Councilman Mark Mayoka was elected to the Town of Huntington Board in November 2009. His term is four years long and will expire in 2013. As a Councilman, Mark can offer and second any new legislation that the town needs enacted. He attends all board meetings and is also responsible for voting on all new proposals to the town. Mark works as a certified public accountant. The passion Councilman Mayoka has for this town has led him to sponsor many initiatives during his short time in office. Mark feels that it's important to refine community safety and is involved with many other activities to elevate quality of life in the Town of Huntington. As an Elected Huntington Representative, he firmly believes that the community and residents of this Town have the right to express their beliefs, concerns and issues in any form they choose. It is not only their legal right and privilege but their responsibility towards their community as well. He feels it is always important to remember to be open to new perspectives and to educate yourself on issues by doing your own due diligence, while being prudent in making your own decisions.

The Town of Huntington must be proactive and demonstrate its fiscal leadership to all taxing authorities, within the jurisdiction, through prudent planning for the budget.

-Proposed a Resolution to Direct a Five 5% Reduction in the Town of Huntington's 2010 General Fund Budget to save taxpayer money. The residents of the Town of Huntington have been adversely affected by the ongoing recession and all levels of government need to economize and become more efficient in the delivery of services to the taxpayer.

-Proposed a Resolution establishing an Independent Budget Committee, to prioritize budget savings and expenditures, research fiscal issues, explore areas of savings and report back to Town Board with its findings.

- Sponsored Resolution to Retain Consultant to Review Huntington's Taxes Regarding Equalization and Segment Rates

The goal was to hire an expert consultant to represent the Town of Huntington in discussions, review and negotiations with the Office of Real Property Tax Services in regard to critiquing and challenging the Equalization Rate and Special Segment Rates for the 2011-2012 Property Tax Year. Identifying these challenging economic times, Councilman Mayoka's resolution will permit an expert to challenge the current rates, which apportions annual tax levies of the school district onto the Town of Huntington. Further, retention of the expert allows the Town of Huntington to strengthen tax certiorari defenses, decreases the amount of Suffolk County and County Police property taxation that is apportioned onto Huntington, increase the amount of Basic & Enhanced STAR School Tax Savings our resident property taxpayers receive, decrease the amount of Cold Spring Harbor property taxes apportioned onto Huntington.

The Town of Huntington has exhibited an increase in violent criminal activity, necessitating the absolute support of elected officials in the community.

-Voted against Avalon Bay to keep crime down, protect the town's current infrastructure, avoid placing further burden upon the Jack Abrams School, and opposed of the new zoning needed for such high-density housing.

-Worked with the Huntington Housing Authority to bring the Guardian Angels to Huntington Station. The Guardian Angels work to offer positive and proactive measures to the community through an Orientation Program. This Program includes basic Self-Defense, CPR and First Aid, Legal Rights, Conditioning and Personal Training.

-Proposed Resolution to establish the Save Huntington Station Advisory Committee to formulate ideas through collaborative communication within the community, including the savehuntingtonstation.com website resource tool, which allows us to aggregate information in our areas of concern and permit us to mobilize the Department of Public Safety, Suffolk County Police and Town Administration.

The Huntington Small Business Resource and Recovery Center was created and designed to assist small businesses and stimulate economic development during these challenging financial times. The objective of the Center is to provide aid to those small business owners who face challenges and to help with recovery strategies to revitalize their trade. By applying the innovative ideas generated by the Center to pre-existing small businesses, we can bring forth and regenerate current slow markets. To implement these ideas, the business Center will be assisting those small businesses with creating and cultivating their own websites, providing computer tutorials, training, increasing networking capabilities and opportunities to refresh business opportunities within the community. Further, the Center will promote and support entrepreneurs who contain fresh ‘start up ideas' and are interested in forming a business entity. At this location, entrepreneurs will be taught how to create a business plan, organize their objectives and learn how to execute those initiatives in the business world. The Center will provide research materials, applications and links to contacts in banking, financial and legal services.

