Bob Fumagalli appointed to fill Valley Stream village clerk vacancy

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Bob Fumagalli, 69, was appointed to the role of village clerk on April 11, at the village’s annual reorganization meeting. Fumagalli previously served as deputy village clerk — and his appointment fills a vacancy left by Bob Barra, who retired in January. Fumagalli has been married for 45 years, and has two children and five grandchildren. He has spent 32 years in the business world as a retail executive prior to being hired by the village in 2000. On his decision to pursue a different direction, he said, “Why not use my experience to help the village where my wife grew up and we lived?” The Herald recently discussed with Fumagalli what it’s like working for the village.

How many years have you worked at the village, and how have you enjoyed it so far?

I have been with the village 17 years as the deputy village clerk and also as deputy village treasurer. Both positions were held separately. In 2000, when former Mayor Edward Cahill and then-Village Clerk Vincent Ang hired me, and they asked me to use my experiences from the business world to bring village systems into the 21st century. My personal goals were — and still are — to improve the overall operations of the village through the implementation of policies, processes, expense control and innovation through the use of technology. Each and every day I arrive at work my focus is to improve the quality of life for all village residents through improving the delivery of the services the village provides.

What does (and doesn’t) a village clerk do?

The village clerk is responsible for the overall operations of all village departments. All department heads report directly to the village clerk, who reports directly to Mayor Ed Fare. The clerk also works with the board of trustees and general counsel on a variety of other issues.

You’ve been acting as the village clerk for about two months now. Is there anything about the job that you didn’t expect?

There has been nothing about the job I have not expected, but every job has its challenges. Each challenge has its solution and you handle each one in a professional manner. I have always been a team player and I have worked under two previous village clerks. My goals were always to support and advise them in the daily operations of the village.

What are some of the challenges of working in local government that most people don’t realize?

The challenges in local government are not much different than that of working in the business world. You focus on the following areas: integrity and ethics, leadership, teamwork, training, recognition and communication. I have always believed that to have a successful organization, you must focus on its people — the most important element. Focusing on respect, creating an atmosphere of trust, showing personal growth opportunities through training and recognizing and rewarding achievement and communicating a shared vision — these are things that I value.

What have been some of the highlights of your career in Valley Stream?

Some of my village career highlights include: The development of village purchasing, technology and telecommunications areas; non-tax-revenue growth income from cell towers and acceptance of credit cards for recreation department, tax processing payments, etc; Working with recreation and parks departments to improve programs’ systems and beautification of village parks.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My spare time is spent with my family and friends. My five grandsons keep my wife and I busy. They change your lives with happiness and love!

If residents would like more information about village services, or have questions about specific issues, how would you recommend they proceed?

Residents have many ways to contact the village, but the best two ways are Mayor Fare’s Helpline at (855) 996-2967 and through the village website contact page.