Village of Mineola board trustees Paul Pereira and Paul Cusato were officially installed to their four-year terms last week, at a ceremony attended by family, friends and residents.
The two incumbents beat out challengers John Colbert and Larry Werther on April 15, in the village’s first contested election since 2013.
Mayor Scott Strauss introduced the installation ceremony on Monday, April 4, noting that the village has faced several challenges over the last several years. “Each one was dealt with and worked through as a team, a team who at times has different views, but at all times has the best interests of our village at the forefront,” Strauss said. “A team that knows the value of working together.”
It’s this collaborative spirit that has helped ensure the board—and in turn the village’s—success.
“Because of their ability to work together and their hard work, dedication and commitment to getting it right, the village of Mineola will continue to grow and prosper,” Strauss said. “The future of Mineola is brighter than it has ever been.”
Strauss swore in Pereira, who has been on the board since 2008 and has served as deputy mayor since 2011. Pereira thanked the community for their support and said that he was committed to keeping the village on the right track.
“I will continue to work diligently to keep this village I’ve called home on the path of smart growth, transit oriented development, and more importantly, on the path of fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability,” Pereira said.
While downtown development was a major role in the factor in the election, Pereira noted that it was about more than that.
“This was a referendum on leadership, fiscal policy, budgeting practices, services and infrastructure, and vision for our village,” Pereira said. “Residents see this administration has faced challenges. But we are at a good place with good people at the helm.”
Hon. Scott Fairgrieve swore in trustee Paul Cusato, who returns for his seventh term. He said while some had tried “scare tactics,” to sway the minds of voters, residents had the final say.
“I am honored to receive your support and vote of confidence,” Cusato said. “Over these past 12 years, I’ve always tried to do my best, listened to residents, reacted to their opinions and tried to do the best I could. Over the next four years, I will do what you expect me to do.”
He noted the community leaders and workers who had helped build up Mineola into the community it was, saying he and the board would continue the great work they had done.
“This board will continue to build on that foundation and move our village in a positive direction,” Cusato said.
