Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto swore in the newest edition to the town council, Councilwoman Michelle M. Johnson, and Town Clerk James Altadonna Jr. during a town board meeting last Tuesday morning.
Johnson is a practicing attorney, and previously worked in government as a Nassau County Deputy County Attorney. She graduated from New York Law School, served as deputy county attorney, and has worked in private practice as both a matrimonial and criminal attorney. She replaced Councilwoman Beth Faughnan, who resigned in March 2013, and will have to run for election again in November to retain her seat, as will Altadonna.
Prior to attending law school, Councilwoman Johnson attended Syracuse University, where following graduation, she further pursued her eagerness for public service and administered the Job Training Partnership Act for the Town of Oyster Bay. There she helped those seeking employment update and enhance their skills, to make them more marketable candidates to potential employers.
As Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman, Michele says: “I look forward to working with the Town Board to further enhance and preserve the quality of life enjoyed by all Town residents. As a young mother, I know firsthand the importance of communities working together to bring fresh and innovative ideas regarding smart growth and redevelopment, while protecting the well-maintained infrastructure, picturesque parks and the many services that the Town offers.”
Altadonna is a successful businessman and longtime public servant, serving as Mayor of the Village of Massapequa Park from 2001 until assuming the Office of Town Clerk. He is a graduate of Pace University, where he earned a degree from Pace University the Lubin School of Business. He and his wife, Susan, currently live in Massapequa Park. They have three children: Jimmy, Kristin and Lindsey.
Altadonna has been recognized for strong management skills with an emphasis on technology. Using his sound acumen, he founded and grew a successful graphics company. As he did in his business career, Altadonna focused on efficiency in his duties as mayor. He improved workforce productivity and achieved significant cost reductions. Improving the quality of life of the residents he served and ensuring the well-being of residents and business owners were also priorities.
One of his notable accomplishments was working to bring an emergency care facility to Massapequa Park so that residents of the village and surrounding areas could quickly be transported to a triage facility during emergency situations, when receiving prompt medical care is essential.
Prior to becoming Town Clerk, Altadonna was involved in many aspects of the Town of Oyster Bay. For example, he served as President of Friends of the Community Service Department, Inc. since its inception in March 2000. The mission of this organization is to support community service programs, aid, encourage and foster artistic and cultural activities.
As town clerk, Altadonna says: “I will rely on my experience to make sure that the Town Clerk’s office is run in an innovative, efficient, and business-like manner.”
