Fare takes office as Valley Stream mayor

Quietly, Ed Fare became the mayor of Valley Stream at noon on Monday. More than seven hours later, in less quiet fashion, Fare was sworn in before a packed courtroom at Village Hall.

Family, friends, village employees, local elected officials and students, teachers and administrators from Valley Stream South High School, where Fare works during the day as a technology teacher, came to witness his inauguration. Fare was elected with 75 percent of the vote in the March 15 election and said mayor is a job he has aspired to since growing up in Valley Stream.

Fare was sworn in by Nassau County Legislator John Ciotti (R-North Valley Stream). The Rev. Brenda Overfield, pastor of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, held the Bible. And joining Fare at the front of the room were his wife, Ronni, daughters, Samantha and Jessica, and son, Andrew.

He was elected alongside United Community Party running mates Vincent Grasso, Dermond Thomas and Bob Bogle. Fare said that residents “will not regret” electing his team to lead Valley Stream for the next four years.

Thomas, who was elected to his first term on the village board, was sworn in by Fare with his wife, Kimberly, by his side. Grasso, re-elected after being appointed to the board 15 months ago, also was given the oath of office by Fare. He was joined by his wife, Mary, and daughter, Isabella.

Bogle was sworn in by Nassau County Legislator Fran Becker (R-Lynbrook). For Bogle, he begins his seventh term as village justice, as position he has held since 1988. In his usual good humor, Bogle promised to continue to do the best job he can. “If you thought the first six terms were good, wait ‘til you see this one,” he said. “Hold on to your gavel.”

Although he was unopposed in this past election, Bogle said that he was thankful to the community for re-electing him.

At the re-organization meeting which followed the swearing in ceremony, former Assemblyman Bob Barra was appointed as the new village clerk, replacing Vinny Ang who retired in December. Barra will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of Valley Stream and running village board meetings.

Fare, who has been a trustee for the past seven years, had to step down from his seat with one year left, and will likely appoint someone to fill the vacancy next month.