The Hon. Stephen Mahler, mayor of the Village of Atlantic Beach and president of the Nassau County Village Officials Association (NCVOA), has appointed Angel Soto, mayor of the Village of South Floral Park, to the NCVOA Executive Committee. The NCVOA represents 64 incorporated villages with 431,000 residents.

As a member of the Executive Committee, Mayor Soto will assist with the organization's governance, including planning policy and advocating for issues impacting Nassau County village residents.

"I am extremely pleased that Mayor Soto has accepted his appointment to the NCVOA Executive Committee," Mayor Mahler said. "He has been active in the NCVOA and we will benefit from his expertise and dedication as a respected village mayor."

Upon his appointment, Mayor Soto, said, "It is an honor for me to be selected to the NCVOA Executive Committee. Village government is the government closest to the people - the most efficient and effective vehicle for delivering services to residents. The NCVOA has played an integral role in advocating for village residents. I look forward to working with all village officials in ensuring that we continue to be a strong voice for our residents, both in Nassau County and the State of New York."

Currently serving in his first term as mayor, he previously served two four-year terms as village trustee. Mayor Soto also serves as chairman of the Village Office of Emergency Management.

A 30-year resident of South Floral Park, Mayor Soto has been active in many civic and fraternal organizations. He was a founding member of a civic association and served as its treasurer for three years. Former Little League and soccer coach, he is leader of a marriage preparation program (pre-Cana) at St. Vincent DePaul Roman Catholic Church and is a member of the Latino Pride Day Committee.

A Vietnam veteran, Mayor Soto is a member of the American Legion Post 1033 in Elmont, where he serves as assistant adjudicator and chairman of the Boys' State Committee and Oratorical Program. Named 2001 Legionnaire of the Year, he also is the recipient of the Town of Hempstead Veteran medal.

Mayor Soto and his wife, Elva, have been married for 36 years and have two children.