Mayor Jerry Larsen will appoint Jason Tuma to the East Hampton Village Board at next week’s meeting, filling the slot made available when Sarah Amaden announced her departure earlier this month.
Mr. Tuma, 56, who has lived in the village since 2013, was born and raised in Montauk and graduated from East Hampton High School.
“Jerry approached me about a month ago and asked if I was interested,” Mr. Tuma said in an interview this week. “We sat down, and he let me know the expectations and what was involved in the role. I discussed it with my wife, Erica, and then jumped at the chance.”
Mr. Tuma has no previous government experience. After attending the University of Louisiana, he had a 20year career in the South, working for a number of restaurant groups, including Jillian’s Entertainment, ESPN Zone, and Al Copeland Investments.
In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, he worked for a builder there, developing affordable housing projects. He is now employed by Pape Construction.
“I’m wanting to keep the same path that we’re traveling on, to keep building this community environment,” he said. He and his wife have a 4-year-old son enrolled in the John M. Marshall Elementary School’s prekindergarten program, and Mr. Tuma said he often views the village from the perspective of a parent.
“We’re avid users of Herrick Park and we’d like to see improvements there continue, to make it the center point of the village,” he said. “For so long the town was so quiet and there was nothing for kids to do. To see it picking up” — he cited this weekend’s Family Night Block Party on Newtown Lane — “is very encouraging.”
The only other board member with children of grade-school age is Christopher Minardi, the deputy mayor.
The water has also played an important role in Mr. Tuma’s life since his Montauk childhood. He worked in the family business, Tuma’s Dock and Tackle Shop, and as a town lifeguard. He now serves as a lieutenant with the Volunteer Ocean Rescue squad.
“Jason embodies the values that define our community,” Mayor Larsen wrote in a release announcing the appointment. “At a time when the board is addressing major projects, from infrastructure improvements to protecting the quality of life for our residents, Jason brings not only expertise, but a genuine passion for public service. I’m confident he will serve the village with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a strong commitment to all our residents.”
Ms. Amaden’s last board meeting will be on Sept. 26. Mr. Tuma will take the oath of office at the Oct. 24 meeting.
