By Mary Malloy and Danny Teigman
In the largest turnout in 12 years for an uncontested election, East Rockaway mayoral candidate Ed Sieban took his seat as chairman of the village board with a total of 667 votes. Richard Meagher, who has been serving as appointed Deputy Mayor under Mayor Joseph Carrigan, kept his trustee seat with 665 votes, and Francis Lenahan's was elected for his first run for a trustee seat with 646 votes.
We're very excited about the outcome," said Sieban. "We are grateful to the support and confidence the residents have given us. We will work tirelessly to move the village forward."
Sieban, 45, has been a trustee on the East Rockaway village board for eight years. As mayor, he says he hopes to enhance the business district, complete improvements to the John Street Complex, and pursue the illegal apartment issue. He also wants to provide residents with the best services possible while keeping our tax burden in check. He is married to Thea, and they have four children: Teddy, 12, Thea 10, Elizabeth, 9, and Thomas, 7.
Meagher, 68, has completed his twelfth year as trustee and fourth year as deputy mayor, having served under three mayors. "Its a new term, and a new team, and I'm happy to be on it," he said. Meagher recently became president of the village's newest charitable organization, the Village Foundation of East Rockaway, and is the board liaison to The East Rockaway Public Library, the school district, Auxiliary Police and Emergency Management. He is a widower and has four children: John, 36, Richard Jr., 35, Gail, 32, and Heather, 28.
Lenahan is the President of the Village Pride Party, which he formed in September of 2003 with a group of like-minded individuals. He was elected its president at it inception, and at every election since. He has been working in law enforcement for over 30 years, and is a 38-year active member of the East Rockaway Fire Department, having served as a captain and President of its Fire Corporation. He is married to Rosemary and they have two daughters, Rachel and Melissa, a son Sean, and four grandchildren.
"I want to thank everyone who came out to vote," said Lenahan. "As a new addition to the board, I am very much looking forward to working with Ed and Richard. I think we can accomplish a lot for this village."
Sieban, Meagher and Lenahan will be sworn in at the April 2 meeting at Village Hall.
Comments about this story? Mmalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
