Village party nominates Hennessey for re-election
"Some members had become disenchanted with the Taxpayer's Party. They felt as if decisions were being made time and time again by the same people," said Hennessy.
The party was created on Jan. 17 when about 25 residents met at the Malverne Public Library. Attendees included former trustee George Wright and former deputy mayor Lorraine Bracher.
As part of it first meeting, the Village party elected its new officers: Hennessy as president, Bracher as secretary and John Hassett as treasurer.
Before his party switch, new member Don Paone said he felt the lack of an opportunity for participation, citing as an example the decision-making that comes before a candidate is chosen as a party's nominee.
"There was no general membership meeting held for the nomination of a candidate," said Paone. "To this day, nobody knows (how they selected one)." In contrast, Hennessy said the Village party is "anxious for participation."
"We are not tied to a group, and we are free to speak up," said Hennessy.
"It's an improvement," said Paone.
In addition to serving as a trustee on the village board, Hennessy has served actively as a volunteer in numerous community organizations. Currently, he is treasurer of the Malverne Historical and Preservation Society, and is on the board of directors of the Malverne After School Program.
In accepting his party nomination, Hennessy emphasized his first priority is Malverne residents. He said he will continue to fight to ensure residents receive what they are entitled to, such as fair rates in garbage disposal. When he served as mayor from 1991 to 1995, Hennessy helped to craft budgets with minimal tax increases at a time when state aid was reduced by over $300,000 per year.
"We are not afraid to ruffle feathers, and address the issues others would rather refrain from," said Hennessy, who said he will continue to insist that the village be operated in a fiscally responsible and efficient manner.
On March 20, Malverne residents will vote to fill two village board trustee positions, currently held by Hennessy and Patricia Ann Norris-McDonald, an Independent Party candidate.
Independent party launches re-elect McDonald campaign
The Independent party of Malverne has announced that Patricia Ann Norris-McDonald will seek re-election as trustee in the village elections in March. McDonald has previously served two terms as village trustee, originally appointed by Mayor Joseph Canzoneri to succeed her father, the late Deputy Mayor John F. Norris.
"Were pleased to offer Patti as our candidate. She's unrivaled in both experience and integrity," said former mayor Joseph Canzoneri, chairman of the Independent party of Malverne.
"I'm very happy to be nominated," said McDonald. "I look forward to continuing my work for the community."
Last March, McDonald was elected to the Malverne Board of Trustees in a special election by a vote of 738 to 584. By capturing 56 percent of the vote, McDonald, an Independent party candidate, ousted incumbent John A. Russo of the Taxpayer's party. That election gave the Taxpayer's party a majority of one seat, which-in addition to McDonald's-will be up for grabs next month.
"She's been involved with municipal government for many, many years," said Canzoneri. "She's done a great job as trustee, and she's accepted her responsibilities."
McDonald is currently the liaison to the youth board and the building department, and has also served as police commissioner.
Trustee McDonald is also known for her work for the beautification and betterment of the village. Recently, she was responsible for rescuing over $20,000 in New York State Youth grants, helped to revitalize the village's tennis program, and has worked with the Village Building Department to create a more resident-friendly environment, including extended evening hours on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.
"She made sure that building was accessible," said Canzoneri. McDonald plans to continue to make the government more accessible, and make living in the village more affordable.
"I will be fighting to keep taxes down, and I plan to keep a watchful eye on spending," she said.
McDonald is a lifelong resident of Malverne, where she lives with her husband Steven and 14-year-old son Conor. Recently, she participated in-and completed-the 1999 New York City Marathon.
