Meet Joe Alati

From Classroom to Community Leadership

My name is Joe Alati, and in 1997, my family and I decided to plant roots here in Mendon, NY—what we proudly call our forever home.

Throughout my life, I’ve had the opportunity to live in other parts of the country. I was raised in Rochester, but have also lived in Los Angeles, CA, as well as Lake Havasu, Phoenix and Flagstaff, Arizona. Each place offered unique perspectives, but none felt quite like Mendon—a place that immediately felt like home.

What drew us here, and what continues to inspire me today, is Mendon’s exceptional quality of life. The strong sense of community, the top-rated HF-L school district, and the peaceful, open landscapes are all part of what makes this town so special. It’s a place where neighbors look out for one another and where families thrive.

As a longtime resident, I care deeply about Mendon’s future. That’s why I’m running for Town Supervisor—to preserve what makes our town great while moving us forward with thoughtful, balanced progress. You can learn more about my community involvement below.

Community Involvement

I bring a well-rounded background rooted in both business and public service. For 12 years, I successfully operated a small business, gaining firsthand experience in managing payroll, budgets, taxes, and regulatory compliance. That experience taught me the importance of fiscal responsibility and long-term planning.

After transitioning from business to education, I dedicated over 30 years to serving students and families. I spent six years on the HF-L Program Budget Advisory Council and nine years on the HF-L School Board, where I also represented our district on the Monroe County School Board Association Legislative Committee. These roles provided valuable insight into state government and helped build relationships with key legislators. As a former teacher and President of the Teachers' Union, I've advocated for equity, fair budgeting, and meaningful policy changes—always with our community's best interests in mind.

  • The bottom line is that our residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent and where the Town Board is leading the Town of Mendon. Residents are tired of changing budget lines, broad and unclear budget categories, and obscure budget transfers that are not available for public review. Have you ever wondered why the Supervisor's report is not readily available to the public on the website?

    My commitment as Town Supervisor is to publish an annual budget detailing where your money is going. I believe that sunlight is a great disinfectant and will build on practices of openly sharing information, seeking public comment in the decision-making process, and facilitating a visible and understandable local government for our town.

    There does not seem to be any definitive or measurable action plan toward helping businesses in Mendon. It is unclear how the Comprehensive Plan for Mendon is being implemented. Where is the Mendon government leading the town of Mendon?

  • My second career as a teacher, spanning over three decades, fueled my passion for nurturing growth. Now, after a year and a half of retirement, I realize I still have much to contribute. Some might wonder why I'd re-enter public life through town politics rather than simply relax. The answer is simple: I find immense fulfillment in collaborative problem-solving. Complaining is unproductive; action is essential. My work is not finished. Mendon is a solid community, but with dedicated leadership and by working together, we can transform it into an exceptional place to live.

  • As a legislative representative from the HF-L School Board to the Monroe County School Board Association, I had many opportunities to meet with and help educate our political leaders while advocating for the needs of the community I represent.

  • I built my own home in Mendon, handling everything from laying hardwood and tile floors to installing crown molding, nailing over 8,000 cedar shingles, building custom porch ceilings, hanging chandeliers, running a new wall switch, and sweating copper pipe. It took plenty of blood, sweat, and tears to complete such a project. I have always believed that there is nothing we cannot do when we put our minds to it. I know how long it takes to build things, and I know how to build things with my hands and within a community.