Village elections on tap for Lynbrook, East Rockaway

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Six village officials — three in Lynbrook and three in East Rockaway — are up for re-election on March 21.

In Lynbrook, Trustees Hilary Becker and Michael Hawxhurst are looking to remain in their positions on the village board, while William McLaughlin seeks another term as village justice. All three are running unopposed.

Becker said he has benefitted from living in Lynbrook for his entire life and called the schools, services and quality of life in the village “great.”

“My focus has always been on keeping our finances in order while providing the highest level of services possible,” Becker said. “We've accomplished these goals and many others, but as well as we've done, there is more that we can do, and there are even better days ahead for the residents of Lynbrook.”

Hawxhurst said he has been honored to serve and represent the residents, families, seniors, veterans and children of Lynbrook, and that he is humbled by his position.

“My goals are to keep working together, as a united board, and keep Lynbrook a thriving community that takes care of its residents in every sense of the word,” he said. “We are continuing with a revitalization second to none, and we truly are a family.”

McLaughlin, who was born and raised in Lynbrook, brings a lot of experience with him. He has had his own law firm in the village for 20 years.

“I enjoy my duties as village justice and feel that having a well run court contributes to the quality of life we enjoy in Lynbrook,” he said. “The court has an excellent staff led by Court Clerk Jacqueline Dubon.  They make my job much easier due to their efficiency and dedication.”

In East Rockaway, Deputy Mayor Theresa Gaffney is running for her second term, Steven Fried is seeking his first four-year term and Steve Siegel is looking for his second full term. Fried was appointed to temporarily fill Bruno Romano’s trustee spot when he became mayor.

Gaffney said the East Rockaway government is all about community and ensuring that a taxpayer-friendly philosophy is reached.

“We’ve been able to bring our ‘Community by the Bay’ back since Sandy slammed our shores,” she said, “and continue to keep taxes low, enhance and revitalize our downtown business district while building a top-notch recreation department that offers programs to residents of literally every age.”

Siegel graduated from the State University of New York at Albany in 1980 with a BA in psychology and went on to graduate from Hofstra University of Law with a Juris Doctor degree in 1982.