Concerned Citizens say farewell in Rockville Centre

As three newly elected RVC United Party members formally took office Tuesday, three outgoing members of the Concerned Citizens Party — former Mayor Mary Bossart and former trustees Charles Joyce and David Krasula — were forced to leave their posts behind. But that wasn’t before each had a chance to say goodbye to the public one last time at the village board meeting on June 28.

Bossart, who lost to Francis X. Murray in the June 21 election, has been involved in village government over the past 12 years and has spent the last 22 devoted to political efforts in Rockville Centre. She described her one term as mayor as “an incredibly unique opportunity in public service.” Bossart has lived in the community ever since her parents moved here in 1960, and she expressed mixed feelings as she said farewell last week. “Every year, June brings some type of commencement,” said Bossart, an attorney who became the first female mayor in village history in 2007. “Elections are very much like commencements. It marks the beginning of a new phase in life, and that’s the case for the village.”

While she expressed disappointment over the election loss, Bossart said she has accepted the outcome: “The village election results are not as perhaps some of us preferred them to be, but the voters have spoken and we understand that this is how power is transferred in our government.”

During her closing remarks, Bossart welcomed the new officials joining the board, and said she will still try to serve the community in a different capacity. Joyce presented her with a bouquet of flowers as a token of the board’s appreciation for her four years as mayor.

Joyce, who did not run for re-election due to personal reasons, held back tears as he offered his closing remarks to the public. “It was my pleasure to serve this village,” he said. “Thanks to all the residents who allowed me this opportunity.”