Anthony Gagliardi said it is time for change in Williston Park.
That is one reason the former Williston Park Fire Department chief announced on Monday that he is running for mayor.
“I think I can bring new ideas on improving the functioning of our village,” Gagliardi said in a statement.
Gagliardi said he has nothing personal against current Mayor Paul Ehrbar, who previously announced his bid to run for another term in March, but said that after eight years he believes it is time for change.
Gagliardi said that he feels “so strongly about serving as mayor,” that he will not accept any salary or compensation for his service if he is elected.
Gagliardi served as a member of the Williston Park Fire Department for 38 years. During his time with the department, he served as first and second lieutenant, captain, warden and two terms as chief of the department.
As chief, Gagliardi said one of his responsibilities was the preparation of the budget.
“In doing so, I worked closely with the village board in maintaining a fiscally responsible budget,” Gagliardi said. “Always keeping in mind providing the best services while maintaining accountability to the taxpayers.”
Gagliardi said he retired in 2016 and is available to serve full time as mayor – adding that he will make himself “available to the people 24/7.”
Gagliardi has been a village resident since 1965. He’s been married to his wife, Patricia, for 37 years and is the father of four boys and has seven grandchildren.
He has also served the community as a Williston Park Little League coach.
If elected, Gagliardi said he would like to concentrate on village road work, which he said is “desperately needed.”
He also said he would like to create a better police presence to enforce speeding and stop sign infractions, rather than install more stop signs.
Along with the contested mayor election, there is a contested election for two spots on the board.
Two of the four trustees’ terms end this year, including those of Teresa Thomann and Kevin Rynne.
Thomann is not seeking re-election.
Rynne is seeking re-election, and Williston Park Fire Chief Richard Sais and Bill O’Brien have announced that they are running. The two top vote getters will be elected.
The election will be held at Village Hall on March 20 from noon to 9 p.m.
