His critics say that because O'Flaherty is single and has no children in the district, he can't have a legitimate interest in the schools. Yet the simple fact that he has volunteered so much of his time to the district refutes that claim. And as an East Meadow resident and taxpayer, he clearly has a vested interest in school affairs.
An assistant property manager by trade, O'Flaherty has experience in crafting multi-million-dollar revenue and expense budgets. With a firm background in finance, he could be just what the school board needs during these austere financial times.
Opponent Jonathan Goldenberg deserves honorable mention. As a hospital administrator responsible for budgets totaling $12 million, he has a keen understanding of the school district's financial problems. Education and health care are the first areas that the state slashes when things get rough economically, he says.
Goldenberg brought up some good ideas in his campaign that are worth exploring, particularly the possibility of bringing in extra revenue through corporate and philanthropic grants. It appears, however, that others goaded Goldenberg into running. He didn't collect the petition signatures that got him on the ballot, and wasn't even aware the school board had questioned the validity of some of the signatures when they were submitted.
While O'Flaherty has been visible at recent board meetings and budget presentations, Goldenberg was nowhere to be found. Shannon O'Keefe, the last candidate on the ballot, hasn't shown her face at all.
Vote Brian O'Flaherty on June 3.
