Anthony M. D'Angelis, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Ester Bivona, a Democrat, for the job of receiver of taxes in next Tuesday's election. Here are profiles:
ESTER BIVONA, DEMOCRAT
BACKGROUND: Bivona, 60, of Huntington, is also running on the Independence line. She has held her position for 16 years and before that was deputy receiver of taxes for nine years.
ISSUES: Bivona said her position is administrative and does not set policy. She said she is most proud of establishing a Web site for her office, instituting the first program in the state that allows tax payments by credit card and being a manager who answers the phone and sits at the front desk in her office to personally greet residents. “It’s an important position because we are responsible for the money that funds all of the local districts,” she said. “There’s about $800 million that flies through my office between December and May. The most important thing I do is make sure it’s credited properly, that it’s safe and moves to the next stage. I believe my experience is paramount in going forward.”
ANTHONY M. D’ANGELIS, REPUBLICAN
BACKGROUND: D’Angelis, 57, lives in East Northport and is making his first run for office. He also is on the Conservative line. He works as an insurance agent and is a retired New York City Police officer.
ISSUES: He said his motto is that of the New York Police Department, “To serve and protect.” He added, “I will protect our tax dollars and serve the community . . . Voters should have a choice. A person shouldn’t run unopposed, the voters should feel slighted.” He said he would work to make the office more open to the taxpayer by having extended hours during the week and be open on Saturday during tax time. He would install a modernized phone system, watch town spending and try to save tax dollars.
About the job
Term: 4 years Salary: $115,421
Duties: The tax receiver is responsible for collecting money to run local government, including money for schools, the county, the town, water districts, highway and fire departments.