By Karen Barone
The major buzzword around this election has been fiscal responsibility. Hennessy, a proven "money-man," believes one of the most important function the village board serves is creating a responsible budget. Hennessy said he feels Panzarella does not give the budget the time it deserves in order to serve the people best.
"I believe you have to give the budget all you can, with vision for the future and the current needs of the people being met," said Hennessy. "I believe the mayor should control the budget and give back to the people as best one can."
Admittedly, less budget driven than his opponent, Panzarella contends that the budget is only a one month concern out of a full year, and he is proud of the year he brought in a zero increase budget. Panzarella said while he isn't necessarily budget focused, he is money conscious and spends a lot of time searching out grants for the village. "I'm doing things that need to be done," said Panzarella.
Panzarella's approach to running local government is one of flexibility and concern for the day to day operations of the village. "Government should not be here to make life more difficult for its residents, it should make life easier," said Panzarella.
Hennessy, on the other hand, says that government should be run like a business and he admits to being a tough administrator. "My number one priority is fiscal responsibility," said Hennessy.
One issue the mayoral candidates differ on is how to handle the dilapidated parking lot across the street from San-dee Lanes Bowling alley. Panzarella is in favor of repairing the lot, which is mostly privately owned by Bell-Rex, Corp. Bell-Rex has refused to do the necessary repairs. Panzarella contends that the village should go ahead and fix the lot, while Hennessy is adamant that village money not be spent on property it does not own outright.
"My concern is that a resident may get hurt in that lot and sue the village," said Panzarella. "We cannot force the owners to make repairs, so I say, we make the repairs and ensure the lot safe for our residents."
Hennessy, meanwhile, said the village only leases the lot and taxpayer's money should not be used for repairs. He proposes to do emergency repairs now to ensure the safety of villagers and if Bel-Rex continues to refuse important infrastructure repairs, he suggests the village condemn the lot and then buy it outright. He accuses Panzarella of being a quick-fix mayor with no vision.
Panzarella says he was not surprised that Hennessy decided to run for mayor again and that this year's election is personality driven, not issue driven. "Hennessy feels he can do a great job as mayor," said Panzarella. "He may have a better grasp of numbers and math, but I am more innovative and have a proven past of giving the people of Malverne what they want."
Hennessy described Panzarella as someone who starts, but does not finish village business. "I'm tired of doing his job," said Hennessy. "If I'm doing half his work, why not just run for the job?"
The incumbent, Panzarella says his top priorities for the next four years are putting in place a village wide road improvement program, storm drain maintenance and a village code upgrade. Hennessy is focused on fiscal responsibility, enforcing current laws and codes and working on renewing community spirit.
Both candidates are clear on whom they support for the two available trustee seats. Panzarella would like to see James Callahan and Don Pupke remain in place, while Hennessy is supporting trustee Callahan and political newcomer Bill Malone.
The election takes place on March 18.
