Family History Joe Acocella's family has a long history in Harrison that goes back over 70 years. His grandfather, Angelo Acocella purchased one of the first pieces of property on what was then called Nanny Goat Hill for his garden over seventy years ago. The land today is now in the heart of the Brentwood section of Harrison. His uncle, Pete Acocella married soon after and built his home on a part of that property. Pete owned a construction company in Harrison and was a long standing member of the Knights of Columbus. In 1963, Joe's father, Joe Acocella Sr. along with his other brother Pat Acocella opened a garden center on Mamaroneck Avenue in Harrison called Acorn Farms which is still family owned to this day. In 1972, Joe's grandfather Angelo, Uncle Pete and father Joe Sr. built his home on the remaining portion of the garden property in the Brentwood section of Harrison. Soon after, Joe Sr. began working for the Town/Village of Harrison Sanitation Department where he recently retired from. Joe Sr. is also a long standing member of the Knights of Columbus as well as the Cabot Club. Early Life Joe Acocella Jr. was born on July 14th 1981 and is the youngest of four children. Joe was born with Lumbar Sacral Agenesis which led to both of his legs being amputated when he was three years old. Although he was born with a disability, he never let it dictate his life. He was taught from a young age by his family that he even though he was in a wheelchair he should stand up for what he believed in for himself and for others. Joe's mother, Marie played a crucial role in his life. Her biggest battle was to have him attend Harrison's public schools, which back then were not thought of as being feasible. She won her fight and Joe started his elementary career at Harrison Ave School. Due to handicap accessibility restrictions Joe moved to another Harrison school at the end of his third grade year and finished his elementary school career at Purchase Elementary in 1993. Sadly, he did it without his mother present; she passed away from heart complications in June of 1992. Joe realized it was up to him to continue the work his mother started and to expand on what she taught him. Public Service Joe began getting involved in student government during his middle school years and by the time he was a senior year in high school he had been elected Student Body President four times. After he graduated from Harrison schools in June of 2000, he went on to Fordham University. During this time, he also worked for the Harrison recreation department advocating for infrastructure changes and working to keep more summer and after school programs open for the children of Harrison. In the spring of 2002, Joe was chosen by the Fordham Political Science department to take part in a semester long program studying U.S. government in Washington, DC. It was there he met with members of three Presidential administrations, Governors, members of congress and Supreme Court Justices. During his off hours of studies he interned for Governor George E. Pataki in the New York State Office of Federal Affairs researching federal legislation. Joe returned from Washington in June of 2003 and was selected by the office of the Fordham University President to serve as an Ambassador for the school. During his term he met with parents and potential students from all over the country discussing what Fordham was looking for in a student and what they were looking for in a University. He also met frequently with Fordham engineers and security personnel to address major handicap restrictions on the grounds. In May 2004 Joe graduated from Fordham in 2004 after majoring in Political Science. After returning home to Harrison to seek employment he was offered a position working for the Harrison Police Department in the records division, when the need arose, Joe took on the task to research and implements a new software program which currently handles the departments scheduling needs. In May of 2005, Joe continued his public service career by being elected the youngest member to the Harrison Board of Education. During his tenure on the Board, Joe made it his number one priority to open doors to all students despite their circumstances. His unwavering commitment to the residents of Harrison and betterment of the community is consistent with his record of public service. In November of 2007 Joe was elected the youngest Town Clerk in the State of New York. Joe has committed his work to not only helping his own constituents but broadening his work to help others throughout the world. His recent work has been focused on communicating with U.S. soldiers currently serving in the Middle East to boost morale and working with local animal shelter to stop the cruel practice of puppy mills. Since he took office in January, Joe has also spoken at several Schools and Children's hospitals around the state to discuss how he has overcome obstacles to get where he is today. In December of '08, Joe recieved the Chamber of Commerce "Person of the Year' award. NYS Assemblymen Adam Bradley and Greg Ball issued proclamations on behalf of NYS and Westchester County Legislator Martin Rogowsky proclaimed December 15th "Joseph Acocella Jr. Day" in Westchester County. In May of '08, Joe recieved the NYS Assembly Excelsior Award for Excellence in Albany forhis work on organ & tissue donation awareness. Joe is a member of the Elks Club and Rotary International.