Antun named deputy mayor

Joanne Antun will serve as the village’s deputy mayor after being appointed to the post at Monday night’s board meeting.

The trustee fills the post held by Guido Cirenza from 1999 until his death last month. Antun will be responsible for leading the village board in Mayor Ed Cahill’s absence. “I’ll support him wherever he needs support,” Antun said. “I’m very honored and I know I have big shoes to fill.”

Antun was first elected to the village board in 1992. She defeated Cahill by 27 votes but they would later serve together when he was elected in 1995. Antun served one full term and did not run for re-election. However, when Mayor James Darcy left the board in 1999 after being elected to the state Assembly, it left an opening on the board that Antun filled. Cahill became mayor and he named her to his trustee seat.

Cahill, Cirenza and Antun, along with village Justice Bob Bogle, were re-elected together in 1999, 2003 and 2007.

During her time on the village board, Antun has served as a liaison to the Henry Waldinger Library, Valley Stream Youth Council and Friends of Bridge. She also has served on the village’s internal attendance committee.

Antun said that the Board of Trustees has produced visible results, with improvements at the library and parks, numerous road repairs and safety upgrades. The village has also strengthened its relationship with the business community through the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, she said.

Before accepting the appointment as deputy mayor, Antun said she read the five pages of responsibilities that the mayor has. “I wanted to make sure that I had a good, thorough overview,” she said.

Cahill said as the senior trustee, choosing Antun as deputy mayor was an easy selection. He described her as knowledgeable, intelligent and articulate. He also noted that she does her research on village issues and takes copious notes at work sessions. “She’s well informed,” he said. “She brings a lot of knowledge to the board.”

Antun moved to Valley Stream in 1982. She said she was attracted to the community because of the schools.

“I truly believe that each one of us has the responsibility to make the community a better place,” she said.

Antun is next up for election in 2011. Cahill said he expects to keep Antun as his No. 2 through the remainder of her term. “He can count on me 100 percent,” she said.

As for the vacant seat on the village board left by Cirenza’s death, Cahill said he plans to make an appointment at the January board meeting. He said there are already some candidates for the position. Although it is solely his decision, Cahill said he wants all trustees to be on board with his appointment.

A special election will be held in March to fill the remaining year of Cirenza’s term.