Thursday, October 1, 2026
Residents of the Village of Lawrence will head to the polls on June 16 to elect village officials in the first election held under a newly adopted term structure that extends elected terms from two years to four years while limiting officials to two consecutive four-year terms.
Mayor Samuel Nahmias and Trustees Aaron Felder and Steve Gottesman are all seeking re-election and running unopposed. If elected, each will serve four-year terms under the revised village law, which was approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees earlier this year.
“Your employees are the most critical thing to the village infrastructure, and they need to know there is stability in their government,” Nahmias said. “In order to finish initiatives, you need the time to do so.”
Nahmias, who was first elected mayor in 2024, said he is seeking another term to continue projects that began during the current administration. He cited public safety enhancements, infrastructure improvements and long-range planning efforts among his priorities.
“Our mission isn’t over,” Nahmias said. “We have more to deliver to the community with security cameras, enhanced security, beautification programs and bringing the community back to the core basics of what it should be. It’s no fighting, just delivering.”
Among the initiatives he highlighted are the installation of security cameras throughout the village, the creation of a command center linked to Nassau County police, additional road repaving projects and a coordinated infrastructure plan with utility providers.
Nahmias said village officials have worked with Liberty Water and National Grid to synchronize water main replacements and utility upgrades with future road paving projects.
“Lawrence has one of the oldest water infrastructures,” he said. “This is something that the community has constantly complained about. In the next four years, the Village of Lawrence’s water is going to be clean. It’s not going to be orange.”
He also pointed to ongoing improvements at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club, including plans for expanded event facilities and lodging accommodations, as well as a FEMA-funded dredging project.
Felder, who has served one term as trustee and currently serves as deputy mayor, said his roots in Lawrence run deep. A resident for nearly 50 years, he owns several healthcare-related businesses and a residential real estate company.
“My favorite part about being a trustee is being able to serve my friends, neighbors and all residents in helping to improve our collective quality of life in a place we all share and love,” Felder said.
He said he is seeking re-election because several initiatives remain unfinished and because experienced leadership is important for maintaining efficient government operations.
“There is so much on our agenda that still needs to be effectuated,” Felder added. “Having people on the Board of Trustees that have an intimate knowledge of the village and its residents’ needs, as well as strong business backgrounds, is extremely helpful in making village government run smoothly, effectively and in a fiscally responsible way.”
If re-elected, Felder said he plans to focus on public safety, beautification efforts and infrastructure improvements throughout the village.
He also credited his late father, former Lawrence Mayor C. Simon Felder, as his inspiration for public service.
“My example for public service has always been my father,” Felder said. “I hope to continue to have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and devote my time and efforts.”
Gottesman, a mortgage finance professional who has lived in Lawrence since 1995, said the past two years have reinforced his commitment to serving the village.
“I love the village, and I wanted to give back all the wonderful things that I have received from it,” Gottesman said. “These two years have flown by. I feel like I’m only just getting my feet wet.”
Gottesman said one of the most rewarding aspects of serving as a trustee has been addressing everyday quality-of-life concerns, from overgrown vegetation and street lighting issues to sanitation and public works matters.
“It’s the little things that affect people’s daily lives,” he said. “Those are the things people appreciate the most because they see the difference every day.”
He said the board has worked collaboratively to improve village operations and finances while fostering a more positive atmosphere in local government.
“What we have done in two short years, we know how much more we can do in the future,” Gottesman said. “We want to make Lawrence cleaner, make things run better and improve the quality of life for everyone who lives here. We want people to be proud to say they live in Lawrence.”
Voting will take place on June 16, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club, 101 Causeway, Lawrence.
