Becker, Hawxhurst, McLaughlin win village elections
The New Vision Party candidates all won in Tuesday's village election in Lynbrook, with residents voting in two newcomers and an experienced village justice.
With current village officials Mayor Brian Curran, Deputy Mayor Bill Hendrick, and Trustee Alan Beach, Lynbrook now has a one-party board.
Hilary Becker got 1986 votes, while his running mate, Mike Hawxhurst, was elected with 2165 votes. This is Becker's first stab at political office, and Hawxhurst's second try for a trustee seat. He ran -- and lost -- two years ago for the same position.
The newly-formed Lynbrook Pride Party candidates David Penso and Tom Miccio garnered 1227 and 1343 votes each. Village Justice Bill Mclaughlin's 2219 votes was nearly double that of his opponent, Mark Panzavecchia, who took 1141 votes.
"I'm very excited...this is the first time I've had to run for office," said McLaughlin, whose role as associate justice was an appointed position. He has been sitting Village Justice since January, when he took over for Maurice Orenstein, who retired. "I can now continue on, doing what I love to do."
Becker said he is very happy with the results. "We worked hard, and ran a good campaign," he said. "We have a lot of work in front of us."
"I feel very honored that the people elected me," said Hawxhurst,"It's a special feeling to know that people think that much of you to go out and vote for you."
Curran said he is very excited about the newly-elected officials. "We've seen great progress in the last two years," he said, "but with Hilary and Mike on board, I see that twice as much will get done. I look forward to getting started as soon as possible."
At the winners' campaign headquarters on Merrick Road, revelers patted each other on the back as the band played "Happy Days Are Here Again."
"This is great," said one resident, shouting over the music and the cheers. "I felt it all along...I knew we would win."
East Rockaway
Running uncontested in this year's election, Trustee Bruno Romano kept his seat on the East Rockaway village board with 409 votes. He will be serving his third term.
Trustee Irene Villacci took 406 votes and will start her second term as trustee. Village Justice Steven Siegel got 405 votes.
