James Oddo

James Oddo
Name	James Oddo
Birth date	12 January 1966
Birth place	New York City
Occupation	Politician
Party	Republican Party
Alma mater	Fordham University; College of Staten Island
Office	Borough President of Staten Island
Term start	2014
Term end	2021

James Oddo is an American politician who served as the Borough President of Staten Island from 2014 to 2021 and as a member of the New York City Council from 2002 to 2013. He is affiliated with the Republican Party and has been active in New York City local affairs, transportation issues, and fiscal oversight. Oddo has been a visible figure in municipal debates involving the MTA, Port Authority, and Metropolitan Transportation Authority funding and infrastructure.

Early life and education

Oddo was born in Staten Island and raised in the borough's Tompkinsville neighborhood near St. George and Richmond County. He attended local schools before earning degrees from Fordham University and the College of Staten Island. During his formative years he was exposed to civic life in neighborhoods adjoining New York Harbor and landmarks such as the Staten Island Ferry landing and Fort Wadsworth.

Early political career

Oddo began his political work with internships and staff positions for notable figures including service under Rudolph Giuliani and association with offices connected to United States Congress members from New York. He worked on campaigns and legislative staffs tied to councilmembers and borough officials, engaging with agencies like the New York City Department of Transportation and interacting with entities such as the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate. Early alliances connected him to political figures in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan as he established a base on Staten Island.

New York City Council (2002–2013)

Elected to the New York City Council representing Staten Island, Oddo joined other councilmembers from across New York City including representatives from Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan. On the Council he served on committees that interfaced with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York City Police Department, and the New York City Department of Education. He partnered with council leaders such as Michael Bloomberg-era officials and dealt with crises like responses to Hurricane Sandy and post-9/11 infrastructure planning. Oddo worked alongside colleagues from parties including the Democratic Party and independents, collaborating on budgets related to the New York City Comptroller audits and interactions with the Mayor of New York City office. His tenure overlapped with notable figures such as Ruth Messinger advocates, Christine Quinn debates, and engagements with unions like the District Council 37.

Staten Island Borough Presidency (2014–2021)

As Borough President of Staten Island, Oddo succeeded James Molinaro and focused on borough priorities including transportation, land use, and public safety. He coordinated with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on access projects, lobbied the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for service changes affecting the Staten Island Railway, and engaged with federal representatives from New York's congressional delegation on FEMA recovery funding. Oddo's office interacted with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation on parks such as Clove Lakes Park and with state agencies including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on coastal resilience. He also worked with nonprofit institutions like the Staten Island Museum and cultural partners such as the Staten Island Yankees (minor league baseball) and local chambers including the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.

2021 mayoral campaign and later activities

In 2021, Oddo sought the Republican nomination in the 2021 mayoral race, competing among candidates who engaged with debates about public safety and COVID-19 pandemic responses. The field included figures linked to Andrew Yang, Eric Adams, and other mayoral contenders from borough-based coalitions. Following the campaign he remained involved in civic organizations and advisory roles, interacting with elected officials in Albany, federal agencies including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and private-sector stakeholders such as real estate firms and transit advocacy groups.

Political positions and initiatives

Oddo emphasized priorities tied to infrastructure and public safety, frequently addressing issues with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York City Police Department, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He advocated for fiscal restraint in coordination with the New York City Council and the New York State Division of the Budget, engaged on debates over term limits policies, and promoted projects for resiliency in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Oddo took stances in line with the Republican platform on taxation and regulation, worked with community boards such as Staten Island Community Board 1 and Community Board 2, and negotiated with state lawmakers including members of the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate on land-use and zoning matters.

Personal life and community involvement

Oddo is part of local civic life on Staten Island, participating in events with institutions like Richmond University Medical Center and faith communities including local parishes. He has appeared at ceremonies with officials from the United States Navy and veterans' groups such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Oddo has engaged with educational institutions including the College of Staten Island and local public schools, and maintained relationships with nonprofit organizations including Project Hospitality and the Robin Hood Foundation through borough initiatives.

Category:People from Staten Island Category:New York (state) Republicans Category:New York City Council members Category:Borough presidents of Staten Island