by Jerry Burke
The budget that Franklin Square residents will be voting on in June amounts to just over $24 million. The budget to budget increase from last year is 7.5 percent. The Elmont budget increased 7.9 percent from last year, coming to $50.5 million.
Sewanhaka Central High School District's budget comes to $109 million, an increase of 7.9 percent from last year. West Hempstead residents will see the budget increased 5.18 percent from last year, bringing it to just under $40 million.
In Elmont, incumbent Joy Madera is being opposed by Patrick Nicolosi, and Ken Williams' seat is being contested by Sam Glaser. Both elections are for three-year terms. Lorraine Ferrigno will be running unopposed for Lillian Carillo's empty seat. Carillo, whose term expires in June of 2004, resigned earlier this year.
Former West Hempstead school board member Philip Frank's seat was also left vacant when he moved out of the area this year. Douglas Rodriguez, Davis Whelpley, Jerrold Koznesoff and Scott Snyder are all running for this one-year term. Incumbent James Mariano is running uncontested for another three-year term, while incumbent Carole Rilling will be opposed by Walter Ejnes.
Dr. Roger Roess and Audrey Hulsart are running again to renew their three-year terms in Franklin Square. Both seats are uncontested.
The Sewanhaka School Board comprises representatives of the Elmont, Franklin Square, Floral Park and New Hyde Park elementary school boards. The representatives do not run in an election, but rather are appointed to their seats. The representatives from Franklin Square and Elmont will remain the same next year.
Valley Stream School District 13 has four seats up for election. Bill Stris will run unopposed for his own seat, and Jeanne Greco Jacobs is running unopposed for the seat vacated by the retiring Harris Dinkoff. Also retiring will be Valerie Clerico, and with two years left on her term, Debra Ann Evens, James Dranco and Dr. Marie Connelly will run in a three-way race. Incumbent Bvnmi Ojugbele will face challenger Anthony Lombardo.
Polls in Elmont open early at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. Voters should go to their local elementary school - Alden Terrace, Clara H. Carlson, Covert Avenue, Dutch Broadway, Gotham Avenue or Stewart Manor. Voters will also decide on the Sewanhaka High School District budget.
Franklin Square School District voters are asked to come to the polls between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. at their local elementary schools of John Street, Washington Street or Polk Street. Voters will also decide on the Sewanhaka High School District budget.
Residents of West Hempstead can vote on Tuesday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. at the West Hempstead High School gymnasium.
District
Elmont
Franklin Square
Sewanhaka
West Hempstead
2002-03 Budget
$46,829,585
$22,472,765
$101,427, 655
$38,013,036
2003-04 Budget
$50,523,292
$24,158,689
$109,478,175
$39,983,338
Percent change
7.88
7.5
7.93
5.18
