Four trustee candidates vie for two seats in Island Park

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A new coalition will challenge the Unity Party in Island Park. Columbia Ciccimarro and Laura Hassett are running for trustee under in the newly formed Voice Party, challenging incumbent Joseph Annarella and newcomer Matt Paccione. In the mayoral race, I.P. Chamber of Commerce President Glenn Ingoglia is running on the Voice ticket against Michael McGinty, of the Unity Party. The election will take place on March 18.

This week, the Herald asked the trustee candidates to weigh in on a few issues.

1. What two or three things will you do to bring more businesses to Island Park?

Joseph Annarella: There’s no question that our village needs a stronger and more resilient local economy. We must attract small businesses into Island Park by providing incentives for relocation and enhancing our business district to meet commerce’s needs. Strengthening our village economy and bringing jobs here isn’t dependent on having served as the controversial head of a business association — it’s only through strong ideas that we can do this. To enrich our business district’s appearance, I support providing real property tax abatements for commercially zoned properties that make improvements to existing structures or start new construction. Furthermore, let’s enhance Island Park’s property maintenance law to allow the village to come in and clean up any unkempt and neglected commercial properties — the cost of that, when utilized, will be added to the commercial property owner’s tax bill. We will also continue to strengthen zoning laws to build upon our community’s unique waterside location while respecting our local history.

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