By Jerry Burke and Liz McBreen
With May 20 fast approaching and proposed budgets receiving last-minute touches, Board of Education seats in both Elmont and West Hempstead will be contested. Unlike recent races, many new candidates, perhaps concerned with escalating taxes, are jumping into the races.
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 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.
In order to contest the seat of an incumbent, a community member must have a certain number of people sign a petition in favor of the potential candidate. The number of signatures required is based on the percentage of residents who turned out to vote the previous year. Districts are now in the process of scheduling "meet the candidate" nights and will announce them shortly. Elmont already has its debate set for 7:30 p.m. on May 12 at Clara H. Carlson School.
