Village elections 2021

East Rockaway candidates address the issues ahead of uncontested village election

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Polls will be open at the Charles H. Formont Senior Center for an uncontested village election on March 16.

Tim O'Hagan and John "Jack" Felbinger are running uncontested for two village trustee seats, while Richard Braverman is running unopposed for village judge.

Ahead of polls being open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, the candidates discussed their goals.  

O'Hagan, who owns EGP Land & Seas in Island Park, said his goal is to continue to keep taxes low while not cutting any village services.

   “As a business owner, I also want to continue the enhancement of the waterfront area and will work to attract new business in our community.," he said. "With respect to the coronavirus, I would like to see the village work with local business to reopen and possibly expand once permitted by federal and state guidelines. However, the village's top priority must be keeping its residents safe while coronavirus is still a threat."

Felbinger said he was running because he "deeply" cares about East Rockaway and wants to make a positive impact on his community.

 "My goals are to work with the existing board to build on their achievements, making East Rockaway an even more attractive place for businesses to thrive," he said, "while also being a safe and friendly community to raise a family."

Braverman said after seven years serving as the active village justice, he wanted to continue his work while treating people fairly.

"I have used my experience as an attorney and as a mediator to deal fairly and respectfully with all defendants who appear in our Village Court," he said. "Appearing in court is an unsettling experience for many people, and I have tried to make it as pleasant an experience as possible under the circumstances. We are mindful of the fact that anyone appearing in the Village Court has the right to expect that they will be treated with dignity and compassion.  We strive to treat all equally under the law."