Voters approve FSPL budget, welcome new trustee

Voters on April 23 approved Franklin Square Public Library’s proposed $2.33 million budget for 2014-15, and welcomed Janet Carfora to the board of trustees.

The approved budget, which passed by a vote of 195 to 62, is approximately $33,500 more than the amount for the current year, and is within the state tax cap. Carfora will begin a five-year term on July 1, and will replace Francis Ammendolea, who served on the board for six years. Carfora, who received 95 votes, defeated Reinette Krajci, who received 61 votes, Gertrude Cucciniello, who received 57 votes, and Paul Varughese, who received 45 votes.

Carfora was born in Brooklyn and has lived in Franklin Square since 1999. She has volunteered at Hillside Public Library in New Hyde Park and said that those experiences will help her bring a “unique perspective” to the Franklin Square Public Library.

“Being around the library consistently exposed me to the many complex issues that our library faces every day,” she said. “Our library is a vital force in the community and needs to be preserved for many years to come.”