-Developed a small business resource and recovery center for Huntington's small businesses that are enduring financial hardship in this challenging economy, to provide and to expedite local, state and federal monies.

Councilman Mayoka and the Huntington Chamber of Commerce sponsored the first ever town-wide Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday follows the busiest shopping day of the year, known as Black Friday. It was our intention to assist small businesses, within our area by bringing shoppers ‘back into the storefront,' in order to stimulate economic development during these challenging financial times. In 2010, over 1 million people around the world were involved with Small Business Saturday, a day that recognizes the importance of small businesses in the overall economy and to local communities. Small Businesses represent 99.7% of all employer firms and have generated 65% of net new jobs in the United States over the past 17 years (SBA.gov). They employ just over half of all private sector employees. For every $100 spent at a local small business, on average, $68 will return to our local community through payroll, taxes and other expenditures. Simply put, a large percentage of money spent at small businesses is reinvested back into the local economy. Our goal was to aid the community by increasing mall business within the Town of Huntington.

These challenging economic times demand action by the Town of Huntington's elected officials and all parties need to be held accountable to high standards of integrity. Communication with elected officials regarding issues of strong opinion, local legislation affecting the community, families, finances, lives and employment all need to be addressed.

-Presented and Sponsored a Resolution on Term Limits to make elected Town Council positions more responsive to public needs through a continuous process of renewal and by encouraging more residents to compete in elections. Term limits set a standard of accountability for elected council members to set goals and fulfill agendas and to attain their promises.

-Initiated, Proposed & Drafted Legislation to Close the Huntington Station Day Laborer Site. The closing of the site resulted in a savings to the taxpayers and addressed the community's petitions regarding the proper and final closing of the Day Labor Ready Site.

-Sponsored a Resolution directing the Town Board to Recite Basic Resolution Headings on Agenda at Town Board Meetings. It is in the best interests for the Town of Huntington, to preserve open government meetings on public television stations, therefore, we must re-institute what was abandoned in 2004 in response to numerous concerns and complaints from the community by informing the television viewer of the resolution headings in order to discern what the issue the Town Board is voting upon. The purpose for transparency and to maintain open government meetings for public television viewers was accomplished.

-Sponsored a Resolution to adopt the Vendor Qualification Disclosure and Review Policy, a standardized process for the verification and review of vendors seeking to do business with the Town of Huntington. Mandating and formalizing such a process of checks and balances which would benefit the residents of Huntington, by making Town government more transparent, efficient, competitive and identify any conflicts of interests. The purpose was to assist the TOH and Town Comptroller to adhere to program standards, determine budget fluctuations and to maintain fiscal prudence. This process would determine and identify whether contractually agreed upon monies between the Town of Huntington and vendors or other entities are being spent as purported in accordance with the contract provisions.

Councilman Mark Mayoka's dedicated support of the United States military men and women serving our country, inspired many interested Huntingtonians wanting to serve and ‘do their part' for our military abroad. Through commencing many fundraisers dedicated to raise the necessary monies to make Lieutenant James Byler's home handicap accessible, Councilman Mayoka found a community of mothers, fathers, brothers, daughters and sons all wanting to become a helping hand. It is vital to the Town of Huntington to remember and honor our Huntington men and women who perished and thank all who bravely assisted.

Since 2006, Building Homes for Heroes, a charitable non-profit organization has been working at the forefront to make a significant difference in the lives of the severely wounded men and women of the United States military. Their dedicated organization, build homes from the ground up or modify existing homes to meet the needs of the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country. Their goal is to help restore the individual's freedom and enable the veteran to lead a more productive civilian life.

Born and raised in Huntington, first Lt. James Byler, an infantry platoon Commander with the Third Battalion, 5th Marines, Camp Pendleton, California was severely injured when he stepped on an improvised explosive device while leading his platoon on a dismounted patrol in the of a narrow alley in Northern Helmand Province, one of the deadliest provinces in Afghanistan. He was brought to safety by wheelbarrow by members of his loyal platoon and later awarded a Purple Heart. Lt. James Byler sustained serious injuries, losing both legs and fingers on each hand. Lt. James Byler demonstrates the true spirit and heart of what the United States of America represents. Despite his circumstances, Lt. Byler, who is currently at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C., continues to strive towards utilizing his prosthetic legs and starting his life anew.

