My name is Paul Whalen. My wife, Mary Jane, and I are writing in support of David Paterson’s reelection as Manhasset Park District Commissioner. The election will be held Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Bayview Avenue firehouse from 12 p.m. until 9 p.m.
By way of background: Mary Jane was born in North Shore Hospital and raised in Manhasset. We have been residents of the Village of Plandome Heights for over 25 years. I have been a trustee of the village, served on the Manhasset Community Fund Board and helped found the Mary Jane Davies playground. We are raising our five children here. We have a great interest in the continuing success of keeping Manhasset a thriving community.
I have known David, his wife and children, personally and through Christ Episcopal Church, for many years. He and I went together to help with the 9/11 rescues, after which he became an active member of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department. He has served continually since then for these 14 years.
After Super Storm Sandy, it was David who helped me with his “sawz-all” as he walked through the village assessing damage and helping other residents. David has served as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the Village of Plandome Heights for five years. Thus, he was a man well-prepared for the multiple blizzards he has since encountered as the Manhasset Park District Commissioner.
As to his record of service: in David’s first term, the park district has seen its largest increase in commuter, merchant and shopper parking in nearly 10 years with no raises in resident taxes or fees. Complaints and issues within park district properties have dropped dramatically. David has inspected park district lots literally thousands of times, at all hours, even at 3 a.m. in blizzard conditions. He even assisted in shoveling out commuters. There is much more than I can list here. His achievements and platform can be accessed at his website www.dpplays.com.
Please vote to keep our town moving in the right direction. On Tuesday, Dec. 8, vote to reelect David Paterson as Manhasset Park District Commissioner.
Paul C. Whalen, Esq.
