Jim Bona Answers Our Questions:
What is your personal story?
I was born downstate in Westchester County, Eastchester to be exact. I grew up there and attended public school – Eastchester High School. I was very active, belonging to assorted musical groups, like concert band, jazz band, marching band, chorus, and Madrigal choir.
I was also on various sports teams. And I was very active in the Boy Scouts and Order of the Arrow, being both an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member. Scouting even occupied my summer vacations, working on the staff of the local council’s summer camp, Camp Waubeeka, in Copake, NY. It was scouting that got me into many of the hobbies I still enjoy: hiking, camping, backpacking, cooking for both small and large groups, and photography.
I applied to Colgate and immediately fell in love with Hamilton when I came here for my campus visit and interview. I was accepted and enrolled as a freshman in 1971. After four years and a degree, I couldn’t leave just yet and found local employment and stayed for two more years before leaving to go to graduate school, where I earned a M.Div, the three year theological degree..
After living in New York City for ten years and experiencing job burnout, I decided to relocate with my family to a place I knew well and love dearly. I have been here ever since. Elvia and I have two grown daughters who went to school in Hamilton.
I have been working at Colgate for twenty years in the Information Technology Department doing classroom and public event audio-visual support.
Why do you want to serve again as Village Trustee?
In the past two years, as village trustee, I have had the pleasure to serve with the mayor, Sue McVaugh, and trustee Suzanne Collins. We make a good team, working together with Republicans Carl Albrecht and Margaret Miller.
My areas of responsibility have been as liaison for the mayor and the board to the recreation commission, historical commission, the farmer’s market, and the village library. In all of this I have worked with many people who volunteer on these committees and are working tirelessly. They continuously offer kind words to make Hamilton the great place that it is. Without their hard work, we wouldn’t even be here.
During these two years I have learned much about local government and I am willing to offer myself to serve for another term, if you re-elect me.
[ Back to Top ] 5/29/09