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A Few Clouds Three seek Sani2 seat
A trio of Baldwin residents are seeking a single seat on the Sanitary District 2 Board of Commissioners this week. Incumbent Dennis Meekins is facing challengers Ralph Rose and James Major in the election, which will be held on Thursday from 2 to 10 p.m.
Residents served by Sani2 must vote in the communities where they live. Roosevelt, Uniondale and Freeport residents will vote at the Queen of the Holy Rosary church, at 196 W. Centennial Ave. in South Hempstead, and Rockville Centre voters will head to the William S. Covert School, at 379 Willow St. in South Hempstead. Baldwin voters will cast their ballots at the Sani2 offices, at 2080 Grand Ave. For more election information, see sani2.com.
Dennis Meekins, incumbent
A lifelong resident of the Sani2 service area, Meekins was a member of the Board of Commissioners that distinguished itself during the cleanup after Hurricane Sandy. Since his election in 1998, Meekins says, he has been committed to “giving the residents and businesses of Baldwin, Roosevelt and South Hempstead top-quality service” as well as maintaining low costs. Among the district’s accomplishments during Meekins’s term are the introduction of e-cycling, the implementation of a graffiti removal program and the construction of community flower boxes.
Ralph Rose, challenger
Rose is a community activist, a co-president of the Chamber of Commerce, president of Kiwanis and an active volunteer firefighter. “Volunteering is the backbone of a strong community,” he said, adding, “Baldwin needs all of us to join something.”
Rose said he believes the recent school budget votes indicate that it is time to cut back on spending, and that the current commissioners are not held sufficiently accountable for their expenditures. They use district vehicles too frequently for personal purposes, he claimed, and he said that the district should “stop paying full-time health benefits to part-time employees.” He promises that, if elected, he will change operating procedures.
James Major, challenger
A lifelong Roosevelt resident, Major has worked for the New York City government for more than 20 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and finance from Adelphi University, and works in the finance department of the New York Housing Authority.
Major says his campaign is motivated by his desire to see increased diversity on the board of Sani2. He also wants to help generate sound budgets and increase communication between residents and the sanitation department. The board, he said, should consist of “a representative from each town, so all voices can be heard.” Major said he would be an open, fiscally responsible commissioner, and that he hoped to be a force for positive change in the district.
