WITH ELECTION DAY APPROACHING, SLATE OF THREE INCUMBENTS SCHMOOZE WITH VOTERS AT SEA CLIFF MEET AND GREET
January 20, 2017 -- At a candidate Meet and Greet event held this past Thursday evening at the home of Sea Cliff residents Peggie and Phil Como, incumbent Mayor Ed Lieberman, and Trustees Dina Epstein and Jeff Vitale schmoozed with about 40 of their constituents and spoke of what they’ve done and what they plan to do as they head into this year’s election season. The three, who received the endorsement of the Sea Cliff Civic Progress Party earlier this month, are running as a slate.
Mr. Como, welcoming the guests, praised former Mayor Bruce Kennedy’s work as the Village’s top elected official and introduced the three candidates, describing the current board as “outstanding a board as we’ve ever had.” Mayor Lieberman, who was appointed by the Village Board to his post after Mr. Kennedy stepped down as mayor, said that he wanted to continue in the direction that his predecessor had taken the Village, and “build upon the vibrant, progressive family oriented approach.” “Something’s happening in Sea Cliff,” he said. And directing his remarks at Mr. Kennedy, “Whatever you did, it’s happening.” He said he would like to see the village establish close relationships with youth organizations, “coordinating with the Little League and other groups.” As for the administration of the Village, he said it was in solid shape, with the Village earning a score of “zero fiscal stress,” on its annual State Comptroller’s report card. Trustee Dina Epstein, who was first elected in 2015, highlighted her work as the Board’s liaison to the Tree Commission, Landmarks Commission, and Environmental Conservation Committee, which constructed the Butterfly Garden at Marden Triangle this past summer. She said she wanted to work towards encouraging residents to compost, and to address issues such as traffic congestion and Hempstead Harbor’s water quality. She continued that it has been an honor for her to serve as a trustee, and characterized the current board as a group with a diversity of opinions that works well together. “We have lively exchanges,” she said. “We challenge each other.” Trustee Jeff Vitale, 32, was appointed to the Board by Mayor Lieberman this past November to complete his term as Trustee. A local Republican Party activist, Mr. Vitale was tapped by the Nassau County GOP to run on its line against Assemblyman Charles Lavine this past November. A lifelong resident of Sea Cliff and graduate of North Shore High School, Trustee Vitale touted his roots to the community as well as his work as a grant writer for the government of the Town of Oyster Bay. He said that he would use that skill set to help the village “liaison with various government agencies” and to advise the board on what grants are available for various projects. In addition to the three incumbents, long-time resident Joe Krupinsky has announced that he also will be seeking one of the two Trustee’s seats that are on the ballot. It will be the first contested Village Board election in several years. Nominating petitions for those residents wishing to run for office can be picked up at Village Hall and are due back with the required number of signatures in early to mid February. Under state law, petitions in villages with populations numbering between 3,000 and 5,000, require signatures of 75 qualified voters, and for villages with populations greater than 5000, 100 signatures are needed. Sea Cliff's population according to the 2010 census is 4995. BACK TO WEEKLY |
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