Candidate Profile: Bonanno For Mount Pleasant Supervisor 2021

MOUNT PLEASANT, NY - In 2021's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi is seeking re-election in November. He is being challenged by Democrat Joseph A. Bonanno Jr.

Bonanno, 59, lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife of 20 years, Leah, and their three children.

He is director of sales and revenue management for Buitoni Food Company. Previously, he was employed for 25 years as national execution manager for Nestle Waters.

Bonanno has served as Valhalla Fire Department fire commissioner since December 2016. He has also been a firefighter for the department since 2001.

He has a bachelor of business administration in accounting and finance from Lubin School of Business and a master of business administration in management information systems from Monmouth University.

Campaign website

Joe Bonanno for Mount Pleasant Supervisor

Why are you seeking elective office?

I’m running for Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor because participating in my community through public service is my passion, and I want to help make Mount Pleasant, my home for 41 years, a great place to live. I graduated from Westlake High School in 1980, and the hamlets of Hawthorne and Thornwood haven’t changed since then. In 41 years, you would think they would have a fresher look. Mount Pleasant needs a refresh, and that will start with a new leader.

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

First, it’s important to point out that this is the first contested election in Mount Pleasant in more than 40 years. One of the most pressing issues in Mount Pleasant is a lack of thoughtful development. There has not been a coherent development plan — that will change when I become Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor. For example, there is an office park on Columbus Avenue in Thornwood, a parking lot in Hawthorne, but there is nothing that ties any of this together. There is also no thought of open space and how much we need that open space. We have the 100-year flood every five years because of a lack of planning. There is no plan to repurpose those half-empty office parks under the present administration. That will change when I become Town Supervisor. With more than 25 years of business experience, I know how to create a development plan that is well-thought-out and executable. I will gather the research and resources necessary to address not only development but open space as well.

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

There is a lack of transparency and accountability, and that will change when I become Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor. Plus, my business experience makes me the ideal candidate. I have been a business executive for 25 years, a fire commissioner for 20 years. Combine my customer service skills with my community service, and you have the experience that will help me lead Mount Pleasant into the future. I have proved as a firefighter and fire commissioner that I can withstand challenging and difficult times. I guess you can say I can handle the heat.

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

The community has been failed as Mr. Fulgenzi has given himself a pay raise every year he has been in office while he has raised the taxes in Mount Pleasant. He began his tenure as Town Supervisor in 2014. He almost immediately increased his own salary to $148,703. Since then, Mr. Fulgenzi has rewarded himself even more lavishly, courtesy of the taxpayers, paying himself $165,000 annually.

To put Mr. Fulgenzi’s taxpayer windfall in perspective, he receives a higher salary than the supervisors of Eastchester and Yorktown and the Mayor of Yonkers.

Sadly, taxes in Mount Pleasant have also increased every year since Mr. Fulgenzi was elected. This is not governing with the best of the community in mind.

I pledge that not only will I not take a pay raise, but I will donate $10,000 of my annual salary to fund a scholarship for the children of Mount Pleasant Town Employees.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The entire world has been impacted by COVID-19. Local officials did the best they could, given the unique nature of this virus.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Service and sacrifice are more than just wearing an American flag lapel pin. Service comes in all forms, and commitment requires the courage to live up to the ideals of sacrifice beyond parade marching.

My approach is honest, transparent and hands-on, with my goal being to take my business skills paired with my community values and apply them to improving the lives of the citizens of Mount Pleasant.

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

My business understanding has been developed as an executive with the Nestle Corporation for more than 25 years. I have negotiated on behalf of Nestle with companies including Walmart and Unilever. I will use those skills to negotiate the best possible deals with developers without leaving anything on the table.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. It is important to listen twice as much as you talk. I will listen to the residents of Mount Pleasant, really listen. I will build consensus and get things done.

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

Change is the one constant in this world. As we face the future, we have to be prepared for change. As a business executive, I’ve learned that balance is the key to growth and renewal. A balanced board will drive a more balanced policy and prepare us for a safe and prosperous future in Mount Pleasant.

As Fire Commissioner, a first responder, scout leader and basketball coach, I’ve strived to make a positive difference in everything I do. Serving the Town of Mount Pleasant as Supervisor is my commitment to improving our community through the challenges that are to come.

If you believe in working together, no matter your political background, and if you believe now is the time to commit to a reinvigoration of the values that make this community a great place, I would truly appreciate your vote.

Editor's note: The candidate's responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity.