About Joe

Joe and his Mother

Dear Neighbors, 

I am honored to introduce myself as a candidate for the New York State Assembly in District 130. 

I am the proud son of Italian immigrants who came to the United States when I was six years old in search of opportunity and a better life. My parents taught me the value of hard work, personal responsibility, and perseverance. My father started as a barber before opening his own shop, and my mother worked long hours as a punch press operator. After school, I would go to my father’s barbershop to shine shoes and sweep floors. That small shop taught me the importance of showing up, earning respect, and taking pride in honest work.

Joe and his granddaughters

At 18, just before graduation, I was forced to leave home. Instead of giving up, I went to work, opened Lamanna’s Auto, and studied for my GED at Holy Family Church in Camillus, NY. That experience shaped who I am. It taught me resilience, humility, and what it means to build something from the ground up.

Over time, I worked my way up through Chrysler and later Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis, serving in engineering, quality, manufacturing, management, and strategic planning roles. My work took me across the country and around the world, where I helped improve strategic goals and business initiatives by improving efficiency, processes, supply chains and budgeting. After 34 years, I retired in 2018 after overseeing major projects and programs.

While working full time, I earned degrees in Engineering and Political Science, along with a Master of Business Administration. I am also the founder and president of Advanced Innovative Solutions; an engineering consulting firm focused on solving complex technical challenges.

Throughout my career, I also served in leadership roles with several UAW locals, representing engineering, clerical, and administrative professionals. As a union steward, chairman, president, and Community Action Program Chairman, I helped negotiate labor agreements, advocate for workers, and work with local, state, and federal officials on legislative advocacy that strengthen communities and protect American jobs.

Joe at UAW negotiations

Public service has always been personal to me. As a volunteer firefighter, I serve alongside my neighbors to help protect lives and property. I also serve on the Williamson Town Planning Board, Board of Assessment Review, and as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. These roles have shown me how important local decisions are to families, neighborhoods, farms, small businesses, and the future of our communities.

My wife, Suzie, and I are both originally from Syracuse where we met in the early 2000s; we have four adult children and six grandchildren. For the past decade, we have proudly called District 130 home. We were drawn here by the rural character, strong communities, and the beauty of Lake Ontario.

I believe District 130’s strength comes from the people who keep it running: farmers, small business owners, teachers, first responders, town workers, mechanics, construction crews, nurses, and retirees. You are the backbone of this district, and you deserve a representative who respects your work and listens to your voice.

I am not a career politician. I am a problem solver with real-world experience, a record of service, and a deep commitment to this community. I am running to protect the character of our towns, support responsible development, strengthen our economy, and make sure Wayne County and Webster is heard in Albany.

Joe and his wife Suzie

With your support, I will make sure District 130 is neither forgotten nor left behind by Albany. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous, and more united future for our communities. 

With hope and determination,

Joe