Councilman Mayoka and the Huntington Tri-Village Baseball League hosted a Memorial Day welcome to Hometown Hero Lt. James Byler. Suffolk County's 2nd Precinct provided a police escort for Lt. James Byler and his family in a limousine to the Greenlawn Memorial Park, his former playing fields where the Town of Huntington awaited his arrival with flags waving. The 5 surrounding fire departments saluted his arrival with ladder trucks and an American Flag gracefully hanging over Pulaski road. The little league anxiously waited to see their hometown hero and Gabriella Mack sang God Bless America. Lt. James Byler threw out the first pitch for the Memorial Day game and over $14,000 was raised in raffle items throughout the day.

-Blue Sky Reign Fundraiser- Saturday, March 16, 2011 at 8:00PM, Gina and Dolan Angevine, two members of our committee started our fundraising activities at the Nags Head Ale House with their band Blue Sky Rein. The band was fantastic and many supporters showed up with great spirits and donations.

Councilman Mark Mayoka and the John W. Engeman Theater provided a special Broadway Concert Series event, benefiting Building Homes for Huntington Heroes. The Broadway show helped to raise the necessary money to carry out a major renovation and to make severely injured USMC Platoon Commander, First Lt. James Byler's home handicap accessible. It was a fantastic event hosted by Kevin O'Neil and the John W. Engeman Theatre and over $14,000 was raised to make the renovations possible.

Air Force Major Michael Gibbs and his son, First Class Boy Scout Thomas J. Gibbs, Troop 877 of Greenlawn met with Councilman Mayoka to volunteer to assist with Building Homes For Heroes and Lieutenant James Byler. It was not long before Major Michael Gibbs would be deployed for his second tour of duty to Balad, Iraq. His son, Thomas, along with the help of his mother, Jean, continued to help with fundraising efforts for Lt. James Byler by collecting and distributing donation boxes throughout storefronts in Huntington. Mrs. Eileen Katz and her daughter, Nicole from Girl Scout Troop 161 along with Kitty, Sarah, Emily, Sarin & Girl Scout Troop 161 moms came forward after reading about Councilman Mayoka's request for community outreach for Lt. James Byler and Building Homes For Heroes. It was under Eileen Katz's direction and love from the other moms, whereby Girl Scout Troop 161 teamed together and distributed over 45 donation boxes across Long Island in efforts to raise money for Lt. James Byler. Subsequent to many meetings and mapping of local vendors and storefronts, the girls were able to raise over $2,000. In collaborating the efforts between both dedicated groups, it was one day in Councilman Mayoka's office, where both Boy Scout Thomas Gibbs Troop 877 and the Girl Scouts of Troop 161 met and connected over their goals. It was then told by Thomas Gibbs to the Girl Scouts of Troop 161 that his father, Major Michael Gibbs and his entire Air Force Unit needed help. Thomas was upset due to the fact that his father's commissary in Balad, Iraq was being shut down and no supplies would be available to the United States Military men and women who were currently stationed there. Thomas described in detail that their basic needs were such that we took for granted here. They needed wet wipes, powder, insect repellant, gloves, deodorant, coffee, razors, foot spray, cotton clothing- calling cards. Councilman Mayoka's office was filled with mothers and daughters hugging and crying with Thomas and his mom, Jean. The package was put together with love and sent out immediately for an entire Air Force Unit, stationed in Balad, Iraq. It took one young man and a group of caring girls with devoted mothers and Operation Balad, Iraq was born.

