By Jonathan Cronin
"I feel the community appreciated the quality of service that they performed," said Mitchell Sahn, mayor of Hewlett Bay Park. "It's difficult to get people involved, and when you get people like David ... it's priceless."
Dr. Ducore, deputy mayor of the village for seven years and a trustee for nine years, is retiring from his career as a surgeon and moving from Long Island to Florida.
Dr. Harkavy, who has spent two years on the village's board of trustees, is moving back to neighboring Hewlett Harbor, where she grew up. She said of her time on the board: "It was a wonderful experience, it was a pleasure to serve, to be involved and a pleasure working with the board. I'm sorry I have to step down."
"She has made quite an impression," Mayor Sahn said of Dr. Harkavy.
Asked whether she will return to politics, even possibly in the village of Hewlett Harbor, Dr. Harkavy said "We'll see. I haven't ruled anything out."
Steve Kaufman will replace Dr. Ducore as a trustee and deputy mayor.
Mr. Kaufman has lived in the village for 10 years. "I've lived out here all my life," he said, noting he grew up in Hewlett Harbor.
His previous experience in village politics comes from three years as chairman of the Hewlett Bay Park Design Review Board and six years on the zoning board.
"My business is real-estate development. I'm always dealing with local governments. I thought I had something to add. I enjoy it," he said.
Mr. Kaufman owns part of Basser-Kaufman, a Lawrence outfit that develops shopping centers.
When Mayor Sahn asked him to join the board, Mr. Kaufman said, "I thought it was a good opportunity. Hopefully my experience will fit in well."
Mayor Sahn said, "He's been in the village awhile and held a senior position in our village's government. He has a good working understanding of the village and what it takes to manage it.
"I've had the opportunity to work with him before," the Mayor added.
As chairperson of two village committees, Mr. Kaufman has been an advisor to the board. "I can't think of anyone better to take over as deputy mayor," Mayor Sahn said. "We already have a pre-defined working relationship, which is key."
Andrea Soskel, who has been appointed to finish the term of Dr. Harkavy, is an office manager for her husband's medical practice, has lived in the village for five years and spent three years, including one as chairwoman, on the village's Design Review Board.
"I'm looking forward to getting involved," she said.
"She has held progressively responsible positions in the village; she is the perfect choice," Mayor Sahn said.
He also said another reason he is pleased that Ms. Soskel and Mr. Kaufman have come aboard is that the village wants younger people to get involved, to assure variety in village government.
