Saturday, June 14, 2025
Three newly elected and reelected officials have joined the Lynbrook Village Board, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to local government. Richard Fasano, Michael Habert, and Michael Hawxhurst each take on new roles with a focus on enhancing community safety, development, and services.
Richard Fasano was recently elected as the new Village Justice for Lynbrook, bringing over 16 years of legal experience to the role. Fasano, a former Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx County District Attorney's Domestic Violence Unit, has extensive experience handling violent felonies and homicides. Additionally, he served as a juvenile justice prosecutor in the NYC Law Department in Queens County.
Fasano, who holds a Juris Doctor degree from St. John's University Law School, has been actively involved in the legal system throughout his career, working on cases in high-pressure environments.
During the day, Fasano works for the New York City Law Department, handling interstate child support cases. In this role, he pursues unpaid child support claims for custodial parents living in New York City, even in cases involving international claims.
“I think [my experiences] helped develop that inherent sense of justice and fairness,” Fasano said. “And knowing what I know about criminal procedure and everything else, and having done it for so long, and knowing all of the ways in which it can be utilized and put into place fairly and equitably.”
In his new role, Fasano will preside over a range of cases, primarily dealing with traffic violations, village code breaches, and building code issues. He emphasizes that the Village Justice position, although part-time, is crucial in maintaining order and fairness within the community.
"It's important to approach each case with the appropriate level of seriousness," he said. "I will look at the specifics of each situation and aim to address issues in a way that upholds the integrity of our community while being mindful of people’s ability to comply with penalties."
In addition to his legal work, Fasano is active in his community. He is a devoted Lynbrook Titans Cheer Dad and remains deeply connected to the local area, which he describes as a major motivating factor for stepping into this judicial role.
"I'm excited to step into this role and to serve the people of Lynbrook," Fasano said. "My goal is to ensure that everyone in this community feels they have been treated fairly and that the rule of law is respected."
Trustee Michael Habert was successfully re-elected to the village board this year. A retired first-grade homicide detective with 26 years of service in the New York Police Department, Habert also brings his expertise as a trained hostage negotiator and former detective investigator with the Kings County District Attorney's Office.
Since 2023, he has been serving as a trustee, contributing significantly to various village initiatives, including the Lynbrook Cares Committee, the Zoning Appeals Board, and co-founding Lynbrook Oktoberfest.
Habert's journey into local government began unexpectedly in 2023 when he was appointed to the village board following the departure of former Trustee Laura Ryder, who was elected to the Assemblywoman seat.
“I’ve always wanted to be involved in local government because it’s the most hands-on and has the most immediate impact on residents,” Habert said. “I grew up here, and I want to be approachable and available to the people of this community.”
As trustee, Habert's focus has been on enhancing public safety, improving community services, and fostering growth in the village.
“Public safety is a priority,” Habert explained. “It’s about making sure our police and emergency services have the resources they need to protect our residents and respond quickly when needed.”
Habert is particularly proud of his work with the Lynbrook Cares Committee, which helps senior residents by removing snow from their driveways and performing small household repairs.
“We get a lot of young people involved, from high school to college students. It’s about teaching them the value of helping others and being there for each other,” Habert said. “Our seniors appreciate it, and it’s a great way to build a sense of community.”
In addition to his work with the Lynbrook Cares Committee, Habert has been actively involved in the Zoning Appeals Board, working closely with residents and businesses to address zoning issues and ensure that the community remains well-planned and developed.
“The building department is extremely busy, and they work hard to guide people through the zoning process,” he said. “It’s important to make sure our village continues to grow in a way that is beneficial to everyone.”
Habert also co-founded Lynbrook Oktoberfest, an annual event that brings the community together to celebrate local culture and support businesses along Atlantic Avenue.
“I’m proud to serve the community where I grew up,” he said. “It’s been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing to make Lynbrook a great place to live.”
Deputy Mayor Michael Hawxhurst was also re-elected as trustee after serving in the role since 2019. With over 30 years of experience as an internal audit director and a master’s degree in taxation from St. John’s University.
"My experience in finance and auditing has helped me work on the budget and ensure that we're providing services to the residents at the lowest possible cost," he explained. "Taxes are always a concern, and we need to balance providing services with minimizing tax burdens."
Hawxhurst, who has been a member of the village board for over 16 years, credits much of his success to teamwork and transparency.
"The biggest lesson I've learned is the importance of the teamwork of the board," he said. "We all have different responsibilities, and it's essential to work together to make sure that we're providing transparency to the residents."
As deputy mayor, Hawxhurst acts as a liaison for various departments, including the building department and the library. He also steps in when the mayor is unavailable.
One of the most gratifying aspects of the role, according to Hawxhurst, is the opportunity to help his neighbors. "Whether it’s answering a question or resolving an issue, it’s rewarding to know you’ve made a positive difference in someone's life," he said.
Hawxhurst identified three significant budget challenges that may not be immediately apparent to residents. The rising costs of garbage disposal and recycling, increasing benefit costs, and rising pension costs are among the key concerns.
"The cost of recycling has shifted from generating revenue to becoming a financial burden," he noted. "The closure of the Brookhaven landfill will also add to the cost of waste disposal."
Looking ahead, Hawxhurst is focused on development opportunities and balancing the needs of the community with fiscal responsibility.
"We’re always looking for ways to improve services and bring in additional revenue," he said.
There are also plans to expand recreational offerings, including adding lights to the soccer field on Ocean Avenue and exploring improvements at Greis Park.
"We're here to serve the residents, and I always make myself available to answer questions and help however I can," he said. "I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the board to improve Lynbrook for everyone."
