Billg has served as a trustee of the North Merrick and Central High School districts for three decades -- yes, three decades. The good people of Bellmore and Merrick should erect a statue in honor of his lifetime of service to the schools.
But longevity isn't, by itself, reason enough to re-elect someone to the board. At times, apathy can set in with time. But Billig remains so active in the schools, attending numerous events and joining several committees not only in the district, but also in county and state school board groups. He's also smart and knowledgeable about education. He's a retired New York City guidance counselor who, before entering counseling, was a teacher for 10 years.
Billig is friendly, and during board meetings he often makes a special point of praising students for their good work. Norbert Billig is truly a special man.
Billig's opponent, John Rossi, is tough to ignore. He has three children in the school district, one of whom is a Calhoun High School senior, about to attend Iona College.
Rossi earned his bachelor's degree from St. John's and his master's from NYU in 1990. Shortly after earning his master's, he started his own successful tech company, which has an office in Merrick.
He's also heavily involved in Sacred Heart Church in North Merrick. He recently played a key role in helping the church raise $3 million to build a new house of worship. He is a past president of the Wenshaw Park Homeowners Association. He's a member of the Central District's Civility Committee, which was organized in the wake of the Mepham High sex-abuse scandal, and was among the first members of Bellmore-Merrick Parents for Change, the advocacy group that also formed after the scandal.
Rossi is highly personable. We like him. But we must recognize the enormously important hand that Norbert Billig has played in raising education standards in the North Merrick School District by offering him our endorsement. Vote Norbert Billig.
