By MIKE CAPUTO
Fragin, 34, will serve the remaining year left on Felder's term as trustee, which the new mayor vacated when he assumed his new role on the village board.
"It's another opportunity to serve the community, a good mix of responsibility and opportunity to help out," Fragin said.
Felder, who won an uncontested election on June 17, replaces former Mayor Jack Levenbrown, who served the village's maximum term limit as mayor. Felder and Fragin were sworn into office on July 10, along with reelected trustees Edward Klar and Martin Oliner. Felder has served as a village trustee for 10 years.
Before he was even sworn in, Felder's first major decision in office had already created a buzz in the Lawrence community. People familiar with the village board told the Herald in June that a deal was already in place to appoint Fragin to fill the vacated trustee seat. The sources had said Felder initiated a "deal" to prevent Fragin from challenging him for the mayor's seat at village elections on June 17.
In response to the rumors that circulated through the Lawrence community, Felder fervently told that Herald in June that "no deal" was in place. Felder did not return requests for comment following last week's village board meeting.
Fragin had considered -- and inquired about -- running for mayor, but did not file as an official candidate, nor did he orchestrate a write-in campaign. In June, Fragin expressed that he was not happy with the suggestion of a rumored deal, but said that he would be open to attaining a spot on the village board.
Fragin's political resume includes a stint as a staffer for former Gov. George Pataki, and his present seat on the Long Island Power Authority's Board of Trustees. He is a frequent attendee of village meetings and events, and was a regular columnist for The Jewish Star. He is also said to maintain a friendly relationship with many local elected officials.
During the Lawrence board meeting on July 10, Felder noted that Fragin's connections to elected officials would be a major help to securing funds for the village.
Fragin said he looks forward to joining a team of village board members that contribute in varying ways.
"Everybody brings [skills] to the table, and we have a good team," Fragin said. "If you look around you see a lot of good team members."
The new trustee revealed that he strives to help community members better understand the functions of village government.
"It would be great to get more people to understand what we do and how we operate," Fragin said, "and [give] a little more transparency to the public."
Read next week's Herald for a feature story on former Lawrence Mayor Jack Levenbrown and his time on the village board.
Comments about this story? Mcaputo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 201.
