Bumstead runs in WP

Richard Tedesco

James Bumstead is running a one-man campaign to challenge Barbara Alagna in her race for a one-year term on the board of trustees in Williston Park.

Bumstead, 77, said he feels that no one should run unopposed and believes his financial background would be helpful in addressing village issues.

“I think I have experience the board can use,” he said. “I still have the ambition of offering my services.”

Bumstead is a former vice president of Fleet Bank. He is also a past president of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce and former president of the Mineola Kiwanis Club.

A Korean War veteran, Bumstead is a member of Williston Park American Legion Post 144.

He has been a resident of Williston Park since 1991.

Alagna expected to run uncontested for the seat she was appointed to last year to fill the vacancy left when Beth Swenson-Dowd was appointed associate justice in the village. Alagna, who has served as secretary to the mayor, the board of trustees and the zoning board of appeals, is running to fill out the full term.

Bumstead said he is motivated to run by concerns about “quality-of-life issues” in Williston Park. He said he had recently complained to Village of Williston Park Mayor Paul Ehrbar to remedy situations of snow not being removed from sidewalks in the village. He also said he’s concerned about the growing number of potholes in on Williston Park streets, and suggested that village sanitation workers should be issued forms to carry on their routes so that they can note potholes in need of repair.

He said he has been running his self-styled campaign by handing out leaflets as he has been walking through the village over the past two weeks.

“If they want me, great. If they don’t, I won’t cry about it,” Bumstead said.

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