On Saturday, October 22, 2011, a veterans tribute run, dedicated a figure eight course through the Town of Huntington. The race finished at Huntington Town Hall in the midst of 1,000 American flags raised to honor all of our veterans for the Veterans Day Holiday. The proceeds from the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk were donated to Huntington's Hometown Hero, Marin Lt. James Byler and Building Homes For Heroes.

-Sponsored resolution to establish September 11th as a Memorialized Day to honor the fallen victims of September 11th and create an Advisory Committee

To annually recognize and honor the fallen victims of September 11th who called the Town of Huntington their home.

On Sunday, September 11th, 2011, a special day was dedicated to severely wounded Marine Lieutenant James Byler and shared with local Long Islanders, Building Homes For Heroes and hosted by the Long Island Ducks Baseball Team. The 10th Anniversary of September 11th marked a critical date in the hearts of all those affected by such a tragic event. It was a somber day, remembered by all, to honor those lost on such a tragic day. It was a special day, shared by hundreds of families, veterans, boy scouts, girl scouts and military men and women in Central Islip at the Long Island Ducks Game. The Long Island Ducks Baseball Team honored and dedicated their baseball game to Lt. James Byler, whereby a percentage of the proceeds of the game was donated to assist Building Homes For Heroes in making Lt. James Byler's home handicap accessible.

Platoon Commander First Lt. James Byler attended the baseball game and was invited to throw out the first pitch. The local Huntington girl scouts and boy scouts were in attendance to serve, as color guards and the American Legion were also present at the game. The Kiwanis, local vendors and many supporters contributed towards buying tickets to support this endeavor.

The Blue Star mothers are an organization dedicated to providing support to military service members and their families. The members of the Blue Star mothers are those who have or have had children serving in the military. Chapter #6 hosts members from every area of Long Island, from Bellrose to Calverton, and Babylon to Northport. They are very involved in fundraising, Troop support, sending care packages, Veterans support, honoring our Gold star Families, community outreach programs, PTSD Awareness and many other programs that help our military community, On Sunday, October 9,20011, a fundraising event benefitting Lt. James Byler was held at Mulcahy's Pub & Concert Hall. Bands gratuitously played music, Blue Sky Reign and Justice rock Band, ventriloquist, Vince Dantona along with a vast silent auction with raffle items. The Blue Start Mothers raised over $10,000 in their fundraising efforts to benefit Lt. James Byler.

Councilman Mark Mayoka dedicates his time to assisting organizations in finding homes for animals in need of adoption. He continues to tirelessly work towards preventing the euthanizing of nonviolent animals within the shelters in the Town of Huntington.

He persists to look into new methods to improve the quality of life and care for the pets in the shelters.

Little Shelter has been working since 1927 to help save abandoned dogs and cats. There were hundreds of pets available for adoption at the event. They offer humane education classes for the community and an animal soup kitchen. For almost the last decade and a half, Pet-a-Palooza's tradition of celebrating animals has been an important and festive part of the Town of Huntington. Councilman Mark Mayoka shared a special day with Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center. On Sunday, August 21st, 2011 was Little Shelter's 14th annual Pet-a-Palooza. The event lasted all weekend and featured giveaways, face painting, dog contests and a Chinese auction. Councilman Mayoka stated, " I want to thank everyone on behalf of the Town of Huntington and all those community members who came out to give their support of Suffolk County's oldest humane organization. Thank you to everyone who was able to adopt a pet this weekend. By taking a loving animal into your home, you've done a wonderful thing."

Councilman Mayoka joined The League for Animal Protection on February 13, 2011 at Decker's Nursery for "My Furry Valentine' Animal Adoption.

Most recently, Mark has pioneered financial crisis planning for small business. He is the author of a monthly financial advice column in Cabling Business Magazine and recently wrote a book titled Financial Crisis Planning for Small Business, which received accolades from numerous business school deans. Mark is currently completing another book titled Financial Crisis Planning for Local Government. He is one of the original members of the Cold Spring Harbor Civic Association and is strongly committed to environmental issues. He lives in Cold Spring Harbor with his wife and two children who are all actively involved with the Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center in Huntington.