James Garner (politician)

James A. Garner is a U.S. politician from the Republican party who was mayor of the Village of Hempstead, New York, from 1988 to 2005, and was the first African-American to be elected a mayor on Long Island.[1]

For other people named James Garner, see James Garner (disambiguation).
James A. Garner
Mayor of Hempstead, New York
In office
1989–2005
61st President of the United States Conference of Mayors
In office
2003–2004
Preceded byThomas Menino
Succeeded byDon Plusquellic
Personal details
BornNorth Carolina
Political partyRepublican, Conservative
Residence(s)Hempstead, New York, U.S.
Alma materAdelphi University
OccupationPolitician
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service1966–1969

During his tenure as mayor, Garner took a lead role in revitalization, redevelopment, and housing issues facing Hempstead, and was a panelist on the 2002 White House Conference on Minority Homeownership, among other roles. In 2003 the United States Conference of Mayors elected Garner its 61st president, a position he held for one year.

In 2004, Garner was nominated by the Republican Party to challenge Representative Carolyn McCarthy in New York's 4th congressional district. The race was widely expected to be a close one, but McCarthy won with 63% of the vote. Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry carried 55% of the district's vote in that same election. Six months later in March, 2005, Garner was defeated by Democrat Wayne Hall in his reelection bid for Mayor of Hempstead. This was also evident in the 2009 race for mayor when Hall defeated Garner with 48 percent of the total vote.

Prior to becoming Hempstead mayor, Garner served one term on the Hempstead Village Board of Trustees. He is a Vietnam-era veteran and holds a B.S. from Adelphi University, and founded a pest-control company that is today owned and operated by his family.[2] His membership in community groups includes the American Legion and the NAACP.[2]

Garner also served as the appointed Deputy Nassau County Comptroller for Claims, Payroll & Health Benefits under Comptroller George Maragos.[1][3]

Military service

Garner is a veteran of the Vietnam War where he served in the United States Army.[2]

References
  1. "Street named for LI's first African-American mayor". Newsday. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  2. "From the Desk of Mayor John Ryan - Week of October 1, 2018". Village of Hempstead. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  3. "Ex-mayor named county's deputy comptroller". Newsday. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
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