Altadonna Sworn In For Sixth Term As Mayor

Mayor James Altadonna was sworn in for his as mayor when the Village of Massapequa Park held its annual Installation-Organization meeting this past Monday.

Altadonna, along with members of village staff, advisors, and board members, all had their oaths of office officially administered in front of a packed house at the Massapequa Park Village hall.

Deputy mayor Jeffrey Pravato gave an opening speech before the ceremony began, where he expressed his pride at being a part of the Village's leadership team.

"This board, which we have up here now, is a unique board," he said. "They listen - we all listen - to the public, and what they have to say. And when we think we have a good idea, sometimes the public doesn't...and this board listens and changes to make things better. And in the eight years that I've served on this board, with the leadership of Mayor Altadonna, we've made changes and made this Village a better place."

Next, the Rev. Al Pakianather of church performed an invocation that was both lighthearted and stirring. 

Town of Oyster Bay supervisor John Venditto swore in Altadonna as Mayor, whose own daughter proudly held the Bible for her father as he recited the oath.

For Venditto, swearing in the mayor was both a pleasure and an honor.

"I think one of the nicest relationships that has developed during my tenure has been the relationship between the Town of Oyster Bay and the Village of Massapequa Park," he said. "And it's because of the people that we swear in tonight, including Mayor Altadonna and the trustees. We've done many constructive things together, and I think the best is yet to come."

After officially taking his place as mayor for the sixth time, Altadonna spoke to the gathered residents and politicians.

"I'm truly humbled by being elected mayor for a sixth consecutive term," he said. "I couldn't do it without the people that I have up here on my board; there's no one here that doesn't have the best interests of Massapequa Park at heart."

"What really impresses me about our community is its citizens and their resolve," Altadonna continued. "We're such a close-knit community here; we pull for each other. The people here just constantly amaze me, and I'm proud and privileged to be your neighbor and the leader of this community."

Next, Venditto swore in Village trustees Harry Jacobson and

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

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

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Massapequa Park Village board is Monday, April 11, at 8 p.m.