, 2019): Not relevant
• Town of Residence: Town of Huntington for 35 years
• Position Sought: Receiver of Taxes
• Party Affiliation: Republican, Conservative & Libertarian
• Family: Married for 35 years and raised our four children (three of whom are triplets) in the Harborfields School District.
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: Sister-in-law in Public Safety.
• Education: Endicott College
• Occupation: Deputy Town Clerk and Records Administrator for Town of Huntington-34 years
• Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Deputy Town Clerk and Records Administrator for Town of Huntington-34 years
• Campaign Website: StacyForReceiver on Facebook

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

"As Receiver of Taxes, I would not have a policy-making role. However, I believe that all elected officials and directors should reduce any waste they can and propose the leanest budgets possible and then stick to them."

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

"I have 34 years of public service with the Town of Huntington in two extremely diverse and complicated positions. I am endorsed by both the Local 342 and CSEA Unions which cover all union employees for the Town of Huntington. I have also received the endorsement of Long Island Federation of Labor Unions. I have received these endorsements because I am a diligent worker, and I am recognized as a very fair and respectful person.

Additionally , my family and I are very honored as I have received the endorsement of the Italian -American PAC. I have received this endorsement not only because of my appreciation of the Italian culture, but of all other cultures as well."

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

"I have had many residents tell me that their property tax checks are not cashed for many days, sometimes weeks. At the very least, I would utilize the technology that is currently available in the office to its fullest potential. We can increase interest for the Town by expediting larger sums to the banks. I would investigate better ways to pay online and explore the possibility of reducing fees for credit card payments. I would like to improve services further by hiring a Spanish-speaking staff member. Additionally, there is no voicemail of any kind. I would implement that immediately."

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

"I have 34 years of experience in budget preparation and management (Annual Budget of approximately $1,500,000), and 34 years of experience in managing vast numbers of records for the Town which must be organized, maintained and accessible, per New York State Regulations.

Over 20 years, I have applied for and received over $250,000 in New York State Grant Funding to assist Jo-Ann Raia in systematically building an award-winning Records Management Program from the ground up.

We created the policies and procedures that govern the management of all inactive records for every department of Town, including the Receiver of Taxes.

I manage procedures and issues for all Town Board matters.

I help manage a staff of 19.

I have a proven record of saving tax dollars for residents."

The best advice ever shared with me was...

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

"I have worked, for almost my entire career, serving the public. I have tried very hard to assist them in the most efficient, fast and accurate way I can. If elected as your Receiver of Taxes, I can assure you that I will work a full work day, each and every day, along side the staff, to provide you with the best service possible.

Hopefully, we can shorten the lines and improve payment options."