James Molinaro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Molinaro
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Molinaro in 2009
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| 14th Borough President of Staten Island | |
| In office January 1, 2002 – December 31, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Guy Molinari |
| Succeeded by | James Oddo |
| Deputy Borough President of Staten Island | |
| In office January 1, 1990 – December 31, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Nicholas LaPorte |
| Succeeded by | Dan Donovan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 11, 1931 (age 94) Manhattan, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse |
Carol
(m. 1962; died 1990) |
| Children | 2 |
| Signature |  |
James P. Molinaro (born March 11, 1931) is an American politician. He served as the Borough President of Staten Island for many years. A Borough President is like a mayor for one of New York City's five main areas, called boroughs. Molinaro was in this role from 2002 to 2013.
He first became Borough President of Staten Island on November 6, 2001. He won the election with 50% of the votes. He started his job on January 1, 2002. Molinaro was re-elected two more times. His last term ended on December 31, 2013.
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About James Molinaro's Life
James Molinaro was born in Manhattan, New York. His parents were Italian immigrants. He grew up with three brothers and two sisters. Since 1964, he has lived in the Fort Wadsworth neighborhood of Staten Island.
He was married to Carol for 28 years. She passed away in 1990. They had two sons named Peter and Steven.
James Molinaro's Political Journey
Molinaro started his political career in 1964. He joined the New York State Conservative Party. In 1976, he became the Chairman of the Conservative Party in Richmond County (which is Staten Island). He also became Vice Chair of the State Party.
Before becoming Borough President, Molinaro was the Deputy Borough President for 12 years. He worked with the previous Borough President, Guy V. Molinari. He also helped Molinari when he was a congressman.
Molinaro has served on many important boards. These include the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex and Staten Island Community Television. He also helped create the St. Elizabeth Ann's Health and Rehabilitation Center. In 1989, he helped set up Staten Island's first health care center for people with AIDS.
Today, Molinaro is on the board of the Heart Institute of Staten Island. He also works as a Senior Advisor for a law firm. This firm helps people affected by the 9/11 attacks get support. In memory of his wife, he helped dedicate a local dialysis unit in her name in 1991.
Key Accomplishments as Borough President
James Molinaro worked hard to improve Staten Island. Here are some of his main achievements during his time in office.
Protecting Staten Island's Character
Molinaro worked to control new building projects on Staten Island. He led a big effort to change zoning rules. This meant that fewer new homes could be built. This helped protect the natural feel and character of the island. It affected over 41,000 properties. This effort reduced the number of possible new homes by 25%.
Improving Parks and Green Spaces
Molinaro helped get nearly $100 million for parks. This money was used to buy new parkland and keep parks in good shape. Some projects included improving the South Beach Boardwalk. New sports fields were built, and the Blue Belt area was expanded. A long fishing pier was also added. Today, 25% of Staten Island is protected parkland. This is more than any other borough in New York City. Molinaro cares a lot about the environment.
Boosting Economic Growth
Molinaro played a big part in bringing Visy Paper to Staten Island in 1997. This company opened a cardboard recycling factory. It created hundreds of new jobs. This was the biggest investment in manufacturing in New York City in 50 years. He also helped bring back freight train service to Staten Island in 2007. This connected the island to the rest of the country by rail again after 16 years.
Enhancing Education
Molinaro used $500,000 from his budget to buy wireless laptop computers. These were for all of Staten Island's middle schools and many elementary schools. He also worked with Mayor Michael Bloomberg to build more schools on Staten Island. This included P.S. 58 and a new middle school.
He also set aside $1,000,000 for "electronic" blackboards. These were for every public school on Staten Island.
Current Ideas and Challenges
Molinaro has also focused on new ideas for Staten Island.
Wind Turbines for Energy
Molinaro supports building wind turbines at the Fresh Kills Park site. This would create renewable energy. However, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has not agreed to this. They prefer other types of renewable energy, like solar panels.
Opening Landfill Roads
Molinaro also believes that old roads within the former landfill should be opened. He thinks this would help reduce traffic jams. Especially around the Staten Island Mall area. Other politicians, like former Borough President Guy V. Molinari, have also supported this idea. In 2011, a new path for bikes and walkers was planned along the park's edge.
