By Karenlyn Barone
Forman, a member of the Independent Party, has served as trustee for the past eight years. Many residents felt it was a no-brainer that he would be re-elected to serve his third four-year term, but the vote didn't go his way. In a shocking finale to weeks of relentless campaigning, the Reform Party's first-time candidate, David Penso, claimed the most votes, 1,162, with Independent party candidate Clifford garnering 859. Forman received a surprisingly scant 823 votes, while J. Kevin Kelly got a surprising 230 write-in votes.
"I was shocked," said one lifelong resident who declined to be identified. "I thought if I was sure of anything, it would be that Forman would be re-elected. Looks to me like the residents were afraid he would approve of a hotel, and they didn't want that."
The issue of a prospective hotel reared its head about a year ago. At the time, it was discovered that the Marriott Hotel chain had expressed some interest in developing the vacant lot behind Eckerd's on Sunrise Highway, which runs along Forest and Earle avenues. Whenever the subject was broached, especially at village board meetings, residents said it was obvious that Mayor Eugene Scarpato was in favor of the venture. It is becoming apparent that Forman, although outspoken in his commitment to listen to every side of the issue, was perceived by some residents as agreeing with the mayor.
"I got the feeling that Forman was for the Marriott, which I am not, so he didn't get my vote," said a long-time resident who did not want to be identified. "I couldn't vote against the mayor, because he wasn't running, but I could vote against Forman, and I did."
Deputy Mayor Thomas Miccio said the election was a clear message from residents regarding development. "I think what happened was that the people decided that they didn't want large-scale development," Miccio said. "They want to maintain the ambiance of a small-town community, and that's the direction that we, as a board, need to recognize. This election, their votes were against what they perceived as large-scale development."
Business Improvement District President Harry Levitt agreed. "I believe this was a vote against the hotel," Levitt said. "The upsetting thing is that nobody even knew the whole story. People's reactions got the better of them."
At the village board meeting on Monday evening, Forman gave a farewell speech. In it he said, "There is a huge difference between doing what is right for our village and doing what is merely popular. The great challenge is knowing when this difference applies."
There is no doubt that Clifford and Penso will be faced with the prospect of development in the village, and both have vowed to listen to the residents when making decisions. Neither has come out clearly in favor, or against, a hotel in the village.
Trustee Kevin Kelly contends that the reason he did not get the nod from the Independent Party for re-election is because he spoke out against Marriott's interest in building a hotel in the village. Kelly was against the "non-proposal" and does not regret his stand. "I think the hotel issue was extremely disconcerting to the residents," he said. "In my opinion, this type of building was too big and did not belong on the property they wanted to place it on. Being as outspoken as I was, it brought it to the front of people's minds.
"I also think the fact that I was not in favor of this and not nominated for trustee made voters wonder why, since I have proven my dedication to the village," Kelly continued. "You certainly would have to ask the residents why they voted the way they did, but I feel that they did not want yes men on the board."
Polly Talbott, president of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce, said of the election results, "I think there was some confusion regarding development in the community. In my opinion, Morrey Forman was targeted. I don't think anyone wants anything that is not in the interest of the whole village. Forman was always clear about being open to all the facts, but I think the people were afraid to look at all the facts. They overreacted, rather than clearly evaluating the benefits that development might bring to the village."
About Forman and Kelly, Scarpato said at the meeting, "We owe them both a debt of gratitude for stepping up to the plate, and many times, taking a high and inside fastball."
In the packed audience were Kelly's wife, Mary, and two of his three sons, Thomas and Michael, as well as Forman's wife, Sharyn, and his son Randy. Both men thanked their families profusely for their support.
"It's time to heal and put this all behind us," said Talbott. "Morrey Forman is a great resource, and he will always be there for us."
Comments about this story? KBarone@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
