Four candidates, two seats

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Kevin Glynn: Four years ago, as part of my campaign platform, I called for the creation of a parking-friendly downtown in order to help our existing businesses through the Great Recession and to help our village attract new business. Working with my colleagues these past two years we have done just that. While our occupancy rate is higher than at many points pre-recession, there is still more that we can do to attract more business. We must continue the process of improving and updating our infrastructure, we must use our experience of redesign/repaving our parking fields to increase the available parking in our existing downtown lots, and most importantly we must seek out quality businesses for our village. I have worked with local realtors to actively seek out and persuade quality businesses to locate in Rockville Centre, something our Village Board representatives must continue to do!

Emilio Grillo: I have proposed various parking modifications, including reconfiguring and refurbishing existing lots, as well as utilizing under utilized Parking Fields 6 and 12. In addition to parking, I have proposed waiving parking fees on weekends, to stimulate additional shopping and business growth. I would also like the board to consider tax incentives/rebates for new businesses who choose to locate here.

Marc Wieman: Tax incentives are one way, but they’d have to be closely watched to make sure that they don’t cause a deficit in the budget. Secondly, it all comes around again to parking. If we find a way to increase available parking, then businesses will open. From what I know, the issue hasn’t been attracting new businesses to Rockville Centre. New businesses seem to open on a regular basis. The problem is in keeping them open, and many times that comes down to their customers finding nearby parking.

2. Do you think village residents would benefit from having more than one taxi service to choose from? Why?

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