Cedarhurst village candidates are unopposed

Three incumbent Village of Cedarhurst candidates are running unopposed in the March 21 election.

Mayor Benjamin Weinstock, Deputy Mayor Ari Brown and Trustee Israel “Izzy” Wasser are casting their run for re-election. They last ran in 2019 and all terms are four years. Deputy mayor is an appointed position, Brown, who is also an assemblyman, is running as a trustee.

Weinstock was first introduced to village government serving as its attorney in 1988. Elected as a trustee in 1994, he served as deputy mayor from 2003 to 2015 under Andrew Parise. Weinstock succeeded Parise when he died in February 2015.

Weinstock views Parise as his mentor.

“Working alongside Mayor Parise as deputy mayor for 13 years, and for more than 20 years before that as a deputy village attorney and a trustee, allowed me to observe firsthand his skills in reaching compromises,” he said, “on all sorts of issues and to embrace not so obvious solutions to a myriad of problems.”

Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park, right across Cedarhurst Avenue from Village Hall, was named in his honor.

Weinstock said the relationship he has with the board is a reason for the trustees success together and why neighbors should come out to vote for their re-election.

“I feel that I, together with the support and efforts of the board of trustees, have accomplished a lot for our village,” he said, “although I am running unopposed, I treat every election as a contested one.”

In the past four years, the board has ensured the village roads and sidewalks were repaved, more than 200 new trees were planted, faded street and traffic signs have been replaced and by the end of this year LED smart lights will replace older street lights. Previously on the zoning board, Wasser, was elected in 2015. Brown pointed out Wasser typically would ride around Cedarhurst noticing anything that needs to be addressed.

“He can tell you every single light that is out,” Brown said.

Wasser was a factor in pushing for the LED street light project, according to Brown. As of press time, Wasser did not respond for comment.

When asked how he juggles both state and village responsibilities, Brown said, “you just do it.”

Brown, a Republican, was initially elected to represent the 20th Assembly District last April when he defeated fellow Cedarhurst resident and Democrat David Lobl. In November, Brown defeated Democrat Mike Delury. Along with the Five Towns, the assembly district includes Atlantic Beach, East Rockaway, Long Beach and Oceanside.

Originally from Franklin Square, Brown first called Cedarhurst home when he and his family moved in 1991. He became a trustee in 2001 and was named as Weinstock’s deputy mayor in 2019.

“When someone calls,” Brown said, “we treat it (the call) like it’s our family calling. Our friends, neighbors/residents know we are here to serve them and appreciate that in that regard. I’m not saying we are always in agreement, but we always find a way to make people happy.”

Voting is from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21 in Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Ave. in Cedarhurst.