By Andrew Hackmack
Greater concern for the environment and improving the quality of life were among the goals Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray outlined during her induction ceremony speech at Town Hall on Jan. 3. She, along with Councilwoman Angie Cullin, Councilmen James Darcy and Edward Ambrosino, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla and Receiver of Taxes Donald Clavin were sworn in after winning re-election in November.
Murray explained that the Town of Hempstead has the highest Wall Street bond rating of any municipality on Long Island, even besting Nassau County. But those figures are meaningless, she said, if government does not improve the quality of life of its citizens.
One project aimed at improving life in the town is the creation of more affordable housing. "Hempstead has answered the call," she said, explaining that 11 homes were recently completed with a sale price less than $150,000. Construction on 11 more will soon begin. More senior housing complexes are also in the works.
Several downtown revitalization plans have already been completed with more on the way. An entire section of dilapidated buildings in Baldwin will be torn down and replaced to give that downtown a boost. Murray said the town is also fighting to get more local input in the future of Belmont Park.
Ultimately, Murray said, her administration's goal is to preserve the suburban character of the Town of Hempstead while achieving balanced growth.
The town already operates the largest municipal fleet of electric cars in the United States, Murray said, and is also testing out hybrid garbage trucks. Solar power is now used at town facilities, and Murray said courses are available to local residents who want to bring solar power to their own homes. An electronic waste recycling program was also recently introduced.
In recent years, Murray said $60 million in improvements have been made to town parks. This includes new playgrounds and rehabilitated fields. Upcoming projects include overhauling the baseball facility in Elmont and a new beach club in Atlantic Beach.
Murray encouraged all residents to take advantage of the many recreational activities that Hempstead has to offer. "Make time and enjoy life to its fullest with your friends and family in America's largest township," she said, adding that the town will host 35 free summer concerts in 2008.
The supervisor took a few moments to honor Nancy and Armando Fuentes, the parents of Levittown soldier Daniel Fuentes who was killed in Iraq last April. The parents led the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the ceremony and were presented with the Town of Hempstead's Veteran's Medal on behalf of their son. Murray also recognized Garden City South couple Anthony and Randi LoCicero who saved an elderly woman from an oncoming train in Mineola last November.
Murray was first appointed supervisor in January 2003 when Richard Guardino stepped down to take a position at Hofstra University. At the time, Murray was serving as Hempstead town clerk. She was re-elected that November and again in 2005 and 2007. She was sworn in last week by Acting Supreme Court Judge Denise Sher.
As Murray was the first woman ever to hold the supervisor's office, Cullin became the first female councilwoman in 1987 and the first female Receiver of Taxes in 1993. Cullin represents the 5th Council District. She was sworn in by Congressman Peter King, a former Town of Hempstead councilman himself.
"The voters in my district have spoken," Cullin said, "and I thank them for placing their confidence in me." She added that with Murray as supervisor, there is nothing the town board cannot achieve.
Darcy, who represents the 3rd Council District, said he was trying to think of something funny to do instead of his induction speech but, "My wife gave me strict instructions that I had to take this matter seriously." Joking aside, Darcy said he owed his re-election to his wife, family members, friends and all his supporters.
It was a tough campaign for Darcy, as he explained that his sister's health was declining in the months before the election, and she died the Friday before the vote. His sister was buried Election Day morning, and he went to bed that night before the polls even closed, not thinking about whether he had won or lost. He, however, won by his widest margin ever.
Valley Stream Mayor Ed Cahill had the honor of swearing in Darcy, a former mayor of Valley Stream himself.
Former town councilman Joseph Cairo swore in Ambrosino, who represents the 2nd Council district. Cairo said he was surprised when the normally well-prepared and well-disciplined Ambrosino called him the night before asking him to do the honor.
Ambrosino thanked his many supporters but also took a moment to praise his opponent, N. Scott Banks, for a hard-fought campaign that centered on the issues, not personal attacks. He vowed to work hard for the people of the Town of Hempstead and maintain their trust. "Once broken," he said, "it can never be replaced."
Bonilla begins his third term as town clerk. In 2003, he became the first Hispanic ever elected to a town-wide office. Bonilla, sworn in by State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., said that he loves his job so much because he gets to help so many people.
Clavin said he was blessed in two ways - winning re-election and the birth of his first daughter this past year. The town's tax receiver said his job may not be the most glamorous position in the world, but he loves coming to work every day. Murray swore Clavin in.
Murray, Bonilla and Clavin serve two-year terms, while Cullin, Darcy and Ambrosino remain on the two board for the next four years.
Comments about this story? AHackmack@ liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
