East Williston Mayor David Tanner is not running for reelection after 21 years on the village’s board of trustees.
Tanner, who was appointed to a trustee position following the retirement of his predecessor and has served the last eight years as mayor of the village, told Blank Slate Media on Wednesday that he will not be running for the position again this March.
In retiring from his position, Tanner said he hopes younger residents will get involved in the community, both by running for office and committing to volunteer work.
“I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d be a mayor,” Tanner said. “It’s time to let other people get a chance.”
Serving the small, tight-knit village and its residents has been an honor, Tanner also said, and there are few things left to accomplish after two decades on the board.
Tanner became a village trustee 21 years ago, after being pushed to fill a vacancy on the board. After completing that term, he served three more terms as a trustee before running for mayor, which he has served as for the last eight years.
Tanner said his tenure as mayor was not only easy, but that he is proud of the board’s accomplishments. He said it was his idea to come up with a master plan for the development of the downtown that resulted in the revitalization of the new Village Hall.
Tanner and his board were also responsible for repaving every road in the village, installing security cameras to improve residents’ safety and providing a 10 percent tax reduction at one time, he said.
“We’ll see if they stand the test of time,” Tanner said.
In speaking on what memories of his time serving as mayor, Tanner recalled hosting a debate between Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) and former County Executive Ed Mangano, being named president of the Nassau County Village Officials Association, the friendships he made and the thanks he has received from residents.
The village, and the mayor, face particular challenges for a community of it’s size, Tanner said. Growth is inevitable, but it is important to maintain the character of the small village.
“There’s a certain East Williston look that’s trying to be maintained,” Tanner said.
The issue that will face the next mayor will be encouraging growth that is compatible with the village’s mission, Tanner said.
Deputy Mayor Bonnie L.S. Parente, in serving with Tanner for a total of 10 years and eight as deputy, said she has grown to respect the job he has done and the commitment he had to handling issues facing the village everyday.
Parente also encourages residents, particularly those who have recently moved into the village, to consider running for office and getting involved.
“It’s extremely rewarding,” Parente said.
Parente said Tanner’s knowledge of municipal finance, in which he works privately, is something she has appreciated greatly in his tenure and that he is leaving the village in good shape.
Parente also said she has enjoyed her role as deputy mayor for the last eight years and is considering running for mayor at the moment.
As a parting contribution, Tanner said residents should be on the look out for new LED lighting fixtures in the village, as well as black and white signs welcoming visitors and residents alike to the community.
