As part of our ongoing election coverage, The Farmingdale Observer will feature profiles of all three candidates vying for the position of Village Trustee in the 2014 local elections on March 18.
Cheryl Parisi
Village Of Farmingdale Trustee
Status: Incumbent
Education: Graduate of Farmingdale High School
Work Experience: Own and operate a graphic arts business in the Village of Farmingdale since 1980
Political Affiliation: Green Leaf
Past Political Experience: Village Trustee for the past six years
Q: What are the first three things on your legislative agenda if you win?
For the past six years, I have worked diligently to revitalize Main Street, help our residents and improve our quality of life. We have received approval from NYS Dept. of Transportation to create right hand turning lanes from Main Street onto Conklin Street, going north and south, allowing traffic to move more freely along Main Street. We are in the process of preparing to go out to bid on this project. In creating a walkable downtown, we have been working with Nassau County to create bump outs in three areas of Main
Street. This will allow pedestrians to see oncoming traffic without stepping into the road. This program is slated to start in April and will be completed, again, with grant funds. We have also applied for grant funding to refurbish parking lots #2 and #4. The parking lots have been in need of a total overhaul for some time and securing grant funds to finance this has been a priority. The cost of the project is approximately $1.7M. Funding for new signage in the parking lots improving the flow of traffic has been received. This will allow our residents as well as newcomers to the Village to easily find all parking lots within the downtown area. By alleviating confusion, it will help our merchants with accessible parking. We constantly work to find grant money for all Village projects. Reducing the burden on our taxpayers remains a priority.
Q: In communities such as Farmingdale, there has been a big push to bring in new retail businesses to the village’s Main Street. If elected, what would you do to help businesses to flourish downtown?
In the past two years, vacancies have gone from 26 to 3 on Main Street. We have created a Downtown Mixed Use code that provides for residential over retail space, allowing for smaller businesses in reduced square footage. We have been successful applying for and being awarded grant money to help our merchants with new signs, awnings and lighting. I would continue to apply for grants to fund seating areas with benches and landscaping creating an inviting walkable Main Street. Additional grant funds are being sought to enhance the rear of our stores, creating an environment for outdoor dining and an attractive entrance from our parking lots.
Q: With budget season on the horizon, what do you propose the village do to keep spending low—within the 2 percent tax levy cap—while maintaining existing services?
As we have done for the past six years, we scrutinize where we spend our money. In 2008/2009 our operating budget was $5,665,544. Since that time we have brought our operating budget below that amount with our present operating budget at $5,557,015.
Over the last six years our average increase has been less than 1.47%. We continue to maintain all services by creating an efficient and cohesive Department of Public Works and an office staff that is there for our residents.
Q: What would you do differently than your opponent if elected Trustee?
Six years ago I ran on a platform to keep taxes low, improve the quality of life for Farmingdale residents by listening to their concerns. You can judge my competence through my accomplishments. My extensive knowledge of Village issues was accumulated over a decade by attending board meetings, prior to being elected to the Village board. Each Village board faces issues that are unique to its residents and I will continue to have the best interest of the Village residents by listening to their concerns, safeguarding their property values and by making Farmingdale a destination for all to enjoy.
Patricia A. Christiansen
Village Of Farmingdale Trustee
Status: Incumbent
Education: Associate Degree, SUNY Farmingdale
Political Affiliation: Green Leaf Party
Q: What are the first three things on your legislative agenda if you win?
I plan to continue to work alongside with the Mayor and fellow Trustees to accomplish our goals of maintaining low taxes, revitalization of our downtown, and persisting in our efforts to secure grant funding to provide park and streetscape improvements without using taxpayer funds. It is also essential that we develop a plan to provide for the repaving of roads and parking lots as well as the replacement of outdated fire and public works equipment.
Q: In communities such as Farmingdale, there has been a big push to bring in new retail businesses to the village’s Main Street. If elected, what would you do to help businesses to flourish downtown?
The recent influx of new businesses has gained the attention of many out of Village consumers.I believe it is important for the village government to continue to promote activities and events that will influence people to visit and enjoy all that our Village has to offer. It is compulsory that properties be well maintained, seasonal decorations are attractive, and website information is up to date.
Q: With budget season on the horizon, what do you propose the village do to keep spending low—within the 2 percent tax levy cap—while maintaining existing services?
Establishing the annual Village Budget and keeping spending within budget lines is a priority. There must be a constant and rigorous overview of budgeting details in an effort to identify, debate and act upon any inefficiencies and/or wasteful spending. All
Village Department supervisors work with the Board of Trustees to establish the budget and all are cognizant of the necessity to keep within the budget while maintaining the services our residents expect and deserve. It is not an easy task since there are many mandated requirements, however, over the past six years, spending has decreased while services have not.
Q: What would you do differently that your opponent if elected Trustee?
I have not read or heard of any forthcoming plans from my opponent. Rather than do anything differently, I would prefer to stay on the same path of serving the needs of our residents, listening to suggestions from all, maintain transparency in all that we do, and continue to strive to improve upon that which our residents have come to expect from their elected officials.
Craig Rosasco
Status: Challenger
Education: Hofstra/Touro College of Law
Work Experience: Attorney and Business Owner
Political Affiliation: Renaissance Party
Q: What are the first three things on your legislative agenda if you win?
My top priority is keeping taxes low so that all Village residents can continue to live here and enjoy the great things this Village has to offer. As a lifelong Daler, I am fully aware of the great quality of life here in the Village, and I want to help to protect that.
Monitoring the ongoing development in our downtown is also a high priority of mine, as is encouraging positive development throughout the Village. Additionally, I would like to explore opportunities that exist with regards to the Water District.
Q: In communities such as Farmingdale, there has been a big push to bring in new retail businesses to the Village’s Main Street. If elected, what would you do to help businesses to flourish downtown?
I would continue to encourage positive economic development on Main Street and throughout the downtown. Growing up in this community I understand the importance of proper development that fits in our suburban neighborhood. I would work to find that balance.
Q: With budget season on the horizon, what do you propose the Village do to keep spending low—within the 2 percent tax levy cap—while maintaining existing services?
Taxes are at the forefront of everybody’s mind. I would look for ways to thin spending at Village Hall while maintaining services for all residents. I want to work to ensure that our young people can afford to stay here. I also want to make sure our hard working taxpayers get the quality of life they deserve from our Village, and help our senior residents be able to live out their golden years in Farmingdale. Keeping expenses low is a top priority, balanced with maintaining essential services for all residents.
My plan is to help taxpayers hold onto their hard earned money by keeping a watchful eye on how the Village spends its money. I think my experience as a business owner, as well as my legal background, will be a tremendous benefit to getting this accomplished.
I am fiscally conservative, however I understand the value of maintaining the essential services in the village for all residents.
Q: What would you do differently than your opponent if elected Trustee?
I believe my legal experience, as well as my experience as a business owner, will enable me to fight for the people of Farmingdale and their quality of life while bringing a fresh perspective to the board. As an attorney, I listen to people on a daily basis and fight to have their voices heard in court. I will bring the same listen first and advocate second policy to Village Hall. Furthermore, I will work hard to bring the proper balance between appropriate development in our downtown and the suburban neighborhood we all cherish.
