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The 56-year-old is a newcomer to public office, but he says his three decades of experience in public safety, project management and working with mechanical and heavy equipment make him an ideal candidate.
“I spent over 20 years as a law enforcement officer keeping the streets safe in Yorktown and Westchester County. As a public safety officer I developed extensive skills in working with the public, conflict resolution, budget preparation, managerial skills and grant writing capabilities,” the 1975 Lakeland High School graduate said.
Diana joined the Yorktown Police Department in 1980, he said. After six years in the K-9 unit he took over as a patrol sergeant in the now-defunct Cortlandt Manor Police Department.
Diana then ventured out on his own and started a trucking company, which he said hauled everything "from Sheetrock to jet engines." He currently owns and operates Comfort Heating in Yorktown.
"I have extensive experience and training in the heavy mechanical and construction fields, including drainage, excavating, environmental remediation, project management, blacktop and masonry work," Diana said.
The highway superintendent manages the department’s $4.9 million budget and 200 miles of roads and bridges, oversees the maintenance of highway trucks and equipment and is responsible for the town’s organic waste facilities. The elected position has a four-year term and a $125,000 salary.
Eric DiBartolo, who has been highway superintendent since 1996, said earlier this year he would not seek re-election. Diana applauded DiBartolo's performance and said he hopes to "continue and expand" upon his work and said he's wiling to get "down in the trenches" to get the job done.
"I'm a very hands-on type of guy," Diana said. “If elected, I will work to increase the department’s output. The taxpayers of Yorktown deserve to travel in comfort and safety.”
Diana’s announcement comes shortly after Yorktown Council Member Dave Paganelli announced he will run for the position and would seek the endorsement of the Yorktown Republican Town Committee.
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