The two candidates for mayor of Manorhaven will face off in an online debate held by the League of Women Voters of Port Washington-Manhasset.
Incumbent Mayor Jim Avena of the Manorhaven Residents Party, and challenger Vincent Costa of the Manorhaven Liberty Party, will debate online at https://my.lwv.org/new-york/port-washington-manhasset on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m., accessible via any internet-accessing device.
The league suggests that viewers submit questions for the candidates both before and during the forum to LWV.Qs.PortWashington@gmail.com. The moderator will review questions in advance and can receive more electronically during the forum.
Running for two open seats on the village’s Board of Trustees on the mayor’s slate are Deputy Mayor Priscilla von Roeschlaub, who seeks to maintain her trustee seat, and Zoning Board of Appeals member Joseph Zimbardi, running for the seat being vacated by Trustee Ken Kraft.
Kraft announced his intent to not seek re-election in January, citing a desire to “enjoy the winters in Florida, a much warmer climate.”
Prior to his years in public service, Avena worked for 30 years in the financial services industry, including serving as president of Cantor Fitzgerald and other investment firms. Additionally, he is a retired first lieutenant from the U.S. Army and worked with the Port Washington Senior Citizens Center, the Sands Point Preserve, the Port Washington Councils of the American Legion, Kiwanis International, the Knights of Columbus, the Sons of Italy and the Our Lady of Fatima Outreach Program.
A former trustee, Avena first ran for mayor in a tightly contested election in 2016 against former Mayor Gary Pagano. He, von Roeschlaub and Kraft were all elected that year and were all unopposed for re-election in 2018.
On Costa’s slate as trustee candidates are resident Walter E. Peters and local business owner Harry S. Farina.
Costa is a 38-year resident of Manorhaven who worked for UPS for over 25 years and has served as a firefighter, first in the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department and then the Port Washington Fire Department, for 44 years, also serving as captain of the latter department’s Protection Engine Company #1 and being the recipient of the Silver Medal of Valor in 1989, according to campaign materials.
In addition to his work as a firefighter, Costa was a founding member of and remains head adviser to the Port Washington Fire Department Juniors, is a member of of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks, and was a founding member and former co-chair of the Christmas tree lighting on Main Street.
Manorhaven residents can vote for their choice on Sept. 15 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Village Hall.
