By Laura Lane
John Rossi
John Rossi, 50, who has lived in North Merrick for the past 24 years, is seeking his second term as a North Merrick trustee. As the board vice president and chairman of the district's technology committee, Rossi remains committed to maintaining the quality of education in North Merrick.
He has also been involved in helping to find ways to get property taxes down. "I've been working with Tom Suozzi's Property Tax Reduction Committee, which is composed of representatives of boards throughout Nassau County," said Rossi. "We need to get more state aid and be more frugal. There's no way that my son could ever afford to move back here, and everyone says the same thing."
Rossi's son, Matthew, 21, is a junior at Boston University; his daughter Allyson, 18, is a freshman at the State University of New York at Morrisville; and his youngest child, Bridget, 10, is a fifth-grader at Old Mill Road Elementary School.
Rossi owns Tele Tech Associates Inc. on Merrick Avenue, which opened in 1992 and provides consulting and training related services in telecommunications and technology.
Rossi graduated from Mepham High School and New York University, and is currently a member of the Sacred Heart Parish Finance and Budget Committee.
photo credit: Scott Brinton/Herald
photo#: 751282
John Pinto
John Pinto, 45, is seeking a fourth term on the North Merrick Elementary Board of Education. Pinto, the father of four, has lived in North Merrick his entire life. Two of his children attend school at Camp Avenue Elementary School; Brianne is in the sixth grade, and his son P.J. is in third grade.
Pinto said his major concern is taxes. "I want to make sure that all of the money raised in taxes from the taxpayer is utilized in the right way," said Pinto. "I'll work hard to make sure this money, when given to the schools, is spent correctly and wisely. All I hear from the community is that we don't have anymore to give."
He believes that by working with the school administration and local legislators, he can help "soften the blow of the tax increases and find creative ways" to help keep taxes down.
Pinto works for Mini Graphics, a printing company in Freeport, and coaches Police Athletic League lacrosse.
photo credit: Courtesy Linda Fuller
photo#: 37945
Linda Fuller
Linda Fuller, 52, is running for a third term on the North Merrick Elementary School Board. Having lived her entire life in North Merrick, she is a Calhoun High School graduate. Her daughter is an 11th grader at Calhoun High School.
Fuller would like to focus on continuing to ensure that the district provide the best education possible. "I'd like to be sure that the district provides the best we can in programs to reach the needs of the children and at the same time not be a burden to taxpayers," said Fuller. "As a lifelong member of the community, I know the roots, how people in the community like to have things done and how involved they are. Education is truly valued in North Merrick."
Fuller has a master's in elementary education and a bachelor's in business administration, with a minor in accounting. She is a former bank examiner and vice president of internal audit. She is currently employed as a third-grade teacher in the Long Beach School District.
She is a former PTA president and Girl Scout leader, and has received the New York State PTA Honorary Life Membership for Community Service.
Comments about this story? Llane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
