Thursday, October 1, 2026
Members of the clergy within the Freeport community have been invited to attend a monthly meeting with Mayor Robert Kennedy and members of his staff at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 at Village Hall. The meetings provide an opportunity for clergy to discuss various subjects of interest to the community and their congregations, and receive answers from Village leadership.
Mayor Kennedy has consistently expressed willingness to answer any questions or concerns in real time from all who attend, and has done so in past meetings. For example, one clergy member who was concerned about permits for an upcoming fair in a parking lot this coming spring was able to have the permit process and the pros and cons of particular locations explained to them by the mayor and Village Attorney Rob McLaughlin.
“We want to make sure that entities have successful events,” Mayor Kennedy explained. “So, taking the time beforehand to discuss their concerns translates to a better, smoother-running event.”
During each clergy meeting, Mayor Kennedy invites a member of his administration to come and discuss what the responsibilities of their department and how the local government can assist with any clergy or congregational needs.
Other topics discussed were the 250th anniversary of the United States and how the various houses of worship could be involved. Harold Banarsee, pastor of the Church of God in Freeport, voiced his appreciation for the meeting after attending it for the first time.
“I think it is great having this meeting,” said Banarsee. “It is a great chance to understand how government works and also to get information out about what is going on with the clergy community.”
Banarsee was one of several attending clergy members who expressed interest in having their church be involved with the local celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Pastor Phil Prestamo of the Cornerstone Church, a regular attendee of the clergy meetings, also appreciates the time being carved out by Village leaders to host such meetings.
“They’ve been great meetings, and the Mayor has done a great job of making himself available,” Prestamo said. “We had a problem with a streetlight and the mayor sent someone over that day to take care of it. I don’t think people realize just how helpful it is to have this back and forth with the Mayor and his staff. We also get to hear about what is going on in the Village from his perspective.”
The meetings, which provide lunch meals, are open to all clergy from all religious congregations in Freeport. For more information, or to RSVP to one of the next meetings, please call the mayor’s office at 516-377-2252.
