By Karenlyn Barone
Two-term incumbent village Trustee Morrey Forman was unseated by his Independent Party running mate, Richard Clifford, and Lynbrook school board member David Penso. As Lynbrook Mayor Eugene Scarpato so aptly put it, "It's unbelievable, but the people of the village have spoken."
Penso, who captured a substantial majority of the vote, is a member of the newly formed Reform Party. The political neophyte dived into village politics in part because of the Independent Party's decision not to re-nominate Trustee J. Kevin Kelly. Instead, the party put up Forman and Clifford. Penso actually garnered the most votes, 1,162, with Clifford coming in second with 859. Forman received 823, and Kelly received 230 write-in votes.
Scarpato, an Independent Party stalwart, sadly announced to party supporters who had gathered at Angelina's Restaurant on Atlantic Avenue, "It appears I've lost Morrey." There was an audible collective gasp, and the mayor continued. "He is one helluva a guy, which is not to take away from Richie Clifford, but the village of Lynbrook has made a huge mistake."
Forman, acting the statesman said, "This is personally disappointing. I don't know what the people were thinking, but they have spoken."
Forman went on to say that he was extremely proud to have served the residents of the village, adding, "I'm not going anywhere." He also congratulated Clifford and wished him the best of luck. Reacting to Forman's loss, Clifford said, "This is bittersweet. It's a little disappointing. I am going to miss my running mate, but I'm looking forward to serving the residents of this great village."
Penso and his supporters were nothing short of thrilled with the results. There were squeals as he entered B.K. Sweeney's on Sunrise Highway about 90 minutes after the polls had closed. "Thank you all so much," said Penso. "This is just great."
The top hat salesman, who based his campaign on "reasonable growth for the village" and "open-door" politics, spoke out against any plans for a five-story Marriott hotel, even though such a project is speculative.
"I'm delighted and humbled by all the people who came out to vote," said Penso. "I don't know the last time there was such a large turnout for a trustee election. I was very surprised that Morrey did not get re-elected, however, the people obviously felt there was a need for new blood on the board and voted appropriately."
Kelly won the support of those who were familiar with his service to the community and who were disappointed when the Independent Party did not re-nominate him for a third term. Although Kelly hinted that he might run independently, he never officially entered the race. His only reference to his hope to serve another term came at the March 7 village board meeting, when he encouraged voters to write him in.
Incumbent Village Justice Maurice Orenstien was easily returned with 1,055 votes. "I'm happy with the results," Kelly said Wednesday morning. "The mayor has to see that the whole election was about the Marriott. The people want development and taxes to be stable, but with right and proper growth."
The morning after the election, Forman offered his congratulations to Penso and wished him well. His concerns were all about Lynbrook. "My point of view is still valid, because I'm a good listener," said Forman. "Obviously the people have chosen another course. I hope that course will be toward a better and brighter future for our community."
Also on the ballot was a proposition to extend the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP), pension-like benefits for volunteer firefighters, from 20 to 30 years of accrued credit. The community voted 817-286 to approve the resolution.
Comments about this story? KBarone@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202
