By JUDY RATTNER
Sullivan was voted trustee in a special election on June 20, 2006.
Trustee Sullivan has embraced her work as Trustee, and is the Trustee Liaison to important village departments. As Trustee Liaison to the Building Department, Sullivan has spearheaded the on-going review of its policies and procedures, currently being undertaken by the not-for-profit International Code Council, the ICC.
"My first campaign promise was fulfilled when the board stopped the policy of requiring residents to leave blank checks with the Building Department before approval of renovation plans," said.Sullivan. "I look forward to even greater improvements after the review by the ICC, to ensure our Building Department is fair and user-friendly for all residents."
As Fire Department Liaison, Sullivan has been a staunch advocate for building upgrades and necessary equipment. "We listened to the Fire Department, when they responded with detailed critiques of the 2005 consultants study. Our Fire Council knows what is necessary to upgrade and improve our facilities, and the village board should listen to their expertise," she said.
Trustee Sullivan has continued her efforts to improve the parking situation downtown, and has continued as an active member of the Parking Committee. "The long-term pilot program was an important first step to free up available parking for commuters and employees," said Sullivan. "Every week the Police Department does a survey of long-term parking availability, and I am gratified when I see that 50 to 100 long term commuter/employee spots are consistently available after 9 a.m., within four blocks of the downtown and train station. The pilot plan has worked," she said.
Sullivan's advocacy resulted in free downtown parking, courtesy of the Board of Trustees, for not just one weekend, but during two holiday weekends in downtown Rockville Centre this year. Her advocacy has also opened up village government, with her vote to require taping and broadcasting of Planning and Zoning Board meetings, and also to pass procedural rules allowing residents to speak first at village board meetings.
Trustee Sullivan feels her work is not completed: as Trustee Liaison to the Parks and Recreation Department she looks forward to continued upgrades to our parks and athletic fields. "Working with Tony Brunetta is a pleasure I would recommend to anyone," she said. "His vision is clear, and his plans will always benefit all of our residents."
Sullivan says she also looks forward to the upgrades to the village parks and downtown that will be recommended by the Beautification Committee, which she worked to re-establish. And, as Trustee Liaison to the Department of Public Works, Sullivan says she is pleased that a new dumptruck and roller will be part of the capital budget. "Now the village will be able to address some of our worst 'pothole' and degraded roadway problems, promptly and completely," she said. "These are improvements that everyone will see."
Rick Gaska says that Residents' Voice will also run a candidate for the other open trustee seat, and a candidate for mayor. "This past week we have mailed out over 600 membership drive letters. On our response card, we have asked that all our supporters provide their ideas on candidates for trustee and mayor. We can't wait to see what the residents want," he said, adding "every resident should have a voice."
Any resident who did not receive a membership drive letter may request one by emailing ResidentsVoice07@aol.com, ResidentsVoice06@aol.com, or by calling 594-9596.
Comments about this story? rvceditor@ liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 208.
