Valley Stream trustees seeking re-election

There will be at least two candidates on the ballot for the coming village trustee election, and their names should be familiar to Valley Stream residents. Incumbents John Tufarelli and Virginia Clavin-Higgins have announced their plans to run for re-election.

The United Community Party held its campaign kickoff on Jan. 29 at the American Legion Hall, rallying in support of its two candidates for the March 20 election. Tufarelli has served on the board for four years and is seeking his second full term. Clavin-Higgins is the board’s newest member, having been appointed in October to fill Ed Fare’s unexpired trustee term. Fare was elected mayor last March.

Tufarelli said that he is running again because he wants to continue to serve Valley Stream residents. “I think, in general, the quality of life is good,” he said, “and I hope to keep it good.”

He cited the village’s “beautiful” parks, and talked about new initiatives, such as the dog and skate parks, to enhance residents’ recreational opportunities. He said that the board remains committed to revitalizing Rockaway Avenue, as evidenced by the planned purchase of a building there to serve as a Village Hall annex.

Clavin-Higgins admitted that when she was appointed to the board, she wasn’t sure whether she would run for re-election. But her three months as a trustee have convinced her that she wants to continue her public service for at least another four years.

The daughter of the village’s first woman trustee, Rosanna Clavin, Clavin-Higgins said that her fellow board members — Fare, Tufarelli, Vincent Grasso and Dermond Thomas — are a pleasure to work with. They don’t always agree, she said, but are respectful of one another’s opinions. “That’s why we’re able to get a lot accomplished,” she said. “Because we talk it out.”

Since taking office, Clavin-Higgins said, she has given her card to many residents. When people have a complaint or concern, she wants them to get an answer. “It’s like every other job,” she said of being a trustee. “You have to be prepared. You have to be responsive to people.”